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Gary McCullough/Associated Press

Among the definitions for "sleeper" at Merriam-Webster is this: "Someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value."

That's the type of sleeper fantasy football owners fervently search for every summer. The players available later in drafts who go on to have huge statistical seasons.

Everyone talks up early-round picks like Arizona Cardinals tailback David Johnson and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, but those players are expected to excel. It's the surprise stars that win leagues.

Draft a backup who goes on to become an every-week fantasy starter, and you're cruising toward the playoffs. Grab a low-end starter who goes on to become an elite fantasy option, and you'll have a leg up on your competition.

It's those players we're going to try to pinpoint here, with a look at the top fantasy sleeper at each position in 2017.

Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyPros, using points-per-reception (PPR) scoring. Scoring statistics via FFToday.com.