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Draft Day Winners and Losers

Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Player Notes
Kareem Hunt Oct 31 6:00pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quad) was downgraded to limited during Thursday's practice session. The Chiefs have limited Hunt throughout the season at times due to various minor injuries. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about this unless Hunt is limited again on Friday and Saturday. The expectation is that he'll be a full-go for Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hunt has seen a heavy workload over the last three games. During that span, Hunt has seen over 20 carries for more than 50 yards each game. Fantasy managers can go ahead and consider Hunt a strong RB2 ahead of Monday's game.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Oct 31 5:50pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (shoulder) has been upgraded to full during Thursday's practice. Ridley didn't practice to open the week, but it appears that might've been for rest purposes. He's back to being a full participant following a 10-catch performance last week. The trade of DeAndre Hopkins as made Ridley the primary focus in the receiving game. He'll draw a tough matchup against the New England Patriots secondary in Week 9. Ridley has enough upside to be considered a low-end WR2 in PPR formats this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Oct 31 5:40pm CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) was unable to suit up for Thursday's practice session. Pollard has yet to practice this week which is a bad sign heading into the Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots. The loss of Pollard would be a significant hit to the Titans backfield. Pollard has seen over 15 carries in each of the last four games. Fellow back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is still working his way back, so if they both sit then Julius Chestnut would move into the lead back role. He'd have some streaming appeal as the lone back for Sunday's game.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 31 5:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is now back-to-back limited practice sessions for the rookie quarterback. Daniels was able to tough it out and play through the ribs injury during last week's win over the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers should expect Daniels to play against the New York Giants this weekend, barring any setbacks. He'll remain a strong QB1 against a struggling Giants secondary.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 31 5:30pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was unable to suit up for Thursday's practice session. Spears was limited to open the week, but downgraded to did not practice on Thursday. Possibly, Spears sat out for rest purposes, but he's also been sidelined since Week 7 due to a hamstring issue. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update after Friday's practice. Tony Pollard (foot) hasn't practiced this week, so the Titans could be extremely shorthanded. Julius Chestnut could become the lead back this weekend if both backs sit out. There would be some streaming appeal if Chestnut becomes the lead back.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 31 5:20pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) was able to get through his second straight limited practice session on Thursday. It sounds like Etienne has a good chance at getting back on the field for the first time since Week 6. Head coach Doug Pederson said that he felt good about Etienne's chances of getting back on the field this week. His return would mean that Tank Bigsby would lose some stream after being the lead back over the last few games. Etienne is more of a flex option because Bigsby might've done enough to make it a 50/50 split in the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 31 4:10pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) were both limited participants for the second-straight day. Thomas was originally expected to miss at least two weeks of action earlier in the week but seeing him continue to participate in practice is a promising sign as he may not even miss one game. Davis also suffered an injury in last week's game and he could be in line to return this weekend if he continues to progress well. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status on Friday as they will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend. If Thomas can suit up, he should be viewed as a high-end WR2 facing the Philadelphia Eagles while Davis projects to be a solid flex option as the Eagles have allowed the 22nd-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 31 3:50pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) both logged a full practice on Thursday according to James Boyd of The Athletic. This is a great sign as both wideouts were non-participants during Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during Friday's practice in case they face a setback. Pittman has been dealing with this back injury for a few weeks but has not missed any games. Downs has also been dealing with a lingering injury but has also not missed any time due to it. Both wideouts should be viewed as a solid options this weekend as they will face the Minnesota Vikings who have allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Oct 31 3:50pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (ankle) returned to practice on Thursday as a full participant. This is a great sign for Goff as he sat out during Wednesday's practice after rolling his ankle. Seeing return to practice the next day puts him in great position to suit up this weekend. The 30-year-old has led the Lions to five straight victories since falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. During this span, Goff has held a stellar 83.0% completion rate while averaging 23.0 PPR points per game. Goff remains a solid QB1 option in all formats this weekend when he faces the Green Bay Packers who have allowed the 18th-most points to opposing QBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Oct 31 3:40pm CT
Riley Patterson

