2013 Fantasy Football Sleeper: Miami Dolphins RB Lamar Miller

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Planning on holding that annual fantasy football draft real soon? It’s by far the best time of the year for any football fan, and all of us here at Rant Sports are here to help you achieve victory.

A huge part of your future success in this year’s fantasy season depends on picking out those guys that may have not broken out quite yet, but very well could in 2013. At the all-important running back position, it’s sometimes hard to do this. Many times, the sleepers will rise when an injury occurs.

For the Miami Dolphins, they are hoping that’s not the case. First time starter and second year pro Lamar Miller looks as though he has secured the number one spot on the depth chart at running back, and he has been flying under the radar in fantasy discussions lately.

Throughout last season — his rookie year — Miller received 51 carries and compiled a solid 250 yards, putting that yards-per-carry average at a healthy near-5.0. He also caught six passes for a total of 45 yards, an average of 7.5.

During the preseason this year, Miller has put up a healthy 4.24 yards-per-carry average while his competition, Daniel Thomas, is under three. With all of his work this offseason and the impressions he made last year during the limited time he received, Miller looks ready to take over the starting duties.

What I look for in a running back is consistency. In Miller’s case, it’s tougher to judge based on the smaller portion of time we’ve seen him on the field. But, his averages in both the running and passing game are impressive — and consistent. Attempting to prove that those 51 carries in 2012 shouldn’t be overlooked, he’s looked good in the preseason this summer.

I would keep Miller on your radar as you look for that third or possibly even fourth back in your draft, depending on your strategy. Remember to take backs often and early this year, as that is part of the grand secret to winning your league in 2013. Maybe Miller will even be that guy to round out your group of impressive running backs?

Good luck and enjoy the season, folks.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.