FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: The Top NFL Draft SLEEPERS (Ep. 1989)
Date: April 2, 2026
Hosts: Joey P. (Joe Pisapia), Derek Brown (DBRO), Andrew Erickson
Episode Overview
This week, the FantasyPros crew goes deep on their favorite NFL Draft sleepers—lesser-known players who could make an outsized impact both in the NFL and in fantasy football. The conversation also features the big Kirk Cousins signing, potential quarterback "retreads" who could mimic Sam Darnold's Super Bowl run, and reactions to the latest NFL news, including Puka Nacua’s off-field issues. The episode is a perfect mix of sharp analysis and lively banter, especially around their prospect deep-dives, with plenty of actionable insight for dynasty and redraft fantasy football managers.
Breaking News: Kirk Cousins to the Raiders
[03:13]
- Kirk Cousins signs with Las Vegas Raiders:
- “Kubiak got his veteran quarterback and personally, I think this is a really good signing here.” – Joey P. [03:13]
- Andrew sees Cousins as a smart bridge for rookie Fernando Mendoza, likely keeping the job for at least “a month or two,” while Mendoza develops. [04:28]
- DBRO provides contract details (5 years, $172M, but functionally shorter with club options) and speculates it could allow Mendoza to sit his entire rookie year. [05:42]
- Speculation: Are the Raiders setting up to trade down or punt at QB for a year, gathering 2027 picks? [07:12]
Notable Quote:
“Do I think it's a five year 172? No. Is it a two year deal though? This feels like a two year deal, man.” – DBRO [06:38]
NFL News Roundup
Puka Nacua's Offseason Woes
[12:06]
- Puka Nacua enters a luxury treatment center amid off-field incidents: gestures, odd behavior, rumored substance issues.
- Concerns about contract extension negotiations and his status with the Rams. [13:26]
- Possibility: Does this force the Rams’ hand to draft another wide receiver or renew interest in trading for A.J. Brown?
- Fantasy impact debated; some see it as a contractual “win” for the Rams, others a big concern.
Notable Quote:
“Hopefully if there is a problem here, ... if he is in this luxury facility, treatment center, whatever it is, hopefully he gets it straight because I think most people really like Puka Nacua.” – Joey P. [12:27]
Top NFL Draft Sleepers – Detailed Prospect Breakdown
[21:35]
1. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
[21:35]
- “Small school guy, big time talent... He's freaking fantastic.” – DBRO [21:35]
- 6'4", 206 lbs, dominated air yards, tested as an elite athlete (9.9 RAS, 4.40 40).
- Andrew: “27 catches on targets of 20+ air yards over the last two seasons—the most in college football.” [24:12]
- Hurst chose loyalty over a move to Texas A&M—a big what-if for his draft stock.
- Both view him as an early Day 2 or late Day 3 steal with real fantasy upside.
Notable Quote:
“I think Ted Hurst, he is the number one sleeper on our list for a reason.” – Andrew Erickson [26:21]
2. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
[27:16]
- Brother of Trey Lance. Late breakout (will be 25 as a rookie) but tore up college football with high-end deep threat and 4.34 speed.
- Andrew: “He caught 76% of his deep targets, second highest in the nation.” [28:41]
- Concerns: Late breakout age, level of competition, but exceptional catch rate and YAC.
- DBRO: Reminds him of Christian Watson—“size, speed, ... not dropping any balls and still producing yak.” [30:25]
- Projects as a third (possibly late second) round pick due to small school and older age.
3. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
[33:04]
- Toolsy, mobile lefty quarterback, but raw—needs time to develop.
- DBRO: “If this was 10 years ago, he'd be a first or second round pick.” [33:04]
- Off-the-charts advanced stats: “First in yards per attempt and first in big time throw rate among all FBS and FCS QBs with 150+ dropbacks.” [34:12]
- Erickson: Huge rushing upside—“third in the class in rushing yards, 69 per game last year.”
- Comp discussion: Ceiling is Steve McNair, floor is Jake Locker (“he’s not Tim Tebow, he’s not Taysom Hill”). – DBRO [36:26]
Notable Quotes:
“His traits are high end.” – DBRO [33:28]
“I think Cole Payton, in the right system, could develop more as a passer ... great for fantasy football.” – Andrew Erickson [37:00]
4. Eric McAllister, WR, TCU (Original: Boise State)
[39:12]
- Top-10 advanced prospect metrics: early breakout, production as a young player at two programs; big-play (19.5 YPC) and dominator rating standout.
