Draft Day Winners and Losers
Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
White should be lead back
The draft is always so exciting, seeing where all the players get picked. But after the draft, the big issue is figuring out what it all means for their fantasy value. We thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the biggest fantasy winners and losers from draft day. These are some of the players that were picked but also some of the guys that were already on rosters, seeing their fantasy value get impacted from the draft. Adjust your rankings accordingly!
WINNERS
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. The Panthers did a great job of getting Young some much needed offensive help. The team took a receiver, running back and tight end in three of the first four rounds of the draft. Carolina already added Diontae Johnson this offseason, so the receiver corps should be much better after getting Xavier Legette in the first round. The receivers got very little separation last year, so it was hard to gauge Young. He needed help and got some this offseason. Carolina also took a possible franchise running back in Jonathon Brooks and hopefully a solid starting tight end in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Things are looking up for Young and this offense.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. Worthy could not have landed in a much better spot. He heads to one of the best offenses in football that has some openings at receiver, especially with the status of Rashee Rice a bit up in the air. Worthy has electric speed and the Chiefs should find plenty of ways to utilize that. He could be the new Tyreek Hill for this offense. Look for Worthy to make an impact right away.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys. Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the draft was the Cowboys not addressing their running back spot. Instead, the team signed Elliott after the draft. He is likely to be the starter in this top offense. He might not rack up the yards of past seasons, but has big touchdown potential in this offense. Elliott seems a pretty sure bet to get double-digit touchdowns. He could be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers. Brooks is returning from a major knee injury and could be slowed a little early in the season, but once he is back healthy look for him to the three-down back for the Panthers. He lands in a great spot for playing time, having little top talent to compete with for playing time. Brooks could really get the volume in this offense. He is our top rookie fantasy back.
Zamir White, RB, Raiders. Many thought the Raiders were another team that could address their running back spot during the draft, but that didn’t happen. They used a sixth-round pick on Dylan Laube, but he is not expected to challenge White for that starter’s job. It sure seems the Raiders are comfortable with White as their lead back. He has a chance to get a lot of touches in year two. His stock is going up.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers. The Chargers need help at receiver and McConkey helps fill that need. It would not surprise if he quickly became Justin Herbert’s favorite target in the passing game. We really like his chances to rack up the weekly looks in this offense. Someone has to fill the Keenan Allen void and McConkey seems the best bet out of the options at receiver for the Chargers.
Keon Coleman, WR, Bills. Coleman is another rookie receiver that lands in a great spot for playing time. The departure of Stefon Diggs leaves a big opening for the Bills. Coleman could help fill that void. He has great size for the position and could be a top red-zone threat from day one for Buffalo. Coleman should get his chances from the get go, giving him a high ceiling for the coming year.
LOSERS
Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins. Mostert had a monster season last year and helped many fantasy teams to championships. He is going to have a very hard time repeating, especially after the Dolphins picked Jaylen Wright in the fourth round. Wright is a speed back similar to Mostert but a lot younger with less wear on his tires. Remember, Mostert is 32 years old. He might end up falling to third on the depth chart after the addition of Wright.
Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze is a super talented player that could be a star in the NFL. But for his year, you have to worry about him being up and down. He has two really good receivers ahead of him on the depth chart in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This is going to limit the ceiling of Odunze. He will be a much better fantasy player in a few more seasons. For now, expect erratic production from the talented rookie.
Kyren Williams, RB, Rams. Williams remains the lead back for the Rams and is coming off a breakout season. But the Rams picked Blake Corum in the third round. He is going to be a factor in the offense. He might get put a huge dent in Williams’ workload but the big concern is the goal-line work. Corum is more of a between the tackles runner that does well on short-yardage work. He could end up stealing some touchdowns from Williams, hurting his fantasy value.
Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders. Mayer was a second-round pick for the Raiders last year and showed well at times his rookie season. The Raiders couldn’t pass on the talented Brock Browers in this year’s draft, though. This move absolutely kills the fantasy value of Mayer. He is going to play second fiddle to Browers, getting few weekly looks. Browers is the clear tight end to own in this offense.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall is a talented pass catcher that can get in and out of his breaks in a hurry. He is a really good fit for the slot and could fill that role for the 49ers his rookie season. The problem is he has some of the top talent in all of football to compete with for targets. He could really be up and down his rookie season. He will look better in a year or two when he has a more defined role and less to compete with at receiver. His rookie season could be a tough one to gauge for fantasy owners.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Many considered Nabers the top receiver in this year’s draft. He is super talented with a high fantasy ceiling. The problem for Nabers is he got drafted by the Giants, a team that really struggled offensively last year. Plus, he has Daniel Jones throwing him passes. This is not a great landing spot for the talented Nabers. Jones needs to make some big strides this season if Nabers hopes to reach his potential. We aren’t sure that happens.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This doesn't come as much of a surprise given Nabers hasn't been able to practice this week. He continues to work his way back from a head injury he suffered in Week 4. The loss of Nabers is a significant hit to this Giants offense considering he has 35 receptions on 52 targets this season. Wan'Dale Robinson will likely gain the most value out of anyone on this offense with Nabers out. Robinson finished with 11 receptions on 14 targets with 71 yards last week. He figures to be a focal point in the passing game, especially with Nabers out.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield continued his effective play during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Mayfield looked solid as he completed 19-of-24 passing attempts for 180 yards and three touchdowns in the overtime loss. Mayfield was accurate in this one as he only had a handful of incompletions with zero turnovers. He also added 42 yards on the ground on six carries as Mayfield looked good with his legs. Mayfield will now head into a tougher challenge against the New Orleans Saints defense in Week 6. Despite that, Mayfield has done enough to put himself in the QB1 conversation for that game.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith will not be a viable fantasy option in Week 5 when his team lines up for a road tilt against their division-rival New England Patriots. The 29-year-old had a productive outing -- for a TE, anyway -- in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills when he reeled in 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards but has seen his production decline since then. Most recently, posting a goose egg on one target in the team's 31-12 loss against the Tennessee Titans. The Dolphins' offensive woes aside, it's unclear whether or not Smith is still the TE1 on this team, as teammate Julian Hill has out-snapped him each of the last two weeks and 125-to-100 on the season. The former still leads Hill in every statistical category. Still, the veteran tight end can't be a trusted source of consistent production as the fourth option at best in Miami's passing attack. He's RotoBaller's PPR TE26 ahead of Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is not expected to suit up for the Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Mixon hasn't played since Week 2 and it looks like he'll miss at least one more game. Mixon hasn't been able to practice this week, which puts him in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game. That being said, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale figure to split up the backfield duties for at least one more week. Akers is looking like a low-end flex option after posting 53 yards on the ground on 13 attempts last week.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans. Shakir was pulled early during last week's game due to an ankle issue. It doesn't seem to be improving too well as he hasn't practiced this week. As a result, Shakir will sit out this week and will hopefully return in Week 6. His absence should mean increased roles for Keon Coleman and Mack Hollins. Also, tight end Dalton Kincaid should see more targets in the passing game with Shakir sidelined. Kincaid saw a season-high seven targets and finished with 47 yards last week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has an enticing Week 5 matchup in a road tilt against the New England Patriots. Waddle -- along with the other Dolphins skill players -- has been one of the more disappointing fantasy assets through the first month of the season as his team works through their offensive challenges down their starting (Tua Tagovailoa [concussion]) and backup (Skylar Thompson [ribs]) quarterbacks. However, New England's defense presents as an excellent opportunity for a bounce-back effort. The Patriots have been porous against opposing passing attacks through four weeks, allowing the fourth-most pass yards per play. Additionally, the Dolphins could be forced into a pass-heavy script, as New England has been one of the better teams at stopping the run. While