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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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance tallied two touchdowns in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Lance attempted 23 passes, completing 15 of them for 151 yards and a touchdown. He added seven rush attempts for another 34 yards and another touchdown. Lance tied for the team lead in rushes and rushing yards, and he did not take a sack. He soundly outplayed Cooper Rush, and while both may ultimately make the team if Dallas chooses to carry three quarterbacks, Dak Prescott will clearly retain the starting job.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed five times for seven yards during Saturday's victory against the Washington Commanders. He was not targeted in the passing game. Mostert was Miami's first RB in and out-carried his counterpart De'Von Achane by three. The 32-year-old only played the first series with the starters, as that was the Dolphins' lone possession of the first quarter. Running room was tough to find on a day when Washington's defense stifled Miami's ground game. The only player to rush for more than ten yards Saturday was backup RB Chris Brooks, who ran for a long gain of 59 yards. However, he gained just four yards on his other four carries. It wasn't a great showing for Mostert, but it is clear that he is still the Dolphins' preferred first option out of the backfield -- particularly in short-yardage situations. He's being selected as the RB23 as per Yahoo!'s ADP -- 42 picks after Achane -- and remains a strong option in fantasy drafts with built-in upside if the backfield were to become solely his.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made his first catch as an NFL player in a Chargers preseason loss to the Rams. McConkey did not play in the first Chargers preseason game, so Game 2 was his NFL debut. He was targeted just once and made his lone catch for a five yard gain. McConkey likely won't get a ton of run in the preseason given how big his offensive role is expected to be. As long as Justin Herbert (foot) is able to play, McConkey could be a PPR monster as early as Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got a good amount of work in the Cardinals' second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Demercado led the running backs with 10 carries but for a paltry 24 yards. He also added one catch on his lone target for nine yards. The battle for the RB3 spot likely comes down to Demercado and Michael Carter, as the two traded third-down snaps with Demercado taking a slight 4-to-3 edge. Carter did take 4-of-5 two-minute drill snaps, however, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. Demercado should go undrafted in fantasy drafts, but he was solidly useful for a spell last season when he was the lead back with James Conner hurt. With Conner and rookie Trey Benson in tow, Demercado becomes depth running back for Arizona who needs multiple injuries to be relevant in fantasy for 2024.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft caught both of his targets for 29 yards and one touchdown in Saturday night's 13-6 win against the Washington Commanders. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill getting the night off, Cracraft was in with the starters on Saturday. Although it was just one drive, he made it count. The journeyman wideout was the recipient of Tua Tagovailoa's first pass of the night -- a quick-hitter that Cracraft took 16 yards. He was also the recipient of Tagovailoa's last throw. This one took place on a 4th-and-1 inside the Commanders' 15-yard line -- a perfectly placed ball where only the tight end could get it in the back of the end zone. We likely see him suit up next Friday when the Dolphins travel to Tampa Bay to square up against the Buccaneers in their final dress rehearsal before the regular season. Cracraft is firmly entrenched behind Waddle, Hill, and Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) in the pass-catching pecking order. However, he would instantly become intriguing if, for whatever reason, one of the players mentioned above missed any time. He's the WR142 in Yahoo! ADP.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen led the team with eight carries in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, but he only produced 27 yards after tallying a team-high 54 yards on six carries in last weekend's preseason opener. Allen came second on the Jets with four targets on Saturday against the Panthers, bringing in two for an additional 12 yards despite the rough day on the ground, which saw his long gain go for a mere four yards. The 20-year-old rookie fourth-rounder still appears to be the favorite for No. 2 backfield duties behind workhorse starter Breece Hall, and the 235-pounder might even be able to carve out a definitive role as a power back in Year 1 to help lessen the load for Hall. For now, however, Allen is just an RB5/6 stash for fantasy managers this summer.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal led the Chargers backfield in their second preseason game. Vidal ran the ball 11 times for 49 yards, leading the team in both carries and yards. He was also targeted three times in the passing game, catching two for an additional eight yards. Vidal is behind at least Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins on the depth chart, but the sixth-round rookie has certainly shown some promise so far.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis picked up 14 yards on four carries in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Davis also caught his lone target for no gain in Saturday's victory over Carolina. The Jets chose the 22-year-old South Dakota State product in the fifth round of this past spring's NFL Draft to bolster their backfield depth following last year's losses of backups Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter. While he reeled in four passes for 33 yards in last week's preseason opener, Davis' impact in the receiving game figures to be minimal behind workhorse starter Breece Hall this season, and he looks to be no greater than the No. 3 option on the depth chart ahead of his final chance to make a case for a spot on New York's roster in next Saturday's preseason finale at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson led the team in targets and catches in a Week 2 preseason loss to the Rams. Patterson ran the ball four times for ten yards and was targeted five times in the passing game, making all five catches for 28 yards. No one else on the team had more than two catches in this game. Patterson has been operating in a role that will presumably be filled by J.K. Dobbins once the regular season begins, but he's looked solid enough to potentially earn a smaller role come Week 1.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley wasn't as involved in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, pulling in each of his two passes for 12 yards in the victory. A week after drawing a team-high five targets in last Saturday's preseason opener, Corley wasn't featured as much on Saturday against Carolina. The third-round rookie from Western Kentucky is looking to take over as New York's primary slot receiver alongside superstar wideout Garrett Wilson and veteran vertical threat Mike Williams in three-receiver sets in 2024, as second-year man Xavier Gipson hasn't done much to stand out during training camp and the preseason this summer. That role didn't bear much fantasy fruit, however, when Gipson and Randall Cobb shared slot snaps in New York last year, so Corley is just a WR5/6 stash in deep-league drafts.