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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Kenneth Walker III Oct 3 6:40pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice but was downgraded to limited on Thursday. Walker suffered an oblique injury in the season opener and then did not play in Weeks 2 and 3 before returning for the Monday night matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. The 23-year-old returned with a bang in the loss on Monday, touching the ball 16 times for 116 scrimmage yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Seahawks are likely just giving Walker a little extra rest on Thursday, but we'll have a better idea about his status on Friday. As long as Walker is active on Sunday, he should be considered a must-start in fantasy lineups. Through only two games played so far in 2024, Walker has averaged a career-best 5.7 yards per carry and has scored four times on the ground for Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Oct 3 6:30pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) was listed as a full practice participant on Thursday after he was limited on Wednesday. Rodgers admitted earlier this week that he was a bit banged up and dealt with some swelling in his knee following the Week 4 upset loss to the Denver Broncos, but his participation at practice this week shows that he should be just fine to play in Week 5 on the road against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The Jets are not concerned with his status. Rumors have been floating this week that Raider receiver Davante Adams is angling to be traded to the Jets to reunite with Rodgers. That would certainly be a boost for the 40-year-old's fantasy value the rest of the season if that comes to pass. Rodgers isn't going to have Adams this week against an aggressive Vikings defense in a hostile environment. He will remain a low-upside QB2 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 3 6:20pm CT
Kyle Pitts

Going into their Thursday night divisional clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night to kick off Week 5, the Atlanta Falcons offense and quarterback Kirk Cousins hasn't been as explosive as they'd hoped. Cousins is still making a key impact and the Falcons players think a breakout is coming soon. One player they want to get more involved, starting on Thursday night, is tight end Kyle Pitts. The 23-year-old has just eight catches for 105 yards and one touchdown on 15 targets in four games, which includes a zero-catch game (three targets) in last week's win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Expect Pitts to get the squeaky-wheel treatment on Thursday night, especially in the red zone and on third downs, where this offense has struggled. Fantasy managers may be upset with Pitts after his donut last week, but he should still be considered a low-end TE1 going into this tilt against Tampa.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 3 6:10pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) was able to log a full practice session on Thursday after he was limited to begin the week on Wednesday. McBride suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and was held out for the Week 4 loss to the Washington Commanders. With a full practice under his belt this week, it looks as though McBride is well on his way to clearing the league's concussion protocol in time to play this Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. In his first three games of the season in his third year in the NFL, McBride has been a big part of the team's passing attack, catching 14 of 21 targets for 122 yards, although he has yet to find the end zone. This weekend will be a difficult matchup on the road against a stout Niners defense, but McBride should be considered a top-five fantasy tight end if he gets the green light to suit up.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Oct 3 6:10pm CT
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) is dealing with a left-knee injury that kept him out of his second straight practice this week on Thursday. Prater is now firmly in danger of missing the Week 5 divisional tilt on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals signed Chad Ryland to their practice squad on Wednesday, further signaling that they are worried about Prater's ability to kick this weekend. Prater is the No. 19 fantasy kicker through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL campaign, so it's not like he was coming into this week really on the fantasy radar of managers in standard 12-team leagues. The 40-year-old has made all six of his field-goal attempts and all 10 of his extra-point tries, but the Cardinals offense so far has been too inconsistent to make Prater a viable fantasy kicking option on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 3 5:50pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was limited in the team's practice for the second day in a row this week on Thursday. Engram suffered a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups before the team's Week 2 loss to the Cleveland Browns and hasn't played since. However, with two limited practices under his belt this week, he's at least given himself a chance to return in Week 5 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday for his official status, but there's a good chance the 30-year-old will be considered questionable going into Sunday's game. He'll be on the TE1/2 borderline if he returns to the field this weekend after catching just one pass for five yards in Week 1. Brenton Strange has been a serviceable TE2 the last three weeks with Engram out, catching eight of 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Oct 3 5:50pm CT
