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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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Saquon Barkley Sep 29 8:40pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took 10 carries for 84 yards and caught two of four targets for 32 yards during the team's 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old had another slow start in this game but rumbled for 59 yards on the first play of the second half to set up the Eagles for their second touchdown of the day. It was a play that saved him from having a poor fantasy outing, but if this is the floor for Barkley's production as a fantasy player, then these fantasy managers are in good shape. This was a tough matchup where the Buccaneers were able to key in on the Eagles' star back due to the absence of wideouts A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) so being able to extend his 100 or more yards combined streak intact is impressive to say the least. Philadelphia was seemingly blessed with the early bye week, and the team will look to regroup and regain their top two pass catchers before their Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Sep 29 8:40pm CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught two of his three targets for 12 yards during Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Henry had a huge performance back in Week 2, but if you exclude that contest, he's averaging just two catches, 13 yards, and zero touchdowns per game. The veteran tight end is a talented player, but he simply doesn't command enough volume in the Patriots' subpar offense to justify starting him in most fantasy leagues. In fact, Henry can be dropped to waivers in leagues with 14 or fewer teams. There's always a chance he'll find the end zone in a given week, including next Sunday versus the struggling Miami Dolphins, but the odds are relatively slim and you're better off taking a flier on a different tight end with more upside. Henry falls outside the top 24 tight ends for fantasy football in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Sep 29 8:40pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught six of his nine targets for 72 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Jeudy wound up leading the Browns in receiving yardage and targets while finishing behind only Jerome Ford in catches in the close loss. The veteran wideout has been a solid addition to the Cleveland offense this season, reaching at least 72 receiving yards in two of his four games while catching one touchdown. Jeudy remains behind Amari Cooper in the receiver pecking order but the Browns have been throwing the ball frequently enough to allow him to produce solid fantasy numbers. Jeudy will be a solid WR3 heading into a plus matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 29 8:40pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert caught seven of eight targets for 62 yards during the team's 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran tight end did not have another massive performance like last week, but was the only pass catcher that was on the same page as quarterback Jalen Hurts in this game and was able to lead the team in receiving yards for the second week in a row. The absence of A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) was felt heavily in this game and while their loss has been Geodert's fantasy gain, the bye week has come at the perfect time to remedy that issue. Fantasy managers will need to find a suitable replacement for the next week before plugging the 29-year-old back in during his Week 6 matchup against the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Sep 29 8:40pm CT
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye went 2-for-2 on field goals and also converted his lone extra point attempt during Sunday's Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Slye showed off his strong leg, hitting field goals from 54 and 63 yards out. His performance was highly rewarding for managers whose leagues award extra points for successful field goals from beyond 50 yards. Even as the Patriots' offense struggles, there's a clear path for Slye to achieve fantasy relevance. On the year, he's 8-for-9 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points. The stats speak for themselves, and Slye's stats suggest that he's a solid streamer heading into Week 5 versus the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Sep 29 8:40pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) was forced from his team's 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury near the end of the first quarter. Watson ended the matchup without a catch on one target before his exit. After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke with the 25-year-old wideout, and he said, "he told me he thought it was just a sprain." A sprain would be the best-case scenario for the former Bison, but whether it's of the low or high-ankle sprain variety is unclear. We're sure to get an update on him over the coming days, but you'd have to think he's at least a candidate for limited practice this week after having to get carted off the field. With the former second-round pick on the sideline, wide receivers Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs, and tight end Tucker Kraft all racked up at least eight targets. If Watson is forced to miss time, it's likely that quartet would benefit the most from his absence. The Pack will travel to LA next Sunday to face the Rams in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Sep 29 8:40pm CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field goal and made one of his two extra points in a 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Hopkins drilled a 56-yard field goal in the first quarter but his missed extra point in the fourth quarter was tough as it put the Browns at a four-point deficit as they were attempting to complete the comeback. Hopkins has now made five of his six field goals and five of six extra points through four games this season. He will be a solid fantasy option heading into what could be a high-scoring game against the Washington Commanders in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Sep 29 8:30pm CT
