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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Big Fantasy Wins Crucial Early-Season Battle
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4
- Bills’ Von Miller suspended 4 games for personal conduct violation
- Raiders WR Davante Adams coy about health, trade talks
- Steelers QB Russell Wilson ramps up participation
- OT Jason Peters, 42, signs with Seahawks' practice squad
- Cowboys sign DE K.J. Henry, put DeMarcus Lawrence to IR
- Colts place DE Tyquan Lewis (elbow) on injured reserve
- 'Changes coming' for flagging Dolphins
- Titans QB Will Levis exits with apparent injury
- Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) won’t play Week 5 vs. Packers
- NFL has ‘insufficient’ evidence to punish ex-Jags K Brandon McManus
- Raheem Morris eyes more than 'tick' of improvement for Falcons' offense
- Browns RB Nick Chubb to return to practice Wednesday
- Cowboys LB Micah Parsons: 'If I can play, I will play'
- Texans RB Joe Mixon, WR Tank Dell listed as day-to-day
- Chiefs' Rashee Rice still having tests; trade for WR could be in play
- Doug Pederson, Jaguars all frustrated at 0-4
- Robert Saleh says Jets will 'push envelope' with cadence
- Week 4 MNF: Seahawks-Lions Preview, Props, Prediction
- Falcons signing former 1st-round LB Rashaan Evans
- Week 4 MNF: Titans-Dolphins Preview, Props, Prediction
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings – Standard
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings – PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Advanced NFL QB Stats & Analytics
- Fantasy Life: Guillotine League Mailbag: Week 5 Strategy & FAAB Targets
- Fantasy Life: Quarterbacks for Fantasy Football Week 5: Fire Up Jordan Love
- Fantasy Life: Dynasty Outlook on Malik Nabers, Brock Bowers, and More
- Fantasy Life: Tight Ends for Fantasy Football Week 5: Travis Kelce is Back
- Fantasy Life: Wide Receivers for Fantasy Football Week 5
- Fantasy Life: Davante Adams Requests Trade—5 Ideal Landing Spots for Fantasy Football
The Paur Report
Dynasty | Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has told Las Vegas he prefers to be traded. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that escalated quickly. Adams has seemingly had enough of what the Raiders have had to offer and would like to move on. In addition, the Raiders are reportedly telling teams they'd like at least a second round pick and additional compensation in return. Teams like the Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Commanders and a few others could all be in the market for a top receiver, so this could materialize quickly. Adams' dynasty value will hinge on where he ends up for sure with staying in Las Vegas quickly becoming the worst of all options.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson could find himself with a larger role on offense going forward. The Chiefs are going to be shorthanded for some time after Rashee Rice (knee) went down on Sunday. The expectation is that rookie Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce are going to be the focal points in the receiving game. However, Watson might end up seeing more work as well. He hauled in two of his three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's win. Watson knows the offense well and finished with nearly 500 yards in a part-time role last season. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Chiefs give Watson more responsibility with the team limited on offensive weapons. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to add Watson, but keep him on their radar, especially in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon is likely to take over as the lead back heading into the Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fellow back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) exited early on Sunday and is now a candidate for the injured reserve. That being said, Sermon figures to see an expanded role in the offense with Taylor undoubtedly going to miss time. Last week, Sermon rushed five times for eight yards in the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sermon has bounced around the league quite a bit since being taken in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. He has never been able to establish himself in the league, but this appears to be his best chance. The 25-year-old is going to be one of the most popular waiver wire additions this week. Fantasy managers who are desperate for help at running back should take a look at Sermon as he could be a viable option due to the volume of carries he could see.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) missed his third game in a row on Sunday. Brown missed most of practice last week before returning for a limited session on Friday. The team ultimately held him out for the Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Luckily, the Eagles have a bye in Week 5 and Brown's injury is not considered to be a long term issue. The hope is that Brown can rest and prepare for their next matchup against the Cleveland Browns on October 13. That is nearly two weeks from now, so the assumption is that Brown should be able to get back on the field by then. When healthy, Brown is a stud and a must-start in fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has reportedly been considering a trade for the last few weeks. The 31-year-old originally came to the organization to be paired with his friend Derek Carr. The Raiders decided to make a change at quarterback and moved on from Carr after the 2022 season. The veteran wideout no longer has a desire to play for the Raiders, so a trade could be coming in the next few weeks. One of Adams' preferred destinations is the New York Jets. