With the NFL Draft behind us and offseason programs winding down, we’re heading into the quietest stretch of the NFL calendar. But for fantasy football managers, this is prime time: early summer drafts offer the opportunity to capitalize on value before training camp hype shifts ADPs (Average Draft Positions).
Let’s take an early look at the ESPN Fantasy Football quarterback rankings and highlight three quarterbacks with massive upside who are currently being underrated in drafts. Whether you’re prepping for best ball or redraft leagues, these QBs could be league-winners come fall.
Drake Maye (QB14) – Breakout Candidate in a Rebuilt Offense
When it comes to identifying fantasy football sleepers, betting on talented young quarterbacks with untapped upside is a smart strategy, and Drake Maye fits the mold perfectly.
In his rookie season, Maye started 10 games and scored 15+ fantasy points in seven of them. He showcased both a strong arm and mobility, averaging 32 rushing yards per game—a key trait for building a reliable fantasy floor.
Looking ahead to 2025, the situation around Maye has improved dramatically:
• New England has a new head coach who brought in a respected offensive coordinator.
• The team addressed protection, drafting a left tackle in the top 10 and signing a veteran right tackle.
• The wide receiver corps now features Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and rookie Kyle Williams.
• Round 2 pick TreVeyon Henderson adds explosiveness from the backfield.
With more weapons, better protection, and a step forward in his development, Maye has clear QB1 upside. He’s currently being drafted outside the top 12 QBs, making him a prime fantasy football value pick in early drafts.
Trevor Lawrence (QB20) – Bounce-Back Potential with Upgraded Weapons
It’s easy to forget the flashes of greatness we’ve already seen from Trevor Lawrence, but context matters. His rookie season was marred by Urban Meyer’s dysfunction. In 2022, he led the Jaguars to a playoff win and gave the Chiefs a scare in the Divisional Round. In 2023, he played well until an ankle injury contributed to Jacksonville’s late-season collapse.
Now in 2025, Lawrence is positioned for a resurgence:
• Liam Coen, a highly-regarded offensive mind, chose to leave a major opportunity to work with Lawrence.
• The Jaguars added a dynamic young weapons in Travis Hunter (top 35 WR) to compliment Brian Thomas Jr. (top 10 WR)
• The backfield features two pass-catching threats in Travis Etienne and rookie Bhayshul Tuten.
• The defense is entering a transitional phase, suggesting shootout game scripts could become the norm.
Despite this, Lawrence is currently being drafted as a late QB2, yet he has the talent, supporting cast, and opportunity to finish as a top-10 fantasy quarterback.
Matthew Stafford (QB22) – Veteran Sleeper with Elite Weapons
After a rocky start to the 2024 season, Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense found their rhythm. From Weeks 7 through 13—once the offensive line stabilized and both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were healthy—Stafford averaged 19 fantasy points per game.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Rams made a splash by adding Davante Adams, giving Stafford arguably his best receiving corps ever:
• In the last two years Kupp has averaged 1.77 and 1.87 yards per route run.
• Adams, despite worse situations, put up 1.97 and 2.04 yards per route run and has been far more available.
Fans see Adams replacing Kupp and do not see a notable difference because Kupp has had great fantasy seasons in the past. However, at this stage in their careers the upgrade is significant. Stafford could be entering one of the most productive stretches of his career. And with Hall of Fame implications on the horizon, you can expect him to be motivated and aggressive.
At a current ranking of QB22, Stafford is one of the most undervalued quarterbacks in early drafts.
