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
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was a limited participant on Wednesday. Given that the Seahawks only held a walkthrough, Lockett's participation status is merely an estimation. The reliable veteran receiver has caught 18 passes for 199 yards through four games, but he's still looking for his first touchdown of the 2024 season. Lockett's job has gotten tougher as DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba both continue to impress and earn more looks from quarterback Geno Smith. Lockett has seemingly fallen to the No. 3 role in Seattle and should be treated as a fantasy WR4 going forward.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has left an impression on teams that he's "focused on engineering a trade to the Jets," according to Albert Breer of the MMQB. However, the Raiders have also fielded calls from the Bills and Steelers. Adams, who recently requested a trade and is expected to miss Week 5 with a hamstring injury, has expressed significant interest in reuniting with Aaron Rodgers, his quarterback in Green Bay who now commands the Jets' offense. Through three games this season, Adams has 18 catches, 209 yards, and one touchdown. He would give New York (or any other team) a productive, veteran pass-catching reinforcement early in the season. From a fantasy perspective, there are few situations less favorable than playing with Gardner Minshew II. Joining forces with someone like Rodgers could bump Adams back up to the mid-range WR1 tier.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's team practice. The second-year tight end recorded two limited sessions last week while tending to a quad issue ahead of the Packers' 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He would ultimately suit up for the contest -- playing 33% of snaps -- but the ankle injury is new. The fact that he was not designated as even a limited participant does not bode well for his status, but his value was trending in the wrong direction anyway, with teammate Tucker Kraft dominating the team's TE snaps 227-to-108. The former second-round pick will have two more opportunities to upgrade his participation before the team's final injury report is revealed. Green Bay has a tantalizing matchup this Sunday when they hit the road to take on a Los Angeles Rams team, allowing the second most points per game. Still, Musgrave can be avoided for fantasy purposes, even if he plays.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (knee) was listed as a limited participant on the team's first injury report of the week. The fifth-year tight end was the team's second-leading receiver (34 yards) in their 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams, participating in 90% of the snaps. He apparently picked up an injury sometime between now and then, though when and how severe it might be are currently unknown. It's a good sign for Kmet that he could at least get in a limited practice. The former second-round pick saw his usage spike in Week 3, with the team sans wide receiver Keenan Allen and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams attempting 52 passes. However, that came cratering back down upon the veteran wideout's return and a run-heavy game plan. He and the Bears will get a favorable matchup this Sunday at home against the Carolina Panthers. Despite this, Kmet will be an unrecommended volatile option.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo had his best game of the season in Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints. Koo nailed field goals from 53, 44, 42, and 58 yards. He's one of the best kickers in the league and has been perfect during the season so far. He is now impressively 5-for-5 on field goals of 40+ yards. The 30-year-old will look to continue his hot streak against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. He is capable of nailing kicks in the clutch, and given the nature of the Falcons offense, it's likely they may need his help again. It's tough to say how many opportunities he'll be afforded, as kicker production is one of the hardest things to predict in the NFL, but he can be trusted to consistently hit from long distances. Koo is a must-start in fantasy leagues with kickers. He has a history of success, and the offense has given him enough kicks to succeed in fantasy. He should be locked into lineups when the Falcons take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier showed he deserves a more significant proportion of the Falcons' backfield opportunities when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. His performance in Week 4 was his best of the season. He turned just eight carries into 60 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and caught two passes for 20 yards, good for 10.0 PPR fantasy points. The backup running back is highly efficient, averaging 6.15 yards per carry, and had proven his ability to be a solid lead back through the last four games of 2022 before lead back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) was drafted. The Bucs have struggled to stop the run this year, too. Robinson has struggled so far, and Allgeier's runs have been much more successful on average. He shouldn't be started yet, but he is a must-have handcuff for Bijan managers and a fine speculative bench stash. Should Tyler's role continue to grow, he could be start-worthy at some point.
From RotoBaller
Reporters again questioned New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday about the team's running back usage, but he might have hinted that not much will change moving forward. Specifically, Saleh was asked about rookie running back Braelon Allen and whether or not he'd be further integrated into New York's scheme. "He's already been integrated," said Saleh, "I feel like he gets a lot of run every week." The comments come a few days after the Jets head coach was suggested to use Allen more extensively in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also remarked on how he believed Breece Hall's subpar performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 4 to be an "outlier" and credited the Broncos' defense for holding up. "Breece was batting 1.000 in goal-line situations this year. He's been doing great in short-yardage situations also." It would appear that fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief as the 20-year-old should not further eat into Hall's workload. Still, they must be disappointed at the division of touches thus far. He and the Jets will have another tough matchup this week when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in London.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) was listed as a non-participant for the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Evidently the 40-year-old veteran came out of Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders a bit dinged up. Interestingly enough, Arizona held tryouts last Friday for kickers Anders Carlson and Chad Ryland, while Prater did not garner a designation. The Cardinals signed Ryland to their practice squad on Wednesday. Prater will need to get in at least one limited session over the next few days to boost his chances of suiting up in Week 5. However, if he can't, it would seem that Ryland would appear in his stead. The journeyman kicker has yet to miss a field goal or extra point attempt this season. Arizona will hit the road to take on their division-rival San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is not expected to play in the Week 5 game because of his hamstring injury, according to sources.
