The Late-Round Hype Train: Five Preseason Darlings Poised to Win Your Fantasy League
The fantasy football landscape has shifted dramatically in recent weeks as preseason usage patterns reveal a treasure trove of late-round targets with legitimate paths to fantasy relevance. While most drafters chase the obvious names in early rounds, savvy managers are quietly accumulating a collection of rookies and overlooked veterans whose September roles could far exceed their current draft cost.
Tyler Warren: The Swiss Army Knife Tight End
Indianapolis Colts rookie Tyler Warren represents the most compelling late-round target at tight end, currently being drafted as TE13 around pick 150. The first-round selection out of Penn State brings unprecedented versatility to a position starved for reliable options.
"Warren's 26 carries from scrimmage for 218 yards and four touchdowns in his senior season at Penn State are worth noting. The Colts have said they plan to use him in multiple ways," according to ESPN's training camp reports. His 32% target share at Penn State translated to a 104-1,233-8 receiving line, showcasing the kind of college dominance that typically translates to NFL success.
The Colts' depth chart reveals moderate competition with Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory, but none possess Warren's combination of size (6'6", 255 pounds) and athletic ability. Reports from Indianapolis training camp indicate Warren has received reps as a fullback and even in Wildcat formations, creating multiple avenues for touches beyond traditional tight end usage.
Jaydon Blue: Speed Kills in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys' backfield presents one of the clearest opportunities for a rookie to seize significant touches. Jaydon Blue, drafted in the fifth round with blazing 4.38 speed, enters a depth chart featuring aging veterans Rico Dowdle, Hunter Luepke, and diminutive Deuce Vaughn.
"This is a running back I target often in the double-digit rounds. Blue has blazing speed, as evidenced by his 4.38 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Draft," notes NFL.com's fantasy analysis. His current ADP of RB51 represents tremendous value for a player entering a wide-open competition.
The Cowboys' offensive system has historically supported multiple fantasy-relevant running backs, and Blue's pass-catching ability (21 receptions for 192 yards at Texas) provides the versatility modern NFL offenses demand. With Dallas likely playing from behind frequently, Blue's speed on third downs and in two-minute drills could quickly elevate him above the veteran competition.
Ashton Jeanty: First-Round Pedigree Meets Opportunity
Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick Ashton Jeanty carries the highest draft capital among this group, selected sixth overall after a dominant college career at Boise State. Despite the investment, his current fantasy ADP suggests the market hasn't fully embraced his immediate impact potential.
"Jeanty was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Vegas selected the Boise State product to be their franchise running back," according to CBS Sports analysis. His college production included 159.7 scrimmage yards per game, becoming the only FBS player to post 1,000-plus rushing yards and 500-plus receiving yards.
The Raiders' backfield features Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, and Zamir White, but none possess Jeanty's combination of draft pedigree and proven production. First-round running backs historically see significant early-season usage, and Jeanty's receiving ability (54 projected receptions according to ESPN projections) provides a fantasy floor even in committee situations.
TreVeyon Henderson: The Patriots' Speed Demon
New England's backfield presents an intriguing opportunity for TreVeyon Henderson, whose 4.4 speed and pass-catching ability could carve out a significant role alongside Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Henderson's Ohio State pedigree and versatility make him an ideal fit for the Patriots' system.
"Henderson will be one of the most popular rookie RBs in Fantasy drafts; just don't reach for him," advises CBS Sports fantasy analysis. His rushing line is set at 700.5 yards with favorable over odds, suggesting the betting market expects meaningful touches.
Henderson's four-year tenure as Ohio State's lead back provides the experience necessary to contribute immediately. His 212-pound frame and 4.4 speed create a different dimension than the power-focused Stevenson, potentially earning him the pass-down and hurry-up roles that have fantasy value even in committee backfields.
Tory Horton: The Deep Sleeper with Upside
Seattle Seahawks fifth-round pick Tory Horton represents the deepest sleeper among this group, currently carrying an ADP of 282 in standard leagues. However, training camp reports suggest his role could expand rapidly.
"Rookie Tory Horton again with the 1s catching passes," according to recent Reddit dynasty discussions. His Colorado State production (71 receptions for 1,131 yards in 2023) demonstrates the kind of volume handling that translates to NFL success.
The Seahawks' receiver room behind Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba offers opportunity for a fourth option to emerge. Horton's 6'2" frame and 4.4 speed provide the size-speed combination that modern offenses covet, particularly in red-zone situations where his college touchdown production (8 TDs in 2023) becomes relevant.
| Player | Position | Team | ADP | Key Metric | Opportunity Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Warren | TE | Colts | TE13 (~150) | 32% target share at PSU | High |
| Jaydon Blue | RB | Cowboys | RB51 (~200) | 4.38 forty time | High |
| Ashton Jeanty | RB | Raiders | RB6 (~30) | 1st round pick | Very High |
| TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Patriots | RB35 (~160) | 700.5 rush yards O/U | Medium |
| Tory Horton | WR | Seahawks | WR95 (~280) | Running with 1s | Medium |
Draft Strategy and Betting Implications
The optimal approach involves targeting these players in rounds 10-15 of standard 12-team leagues, with Jeanty obviously requiring earlier investment due to his first-round pedigree. Best ball formats provide the ideal environment for these high-ceiling, low-floor plays, as you can roster multiple lottery tickets without weekly lineup decisions.
For bettors, early-season player props present value opportunities before snap counts become public knowledge. Henderson's rushing yards over 700.5 at -110 offers particular appeal given his likely role in New England's offense. Warren's receiving yards props should also move significantly once his versatile usage becomes apparent.
Dynasty league managers should prioritize Warren and Jeanty based on their draft capital and long-term upside. Both players possess the athletic profiles and opportunity structures that create sustained fantasy relevance beyond 2025.
The September Revelation
These five players represent the type of late-round investments that separate championship teams from also-rans. While their floors remain low due to veteran competition and uncertain roles, their ceilings extend far beyond their current draft cost. The preseason usage patterns and training camp reports suggest September could reveal several league-winning discoveries hiding in plain sight.
Smart drafters will allocate 15-20% of their roster construction to these types of high-upside plays, understanding that hitting on just one or two can transform an entire season. The late-round hype train is boarding now – the question is whether you'll be on it when it reaches its destination.