New York Jets kicker Riley Patterson is expected to be elevated from the practice squad to make his New York debut on Thursday evening against the Houston Texans. On Wednesday, starting kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) was placed on the injured reserve with a knee injury which opened the spot for Patterson. Before his injury, Zuerlein struggled as he went 9-for-15 on attempts this season. Patterson played for the Washington Commanders during the preseason but did not make the final roster. Throughout his NFL career, he has held a 88.1% FG% and has gone 93-for-97 on extra-point attempts. Patterson should be left on the waiver wire and remains a high-risk flex option for DFS formats on Thursday evening.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 31 3:30pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) did not practice on Thursday according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Njoku was a full participant on Wednesday but seeing him pop up on the injury report on Thursday could put him in danger of missing this weekend's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 28-year-old's status during Friday's practice as it may provide clarity on his availability for Sunday. Njoku has already missed time earlier this season with an ankle injury. If Njoku is unable to suit up this weekend, fantasy managers should expect Jordan Akins to operate as the lead option.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 31 3:20pm CT
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) remained limited during Thursday's practice according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's practice as the wideout may carry an injury designation into the weekend if he is unable to upgrade to a full participant. After tallying 66 yards and a score in his Buffalo debut in Week 7, Cooper took the backseat in Week 8 as he brought in just one pass for three yards. If Cooper is unable to play this weekend against the Miami Dolphins, fantasy managers should expect rookie Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir to see an increase in opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Oct 31 3:10pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) was placed on the injured reserve according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Lazard was unable to participate in any team practices this week and was previously ruled out for Thursday. However, he will now have to sit out for at least the next four games. Lazard has been a stable contributor in the New York offense this season averaging 58.9 yards per game with a high of 114 in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. Fantasy managers should expect Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams to see the majority of passing work going forward with Mike Williams now operating as the No.3 option.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Oct 31 2:10pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) practiced in full for a second straight day, suggesting he is close to making his NFL debut. The rookie is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered at Texas in late November of last year, and with the Panthers struggling to begin the season, he has been eased into action. If Brooks plays against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, he should likely be left on the bench in fantasy football until we get an idea of what his potential workload will be. Chuba Hubbard has been productive as the RB1 for the Panthers, so it would be a surprise if Brooks enters a workhorse role right away. Either way, fantasy managers should monitor his status for Friday's practice and his official game designation which will be announced on Friday afternoon. He could have legitimate RB2 value down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Oct 31 2:10pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receivers Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Xavier Legette (toe) were listed as limited participants in Thursday's practice. Thielen has not played since Week 3 due to a hamstring injury that caused him to go on the Injured Reserve list. Legette has had a solid start to his NFL career, catching 22 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Both players saw a fantasy football value boost after Diontae Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but it's tough to get too high on either player with quarterback Bryce Young under center. However, Thielen posted a 1,000-yard season with Young in 2023, so he could have PPR value in the second half of the 2024 campaign. Rookie Jalen Coker is also a candidate to benefit from Johnson's departure. Fantasy managers should monitor Legette's and Thilen's status on Friday before Week 9 start-or-sit decisions.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Oct 31 2:00pm CT
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys linebacker/edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) is once again not practicing on Thursday ahead of the Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The three-time All-Pro in as many seasons suffered an ankle injury in the Week 4 win over the New York Giants and has not played since. His absence in the Dallas lineup is highly significant, especially since the Cowboys' defense is allowing the seventh-most yards per game (372.6) this season. Head coach Mike McCarthy said Parsons is "not quite there yet," so it's fair to assume he is trending toward missing his fourth consecutive game.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 31 1:50pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday due to a groin injury. The 25-year-old second-year starter was banged up in the Week 8 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and did not finish out the contest. However, his availability on Thursday is a great sign of his potential to play in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions. Sunday's NFC North contest is crucial, so it would be somewhat surprising if he does not play. However, Malik Willis, who has looked good in relief of Love this year, would draw the start if Love can't go. The Lions have allowed the 14th-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season, so Love is a solid low-end QB1 option if he's cleared for Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Oct 31 1:50pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) is still not practicing after missing Wednesday's session with a quad injury. The 25-year-old suffered the injury in last week's Friday practice and was ruled out of the Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Injuries have become an issue for Higgins over the last year, as he has already missed three games in 2024 and sat out five games in 2023. The former second-round pick in 2020 had at least 77 receiving yards in each of his last three games and was trending up, but he's trending toward missing Week 9's contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. If he can't play, tight end Mike Gesicki has been the greatest beneficiary of his absences this year.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 31 1:40pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) is practicing on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with an ankle injury. Hopefully, his Wednesday absence was precautionary and he'll be good to go for the Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions. Jacobs is the current RB9 in half-PPR formats, averaging 13.6 fantasy points per game behind 667 rushing yards, 115 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns. The Lions have surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season, but Jacobs remains a virtual must-start if he plays since he is averaging 20.3 touches per game (sixth-most). Emanuel Wilson is the clear RB2 in Green Bay, so he'd be a must-add ball-carrier if Jacobs suffers any setbacks and cannot play in the NFC North showdown.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Oct 31 1:30pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been on the Injured Reserve list since Week 2 due to a fractured fibula and is not expected to return to practice this week or next week. However, head coach Andy Reid said Pacheco is "doing fantastic," which is promising considering the team initially did not know if he would return this season. In his absence, veteran Kareem Hunt has taken over the clear RB1 duties in Kansas City and has rushed 84 times for 308 yards and four touchdowns to go along with six receptions for 40 yards. Hunt has not been efficient, but the team has trusted him to carry the load. Whenever Pacheco returns, he'll surely be a significant contributor to the offense, but he could be eased into action and share touches with Hunt. For now, fantasy managers can continue to stash him in an IR spot and hope he returns to make a difference down the stretch.

From RotoBaller