Fantasy Spin: Adams is dealing with the injury and could be on the trade block as well, so he may be in a new uniform when he is cleared to play again. Fantasy players will need a backup plan ready while Adams is sidelined.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been impressive early in the season. He connected on both his field goals last week and converted 3-of-4 extra point attempts during last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. McLaughlin has yet to miss a field goal attempt this season and has been one of the more effective kicker so far. The hope is that his leg continues to be strong for Thursday's Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs offense has been able to produce 20 points or more in three of the first four games of the season. McLaughlin should continue getting chances and should be on the streaming radar for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Demarcus Robinson (hip) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Robinson has only caught five passes over the last three games and is has posted at least 50 yards in only one of the four games this season. He probably will see a few targets if active this week but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. DE Larrell Murchison (forearm) and CB Darious Williams (hamstring) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been signed to the active roster ahead of the Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran wideout was elevated last week with the Bucs being shorthanded at wideout. He hauled in three receptions for 51 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Shepard could once again be asked to play a bigger role with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) ruled out for Week 5. It's worth noting that both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are ahead of Shepard on the pecking order. That being said, Shepard could still end up with a quiet night despite being the third wideout on the roster. He's worth a look as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in deep leagues for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander (groin), DT Kenny Clark (toe), OG Elgton Jenkins (knee), TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) and DT Devonte Wyatt (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. CB Carrington Valentine (ankle), OT Jordan Morgan (shoulder) and LB Edgerrin Cooper (hip) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ribs) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Kittle probably will be able to practice later in the week and should be available for the Week 5 game. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues if active.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers WR Chris Conley (oblique), WR Jacob Cowing (shoulder), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), LB Fred Warner (ankle) and LB Dee Winters (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. DT Jordan Elliott (knee), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), DT Kevin Givens (triceps), S Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) and OT Trent Williams (non-injury) were limited during practice. DT Kalia Davis (knee) and FB Kyle Juszczyk (shoulder) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) said that his 2024 season is over. Phillips will require reconstructive knee surgery and will not be able to rejoin the team for the rest of the year. It's a major blow for the Dolphins defense the rest of the way. The 25-year-old Phillips also suffered a season-ending Achilles injury halfway through the 2023 season. The 18th overall pick in 2021 out of Miami, Phillips picked up six tackles (two solo), a sack, one tackle for loss and two QB hits while defending two passes in four games this year before his knee injury. Fantasy managers in single-year IDP formats can obviously drop Phillips now. The Dolphins will be asking a lot more out of Emmanuel Ogbah at the linebacker position with Phillips out for the rest of the season. The Dolphins defense/special teams unit is in play as a streaming option for the second week against a punchless Patriots offense in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been off to an extremely hot start to begin the season. Godwin has six receptions or more in every game with over 53 yards or more in each of those contests. The veteran wideout has also scored three touchdowns as the move back to the slot has done great things for his career. The biggest problem for Godwin's value is that he continues to battle with fellow wideout Mike Evans for targets. Luckily, the Bucs have gone pass-heavy early on which has given both receivers solid value most weeks. Godwin should once again be in the WR1 conversation for the upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), who is officially listed on the Week 5 injury report with a knee injury, practiced in full on Wednesday. Fellow wideouts Braxton Berrios (ankle) and Malik Washington (quadriceps) were listed as limited. Beckham's knee injury caused him to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2024 season, but his 21-day practice window has now been opened and he could be activated and make his Dolphins debut as early as this Sunday versus the division-rival New England Patriots. Fantasy managers in most leagues can leave the 31-year-old veteran on the waiver wire given the fact that Miami's offense has taken a nosedive with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve. When he's ready, OBJ will be battling for playing time in a reserve role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The three-time Pro Bowler (2014-16) had 35 catches for 565 yards and three TDs in 14 games for Baltimore in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Adams is dealing with and injury and may also be the subject of trade talks, so his availability for Week 5 is uncertain at this point. Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation because Adams is a starting fantasy option when healthy.
From TheHuddle
