3 Fantasy Football Sleepers On The 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers roster is not a hotbed for fantasy football talent.
In years past, players like Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis were fantasy football must-plays each week. The roster for the upcoming season isn't filled with players of that caliber anymore, however, there are a few players who could be a sneaky fantasy play.
Let's be completely honest here; other than Carlos Hyde, no other Niners player should be starting week one of fantasy football. Even Hyde is just a RB2 to start the season.
The three following players may not even go drafted in most leagues, but keep an eye on them throughout the season.
1. Vance McDonald - TE
McDonald isn't on the list because he has a huge amount of potential. He isn't even on the list because he showed signs of being a great tight end last season.
He made the list of fantasy sleepers because of what the Philadelphia Eagles' tight ends were able to do during Chip Kelly's last season coaching the team.
The two Eagles' tight ends, Brent Celek and Zach Ertz combined for 1,251 yards and five touchdowns.
Don't expect McDonald to produce to that level, but the tight end is an important piece in Kelly's offense.
If you just so happen to forget to draft a tight end, or if you like to have a backup tight end with some potential, McDonald could be an under the radar pick up with some decent upside.
2. Torrey Smith - WR
During his years with the Baltimore Ravens, Smith was a WR2 option in fantasy leagues. His deep threat ability made him a must start every week.
He hasn't been the same player since coming to San Francisco, and that most likely won't change this season. Kelly's offense isn't known for taking shots down field.
The one thing that benefits Smith is that he is one heck of an athlete.
Kelly will use his best athletes in any way possible. Whether it's an end around or screen pass, Smith will see the ball often and his speed will be on display.
If you can take Smith in the last two rounds, he could be a player to throw in the lineup every once in awhile in hopes for a big game. He won't be consistent, but he has potential to occasionally score big.
3. Blaine Gabbert - QB
Gabbert is not a QB1. He is barely a QB2, but there is potential as the quarterback of Kelly's uptempo offense.
The former number one overall pick has the skills to play well in the type of offense the Niners are going to run this season.
He has a very similar skill set to Nick Foles, who was a Pro Bowl quarterback while playing for Kelly in Philadelphia.
In 2013, Foles threw for 27 touchdowns and ran in three while only playing in 13 games. He was a very consistent fantasy play during that season.
If Gabbert can run the Niners' offense much like Foles' was able to run the Eagles' offense, it could lead to a decent fantasy season from a player people aren't expected much from.
Keep an eye on Gabbert through the first few weeks, you may just want to pick him up.