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
Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. rushed five times for seven yards in the Miami Dolphins' 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. He added three receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown on four targets. Wilson was the first running back in for the Dolphins and was featured heavily over the first few drives. In the opening seconds of the second quarter, Miami was down in Atlanta's red zone. He caught a Skylar Thompson pass in the left flat and swiftly made his way to the end zone, diving for the pylon. 2024 will be the eight-year veteran's third season with Miami after spending the first five seasons of his career in a similar Kyle Shanahan-esque offense. He's been a solid contributor in this scheme before when health permits but presents as no more than a depth piece for now. The 27-year-old is a solid deep-league handcuff for now, but can be safely avoided in redraft circles unless injuries force him into action.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III managed two receptions for 49 yards on three targets in a preseason loss to the Houston Texans. All of Austin's opportunities came with Kyle Allen at quarterback. The pair nearly connected for a touchdown in the second quarter, but the ball was poorly thrown and Austin failed to haul it in. The 25-year-old wideout was much sharper in the second half, creating plenty of separation for deep completions of 24 and 25 yards. Although veteran Van Jefferson has reportedly had an excellent training camp, Austin could carve out a role for himself in a receiver room that is highly suspect outside of George Pickens. Austin will hope to stand out again in next Saturday's contest against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards turned three carries into 28 yards and a rushing touchdown while adding a reception for nine yards in the team's 20-12 preseason loss to the Houston Texans. He also picked up 27 yards on his lone kick return. The undrafted rookie made an impact immediately upon checking in at the start of the fourth quarter, exploding for a 24-yard gain on his second attempt. He capped off the drive with a one-yard score on the very next play. The Georgia product tallied 1078 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in his final collegiate season and could certainly push for a roster spot in Pittsburgh, especially given his usage on special teams. Edwards will look to make the most of his opportunities once again next week when the Steelers face the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled three carries for nine yards and turned his lone target into a 16-yard reception in a preseason loss to the Houston Texans. Harris had his number called immediately on Friday with a screen pass from quarterback Justin Fields on Pittsburgh's first play from scrimmage. As expected, he split reps with the first-team offense fairly evenly with backfield mate Jaylen Warren. Harris, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, reportedly dropped weight this offseason and looked explosive throughout training camp. He'll look to be a focal point early again next week against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in both of his two targets for 25 receiving yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Houston Texans. Pickens played on just three offensive series but showed early signs of chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields. The third-year pro was dynamic after the catch, turning short completions into gains of 15 and 10 yards. It's no secret that the Steelers are interested in adding to their receiving corps, but for the time being, Pickens is entrenched as the team's top target. He should see additional opportunities next Saturday in a preseason bout with the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed five of his six attempts for 67 scoreless yards in a 20-12 preseason loss to the Houston Texans. Fields added just two rushing yards on three attempts and took two sacks. He was also charged with two fumbles, both resulting from botched exchanges with guard Nate Herbig at center. Although Fields wasn't given many opportunities, he did manage to impress on a handful of completions to wideouts George Pickens and Van Jefferson. With Russell Wilson expected to suit up next Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, the quarterback competition in Pittsburgh should continue to heat up as the regular season approaches.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner caught three of four targets for 70 yards and a touchdown during Friday's 20-13 win against the Atlanta Falcons. His longest catch of the day was a 43-yarder where he came streaking off the line on a third and five, blowing right by a Falcons defender. Conner leaped to catch a slightly off-target Skylar Thompson pass in the soft spot of the zone and then showed off his yard-after-catch skills as he scampered down the field for a significant gain. He racked up 37 yards on his other two receptions. He had just four targets, but the third-year TE showed enough to be at least intriguing going into the second week of the preseason. He still has quite a bit of work to do, though. He sits behind Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, and Jody Fortson Jr. on Miami's unofficial depth chart. It remains to be seen how much work Conner will get next weekend when the Dolphins take on the Commanders in Miami.