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton was basically invisible to begin the season, but has turned it around over the last few weeks. On Sunday, Otton hauled in six of his nine targets for 52 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Otton now has 13 receptions on 17 targets for 99 yards over the last two games. Otton remains third on the pecking order, but he has found a way to produce over the last two games. He has forced himself into the TE2 discussion heading into next week's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Sep 29 8:30pm CT
Breece Hall

Following Sunday's 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh commented on running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen and how they might be used in goal-line situations moving forward. Specifically, reporters asked Saleh why he chose not to sub out Hall for Allen when the team was deep in Broncos' territory. "It was still kind of early when that play came about, but definitely something we can look at," said Saleh, "We're always going to lean on Breece, he's our workhorse back... It's definitely something to look at." The comments in question regard a series of plays where New York had a first-and-goal from the one-yard line, and Hall was stuffed on first and second-down handoffs. Braelon Allen was subbed in on third, but the Jets ran a pass play that fell incomplete. Despite intending to go for it on fourth-down, a penalty forced them to settle for a field goal. It's encouraging to see the Jets head coach give his RB1 the vote of confidence. However, one has to wonder if this will affect his decision-making for the remainder of the season. The rookie RB was a far more effective rusher Sunday, averaging 4.3 yards on his eight carries, while the presumed starter finished with four yards on ten attempts. The former Cyclone is unlikely to lose his job as the 1A in New York's backfield, but he may lose out on some valuable touches moving forward. The Jets will be the "home" team in Week 5 when they square off against the Minnesota Vikings in London

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 29 8:30pm CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 18 of 30 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown, adding eight carries for 20 yards, an additional score, and lost one of his two fumbles during the team's 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The loss of A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith was felt early and often in this game. Eagles wide receivers combined for just 34 yards, catching seven of their 20 targets. For context, tight end Dallas Goedert nearly doubled that receiving yard total on his own in this game. The lack of pass-catching talent was not the only issue. This was another game where Hurts has started slow and had to play catch up. The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Eagles. It should give them the chance to regroup and regain their top two pass catchers before a showdown with the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Sep 29 8:30pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball 10 times for 58 yards and added seven catches for 27 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Ford appeared to be on his way to another mediocre rushing day before ripping off a 35-yard run late in the fourth quarter to boost his overall numbers. Despite his struggles on the ground, Ford supplemented his fantasy output with another strong day in the receiving department, catching all seven of his targets in the loss. Ford has now hauled in 17 of 20 targets through four games this season. With Nick Chubb (knee) still at least a few weeks away from being activated from the PUP list, Ford will be a solid RB2 heading into Week 5 against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Sep 29 8:30pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper caught four of his eight targets for 35 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Cooper could have had a much bigger afternoon but he had an 82-yard touchdown catch wiped away thanks to a holding penalty on center Nick Harris. As has been the case multiple times this season, Cooper also committed another tough drop, this time allowing an on-target pass to slip through his hands into a defender's for an interception. Cooper now has 16 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns through four games. Despite struggling in three of his four games in 2024, Cooper will be a strong fantasy play against a weak Washington Commanders secondary in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Sep 29 8:20pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker attempted three kicks in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, making two of them. He made his only extra point try and one of his two field goal attempts. The field goal he made was a first quarter kick from 50 yards out. He missed a later 55 yard try in the third quarter. Dicker has been extremely accurate to start his career since last season, but his only weak spot might be kicks from outside of 50 yards. He and the Bolts head into their bye week and will return for a Week 6 game against the Broncos in Denver.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 29 8:20pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin surprisingly took a backseat for the first time this season. Fellow wideout Mike Evans did a majority of the damage as he saw 14 targets on the day. However, Godwin was still productive as he hauled in six of his nine targets for 69 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Todd Bowles mentioned earlier in the week that they wanted to get Evans more involved. They've done that and it could mean a dip in value for Godwin going forward. However, Godwin should still get a steady workload as he has proven himself to be a viable option. Fantasy managers should consider Godwin a WR2 for Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Austin Hooper Sep 29 8:20pm CT