it hasn't translated to on-field production, the 25-year-old has been one of the better separators in the league, garnering an "OPEN" score of 76 per ESPN analytics -- a top-six score in the NFL and ten points better than his running-mate Tyreek Hill. Waddle is RotoBaller's PPR WR44 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has a juicy matchup lined up this Sunday when his team hits the road to square off against their division-rival New England Patriots. The veteran speedster has seen his production dip over the last few outings since a massive seven-catch, 130-yard performance in the team's season opener. Not only has Hill had his offensive woes with quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) and Skylar Thompson (ribs) shelved due to injury. Also, Miami has faced three top-six defenses regarding net passing yards per play since then. Everything is working against the 30-year-old wideout, but he'll have an opportunity to get right against a New England defense that has been beaten by the pass all season. Touchdowns might be tough to come by, with the Pats allowing 21.8 points per outing, but the 1,016 passing yards they've let up are the sixth-most in the NFL. Hill is the WR28 this week in RotoBaller's Week 5 PPR rankings, with as good a chance as any to bounce back before Miami's Week 6 bye.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis remains one of the best running back bench stashes across the league as the NFL enters Week 5. Under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the Bills lean on James Cook and the running game. The rookie has been called upon to spell Cook on early downs. Veteran Ty Johnson would command the passing downs work if Cook suffered an injury. Blowouts have given Davis several opportunities, averaging over eight carries per game over the last three contests. In a closer game, his touches are likely cut in half. Keep Davis on fantasy football benches against Houston.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills defense/special teams draws the Houston Texans in Week 5. The Texans are averaging a shade under 20 points per game, and their offense has taken a step back with Joe Mixon (ankle) sidelined. He's trending toward missing another game, which should slow down the Houston offense. However, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs are one of the best wide receiver duos in football, and C.J. Stroud has little issues connecting with them. Stroud also limits his turnovers (two interceptions). The Texans' quarterback is sixth in the league in sacks taken (13). However, one of Buffalo's best pass rushers, Von Miller, is suspended for four games and will miss this contest. There are better DST options on the waiver wire this week. Fantasy managers can pass on Buffalo.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid is the TE7 on the season, despite an up-and-down campaign so far. Kincaid hasn't topped 50 yards in any game and has only finished as a TE1 once. Fantasy managers can trust Kincaid's floor, especially given the state of the tight-end landscape. Josh Allen should throw the ball more often in what projects to be a more competitive matchup between Buffalo and Houston. Kincaid could see more targets if Khalil Shakir (ankle) is forced to miss the contest. The Texans surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to the position through four weeks, but the competition (Kylen Granson, Cole Kmet, Johnny Mundt, and Brenton Strange) isn't of Kincaid's caliber.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel has played the fewest snaps of any Buffalo wide receiver this season but that could change in Week 5. Khalil Shakir (ankle) is in danger of missing the contest. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady stated to the media that he wants Samuel to be on the field more often. The veteran is averaging just 12 yards per game and secured three receptions or more just once. Samuel shouldn't be added to rosters in any standard-sized fantasy football league, but he's a name worth monitoring on Sunday, especially if Shakir is sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will have his work cut out for him this week when the team takes on the New England Patriots in Foxborough. The second-year back started the season off hot with back-to-back seven-catch games and 20+ fantasy-point outings. However, he's cooled over the last few weeks, with Miami posting just 15 total points combined over the two contests. New England has been one of the more stout defenses against opposing rushing attacks thus far, allowing just 4.0 YPC -- the seventh-best mark in the league. Despite this, the Texas A&M product could still leave his mark on this game if he can recapture his work in the passing game from early September. The Patriots' D has been easier to throw on this year, letting up the sixth-most yards and fourth-most yards per play (7.1) through the air, and that's likely where Miami will have to beat them to succeed. Achane is RotoBaller's PPR RB17 in this week's rankings and projects as an RB2 with upside.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook suffered through the worst fantasy performance of his season in Week 4 but should bounce back against the Houston Texans. Cook was removed from the game due to a negative game script against the Ravens. He logged just 10 touches for under 50 yards. The game script on Sunday versus Houston should fare better for Cook's fantasy production. However, the Texans' defense is stronger against the run than the pass, and they've allowed the fewest passing yards to opposing running backs. The Bills shouldn't have many issues moving the football on offense, setting up more high-value opportunities for the lead running back. Start Cook across the board.