Mark J. Rebilas-US Presswire
Fantasy football players are always looking for sleeper receivers who will have a season far superior than their average draft position (ADP).
In the 2013 draft, many viable options are on the board, and perhaps none better than Baltimore Ravens’ Torrey Smith, who has sleeper written all over him.
Final stats posted by Smith in the regular season included hauling in 49 receptions totaling 855 yards and eight touchdowns. While these final stats may not be the all-star caliber a fantasy player would look for, Smith will have a bigger role on the team this year, bringing bigger fantasy points to his fantasy owners.
The Ravens former no. 1 receiver, Anquan Boldin, was traded away as the team wasn’t going to foot the bill. Parting ways with Boldin opens no. 1 receiver slot for Smith. There is no doubt that Smith will start Weel 1 as the Ravens; top pass catcher.
Smith, as the guaranteed starter, could see Jacoby Jones or any of the other five receiving options in the huddle alongside him in Week 1. This is only good news for owners who are looking to draft Smith. Quarterback Joe Flacco will look to Smith more often than any other option that happens to be on the field.
Smith is known for his ability to burn defensive backs and haul in those lengthy passes that all fantasy players like to see. In his first season as the no. 1 Smith will be able to fully showcase his abilities after three straight seasons of improvements, making him a player you will want to have on your roster.
Currently, Smith is posted as the 25th best option at receiver to draft and 63rd best overall. In standard fantasy leagues, this would place Smith as being drafted during the sixth round. Grabbing the top receiver on the defending Super Bowl Champions team that late is a steal.
Smith has all the necessary components to outperform his ADP. A Super Bowl MVP quarterback throwing you the ball? Got it. Former no. 1 receiver out of the picture? Got it. Top receiving option with no competition from the no. 2 guy? Got it. Unmatched speed and athleticism? Got it.
Smith is a sleeper by all means — draft him.
Tristen Challe is a Fantasy Writer for Rantsports. Follow him on Twitter @TristenChalle
