Thursday Sleepers: 07/17/2025 - NFL Aging Sleepers

Consistent Producers Still Being Slept On in Fantasy Drafts

Every year, the fantasy football community finds ways to overlook proven veterans in favor of younger or flashier names. This year is no different — despite years of dependable production, these players are being treated like afterthoughts. Here are a few players you shouldn’t forget about when draft day comes.

Calvin Ridley — WR, Titans

2024 Stats: 84 receptions, 1,008 yards, 8 TDs

Now paired with rookie QB Cam Ward, Ridley is stepping into the best quarterback situation he’s had since his breakout in Atlanta. Ward’s arm talent and aggressive downfield mentality fit perfectly with Ridley’s skillset. Ridley has posted 800+ yards in three of his four full seasons, and there’s little reason to think he won’t be the clear WR1 in Tennessee again.

Jakobi Meyers — WR, Raiders

2024 Stats: 71 receptions, 789 yards, 6 TDs

Despite leading the Raiders in receptions and touchdowns last season, Meyers is being drafted like an afterthought behind rookie Brock Bowers and Davante Adams. With Geno Smith now under center and an offense likely to throw more in 2025, Meyers remains a reliable possession receiver who should comfortably beat his ADP.

Cooper Kupp — WR, Seahawks

2024 Stats: 63 receptions, 735 yards, 4 TDs

Kupp’s split from Sean McVay has fantasy managers fading him hard, but the former All-Pro still commands targets at an elite rate when healthy. Now with Sam Darnold — who’s eager to prove his late-season surge wasn’t a fluke — Kupp could very well return to a WR2 floor with WR1 upside if his legs hold up.

Mark Andrews — TE, Ravens

2024 Stats: 64 receptions, 724 yards, 6 TDs (12 games)

One of the most consistent tight ends in fantasy football, Andrews finished as a TE1 yet again despite missing time with injury. He’s Lamar Jackson’s most trusted target in high-leverage situations and still has double-digit TD potential in an ascending offense. Don’t overthink it — he’s a rock-solid early-round TE.

James Conner — RB, Cardinals

2024 Stats: 210 carries, 940 yards, 8 TDs; 28 receptions, 225 yards, 1 TD

At age 30, Conner keeps proving the doubters wrong. He’s averaged over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 9 touchdowns per season in Arizona. With Kyler Murray healthy and vowing to play at an MVP level, Conner should continue to see high-value touches, particularly in the red zone, on a more competitive team.

Davante Adams — WR, Rams

2024 Stats: 92 receptions, 1,127 yards, 7 TDs

Adams lands in the best offensive environment he’s seen since his Green Bay days, joining Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Sean McVay’s scheme. Many assume Adams is washed at age 32, but he still ranked top-12 in targets and red zone looks last season. This is a bounce-back waiting to happen.

Mike Evans — WR, Buccaneers

2024 Stats: 82 receptions, 1,255 yards, 13 TDs

Evans just posted his tenth consecutive 1,000-yard season, and did it in dominant fashion with double-digit touchdowns. Yet fantasy managers still let him slide on draft day. With Baker Mayfield and Dave Canales back, expect Evans to remain the go-to red zone weapon and a WR1/2 yet again.

Geno Smith — QB, Raiders

2024 Stats: 3,742 passing yards, 24 TDs, 11 INTs; 198 rushing yards, 2 TDs

If you want to wait on quarterback, Geno is a sneaky option who could easily return QB1 value in the right game scripts. He reunites with Pete Carroll and has an impressive arsenal of weapons in Adams, Bowers, and Meyers. Geno already proved he can deliver a top-10 fantasy season in 2022 — don’t count him out now.

Final Thoughts

Every year, the fantasy community gets caught chasing the next big thing — but proven production is still the foundation of championship rosters. The players above have shown, year after year, that they can deliver when it matters. Don’t let hype or age bias cloud your judgment. Trust the track record, grab the value where it falls, and watch your fantasy team reap the rewards.