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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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.
Dynasty | Jets running back Breece Hall had 23 rushing yards, three catches and 14 receiving yards in a loss to the Vikings in London. Dynasty Analysis: Ouch. After five games, Hall still doesn't have 200 yards rushing or a single game with more than 62 on the year. His three touchdowns and 21 total catches have helped, but this is now getting very concerning. Braelon Allen took six more touches away today and had 28 yards of his own. It seems the Jets are fine with a two-back system and really not using either effectively. Hall is still a player to keep in your lineup but the dream of him becoming an elite RB1 this season has effectively turned into a nightmare.
Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught 13 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown on a whopping 22 targets in a loss to the Vikings in London. Dynasty Analysis: Wilson was the entire offense for the Jets while many of you were sleeping this morning. At this point, New York looks content just abandoning the run and trying to just get Wilson the football. It's great in fantasy football, but likely not sustainable. Still, this was Wilson's best game and any "buy low" window for him in dynasty leagues slammed shut across the pond.
Dynasty | Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed just 14-of-31 passes for 179 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in the Vikings win against the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: Darnold did what he could after losing Aaron Jones to a hip injury, but this was by far his worst game of the season. Amazingly, Darnold still sits on top of the world after five weeks with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions on the season. While he may not be completely matchup proof, he'll remain a solid QB1 option moving forward.
Dynasty | Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had 101 rushing yards, one catch, 28 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: Well, here we go. Bigsby had 13 carries and one catch, while Travis Etienne had just six carries and six catches for 60 total yards. At this point, this is a clear timeshare and Bigsby is looking like the "A" with Etienne as the "B." It's a huge development in dynasty leagues as Etienne's star is fading quickly while Bigsby's value is clearly on the rise.
Dynasty | Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 33-of-44 passes for 359 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss to the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: It was just another day at the office for Flacco, who has made a habit of coming out of the bullpen and putting up huge games. Flacco made Deshaun Watson look pretty bad last year and his performance today didn't exactly make Anthony Richardson's early season struggles look any better. Still, it was against the Jaguars and they aren't exactly employing the Legion of Boom. Flacco will be under consideration to play again as long as Richardson sits out.
Dynasty | Colts running back Trey Sermon had 38 rushing yards, six catches, 25 receiving yards and a touchdown in a loss against Jacksonville. Dynasty Analysis: Sermon scored a late touchdown to turn a disappointing day into a decent one. His fantasy point total will be enough to make most happy but he certainly didn't do anything to make anyone forget about Jonathan Taylor. Sermon is roster worthy but he's a tough start moving forward for an offense that seems pretty hit and miss.
Dynasty | Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had three catches for 134 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: Pierce could have easily had two scores, but was ruled down inside the five yard line on a deep catch from Joe Flacco. Pierce has turned into a bit of a one-trick pony with the deep ball being his most effective weapon, but he certainly made the most of it today. With Joe Flacco at the helm, Pierce looks to have more fantasy appeal. We'll see what happens moving forward but Pierce looks like he's at least solidified his spot on dynasty rosters this season.
Dynasty | Jaguars running back Travis Etienne had 17 rushing yards, six catches and 43 receiving yards in a win against the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: This is getting very concerning as Etienne was out-touched 14-12 by Tank Bigsby, who also posted 129 total yards and two touchdowns. It was clear this off-season the Jaguars didn't want to use Etienne as a true workhorse but few could have predicted someone would take his job at the top of the depth chart. However, it looks like that's happening at the moment as Bigsby has simply looked better through the first month of the season. Both of these players are looking like flex players at the moment and their dynasty values are clearly heading in opposite directions.
Dynasty | Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had nine catches for 69 receiving yards in a loss against Jacksonville. Dynasty Analysis: Downs was solid again this week and had 12 total targets to lead the Colts. While Michael Pittman is the clear WR1 in the offense, Downs has started to finally fulfill his potential. With Joe Flacco at the helm, it seems all the Colts pass catchers simply have more value. We'll see what happens with this group when Anthony Richardson comes back but this is very positive for Downs after being very up and down throughout his career.
Dynasty | Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas had five catches for 122 yards and a touchdown in a win against the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: Thomas has been one of the most consistent fantasy receivers in the league over the first five weeks of the year and this was just his latest solid performance. With three touchdowns in five games and a total of 34 targets in five weeks, the rookie belongs as a staple in fantasy lineups and has clearly justified a mid-first round rookie pick this off-season.
