In the world of fantasy football, finding hidden gems among sleeper running backs is always a coveted strategy. The likes of Laube, Walker, and Cowing have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, as they possess the potential to make a significant impact on the field.

Laube, who now joins the Raiders, has an opportunity to shine in a team that made few moves to address the running back position following the departure of Josh Jacobs. While Zamir White has been regarded as a winner this offseason for fantasy, Laube can still contribute should White struggle. His primary competition for the handcuff role is Alexander Mattison, who had a lackluster season last year, and Ameer Abdullah, who is approaching the age of 31 and may focus more on passing downs. Laube's background as a receiver, backed by impressive college metrics, positions him well to challenge Abdullah for playing time early in his career.

As a runner, Laube's college rushing grade of 88.1 may leave some fantasy managers wanting more, given his FCS background. However, his ability to force missed tackles per attempt, with a rate of 0.27, puts him in the 71st percentile among running back prospects. Combine this with his receiving skills, and Laube has a chance to secure a role on early or late downs, making him an attractive prospect for fantasy managers in later rounds of rookie drafts.

Moving to the wide receiver position, Walker emerges as a player to keep an eye on. While his most efficient year came during his time at North Carolina, where he averaged 2.28 yards per route run and led the team in receiving yards per game, his overall career shows promise. Walker's efficiency on the field, highlighted by a career average of 2.52 yards per route run, ranks him among the top prospects in this year's wide receiver class. With the departure of Odell Beckham Jr., Walker is expected to contribute as an outside wide receiver for the Ravens, alongside Rashod Bateman. His speed and ability to separate downfield make him a potential target for quarterback Lamar Jackson, which could translate into early success in his NFL career.

Lastly, Cowing, the second receiver chosen by the 49ers in the draft, is deemed a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme. Known for his ability to excel in tight areas of the field like the red zone, Cowing has proven to be effective in both Arizona and UTEP. His 33 touchdowns, derived from 56 red zone targets, demonstrate his proficiency in scoring opportunities. Although a smaller receiver, Cowing's utilization around the line of scrimmage as a low average depth of target option suits Shanahan's offense. With the 49ers having low average depth of target values since 2017, Cowing's skills align well with the team's style of play. Given recent trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, it is possible that Cowing's time to shine could come sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, for now, he remains a target to stash on dynasty taxi squads.

These sleeper running backs and wide receivers possess the potential to make an impact in the NFL. Whether it's Laube's receiving skills, Walker's efficiency, or Cowing's effectiveness in tight areas, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on these emerging talents. As the new season approaches, it will be exciting to see how these rookies adapt to the competitive world of professional football.