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise as Adams could be paired up with former teammate Aaron Rodgers. Both players were together for many years on the Green Bay Packers. A trade to the Jets should be an immediate boost to Adams' fantasy value. He'll have to fight for targets with Garrett Wilson, but the team as a whole is an upgrade over the Raiders current roster.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo recorded one catch for five yards in the team's win over the Dolphins on Monday night. With quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) exiting early, Okonkwo was not a factor, seeing just three targets in the game as the Titans relied heavily on the running game. The three targets were actually a season-high for the tight end, who has not become a big part of the Titans' offense yet. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for options at the position, and Okonkwo can be left on the waiver wire.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he is tracking toward being able to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. It sounds like Ekeler expects to be back on the field this weekend and said he's feeling more like himself as he goes through all of the steps in the league's concussion protocol. With Ekeler out in the Week 4 blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals, Jeremy McNichols had a fruitful day as the backup to Brian Robinson Jr. while playing 38% of the offensive snaps. McNichols had eight carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns and added a six-yard reception. With Ekeler on his way back sooner than later, fantasy managers may not want to spend too much to pick up McNichols off the waiver wire. Ekeler should dominate passing-game work out of the Commanders' backfield when he returns.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos signed free-agent running back Salvon Ahmed to their practice squad on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Broncos released wide receiver Kaden Davis from the practice squad. Ahmed will give Denver some more depth at the RB position after Tyler Badie (back) was placed on a backboard and carted off in the Week 4 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. Badie is a candidate to go on Injured Reserve, which would put him out for at least four games, which would make sense why the team would be looking for more RB depth behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin on the 53-man roster. The 25-year-old Ahmed was released by the Miami Dolphins in August and will bide his time on the practice squad for now. Even if Ahmed joins the active roster at some point, he belongs on the waiver wire unless one of Williams or McLaughlin are injured.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has seen his touches steadily outpace Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn in 2024, especially over the last three weeks. Dowdle has also far and away seen the higher snap share of the trio this season. Most importantly, Dowdle has been the most effective running back for the Cowboys in 2024. He has 34 carries for 134 yards and nine receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown this season. The steady shift towards Dowdle as the main running back suggests that the Cowboys are starting to trust him and value his production thus far this season. Running back Dalvin Cook has been acclimating to the team on the practice squad and could feasibly eat into Dowdle's workload if he were to be activated. However, for now, Dowdle is a player worth rostering and monitoring on your bench should his role grow even more.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns released running back Gary Brightwell on Tuesday. Brightwell had played in the team's past two games primarily as a special teams player. He did not record any statistics. The 26-year-old has not played many offensive snaps in his career. He joined the Browns in 2024 after spending his first three seasons with the New York Giants. For now, Brightwell will have to hope he can join another team as a special teams player. This move does not have any implications for fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
New York Times reporter Chad Graff stated on Tuesday that conversations with New England Patriots players and head coach Jerod Mayo indicate that the team believes quarterback Drake Maye is ready to be an NFL starter. However, Jacoby Brissett remains the starter in New England due to the lack of talent in the Patriots' offense. The Patriots are taking a cautious approach to protect Maye and ensure that his confidence does not falter. Ever since training camp, reports have indicated that Maye has been outplaying Brissett. As an NFL veteran, Brissett is better equipped to handle the difficult situation that is the Patriots offense. Brissett has stood no chance behind the Patriots' O-line in 2024. He has only managed to throw for 536 yards and two touchdowns. He has also been sacked 15 times in four games. Maye himself was sacked twice on one drive in limited action in Week 3. NFL fans will likely see Maye as the starter at some point in 2024, but the Patriots appear to have no interest in rushing that process.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced that the team will open the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed). Beckham was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an undisclosed injury following the preseason. He will now have 21 days to practice with the team and return to the field. If he does not return within the 21-day period, he will be ineligible to return for the rest of the season. Beckham has bounced around the league in search of Super Bowl rings in recent seasons. He most recently played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He recorded 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns in the low-volume passing offense. The Dolphins offense is not devoid of playmakers but they currently have a quarterback problem. Starter Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been out for the past two weeks and the Dolphins' offense has suffered as a result. Beckham is not the player he once was so his return may not move the needle for this offense without Tagovailoa behind center.