Austin Hooper

New England Patriots tight end caught two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Hooper's touchdown came on fourth down as Jacoby Brissett sold the hand-off and found his tight end wide open near the goal line. Although he's the Patriots' No. 2 tight end behind Hunter Henry, Hooper has still put together a solid start to the season, catching six passes for 68 yards and the score. He'll continue to make an impact on offense but can be avoided in most fantasy leagues given the Patriots' subpar offense and his role behind Henry.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 29 8:10pm CT
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (calf/elbow) returned to the field for a Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs and was targeted four times, making three catches for 36 yards. Palmer missed the Week 3 loss to the Steelers and started off Week 4 with a limited practice before being able to practice in full twice at the end of the week, entering the game without an injury designation. He ended up tied for third on the team in targets but second in catches and yards. It was a mostly slow game for the Chargers offense once again, and despite plenty of preseason hype around Palmer as potentially being quarterback Justin Herbert's go-to guy in the passing game, Palmer will go into the Chargers bye week with a total of seven catches for 70 yards. A healthier Herbert after the bye week could start throwing more, but for now Palmer needs to remain on most fantasy benches until he shows something different.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Sep 29 8:10pm CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas caught all three of his targets for 13 yards during Sunday's Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Douglas had caught seven passes for 79 yards back in Week 4, so there was optimism that he might be able to build on that effort this week against the Niners. Instead, his target total declined and he delivered an underwhelming fantasy performance. Unfortunately, the Patriots don't have enough passing and scoring opportunities to make Douglas a reliable fantasy option. Jacoby Brissett is averaging just 15.1 completions and 0.5 passing touchdowns per game, so when you divide those numbers over a large group of capable wide receivers and tight ends, you're left with a bunch of depth players who lack much fantasy value, outside of an occasional breakout game. That's the case with Douglas, who has either gone under 4.5 fantasy points or over 14.5 fantasy points in all four of his games this season. He's too dependent on volume in an offense that can't consistently support a player like that. Douglas ranks as a fantasy WR5 going forward.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Sep 29 8:10pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has been quiet the last few games, but picked it up during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran wideout hauled in eight of his 14 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown in the win. Head coach Todd Bowles said he wanted to get Evans more involved and that's exactly what happened. Those 14 targets were a team-high as Evans earned a 30 percent target share on Sunday. It appears Evans is back to putting up elite numbers so he should be on the WR1 radar for Thursday's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 29 8:10pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston put up a dud in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was targeted five times, the second most on the team, but was only able to come up with one catch for a nine yard gain. He added a rushing play in which he gained four yards on the ground. Johnston came into this game as the overall WR21, having scored three touchdowns in the past two games. This one was a little different, as he totaled less than two fantasy points in standard scoring and half-PPR formats. The Chargers actually threw the ball more times than they ran it for the first time this season, but Johnston just wasn't able to do much with the balls thrown his way. The Bolts will head into their Week 5 bye and will take on the Broncos in Denver in Week 6. Johnston should remain a large part of the passing game, but this was quite a dud for fantasy managers expecting to see his touchdown streak continue.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Sep 29 8:00pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey scored his second NFL touchdown in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. McConkey led the Bolts in catches, yards, and targets and was the only Charger to score a touchdown. He ended up seeing seven targets, making five catches for 67 yards, including a seven yard touchdown on an excellent catch and throw in the first quarter. McConkey heads into the Chargers bye week as the clear top target in the passing game and should be an asset in PPR leagues especially when the Chargers return for a Week 6 game in Denver against the Broncos.

From RotoBaller