In the next entry of our AFC South fantasy breakdown, I will discuss the sleepers in this division who could end up as a staple in your starting lineup, as depth, or as a solid trade piece down the road. Again, the top-tier talent in this division sometimes makes it difficult to find the sleepers, but I have a solid list of guys for you to consider adding to your squad.
Mitchell is coming into the league with a chip on his shoulder after expressing his displeasure that he had to wait until the back half of the second round to be selected. Mitchell impressed NFL teams with his size and speed, and he ran a 4.3 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He was overshadowed by his teammate Xavier Worthy, who now holds the 40-yard dash record. Mitchell could not stay out of the end zone with 11 touchdowns after transferring to Texas for just one season before entering the draft. Mitchell has already turned heads in minicamp but also in the early days of training camp. He could easily find himself in the starting lineup as the WR2 with a healthy Anthony Richardson throwing him the ball.
This is a stock that I would hold. This could be a bit premature, and you will not see much of Metchie early in the season. Metchie has left his mark this offseason and in training camp, but he is stuck behind guys like Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, and Noah Brown. Metchie has dealt with leukemia and other injuries that have kept him from the field, but he is the healthiest he has ever been. He is ready to remind people of his speed and playmaking he can bring on the field. Metchie could possibly be a trade candidate for pass catcher-needy teams, where he could be a name that is remembered. I would not draft him yet, but keep an eye on the Texans throughout the season.
Bigsby did not have the rookie season he had hoped for. He was limited to only 50 carries as the RB2 on the roster. In his sophomore year, he is looking at a more increased role described by HC Doug Pederson and OC Press Taylor themselves. Bigsby is using the 2023 season as a learning experience in preparing for games and his role specifically. Fellow RB Travis Etienne has even given Bigsby a vote of confidence, saying they could become a similar duo to Lions’ RBs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Those are high expectations, but it speaks to the role Bigsby could have in this offense this upcoming season. Etienne has dealt with injuries in his career, and Bigsby would be the next man up. Also, look for Bigsby to be used frequently in goal-line situations, as he has a bigger body than Etienne.