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he anticipates quarterback Russell Wilson being available for the second preseason game next Saturday against the visiting Buffalo Bills. Wilson missed some time recently in training camp with a minor calf injury, which allowed backup Justin Fields to get some run with the first-team offense. The Steelers held Wilson out of Friday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, while Fields proceeded to go 5-for-6 for 67 yards while also fumbling the ball twice. Fields may have more big-play ability because of his legs, but Wilson remains in pole position to start under center for the Steelers in the Week 1 regular-season opener versus the Atlanta Falcons on the road. With little to work with in the passing game, Wilson, who looked washed up in his two seasons in Denver, will open 2024 as a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson completed eight of 19 passes for 95 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Friday night's win against the Atlanta Falcons. He added two rushes for six yards. Thompson fared much better than fellow quarterback Mike White, who went 3-for-13 with a paltry 28 yards but still made a few head-scratching throws of his own. The second-year signal-caller is behind White on Miami's unofficial depth chart as the Dolphins' QB3, but after a few more performances like this, that might not be the case. The highlight of Thompson's night came on a third and five when he hit Tanner Connerstreaking down the sideline for a 43-yard gain. Thompson hit Conner with a well-placed ball that he layered between the corner and safety, though he did not hit him in stride. It is likely the Kansas State product will see a bunch more work next Saturday when Miami takes on the Washington Commanders at home.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright rushed for 55 yards and scored one touchdown on 10 carries in Miami's 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. He failed to haul in his lone target. The former Tennessee Volunteer had a long gain of 14 yards on the night and was overall efficient, as he rushed for 5.5 yards per carry. Wright showed off his agility and quickness on Friday, displaying the tools that made him such an enticing selection for head coach Mike McDaniel in this year's draft. He is decisive and explosive and fights through arm tackles with a rugged toughness. The rookie RB is comfortably third on the Dolphins' depth chart behind incumbent co-starters Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane for now. He's highly athletic, but significant volume could be tough to come by this season unless one of the two players mentioned above misses time on the field.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra caught both of his targets for 14 yards during the team's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Friday night. The 25-year-old was a part of the starting offense, which was the second-string unit, alongside backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Calcaterra was targeted early but was quickly subbed out for Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. The depth chart behind starting tight end Dallas Goedert has been thin for years now, However, Jack Stoll, who was last year's No. 2 tight end for the Eagles, is now playing for the rival New York Giants, leaving the role wide-open for Calcaterra to take. He seems to be set in that role currently, but he will need to stave off Okwuegbunam Jr. and the rest of the room heading into September.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley took seven carries for 23 yards and caught his lone target, taking it for a seven-yard score at the end of the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens. Veteran Kenneth Gainwell got the start ahead of the rookie Friday night and was more efficient with his carries. However, Shipley was put into the game early, indicating that the No. 2 role going to Gainwell is not a foregone conclusion. The 21-year-old also saw work as a returner on the kickoff team, a role that Gainwell also occupies. The rookie has been on the veteran's heels so far this summer and could carve out a passing downs role if he can continue to impress in practice.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver John Ross caught three of five targets for a team-leading 28 yards receiving in the preseason opener against Baltimore Friday night. The 28-year-old was a part of the starting group, which was the second-string, to open the game and played into the second half with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Ross led the starting offense in the receiving game and saw five targets alongside Britain Covey. The former first-rounder has been receiving praise throughout the offseason and seems to have an inside track on the No. 3 job in the Eagles receiving room. The speedster will look to have a late-career rebirth after being one of the more glaring first-round busts of the past decade.