- Red flags: Serious off-field issue (aggravated assault with a weapon), injury concerns (recent knee scope, Jones fracture).
- Andrew: “He was competing with two NFL players for targets at TCU and had more yards as a younger prospect.”
- DBRO: “If he can keep his nose clean and be healthy, he could really, really pan out.” He’s WR11 in DBRO’s ranks.
5. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
[44:34]
- Prototype “angry runner,” elite athleticism (4.49 40), and surprisingly strong as a pass-catcher.
- Off-field baggage: dismissed from Oklahoma, larceny charge (served time).
- Both see him as this year’s “Isaiah Pacheco”/Ramondre Stevenson—a late-round back who could outproduce his draft slot.
Notable Quote:
“He runs like he is ticked off at the world, at the earth, and he's trying to make the ground pay with every blade of grass that he stomps on.” – DBRO [44:35]
6. Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy
[48:34]
- Undersold Swiss-army knife: 4.40 40, elite receiver for Navy’s ultra-low-volume pass game (“averaged 72 receiving yards per game in a system that threw 14 times per game” – Andrew [48:55]).
- Performed only wide receiver drills at pro day—likely a slot WR in the NFL (Julian Edelman/Danny Woodhead comp).
- DBRO: “He’s going to transition and be a slot receiver in the NFL.” [51:14]
QB “Retread” Hot Take: Who’s the Next Sam Darnold?
[52:53]
- Candidates: Daniel Jones (Colts), Kyler Murray (Vikings), Mac Jones (49ers), Tua Tagovailoa (Falcons), Malik Willis (Dolphins).
- Kyler Murray:
- Joey & Andrew: Best setup for a rebound with Vikings; has “a chip on his shoulder” and Justin Jefferson as a receiver.
- “Kyler Murray is the guy that fits that bill because I think we know the talent is there...” – Joey P. [56:57]
- Malik Willis:
- DBRO is bullish (“He has the most raw talent out of any of these quarterbacks.” [59:17]), especially with Miami’s potential to build a young core and support him.
- Mac Jones:
- Both see as a system-dependent game manager who could luck into a Super Bowl ring as a backup or spot starter in the right situation.
Memorable Back-and-Forth:
“Kyler Murray is the size of an 8th grader, and has played bad over the last few years at quarterback. … We’re more likely to see Kyler Murray transition and go play baseball than we are to see him win a Super Bowl.” – DBRO [58:47]
“Russell Wilson is one inch taller. He won a Super Bowl.” – Joey P. [62:47]
Key Timestamps
- [03:13] – Kirk Cousins joins Raiders; QB transition timeline
- [12:06] – Puka Nacua’s off-season drama and ramifications
- [21:35] – Draft sleepers: Ted Hurst profile
- [27:16] – Bryce Lance sleeper assessment
- [33:04] – Cole Payton deep dive and comp debate
- [39:12] – Eric McAllister: Production vs. red flags
- [44:34] – Seth McGowan: Later-round RB dart throw
- [48:34] – Eli Heidenreich: Best-kept secret at WR/RB
- [52:53] – “Next Sam Darnold?”: QB retread Super Bowl candidate roundtable
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “27 catches on targets of 20+ air yards over the last two seasons are the most in college football...” – Andrew Erickson on Ted Hurst [24:12]
- “If he can keep his nose clean and be healthy, he could really, really pan out.” – DBRO on Eric McAllister [42:29]
- “He runs like he is ticked off at the world.” – DBRO on Seth McGowan [44:35]
- “Make an offer you can’t refuse. Yes, I know, right?” – DBRO gets the Godfather reference [12:03]
- “It’s wild.” – DBRO, on the possible unusual implications of the Kirk Cousins/Mendoza situation [10:24]
Final Thoughts
This episode delivers a rapid-fire, in-depth look at hidden gems in the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing each player’s potential through the lens of analytics and NFL fit, with lots of dynasty/rookie draft relevance. The bonus QB debate about who could emerge as the next “retread” superstar provides a fun and thought-provoking close, reminding listeners to keep a flexible, open mind for breakouts at every position.
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