Keenan Allen (WR, SD) - 2015 Fantasy Football Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target in Rounds 5-6 as a potential WR2.

CURRENT ADP: 54.3 standard/48.8 PPR

ANALYSIS: Allen will bounce back from a disappointing sophomore season to re-establish himself as a top-24 fantasy receiver.

Opposing defenses didn't sleep on Keenan Allen in 2014. After forfeiting the right to fly under the radar by posting an impressive 71/1,046/8 stat line in his rookie year, Allen slogged through an enigmatic sophomore season. The second-year man from Cal turned more targets (122 versus 104 in 2013) into 77 receptions, yet gained 263 fewer yards and saw his touchdown total cut in half.

Drafting Allen, or picking him up on the waiver wire, was a boon in 2013. He was a decided disappointment last year. His fantasy stock heading into 2015 has declined accordingly.

Does this mean he has regained sleeper status?

Well...yes and no. No one will crow if you select Allen in the middle of the fifth or sixth round. He is on everyone's draft board. But the argument can be made that Allen's ceiling is higher than those of guys like Amari Cooper, Julian Edelman, and Golden Tate, all of whom are currently being drafted higher on average.

In fact, Allen could make a big leap in 2015. Listed at 6-2 and 211 pounds, Allen has decent size, stellar hands, and precise route-running ability. His problem is lack of game-breaking speed. Heading into his third season, however, Allen may have learned enough tricks of the trade to more consistently gain separation from defenders both before and after the catch.

In order to take the next step, Allen must rehabilitate his YAC numbers (down to 4.2 per reception in 2014 from 6.2 as a rookie) and again garner more red-zone targets (only 12 last season after getting 19 looks in 2013).

At this point he should have a strong rapport with Philip Rivers, his veteran quarterback. The receivers flanking him are mediocre, and usual top red-zone target Antonio Gates is suspended for the first quarter of the season. Allen's volume of work will be there. 90 catches, 1,200 yards, and 8-10 touchdowns isn't out of the realm of possibility if he puts it all together in his 3rd season.