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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Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar scored the second touchdown of his career in the overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The third-stringer registered three receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown on four targets. He was the second-most targeted tight end in this game with Mark Andrews getting five and Isaiah Likely getting three. Kolar normally serves as a blocking tight end in big packages, but he had a big part in the passing game in this one. He even had the longest play for the Ravens on a 55-yard catch-and-run. Fantasy managers with stock in any of the Ravens' tight ends will continue to see frustrating usage if Kolar gets thrown into the passing game more often.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is inactive for Sunday's meeting with the Cowboys. However, he will be available in case of an emergency. The signal-caller has made progress in his return from a calf injury. But for another week (at least), Justin Fields will remain under center. The 25-year-old got off to a slow start this season. Yet, he's coming off a stellar showing, throwing for 312 yards and accounting for three scores (one passing, two rushing) in the Week 4 loss to the Colts, making him worthy of a spot in most fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Broncos. Vegas was fortunate to get Maxx Crosby (ankle) back for this one. However, the team lost Wilkins for the second half. The 28-year-old had a fantastic showing in his limited time on the field, ending the day with five tackles and a sack. If he can't get on the field for the Week 6 meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Vegas could turn to Adam Butler to fill the void.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely was one of three tight ends to receive targets from Lamar Jackson during their 41-38 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Likely kept finding himself in the right place at the right time during Lamar Jackson scrambles. He finished the game with three receptions on three targets for 13 yards and two scores. His biggest score of the day was on the receiving end of a fantastic play by Jackson when he recovered a bobbled snap, stiff-armed a lineman, and found Likely in the back of the end zone to make it a three-point game near the end of the fourth. Moving forward, now that Charlie Kolar has been more in the mix, Likely's usage could fluctuate even more.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals. Hufanga has battled several injuries, with the 24-year-old missing three games already this season, in addition to logging just 10 contests in 2023-24. Malik Mustapha entered the contest and took over at the position. With that said, Hufanga will likely undergo further testing, so there is a chance the Niners won't have him on Thursday night versus the Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II exited Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The signal-caller had a rough day, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown off 12-for-17 passing. He also threw two interceptions, one that resulted in a 100-yard return by Patrick Surtain II for a score. Aidan O'Connell took over under center. However, it's tough to say if O'Connell will remain the team's starter for the Week 6 meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Regardless, neither quarterback has been reliable for managers, so they likely won't be featured in many fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers bounced back in a big way against the Cincinnati Bengals in a thrilling 41-38 overtime victory. The speedy wideout hauled in seven of his 12 targets for 111 yards and he received one carry for nine yards. Flowers seemed to be open almost every time Lamar Jackson looked for him whether it was a short, medium, or deeper route. The Ravens were trailing in this one until the very end of the game, forcing Jackson and company to throw the ball a lot more than in the previous two games. Flowers was the beneficiary yards-wise, but he's still searching for his second touchdown of the season. He'll try to find the end zone in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell has entered Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. Gardner Minshew II didn't have the best showing, throwing for 137 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, so the move was likely related to his performance. This isn't the first time this has happened this season, meaning it's possible Minshew's days as the starter are over, at least for now. However, O'Connell wasn't the most consistent fantasy signal-caller in 2023, making him hard to trust in any format moving ahead.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (head) exited Sunday's loss to the Washington Commanders. He suffered a head injury and underwent an evaluation, so his status for the Week 6 meeting with the Eagles is up in the air. The 26-year-old entered Week 5 with 25 total tackles and one fumble recovery. With the Browns banged up on the defensive side of the ball, his absence isn't ideal for a team with only one win on the year.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (ankle) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran made both field goals before suffering a right ankle injury while trying to make a tackle. With that said, there should be an update on his condition soon. However, with the Niners meeting the Seahawks on Thursday night, the short turnaround may not allow Moody enough time to get healthy enough to play. The team may look to the open market to find a replacement. But for the remainder of Week 5, punter Mitch Wishnowsky will serve as the emergency kicker.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper caught four of his 10 targets for 60 yards in a 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Cooper turned in a solid afternoon, although it comes as a bit of a disappointment as he failed to capitalize on an excellent matchup against a leaky Washington secondary. That being said, the veteran at least bounced back after going for just 35 receiving yards in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cooper has struggled with drops this season, which, coupled with a struggling Cleveland offense, has made him a risky weekly play in fantasy leagues. He will likely settle in as a low-end WR3 in Week 6's road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Packers hope to "salvage" their relationship with wide receiver Romeo Doubs. The wideout skipped a few practices throughout the week and was suspended for the Week 5 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. However, the Packers plan to meet with Doubs in the coming days, hoping to resolve the issue between both sides. With that in mind, the Packers are expected to lean heavily on Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks versus Los Angeles, and that could be the case moving ahead if Doubs doesn't return and Christian Watson (ankle) remains on the shelf.