Fantasy Football Sleepers: Top 5 Late-Round Steals for 2025

By Edcel Panganiban July 25, 2025 09:23

In fantasy football, championships are often won not with first-round picks but by savvy managers who unearth hidden gems late in the draft. For the 2025 season, carefully targeted sleepers can transform a roster from average to dominant. Based on the latest expert analysis, stats, and projections, here are five late-round sleepers with strong upside to consider for your team.

Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
Though Coleman finished as the 67th-ranked WR in PPR points per game last year, his underlying metrics tell a story of promise. He averaged an impressive 19.2 yards per reception and ranked fifth in target depth among qualifying receivers, showing that the Bills push him deep downfield regularly. Furthermore, Coleman excelled in yards after catch, averaging 7.7 yards per reception after the catch, the highest in Next Gen Stats’ analysis that adjusts for target depth and coverage. According to experts, if Coleman and QB Josh Allen can improve their connection, Coleman could emerge as a dynamic fantasy weapon with WR3 upside or better.
Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Rice showed flashes of breakout potential in 2024 before a knee injury sidelined him. Averaging 7.3 targets and 16.2 PPR points per game in his limited action, Rice demonstrated a strong ability to find the end zone, scoring one touchdown every 11.4 catches. With a fully healthy status coming into 2025, Rice is poised to benefit from Kansas City’s deep, high-powered receiving corps while often drawing beneficial single coverage. Fantasy models rank him as a top-20 wide receiver candidate for the upcoming season, making him an excellent late-round value.
Jaylen Wright, RB, Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Wright’s rookie season was modest, finishing RB84 in fantasy points with just 249 scoreless rushing yards due to depth chart competition. However, he now has a clearer path to opportunity with the Dolphins moving on from Raheem Mostert. While Miami brought in other backs, Wright holds an inside track to significant workload and upside in best ball and redraft leagues. At a late-round ADP near 131, he could be a high-upside handcuff or fantasy flex with breakaway potential for those willing to gamble.
Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
Odunze had a disappointing rookie year, partly due to a struggling Bears offense, finishing well outside the top 40 in WR PPG. Changes in Chicago’s coaching staff and roster open the door for him to ascend as the potential WR2, especially with the departure of veterans who competed for targets. Odunze's 2025 ADP still positions him as a late-round pick with the potential for WR2 production, a valuable upside for fantasy owners looking to bolster depth.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
Finding consistent production at tight end remains one of fantasy football’s toughest challenges. Henry is a dependable veteran presence in New England’s offense with proven ability to produce steady receptions and red-zone targets. Recent analysis highlights Henry as a late-round tight end sleeper who can outperform many higher-drafted TEs due to his role and volume. For fantasy managers looking for a floor and occasional upside at TE, targeting Henry late could be a smart decision.

Expert Takeaways
Fantasy analyst Pat Fitzmaurice highlights, "Winners in fantasy are often the ones who back their research and identify these undervalued late-round gems. Players like Coleman and Rice are prime examples of upside picks that can outscore their ADP and provide that crucial edge in tight leagues." The focus on advanced metrics like target depth, yards after catch, and situational opportunity continues to give fantasy managers an analytical advantage over casual drafters.

While the early rounds are for securing the elite stars, the late rounds are where the 2025 fantasy champions will distinguish themselves. Targeting players with promising roles and strong statistical indicators like Keon Coleman, Rashee Rice, Jaylen Wright, Rome Odunze, and Hunter Henry offers a meaningful way to add game-changing upside without costing premium draft capital. Strategic patience and informed selection in these late rounds can be the difference between a middling season and a title-contending roster.