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) was listed as a limited practice participant yet again on Thursday. Davis has yet to practice in full this week, but nothing is pointing to him being in danger of missing the Week 5 divisional contest against the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in all four of the team's games in his first year with Jacksonville and has underwhelmed, catching just nine of his 21 targets for 121 yards and no touchdowns. Davis' worst performance came in last week's loss to the division-rival Houston Texans, when he caught one of five targets for a loss of two yards. He's been disappointing, to say the least, especially with tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) missing the last three games. As the No. 3 wideout behind Christian Kirk and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. in a struggling offense, it's hard to recommend Davis as anything more than a boom/bust, WR5/flex.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 3 5:40pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) remained limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Fellow RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was also limited for a second straight day. Etienne injured his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans but later returned to the game, although he ceded seven carries to Bigsby, who picked up a season-high 90 yards. The 25-year-old Etienne's status doesn't appear to be in question for another divisional matchup in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, but his fantasy value could be in trouble if the Jags decide to start getting Bigsby more involved in the backfield. Bigsby has averaged an impressive 8.2 yards per carry through four games. As of now, fantasy managers should plan to start Etienne as an RB2 as the Jags look for their first victory of 2024.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 3 5:30pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (forearm) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Thursday. Johnson's status carries a little more importance this week with tight end Taysom Hill (rib) dealing with rib fractures. Hill did not practice on Thursday and appears to be questionable to suit up on Monday night for a showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson could pick up an injury designation himself going into Monday's game, but he also has two more days to put in a full session, which could get him cleared. The 28-year-old would surely have more opportunities to catch passes from quarterback Derek Carr if Hill is ruled out this week, but he'd still be nothing more than a TE2 sleeper for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. Johnson has caught only four passes on six targets for 39 yards and one touchdown through the season's first four games.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 3 5:20pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) was listed on the first injury report of Week 5 but he was able to put in a full practice and should be just fine to play on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to Olave, receivers A.T. Perry (hamstring) was limited, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) practiced in full. It's worth noting for Olave, but his hamstring shouldn't limit him at all for a showdown with the defending Super Bowl champions. The 24-year-old got off to a slow start in Week 1 but has now gone over 80 receiving yards in each of the last three games. He had eight catches on 10 targets for 87 yards in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans figures to have to throw the ball plenty against KC on the road on Monday night, making Olave a good bet for solid production for his fantasy managers again. He's a solid WR2 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Oct 3 5:20pm CT
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe (hip) is dealing with a right-hip injury and was unable to take part in the first practice of the week on Thursday. Grupe's status for the Week 5 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night is now in question, but he still has two more days to get back onto the practice field. If Grupe cannot get back on the practice field in the next two days, the Saints could call up Charlie Smyth from the practice squad to serve as their kicker on Monday night. Through four weeks in 2024, Grupe checks in as the No. 5 fantasy kicker, having made all eight of his field-goal attempts and 13 of his 14 extra-point tries in a much-improved Saints offense. Fantasy managers might need to pivot at the kicking position in Week 5 if Grupe is out or listed as questionable for Monday's contest.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 3 5:10pm CT
George Kittle

For the second straight day this week, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) was not participating in practice on Thursday. Kittle was seen in full gear on a side field. Kittle missed Week 3 with a hamstring injury but returned in the Week 4 win over the New England Patriots and caught a touchdown pass, but two DNPs to begin the week put him back up in the air to suit up for a Week 5 tilt against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The 30-year-old is probably going to need to put in some work at practice on Friday to have a shot at playing this weekend. It's a bit surprising that he has missed two practices after head coach Kyle Shanahan called him day-to-day earlier in the week. If Kittle is active, he's a must-start TE1 in fantasy. If he's limited or out, tight end Eric Saubert would have a bigger role again, although that led to just two catches for 41 yards in Week 3 when Kittle was sidelined. Check back on Friday for Kittle's designation for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 3 5:10pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) remains on the injury report for Week 5 and put in a limited practice on Thursday. Kamara was also limited before the Week 4 contest against the Atlanta Falcons but ended up playing and saw 26 touches for 119 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. Unless he's downgraded at practice in the next few days, Kamara should be just fine to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football to close out Week 5 action. The 29-year-old has exceeded expectations through the first four weeks in the Saints' new offense and has been the RB1 in half-PPR scoring with 80 carries for 362 yards and five touchdowns, adding 17 receptions for 174 yards and another score. As long as he doesn't have a setback with his injuries later this week, Kamara should remain locked into lineups as a must-start.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 3 4:13pm CT
