Scott Engel is in his 14th season as the official fantasy writer and analyst for Seahawks.com. Scott is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. He is a four-time FSWA award winner and 13-time nominee. You can find more of his fantasy analysis on RotoBaller.com, The Athletic, and SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio.

As we head into the biggest fantasy football draft weekend of the preseason, the most essential and awaited feature of the summer is here: The Seahawks Fantasy Insider listing of the top fantasy football sleepers for the 2025 campaign, including important analysis on why each selection should be strongly considered as difference-making draft picks.

Our rundown is heavy on rookies and younger players, as those types of draft targets are less proven and can be league-winning draft picks. We also shine a fantasy football spotlight on an established Seahawks running back who could be very useful as a fantasy starter at some point this season. Players are listed at each position in order of draft preference and the analysis leans to PPR scoring formats.

Fantasy Football Advice: Running Back Sleepers

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders: He has stirred so much fantasy buzz this preseason, that Croskey-Merritt almost doesn't seem like a true sleeper anymore. He is still a value target, though, as the 33rd RB off draft boards according to current Average Draft Position Reports from FantasyPros.

Croskey-Merritt rushed for a 27-yard TD in his second preseason game, and this seventh-round rookie already has an inside track on a significant role in Washington to begin the season. If he starts the year with good production, Croskey-Merritt might emerge as a quality fantasy RB2 in 2025.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets: The second-year RB could see a larger workload under a new coaching regime. At the very least, Allen can function as a productive goal-line runner for New York. He is a 6-foot-1, 235-pound battering ram who might eventually emerge as a No. 1 RB for the Jets.

Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings: The former 49er will likely open the season sharing some touches with Aaron Jones. If he is needed to be a featured starter for Minnesota at any time, Mason will function as a consistent source of fantasy TD production.

Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks: The third year 'Hawk is the most coveted "insurance" RB in fantasy football. As a prime alternate to Kenneth Walker III, Charbonnet will be considered for fantasy RB1 usage any time he is pressed into an expanded offensive role.

In his first four starts of the 2024 season, Charbonnet averaged 23.5 Fantasy Points Per Game and he rushed for six TDs in those outings. In a new-look offense that emphasizes the run, he will carry much statistical upside when needed to take on a larger workload. Charbonnet has good vision, is a slippery runner, and willingly gets physical when seeking extra yardage.

Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins: The RB section here is full of rookies, and Gordon is one that might have an early-season path to some playing time. The Dolphins need to ensure De'Von Achane stays healthy, and Gordon can ease his workload and also operate as a short-yardage TD option.

Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns: The newest Cleveland RB might open the season in the time share. Sampson, however, could earn a larger workload if the first-year man builds on the promise he showed in his first NFL preseason.

Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers: The ex-Commander was recently traded to San Francisco, where he will serve as the top fantasy insurance RB to target if you draft Christian McCaffrey.

Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears: This rookie might get added early in the season off the waiver wire in leagues where he goes undrafted. Monangai is tough to being down and might earn a complementary role in the Chicago backfield.

Woody Marks, Houston Texans: This is a draft-and-stash type of selection who may emerge after a few weeks of regular season play. Marks demonstrated in the preseason that he can inject life into a ground game, and that is what the Texans may need to balance out their offense.

Fantasy Football Advice: Wide Receiver Sleepers

DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots: He is my pick to lead New England in receptions this season and should benefit from Stefon Diggs commanding significant defensive attention.

Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos: Bo Nix should continue to improve in his second season at QB for Denver, and Mims has a good chance to lock up the No.2 WR job in Denver. He may get opportunities to bust loose more as a playmaker in 2025.

Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans: The Texans have been searching for a consistent complement to Nico Collins, and Higgins might be yet another rookie in this sleeper rundown who will make a notable impact in his first pro season.

Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers: He is gaining momentum as a favored late-round pick after the Panthers made a trade with Minnesota to clear more room at the top of the WR depth chart. Coker has a chance to become a frequent target on key downs in a passing game that is projected to improve this season.

Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers: The No. 2 WR job in Pittsburgh is available for the taking, and Wilson will attempt to claim it after his rookie campaign was marred by injuries. He does have the potential to beat defenders on deeper routes.

Dont'e Thornton, Las Vegas Raiders: Later in the preseason, Thornton started to display his playmaking promise, and he has a chance to take on a role as the top downfield target for Geno Smith.

Jaylin Lane, Washington Commanders: He became more of a candidate to see a decent amount of targets in the preseason. Lane is one of many rookies in this rundown who should be monitored for early-season progress.

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans: If Cam Ward exceeds expectations in his first NFL season, Ayomanor could produce well as a final-round pick. He might push for a starting job in what will also be his first pro campaign.

Isaac Teslaa, Detroit Lions: Another rookie who showed off much potential in the preseason, Teslaa may challenge for a decent amount of targets in a very busy offense.

Tory Horton, Seattle Seahawks: He was a shining standout for the Seahawks since training camp. Horton is a worthy final round pick who will be a popular waiver wire addition if he is needed to start for the Seahawks at any point.

Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints: He was recently sent to New Orleans from Denver. Vele is a deeper sleeper to keep a watch on as a big target who might become a quality streamer.

Fantasy Football Advice: Quarterback Sleepers

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: Lawrence is more of a value play than a sleeper. He can be drafted outside the top 15 at QB, though, and may come through with his best fantasy season yet. Lawrence will benefit from the arrival of new head coach Liam Coen, and he also has a well-stocked offensive crew to support him.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers: Young played well late in the 2024 season, as he passed for eight TDs with no interceptions in his final three games. Adding top rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan does provide more optimism for his 2025 outlook.

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants: This rookie displayed a lot of poise and confidence in exhibition games. At some point, the Giants may just start looking to the future and give Dart an opportunity to possibly elevate the passing game.

Fantasy Football Advice: Tight End Sleepers

Mason Taylor, New York Jets: The Jets lack a true No. 2 WR, and the opportunities should be there for Taylor to establish himself as a regular pass-catcher for Justin Fields.

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville liked what Strange flashed when given the chances to play a larger offensive role last season. Now he is the unquestioned starter at TE for the Jaguars.

Theo Johnson, New York Giants: Johnson may be ready to surface as a fantasy option in year two. He can fit as an emerging target on important passing downs for the Giants this season.

For fantasy football rankings from Scott Engel at all positions, visit RotoBaller.com.