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
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill said he's content with his contract situation, and he's focused on winning a championship.
Fantasy Spin: Cheetah was the WR1 for much of the season before he was hampered with a leg injury. Now 30, that is something to keep an eye on. He's still worthy of a top-three selection at the position, but he could slide with the younger options at the position.
From TheHuddle
According to a report from the Los Angeles Daily News, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested on Friday night for suspicion of DUI. Police were notified and responded to an area near LAX, where Addison was reportedly found asleep at the wheel and blocking several lanes. He was taken into custody and released a few hours later. The 2023 No. 23 overall pick finished his first year in the NFL by amassing 70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. While it's unknown if Addison will face any discipline from the NFL or team, his fantasy stock could take a hit from managers unwilling to draft him in fear of a possible suspension.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams remains without a contract. Yet, the rookie is apparently not concerned about it, considering he reported he hasn't been involved in negotiations. "I'm not handling that," said Williams when asked about a potential deal. "My lawyers and attorney and everybody, the head of the Bears, everybody up there up top is handling that. That's not my position that I'm handling." There are several issues holding things up. However, Williams doesn't have an NFLPA-certified agent, so it's unknown who is orchestrating things behind the scenes on his behalf. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick has plenty of pressure on him heading into his inaugural year, especially since he is replacing Justin Fields, a move that didn't sit well with some. With that said, Williams is expected to have more than a few impressive rookie showings, although fantasy managers should expect growing pains.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill recently endorsed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a new contract. However, the wideout is adamant he's not concerned about his deal, believing the organization will do right by him. "I know when it's time for me to get a deal, the Miami Dolphins will do what's right," said Hill during an interview with Omar Kelly of The Miami Herald. "The contract, it'll come. Whenever it comes, I'll be happy." Several wideouts around the National Football League have already received market-altering deals. But it appears Hill isn't concerned, meaning it shouldn't be a distraction heading into the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, the multi-time Pro-Bowler should remain one of the first receivers taken in every fantasy draft ahead of Week 1.
From RotoBaller
According to Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts is "learning basically two positions." "There's some tight end, and there's some wide receiver," said Robinson in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "So, he's got a lot on his plate. I'm just excited to see him continue to get more comfortable in the system...We'll move him around the formation. We'll use him as a blocker. We'll use him as a receiver. We'll use him all across the board." The 23-year-old has appeared in 44 games for the Falcons over the last three seasons, amassing 2,049 yards and six touchdowns off 149 catches. But with a new coaching staff in Atlanta, it's safe to say that Pitts could be in line for the best year of his career, assuming he remains involved in the offense as advertised during the offseason.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers says his Achilles' tendon 'feels good' ahead of training camp, he told reporters on Saturday, July 13. 'My Achilles feels good, you know. I felt really good at the end of last year,' Rodgers said. 'Then, you know, there's always that kind of plateau part. It's just about getting back into it. I felt good all spring.'
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk admits that he was "hurt" when the team came to him this offseason and asked him to take a pay cut after just completing his seventh Pro Bowl campaign with the organization. With so many other highly paid players on the team and several others in line for big pay days, the 49ers' front office made some cost-cutting moves in the offseason, including releasing defensive tackle Arik Armstead after he declined to take a pay cut. Juszczyk accepted his pay cut and remains the highest-paid fullback in the league at more than $4.5 million per season. "No knocks on other fullbacks in the league, but I'm the best fullback in the league," Juszczyk said. The 33-year-old will once again have a key blocking role for the best running back in the league in 2024 in Christian McCaffrey.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have yet to work out a long-term contract extension, but Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill believes his QB should be one of the highest-paid signal-callers in the league. "For people to like sit here and try to discredit Tua and say he's not deserving of a contract is wild to me," Hill said. "A lot of guys on the team understand his value and understand that we need him. We need his leadership, we need the mindset that he brings into each and every week. It's there. It's like Terminator almost, man. I feel like he should be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league." Tagovailoa is heading into his fifth year in the NFL and is coming off a career year in which he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and added 29 touchdowns while completing 69.3% of his passes in 17 regular-season games.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver Tee Higgins won't come to terms on a long-term contract extension by Monday's deadline. Higgins has signed his franchise tag and will play on the one-year pact in 2024 before becoming one of the top free agents next offseason. This outcome had appeared evident for some time, but now it's official. The 25-year-old will be highly motivated to produce a bounce-back season in 2024 after playing in just 12 games last year due to injuries while finishing with a career-low 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns. It's possible the Bengals could franchise tag Higgins again next year or work out a tag-and-trade deal. Higgins should bounce back if he and quarterback Joe Burrow stay healthy, but his fantasy ceiling is probably capped as a WR2 with Ja'Marr Chase being the team's WR1.
