Every year, without fail, the New England Patriots make a surprise cut that sends shockwaves through the northeast.
That means that every year, also without fail, a surprise player rises to the occasion and rises through the ranks to grab the proverbial brass ring and make the final 53-man roster. Before their ascent, those players are referred to as "sleepers."
But what is a sleeper?
Aside from obvious definitions ("one who sleeps") and obscure ones (" a piece of timber, stone, or steel on or near the ground to support a superstructure, keep railroad rails in place, or receive floor joists"), Merriam-Webster defines "sleeper" as "someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value.