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
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's meeting with the 49ers. He suffered an ankle injury and was carted to the locker room, which is never a good sign. But the Patriots are hoping for the best, considering Dugger is one of the team's top defenders, with the 28-year-old entering Week 4 by totaling 18 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. He was replaced in the contest by Jaylinn Hawkins. Offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) is also questionable to return.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after being diagnosed with a hip pointer. The signal-caller "was in good spirits" following the contest, and there's hope he won't miss any time. However, he will be re-evaluated during the week to determine his availability for the Week 5 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he can't suit up for that one, Joe Flacco, ending Week 4 by throwing for 168 yards and two touchdowns, will presumably remain under center, giving him value in multi-quarterback formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was all over the field in the Packers' comeback bid against the Minnesota Vikings, where they fell short 31-29. The former Virginia product Wicks led the Packers in targets with 13 but was relatively inefficient with those opportunities as he hauled in just five receptions for 78 yards. Wicks also found paydirt twice with touchdowns from six yards out and a 17-yard strike from the returning Jordan Love to bring the game within two points in the fourth quarter. The Packers will head west as they will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. For fantasy managers, Wicks would be a flex option if the first-quarter injury that knocked Christian Watson (ankle) out of the game causes him to miss time.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ribs) finished Sunday's loss to the Falcons by totaling 77 yards and a touchdown off 19 carries. He added seven catches for 42 yards. The veteran had an injury designation heading into the contest, so his status for Week 4 was a cause of concern for fantasy managers. Interestingly enough, Kamara revealed he played with broken ribs, although not getting on the field versus the Falcons "was never a consideration." He has been one of the top fantasy backs during the 2024-25 campaign so far. However, fantasy managers should consider adding Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill (where available) in case Kamara's condition takes a turn in the wrong direction ahead of the Week 5 matchup in Kansas City.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was the Packers' most consistent yardage producer in Green Bay's comeback attempt against the Minnesota Vikings, falling short 31-29. On the afternoon, Reed led the Packers in receptions (7) and receiving yards (139) as the returning Jordan Love led the Packers with the passing game as he had a whopping 54 pass attempts in Week 4. Reed also found the end zone with the 15-yard strike from Love to kick off the scoring for the Packers. With only one rushing attempt on the afternoon, Reed earned just two yards. The Green Bay Packers head west in Week 5 as they head to Los Angeles for a late-afternoon matchup with the Rams. Reed should be considered a mid-range WR2 for fantasy purposes in that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Chargers. The wideout has been a potent fantasy option all season. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury early in Week 4, so he'll finish without showing up in the box score. Rice was carted off the field, which is never good. But now fantasy managers will anxiously await an update on his health. If Rice misses time, Skyy Moore and Xavier Worthy may see more looks from Patrick Mahomes. Of course, Travis Kelce, who has struggled, could be the one who benefits the most.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was a solid producer in the Packers' narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Jacobs only received nine carries but made the most of them with 51 yards rushing as the Packers needed to employ the passing game for most of the second half. On six targets from the returning Jordan Love, Jacobs added four receptions for 27 yards on the afternoon. Jacobs' lack of rushing involvement can easily be attributed to the game script as the Packers were down 28-7 at halftime before putting up a furious comeback attempt. With the Packers heading to the Pacific Time Zone to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, fire up Jacobs as a low-end fantasy RB1 who should have much more involvement.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was carted to the locker room during the first quarter of Week 4 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Rice suffered the injury after taking friendly fire from quarterback Patrick Mahomes during a Chargers interception return. At the time of his departure, Rice had not been targeted. Mahomes still has plenty of pass-catchers at his disposal amidst Rice's absence, including tight end Travis Kelce. Wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, and JuJu Smith-Schuster are all candidates to earn extra opportunities in the passing game, too. From a big-picture perspective, fantasy managers should stay tuned for postgame updates on Rice's status, including information on the severity of the injury and a timetable for Rice's return.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs finished with a solidly productive five catches for 69 yards and a rushing touchdown in a 24-20 victory against Jacksonville on Sunday. The veteran receiver drew nine targets, but found the end zone in the first quarter on a trick play that went awry. Houston handed the ball to Diggs with the intention of having him throw a pass, but he bailed on the idea and weaved his way through the Jags' defense for a six-yard touchdown run instead. The former Buffalo Bill now has three total touchdowns on the season. He'll play his former squad in Week 5 when Buffalo visits Houston.