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones played well in a 20-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 210 yards and two passing touchdowns, one in each half. Jones was 11-for -18 in the first half and was relieved by C.J. Beathard to start the second half. Jones was inserted back into the game after Beathard took some hard hits and continued his solid play. The former Patriot has the draft capital and starting experience over Beathard, which seems to give him the edge for the backup to Trevor Lawrence. If Jones officially wins the job, he still has very little value in redraft leagues, but in dynasty, he is at least worth rostering, especially in two-quarterback formats. Any value as a fantasy starter is behind him, but Jones isn't fantasy-irrelevant just yet.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell led the team in receiving in a 20-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Trammell shined the most in a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, where he caught two passes for 49 yards, which accounted for all 49 yards on the drive, leading to a field goal as time expired. He finished with four catches for 75 yards and contributed a bit as a punt returner. Trammell is 26 years old and entering his fourth year in the league. His main value is on special teams, but he showed he could contribute as a receiver in this game. Trammell has a lot of talent in front of him before he can get on the field and provide fantasy value, but any receiving production he provides in preseason should help his odds of making the 53-man roster.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune got the start on Saturday in their contest with the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Tune was 8-of-10 passing for 79 yards, while adding two rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown was a 12-yard scamper after being flushed out of the pocket and rolling right to beat a defender to the corner of the end zone for the score. Tune is battling former Atlanta Falcon Desmond Ridder for the QB2 job behind Kyler Murray and Tune may just have the leg up on that job after tonight. You can leave Tune undrafted in fantasy, however, as Tune would only have fantasy value if Murray misses any time during the season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda led the team with 29 rushing yards in Saturday's preseason victory over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Abanikanda handled six carries in Saturday's win over the Panthers, rushing for 12 yards on his longest pickup. Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh, should be able to make New York's roster as a third- or fourth-string back behind workhorse starter Breece Hall and rookie fourth-rounder Braelon Allen this season, but he's likely to need a number of variables to fall into his favor in order to muster fantasy relevance in 2024. Next Saturday's preseason finale in the Meadowlands against the New York Giants will be Abanikanda's final chance to establish his role on the Jets.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick struggled again in the second preseason game. Stick attempted 13 passes, completing eight of them for 85 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He added 22 yards on the ground with five rushing attempts, but also lost a fumble. Stick hasn't looked great this preseason, and wasn't all that impressive when forced into playing time last season either. He's presumably competing with Luis Perez for the backup quarterback job in LA, but the Chargers will be in trouble if either of them ends up with significant playing time in the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington recorded three receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown in a 20-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a 73-yard kickoff return against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, Washington showed off his receiving ability Saturday night, capping off a 17-play drive with a 25-yard touchdown from Mac Jones. At just 22 years old, Washington has potential value in dynasty leagues if he gets playing time down the line. However, this season, Washington will be stuck behind Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Brian Thomas Jr., making him nothing more than an intriguing backup option in the case of injuries. To begin the year, redraft fantasy managers should leave Washington in free agency, but he is a name to keep an eye on during the season.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby was heavily involved in a 20-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished with a stat line of 10 carries for 37 yards while catching three passes for 19 yards. Bigsby is behind Travis Etienne Jr. on the depth chart, but he is the clear No. 2 running back option. He wasn't the most efficient this time out, dropping to 3.7 yards per carry after 9.3 yards per carry last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. That was offset by increased volume, increasing his four total touches from last week to 13 total touches. Bigsby doesn't seem to have much fantasy value, but he's an intriguing late-round pick in redraft leagues for Etienne managers, given his handcuff potential. If Etienne gets injured during the season, Bigsby's value would increase dramatically as a sudden potential workhorse back.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Cody Thompson was able to make the most of his chances during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old hauled in five receptions for a team-high 66 yards and one touchdown in the loss. His score was on a six-yard pass from quarterback Kyle Trask in the first half. It was a quality outing from Thompson who looked like the best receiving option on the field during Saturday's game. He'll need to keep this going during the final preseason game as Thompson is battling for a spot on the 53-man roster. Another strong game like this could secure Thompson a backup wideout spot to begin the season.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed two times for ten yards in Saturday's 13-6 win over the Washington Commanders. He added two receptions and 34 yards through the air on three targets. Achane was the second back behind veteran starter Raheem Mostert and played into the second quarter with Skylar Thompson and the backups. There was little run on the ground for the second-year RB in this one, though he did have some work in the passing game. The Texas A&M alum motioned out of the backfield and lined up outside right early in the second quarter. He went streaking down the sideline, and Thompson hit him up the seam to gain 26 yards. It's encouraging to see Mike McDaniel use him in various ways, as he has yet to dethrone Mostert as the lead back. It may come to fruition this season, but the speedster doesn't need a workhorse role to impact the field and fantasy lineups. We will see if Achane suits up next Friday when the Dolphins take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's off the board as the RB11 via Yahoo! in fantasy drafts thus far and would offer top-five fantasy upside if the 32-year-old Mostert were to miss any time.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson took advantage of a resting James Conner as he rushed nine times for 43 yards in the Cardinals' loss to the Colts in Saturday's preseason matchup. Per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, Benson saw 16-of-22 possible first and second-down snaps outside of two-minute drills, which gives a clue that the Cardinals may have other backs like Emari Demercado and/or Michael Carter ticketed for a third-down role outside of Conner. Benson was drafted in the third round this past April as the eventual successor to Conner, but for now, Benson is only a contingency-based fantasy pick in the event of a Conner injury. He's still a worthy upside RB4/5 bench stash and could carve out a bigger role later this season.
From RotoBaller