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | The Chiefs have placed wide receiver Rashee Rice on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Rice will miss at least the next four weeks with a knee injury and the Chiefs are still waiting for the swelling to subside to see if he'll be out for the year. Chances are Rice has torn his ACL, but that hasn't been confirmed as of yet. Regardless, dynasty managers need to make alternate plans as Rice isn't going to be anywhere near fantasy lineups for a while, as expected.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Kareem Hunt Oct 3 4:00pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (shoulder) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Hunt's status before their game on Monday evening against the New Orleans Saints, but seeing him on the practice field this early in the week suggests the injury is not serious. The 29-year-old logged a team-high 14 carries in his season debut last weekend. No. 2 running back Samaje Perine logged only five carries, which implies that Hunt should be viewed as the lead runner for the time being. With Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, Hunt could become a solid flex play going forward if he continues to have a prominent role in the Kansas City offense.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Oct 3 3:50pm CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) remained sidelined during practice for the second straight day, according to Jason B. Hirschhorn. This is not a good sign for Musgrave, as he has just one more opportunity to log a practice before Sunday's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as Musgrave will likely carry a designation into the weekend. The 24-year-old has taken a step back this season as Tucker Kraft has emerged as Green Bay's No.1 tight end. Musgrave has caught just five passes over the first four weeks compared to Kraft's 12. If Musgrave misses Sunday's game, Kraft should be viewed as a TE1 with upside, as he should have plenty of opportunities facing a weak Los Angeles Rams defense.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Oct 3 3:40pm CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) returned to practice for the first time this season on Thursday, according to Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times. Miller has been on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury since the beginning of the season, as he missed most of training camp. In his rookie campaign last fall, Miller carried the ball only 41 times for 156 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Miller's progress through the week, as he could make his season debut on Monday evening. When Miller does return, he should be expected to split time with Jamaal Williams as the No.2 option out of the backfield while Alvin Kamara sees the majority of opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 3 3:30pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) has rib fractures and was held out of Thursday's practice, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Head coach Dennis Allen did not explain any detail regarding the severity of the injury, but this will now jeopardize Hill's status for Monday's game. The 34-year-old was previously sidelined in Week 3 due to a bruised lung. However, before suffering the rib injury last weekend, Hill was able to find the end zone twice on six rushing attempts. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Hill's status over the weekend in case he can suit up. If not, Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau should see the majority of snaps at the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 3 3:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) logged a full practice on Thursday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The 25-year-old returned to the field last weekend after missing two games with a knee injury. In his return, Love went 32-for-54 with 389 passing yards and four scores. Even though Love was limited on Wednesday, seeing him log a full practice on Thursday suggests the team was being cautious with their franchise quarterback. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's practice report in case Love faces a setback but should plan on locking him in all lineups this weekend as he faces a weak Los Angeles Rams defense.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 3 3:10pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was placed on the injured reserve on Thursday afternoon. The sophomore wideout suffered a knee injury last weekend and was initially feared to have torn his ACL. However, the team has yet to confirm the severity of the injury and plans to continue to perform tests to see its extent. This move to the IR will sideline the 24-year-old for at least the next four weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to follow any updates regarding his status for the remainder of the season. Before the injury, Rice continued his strong finish to his rookie season, averaging 21.6 PPR points across the first three weeks. Fantasy managers should expect Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, and tight end Travis Kelce to see a drastic uptick in targets while Rice remains sidelined.

From RotoBaller