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry salvaged his fantasy outing against the Cincinnati Bengals with a clutch 51-yard run in overtime which set up their game-winning field goal. The King posted 92 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries while adding one reception for four yards. For most of this game, he couldn't find much running room as he averaged around three yards per carry at one point. The 51-yard run in overtime put him back into the RB1 conversation while allowing the Ravens to grab their third win of the season. He'll look to continue his scoring streak against the Washington Commanders in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) didn't return to Sunday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. He's been one of the NFL's top wideouts this season. Unfortunately, there's concern about his health moving ahead after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5. According to KPRC's Aaron Wilson, the Texans are "optimistic" that the injury is "short-term," so it appears fantasy managers could see him back for the Week 6 matchup with the New England Patriots. Collins will likely undergo more tests in the next day or two and may also miss some practices. If he's ruled out, it will likely mean more targets for Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran has played well in Week 5, making both field goal tries. However, he suffered a right ankle injury while attempting a tackle. Moody left the field on his own, which is encouraging. But there's a chance he won't be back for the rest of the contest. If that's the case, the Niners will turn to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, the team's emergency kicker.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught 5-of-8 targets for 62 yards in the team's 15-10 victory over the New England Patriots. He lost one yard on his sole carry. Quarterback Tyler Huntley looked improved in his second start, leading Miami to their second win on the season. Despite the mediocre stat total, Smith played an integral role in the offense in this one -- seeing four of his receptions culminate in a first down. The 29-year-old received most of his work in the short area of the passing chart but was missed at least once on a deep shot by Huntley. Smith's totals were all good for second on the team Sunday, and fantasy managers who rolled with him have to be happy about his output. In Week 6, Miami will get their bye week, giving Huntley a bit more time to improve his rapport with the Dolphins' skill players. The former third-round pick will be tough to trust as a viable fantasy option coming out of the bye. However, the tight end's recent production and an enticing matchup against the Indianapolis Colts firmly put him on the streaming map for a position that has been volatile, to say the least.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill hauled in 6-of-9 targets for 69 yards in Sunday's 15-10 win over their division-rival New England Patriots. It was a decent bounce-back effort for the 30-year-old, who posted his first double-digit fantasy outing since Week 1. It wasn't a world-beating performance, but fantasy managers who stuck with him must be encouraged at least a little. Quarterback Tyler Huntley appeared to be much more competent in his second start, and Hill's targets, receptions, and yards all led the team. His big play of the day was a 21-yard catch on 1st-and-18 with Miami pinned back deep in their own territory after a holding call. That drive would eventually culminate in the Dolphins' second touchdown since Week 2 -- a 3-yard rush by fullback Alec Ingold. With the team heading into their Week 6 bye, Huntley will have an extended time frame to build more rapport and chemistry with Hill and the other Miami skill players. The long-time Chief will now have a week of rest before an enticing Week 7 matchup against a Swiss cheese-like Indianapolis Colts defense that just got torched for 37 points by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson put together another brilliant performance as he brought the team back from down 10 in the third quarter to a 41-38 win in overtime over the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson had his best passing performance of the season, as he finished with 348 yards and four touchdowns on 26-for-42 throwing. He added 55 yards with 12 carries on the ground, but no scores this time around. Jackson did fumble twice, which came on bobbled snaps, but one of those turned into a ridiculous play where he stiff-armed a rusher and threw a fall-away touchdown to tight end Isaiah Likely. The two-time MVP will likely end up as the QB2 or QB1 once Week 5 is over. His next game in Week 6 could turn into another shootout in the battle for the DMV against the Washington Commanders.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball nine times for 44 yards and added a 16-yard catch in a 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Foreman unexpectedly found his way back into the game plan after he saw just six carries over the previous two contests. He ultimately wound up in a near split with starter Jerome Ford, who had 12 touches in the loss. Foreman's weekly usage has become tough to predict and he is likely to lose most of his current touches once Nick Chubb (knee) is ready to return, which could be in the next couple of weeks. Foreman will not be a fantasy consideration heading into a Week 6 road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 29-of-54 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in a loss to Minnesota. Dynasty Analysis: After five weeks, a few things are becoming clear. First, Rodgers can still throw the bal with amazing accuracy. Second, his age and recovery from injuries is really limiting his mobility. Finally, this offense is out of synch. Rodgers has been fine but he simply isn't good enough to carry a team at this stage in his career. If the Jets fail to land someone like Davante Adams, this may be the theme all season. For the first time in his career, Rodgers doesn't look like a QB1.