From RotoBaller
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From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers LBs Ezekiel Turner, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Curtis Robinson, Jalen Graham, Tatum Bethune and Dee Winters are all under consideration to start at strongside linebacker to begin the 2024 season if LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is unavailable to play weakside linebacker. Once Greenlaw is healthy, LB De'Vondre Campbell is expected to move from weakside linebacker to strongside linebacker.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle led all tight ends with 15.7 yards per reception last year, and his 7.4 yards after the catch were tied for the most at the position.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce's 10.6 yards per catch in 2023 were a career low, but his 65.6 receiving yards per game and 51 first downs ranked first among tight ends.
Fantasy Spin: Kelce is no longer the unquestioned No. 1 fantasy option at the position, but he is still one of the steadiest tight performers with arguably the safest floor.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen feels he has more to prove to himself despite being in the NFL for over a decade. "I talk to the young guys about this all the time, is no matter who you are, no matter how old you are, no matter how many years you've been in the league, you have something to prove," Thielen said in an interview. "You have to have that mindset every single day." The 33-year-old is coming off a productive season, amassing his first 1,000-yard receiving campaign since 2018 while finding the end zone four times. Although the Panthers have a lot of question marks regarding the offense, it appears Thielen is not ready to stop being a reliable fantasy asset anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was slowed by a left-ankle sprain in the offseason, but he'll be fine for training camp and is ready for the team to put more on his plate in his sophomore season. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and head coach Raheem Morris haven't been shy about saying the plan is to use Robinson like the 49ers use RB Christian McCaffrey. He finished 15th in the league in 2023 with 976 rushing yards while also adding 58 receptions for 487 yards and eight total touchdowns. With a more diversified attack on offense after Atlanta stuck with a wide-zone rushing attack in 2023, there's plenty of room for growth for Robinson as a high-end RB1 in fantasy, especially with quarterback Kirk Cousins now leading the offense. "I'm going to be more of a runner that does everything else," Robinson said.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) said he "feels good" when asked about his status with training camp approaching at the end of July. Rodgers tore his Achilles on the first offensive series in Week 1 last fall and missed the rest of his first year in New York. However, he miraculously returned to practices late last season and said his surgically repaired Achilles has felt good throughout the offseason and during organized team activities a month ago. A healthy Rodgers should give Gang Green a realistic shot at the postseason given all the weapons they have on offense, but fantasy managers should temper expectations for a 40-year-old signal-caller coming off a major injury. If he stays healthy, Rodgers could easily finish as a top-15 fantasy QB, but relying on him as your QB1 is a risky proposition.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent S Justin Simmons (Broncos) is not sure when he'll sign with a team in free agency, he said on Thursday, July 11. 'Who knows? I could sign tomorrow, I could sign two weeks into camp, I could sign the first game of the season. You just never know how these things go,' he said. 'So, it's caused me to slow down and give up control because it's not in my control.'
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime (knee) missed most of the offseason program after undergoing a minor scope of his knee, but he's expected to be "full-go" for the starting of training camp in a few weeks, according to head coach Sean Payton. In limited action in front of the media this offseason, Estime looked the part of a RB who can bring more short-yardage toughness to Denver's backfield, but it remains to be seen if he can supplant Javonte Williams as an every-down option in 2024. The 20-year-old from Notre Dame is probably a long shot to become the team's lead back, at least earlier in his rookie season, but he could take over goal-line duties fairly quickly, which could make him worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Williams.
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner said his career-high 1,040 rushing yards last year are his floor for the 2024 season. 'Definitely got a lot of work to put in but that's the floor, not the ceiling.'
Fantasy Spin: Conner topped 1,000 yards on the ground despite missing the final four games with a knee injury. He enters this season as the lead back in Arizona, and while he isn't the most explosive option at the position, he should have the volume to finish as a reliable RB2.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is still waiting for a new contract. In the meantime, the signal-caller took the opportunity to display his improved footwork during a training event on Thursday. Love's offseason throwing coach, Steve Calhoun, indicated that was an area that needed to be addressed during the offseason, considering he has had issues staying off his back foot during throws. Love had a rough start to the 2023-24 campaign. Yet, he turned things around to finish the year by throwing for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, adding four scores on the run. Without question, his fantasy stock is higher than ever, although it remains to be seen if the extra work this offseason will improve his accuracy.
From RotoBaller
