Fantasy football drafts are taking place between mid-August and early September. Now is the time for competitors to start doing research for their redrafts. Any experienced player knows, it isn’t always the top players that win you a league. It can be the mid-round or late-round players, as well. That’s why finding sleepers is key.
A former Pro Bowl wide receiver is continuing to slide down in rankings each season. Adam Thielen, Kirk Cousins’ favorite red zone target is currently being drafted as WR33 in the 8th round in ESPN leagues. There are reasons that suggest Thielen could outperform his ADP and be a steal in this year’s draft.
Adam Thielen could be a steal for your fantasy football team
1. Number of weeks as Top 12 WR in 2021
The first wide receiver drafted doesn’t always finish as the number 1 wide receiver in fantasy football. Likewise, the wide receiver drafted as the WR33 doesn’t always finish as the 33rd best wide receiver, either. Adam Thielen is an example of this. Listed below are wide receivers and the number of weeks in 2021 they finished as a top-12 WR.
Cooper Kupp – 11
Deebo Samuel – 8
Davante Adams – 6
Ja’Marr Chase – 6
Justin Jefferson – 6
Tyreek Hill – 6
Mike Evans – 5
Mike Williams – 5
Adam Thielen – 5
Thielen was ranked lower in 2020 than he ever has been before. He exceeded those expectations by producing multiple WR1 weeks. In 2021, he is ranked even lower. By far the lowest he has even been ranked before. He has the opportunity to transcend his current rankings and ADPs by producing more top-12 wide receiver weeks.