4 Sleeper Quarterbacks to Target in 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

Michael Fabiano outlines his top four sleeper quarterbacks to target in the late rounds of your 2024 fantasy football drafts.

Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the / Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Sleepers: Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends

The term “sleeper” has different meanings for different people in the world of fantasy football. Some folks believe it’s simply a player who will outperform his draft position. Others think it’s a relatively unknown or once-forgotten player who unexpectedly emerges or re-emerges into a useful fantasy option.

In my opinion, both definitions are true, but with a caveat. I don’t see a player as a sleeper if he’s already been a valuable fantasy asset during his career. For example, Aaron Rodgers can’t be labeled a “sleeper.” Did he miss most of his first season in New York? Yes, but that doesn’t make him a sleeper now, even if he isn’t projected to be more than a double-digit pick in most fantasy drafts.

Could Rodgers be labeled as a bargain? Absolutely. But he’s not a sleeper. I also consider some rookies to be sleepers (as you will see), as these players could outperform their draft position and have obviously never produced in the pros.

With that in mind, here are four sleeper quarterbacks to target in the late rounds who could be better than we’re expecting in the stat sheets this season.

1. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Young, the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had a brutal rookie season. But was that because of him, or because of the lack of talent around him? If it was the latter, the team has taken steps to improve this offseason, trading for Diontae Johnson and drafting Jonathon Brooks and Xavier Legette. What’s more, new head coach Dave Canales is an offensive mind who should help Young’s development.

2. Drake Maye, New England Patriots

The third overall pick in this year's draft, Maye comes with high expectations after he put up two straight strong seasons at North Carolina. And while Jayden Daniels is the name that comes to mind when we think of a running quarterback among the rookies, Maye put up over 1,100 rushing yards and 16 rushing scores in his last two collegiate seasons. So, while Jacoby Brissett might open the season as New England's starter, Maye is almost certain to get his chance at some point.

3. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings

I am on record as not believing in J.J. McCarthy as a potential superstar at the NFL level, and now he'll miss time with an injured knee. That leaves Darnold, who landed in a crazy great spot in an offense that boasts Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, too. While he's been mostly a failure in the NFL, Darnold has never been in a situation this good. He'll be worth a late flier.

4. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Did the Broncos reach for Nix? Yes. But like McCarthy, he ended up in a nice spot. Nix will learn from an offensive-minded head coach in Sean Payton, who is enamored with the Oregon product. Nix also has a clear path to the starting assignment, assuming he can beat out Jarrett Stidham and draft bust Zach Wilson. Nix also rushed for 20 scores in his last two collegiate seasons.