By PFW staff
July 21, 2008

Last in an eight-part series

“Sleeper” is firmly ensconced in the fantasy football lexicon. Your definition of a sleeper may vary slightly from ours, but we can all agree the ideal sleeper (1) outperforms his draft position, (2) is drafted relatively late and (3) becomes a key part of your fantasy team.

With this in mind, here’s a sleeper candidate to watch on each of the NFC West teams:

NFC West

Arizona — WR Steve Breaston
The second-year pro out of Michigan could especially become a secret fantasy weapon if injuries once again become an issue for Anquan Boldin, who was limited on and off by hip and toe ailments last season. In any event, if minicamps and OTAs are any indication, Breaston could turn out to be a genuine fantasy force in the No. 3 WR role he’s expected to fill. Team insiders unanimously agree that he’s been the team’s most impressive offensive performer so far this offseason.

St. Louis — TE Randy McMichael
New Rams offensive coordinator Al Saunders has a knack for bringing out the best in his tight ends (Tony Gonzalez and Chris Cooley in Kansas City and Washington, respectively), and daily team observers made note of the frequency with which they saw McMichael running actual routes in early offseason appearances. With blocking specialist Anthony Becht being brought on board via free agency, McMichael should be able to focus more on his receiving.

San Francisco — WR Josh Morgan
More than a few would-be sleepers could be lurking in new coordinator Mike Martz’s dramatically revamped offense, and the most intriguing may be this sixth-round rookie. With an impressive mixture of size, speed and strength, Morgan received much more work in the Niners’ minicamps and OTAs this offseason than the normal San Francisco rookie.

Seattle — WR Nate Burleson
Burleson had a very impressive nine TDs among his 50 receptions last season, when prolonged injuries to Deion Branch and D.J. Hackett significantly increased his playing time at split end. With Branch not expected to be a factor the first month of the ’08 season coming off knee surgery, it would hardly be a shock if Burleson emerged as a solid starter with legitimate TD potential every time he touches the ball.

Related Articles:

AFC East sleepers: Ricky Williams is back in Miami and ready to fill in for Brown

AFC North sleepers: Stallworth takes his speed to Cleveland

AFC South sleepers: Vince Young will exceed low expectations

AFC West sleepers: Torain has potential in Broncos' uncertain backfield

NFC East sleepers: Booker, Curtis may emerge as productive weapons

NFC North sleepers: Vikings' Rice not a household name, but he'll produce in starting role