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) was limited in practice on Tuesday. His participation in practice signals that he should be on track to play in Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud has been a steady contributor for the Falcons in 2024. He has caught 15 passes for 163 yards while working alongside Darnell Mooney and Drake London. Due to the lack of excitement around him, McCloud is currently on a lot of waiver wires. He has been a solid player in PPR formats and should be rostered in case his role with the offense grows or he manages to start scoring more touchdowns. The Buccaneers are 10th in the NFL against opposing wide receivers in fantasy in 2024. As such, this matchup is not ideal but it is not terrible. Should McCloud be active in this game, he should at least deliver flex value for your fantasy team.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday. Both players are significant depth pieces for the Buccaneers at wide receiver. Their lack of participation Tuesday does not bode well for their ability to play on Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons. McMillan already missed Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His absence forced Palmer to step up. Palmer recorded three receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown while filling in for McMillan. If neither player can go on Thursday, the Buccaneers will likely turn to Sterling Shepard and Kameron Johnson (ankle) for depth at wide receiver. What this news most likely means is that Mike Evans (knee/calf) and Chris Godwin should see the lion's share of targets in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Davante Adams could indeed be on the trade block this season. Dynasty Analysis: The Las Vegas Review has a "source" inside the organization that is saying Adams could finally be dealt away this off-season. Adams has only said the rumors are "annoying" at this point, but there is some speculation that Head Coach Antonio Pierce could have "liked" a social media post asking if Adams has played his last game in Las Vegas. This is turning into a mess again and it seems we may be nearing the end of the rocky tenure here. The Jets and Chiefs are obvious trade candidates, but it's still early in the process and this is simply another rumor. Dynasty managers are likely ready for a change as the quarterback situation for the Raiders is a mess and Adams is clearly looking more and more frustrated.
Dynasty | The Chiefs could be leaning towards Kareem Hunt being their starting running back. Dynasty Analysis: Hunt looked surprisingly spry last week and Carson Steele was benched after fumbling, so this isn't exactly breaking news. Still, if this happens in an official capacity, Hunt could have some short-term fantasy appeal on an offense missing Isiah Pacheco and likely Rashee Rice for the foreseeable future. Hunt belongs on rosters as this situation develops and could be a quick trade candidate for a dynasty team out of contention who wants to cash out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (knee/calf) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Evans is trending in the right direction after not participating in practice on Monday. The Buccaneers will need Evans as they head into a divisional clash with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday. Evans is off to a solid start in 2024 with 18 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has played very well in 2024 which has supported both Evans and fellow wide receiver Chris Godwin. The Falcons are an ok matchup for Evans in Week 5. They are 14th against opposing wide receivers this season. Evans should see his usual fair share of targets and have a chance to score another touchdown. With the way the Buccaneers have been rolling in 2024, it is hard to keep Evans out of your lineup. As long as he continues to trend up in his practice participation, he should be a solid start in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) is expected to have his practice window opened this week, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Fantasy Spin: Once the practice window is opened, the Dolphins will have 21 days to activate Beckham Jr. from the PUP list. Given the struggles at quarterback and the fact that Beckham Jr. will be WR3 on the depth chart, he's not a factor for fantasy managers to consider.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills OLB Von Miller was suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, according to sources Tuesday, Oct. 1.
From TheHuddle
The National Football League has suspended Buffalo Bills pass-rusher Von Miller for four games (without pay) on Tuesday for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. Miller will be eligible to be reinstated on Oct. 28 after the team's Week 8 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. The suspension comes from allegations that Miller assaulted his pregnant girlfriend in 2023. At the time, Miller turned himself in on an arrest warrant for a charge of third-degree felony assault on Nov. 30. The 35-year-old former Super Bowl MVP said the allegations are false and "overblown." The NFL apparently disagreed. The eight-time Pro Bowler is no longer in his prime and has dealt with some injury issues in recently seasons, not playing more than 12 games in either of his first two years in Buffalo. Through four games in 2024, Miller has played well, picking up three sacks and five solo tackles. The Bills' defense is losing a valuable piece for the next four games.
From RotoBaller