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Anthony Gould has been used in the slot at times with the first-team offense during training camp. The rookie wideout is also competing for the punt-returner job. With Josh Downs (ankle) missing time, the Colts are giving all of their receivers a look in different spots to see who might fit where in case they're needed. Gould will notably compete with fellow rookie Adonai Mitchell and returning veterans Alec Pierce, Kylen Granson, and Jonathan Taylor for targets. It's worth noting that Pierce and Mitchell ran with the first team almost exclusively in Indianapolis' most recent practice. Still, Downs' injury certainly opens opportunities for others on this roster. He's going unselected in drafts right now.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring) missed his second straight day of practice on Friday. With his and Josh Downs' (ankle) recent injuries, other wideouts on the Colts roster have been able to run with the first team. The severity of Dulin's injury is unclear, but this puts him in jeopardy of missing Indianapolis' preseason opener on Sunday. The fifth-year wideout had previously been a full-go at training camp on the heels of missing the entirety of the 2023 season with a torn ACL he suffered in August last season. The Colts have a relatively deep WR corps, and Dulin is listed fifth on the team's unofficial depth chart behind Michael Pittman Jr., Downs, rookie Adonai Mitchell, and Alec Pierce. For now, he can be safely left by the wayside until he returns to health and begins rapidly ascending the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell took four carries for 23 yards and was the first back on the field with the second-string unit against the Baltimore Ravens Friday night. Rookie Will Shipley soon came in to take over for the 25-year-old but was not nearly as efficient on his seven carries. Shipley was able to find the end zone at the end of the first quarter, catching a seven-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett. Gainwell seems to have the inside track on the No. 2 job behind Saquon Barkley, but Shipley is proving that he can carve out his own role in the passing game and has been paired with Gainwell for kickoff returns.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 14 of 22 passes for 89 yards and touchdown, adding three carries for four yards in the Eagles preseason opener. While it was rumored that the Philadelphia starters would see playing time during the preseason opener, the second-team unit started the game and played into the third quarter led by the Eagles' offseason addition from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Without any starting receivers to throw to, the 26-year-old failed to throw for over 100 yards despite playing the entire first half and seeing snaps during the first drive of the second half. He was able to hit rookie running back Will Shipley for a seven-yard touchdown pass at the end of the first quarter. Pickett has received praise throughout the offseason but looked just as bland and was unable to complete big plays something he struggled with in Pittsburgh last season. Luckily for him, there is no real competition for his spot as the No. 2 option for the Eagles and he should see more play time next week when the Eagles travel to New England next Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Free agent wide receiver Robby Chosen has signed with the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: The player formerly known as Robbie Anderson (and briefly as Chosen Anderson) will attempt to make the 53-man roster, though that could prove tough as he's bounced around the league in recent years. The news here may be the fact the 49ers are improving their depth chart in the hopes they can move Brandon Aiyuk here soon. Stay tuned.
Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is taking advantage of his increased playing time with the first team with Josh Downs (ankle) out. As per Kevin Bowen of The Fan, Friday was easily the best combined practice for him and teammate Alec Pierce. Both routinely worked with the starters, and notably, Mitchell ran out of the slot, hauling in three of three targets. The rookie wideout has nine receptions throughout training camp now, giving him the fourth-most among Colts pass-catchers, trailing only Michael Pittman Jr., Downs, and Kylen Granson. The Colts' coaching staff trusting Mitchell to expand his role so quickly is an encouraging sign. Downs' progress in return from injury is something to monitor, because if he were to miss time during the season, the former Texas Longhorn could return sleeper value in drafts this year. He's the NFFC WR66 (158 overall) currently in average draft position.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald announced that he believes tight end Noah Fant (foot) will practice next week. He missed a bit of time over the last few days due to a foot injury incurred during Wednesday's practice, but it seems he'll be all good to return following the weekend. This is a good sign for the sixth-year veteran, as any time missed during the crucial install of Ryan Grubb's offense could cost him. Targets will be scarce for Fant, as he has DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to contend with for quarterback Geno Smith's targets. During Grubb's 2023 reign as coordinator for the Washington Huskies' offense, tight end Jack Westover finished the season with the fourth-most receptions and yards in Washington's offense. It seems fitting to project a similar situation here. Fant is the TE24 in NFFC ADP (207 overall) and is only a target in two-tight end and best-ball formats.
From RotoBaller