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell has now posted back-to-back weeks with WR3 finishes and even boasted a 90% snap share in their Week 4 loss against the Chicago Bears. Atwell hauled in four of his six targets for 82 yards in that contest while receiving a 21% target share. Since Cooper Kupp (ankle) has already been ruled out again, Atwell will look to capitalize on more opportunities against a Green Bay Packers secondary that has been quite generous to opposing receivers. In fact, the Packers give up the ninth-most fantasy points to receiver groups in half-PPR formats with an average of 30.3 fantasy points per game. That gives Atwell some nice flex appeal for fantasy managers in half or full-PPR formats that might be dealing with some injuries or bye weeks.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman could be called upon more often against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Top wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday and is at risk of missing the game. If he does, Coleman and Dalton Kincaid should see a target bump. Still, it would be risky for fantasy football managers to trust the rookie in starting lineups. He'll see a lot of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. on the outside and hasn't garnered enough target volume to be relied upon. Coleman is in the WR5 range against the Texans.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley will line up for his second start of the season this Sunday when the team hits the road to take on the New England Patriots. With quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) still tending to an injury that forced him from Miami's Week 3 matchup, the dual-threat 26-year-old will again be at the helm for the Dolphins. His last time out, the former Raven failed to throw a score -- or interception -- leading Miami to 12 total points against the Tennessee Titans. He did add 40 yards rushing on eight carries but was largely ineffective in his first action since Week 18 of last season. This week, Huntley and Miami will get an easier matchup against a Patriots squad that is vulnerable to the pass -- allowing the fourth-most net yards per pass attempt to opposing offenses. It's possible the fifth-year QB keeps himself in the fantasy conversation with his work on the ground. Still, he'll be hard to trust outside of superflex and 2QB formats, based on what we've seen thus far.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams had some question marks surrounding his role entering the season, but after four weeks it's clear to see he remains the bell cow of this backfield. Williams has 23 touches compared to Ronnie Rivers' six in their Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, and he's seen no fewer than 16 total touches in each game this year. While the receiving corps is still banged up, the Rams will likely continue to lean on Williams and Matthew Stafford will undoubtedly look to throw his way out of the backfield as well. The Green Bay Packers are right in the middle of the pack when it comes to fantasy points allowed to opposing backfields while they average 20.1 fantasy points allowed per game. Fantasy managers can be confident starting Williams again this week.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has ping-ponged between being the top fantasy football quarterback and an unstartable asset (QB28) over the past four weeks. Blowouts have been to blame. The Bills won two games by an average of 29 points and then lost in Week 4 by 25. A (hopefully) more competitive tilt against the Houston Texans will keep Allen aggressive and throwing for four quarters. Buffalo's signal caller is on the injury report with a left hand injury but he's practicing in full this week. He could be without his top wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Through all the tribulations, Allen is the QB4 on the season and should be started in all leagues in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn't posted the best start to the season in terms of fantasy football, but he continues to rack up yards and completions. Despite clocking in as the QB29, he has the highest completion percentage of his career this season while averaging 244.5 yards per game. This is all while Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) have been out for two and a half of the four weeks so far. In Week 5, Stafford takes on the Green Bay Packers who have given up the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks with an average of 17.1 per game. For fantasy managers dealing with byes, Stafford could be a sneaky streaming option since the Packers' offense is likely to put up some big points turning this into a shootout.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton continued his success during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Otton hauled in three of his four targets for 44 yards during the overtime loss. This now marks three straight games that Otton has surpassed 40 receiving yards. This is nice to see after Otton had one total reception through the first two weeks of the season. It's worth noting that Otton is going to remain third on the pecking order, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect huge games from him. However, Otton should be able to do enough on a weekly basis to hold TE2 value.
From RotoBaller