From RotoBaller
Another week, another impressive stat line from Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, who compiled 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 victory against Jacksonville. The NFL's receiving yards leader was productive from the outset. Once again the target leader for Houston with a whopping 15, the former Michigan Wolverine caught a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first half for the Texans' second touchdown. Collins will look for yet another big performance when the Texans play host to the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers had the backfield mostly to himself on Sunday in a 24-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 53 yards on 13 carries without a touchdown or a catch. For the second straight week, the Texans were without starting running back Joe Mixon, thrusting the former L.A. Ram into spot duty. With the game on the line, however, running back Dare Ogunbowale drew the key target from quarterback C.J. Stroud, a one-yard touchdown inside the final minute. Akers likely will return to a backup role if Mixon returns in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led his team to a dramatic 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, finishing 27-of-40 for 345 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. The second-year quarterback completed a productive day with a one-yard touchdown connection to Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds to play. Houston had a scoreless second half until the nine-play, 64-yard touchdown drive that secured the win, though Stroud remained mistake-free throughout. The Houston quarterback will look for a second straight win next week against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) exited during the first quarter of Week 4 versus the San Francisco 49ers. He was taken to the locker room and is officially questionable to return. The Patriots already have one of the weakest, most inexperienced offensive lines in football, so losing Andrews, a 10-year veteran, is far from ideal. His injury is bad news for New England's playmakers, including quarterback Jacoby Brissett and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Nick Leverett, who played just two offensive snaps through the first three weeks, will now take over at center for the duration of Andrews' absence.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz hauled in three passes for 34 yards on five targets in his team's 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Frustratingly, Schultz was close to scoring the game-winning touchdown, but was brought down at the two-yard line before the Texans eventually scored. The former Dallas Cowboy has been the odd man out next to a talented receiving corps, sitting in fourth place on the team in targets. The tight end will look for better when Houston plays host to Buffalo in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert caught seven passes for 62 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Goedert was the main option in the passing game since A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were unavailable and had a solid performance. He will still see a decent amount of targets when the receivers return to the lineup and can be a No. 1 tight end most weeks.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (neck) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered two tackles and one pass defended. Hendrickson is a key piece of the Bengals' defense, so losing him for any amount of time is bad news. In all likelihood, the Bengals' coaching staff will provide an update on his status in the aftermath of Sunday's game. In the event that he misses additional time, Joseph Ossai would be in line to earn more snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed 19 times for 77 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, while adding seven receptions for 42 yards on nine targets.
Fantasy Spin: The 29-year-old has totaled 110 or more total scrimmage yards in each of his first four games, while totaling six scores (five rushing, one receiving). He has returned to RB1 fantasy status in all leagues this season. He'll look to keep up the good work in Week 5 at Kansas City on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (abdomen) had six runs for 24 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving with an abdominal injury. He was not targeted in the pass game. Hill was unable to return after departing early.
Fantasy Spin: Hill was on his way to a pretty decent fantasy stat line due to the touchdowns. The extent of his injury is not certain. When more details become available, we'll pass along to try and help determine his status for Week 5 in Kansas City on Monday.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams rushed three times for 11 yards while adding two receptions for eight yards on two targets in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 84 yards on 10 carries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He also caught two passes for 32 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Barkley did not receive a lot of touches this week because the team was trailing for most of the game but was still productive in his limited work. He will continue to be a big part of the offense for the Eagles and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
