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
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Joseph Ngata caught all five of his targets for 88 yards during the team's 14-13 preseason win over the New England Patriots. The second-year receiver flashed similar skills on occasion last preseason but spent most of his time on the practice squad. There is a fight for the final few receiver spots between Ngata, veteran John Ross, and E.J. Jenkins, but Ross has seen plenty of reps with the second team in practice and has seemed to have the most buzz out of the group this preseason. If Ngata can have another strong outing next week, perhaps he can nab one of the final roster spots. If not, expect the young receiver to latch onto the Philadelphia practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley took five carries for 15 yards and caught all four of his targets for 31 yards during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. Kenneth Gainwell again got the start Thursday night with the second-team offense but was replaced much earlier this week by Shipley, who saw snaps with No. 2 quarterback Kenny Pickett. The rookie only saw one target last week, but was targeted by both quarterbacks throughout the game and was far more efficient with them than Gainwell. While Shipley may open the season as the No. 3 on the depth chart, he can easily push for passing down snaps and earn more playing time as the season rolls on unless Gainwell can step it up compared to last year. Neither will retain any fantasy relevance in redraft leagues unless Saquon Barkley misses time.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tyrion Davis-Price took four carries for 28 yards and caught his lone target for no gain during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. The former San Francisco 49er did well with his touches but did not see playing time until late in the game and seems to be far behind Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley on the depth chart. The Eagles are looking to find their No. 4 back, and rookie Kendall Minton has been staving off Davis-Price for that final spot. The loser will likely land on the practice squad heading into the regular season. It will be interesting to see who gets in the game first during the Eagles' final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy underwent surgery for a torn meniscus and is out for the season. Dynasty Analysis: There was hope his injury was a partial tear that could be trimmed but that wasn't the case and a full repair was needed. It's not catastrophic as McCarthy wasn't the presumed starter but his chance of starting later in the year are now gone. Sam Darnold will have a golden opportunity moving forward as the starter, though Minnesota could also kick the tires on some veteran options. McCarthy will likely fall a couple of spots in rookie drafts as a result.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee completed 15 of 19 passes for 140 yards and lost a total of four yards on four carries during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. Kenny Pickett was again the starter in this game but had another uninspiring performance while being sacked three times. The starters were rested again this week in favor of the second string, but McKee maximized his minutes this week as he pushes to make the roster as the emergency quarterback. For what it's worth, the 24-year-old was given reps with the second-team offense this past week and has been pushing Pickett for the No. 2 spot, but it is still seen as the No. 3 on the depth chart heading into the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) was seen in the blue medical tent early Thursday during practice due to knee soreness. According to Nick Harris of the team's site, it is "not expected to be a major concern moving forward." With star wideout CeeDee Lamb missing time due to a contract holdout, the Cowboys' offense has been leaning on Cooks early and often in practice. While this does not appear to be a long-term issue, it is worth mentioning that Jalen Tolbert is the third wide receiver on Dallas' depth chart, and it's quite the falloff after that. If the eleventh-year wideout's knee does not improve quickly, expect the Cowboys to seek veteran help at the position. Cooks is Yahoo!'s WR59 in ADP and could be a nice value in an offense that should funnel targets to him, Lamb, and Jake Ferguson.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 11 of 13 passes for 67 yards and added two carries for six yards during the team's second preseason game against the New England Patriots. The former first-round pick started the game with a quick three-and-out but led the offense down the field for a field goal on the second drive. Pickett was sacked three times on his second-to-last drive and was taken out at the start of the second half for Tanner McKee. The 26-year-old is averaging 6.2 yards per completion through two starts and has done little to impress, although he has played with no starting receiver thus far. McKee had a solid night and was getting more second-team reps this past week in practice, but there is little doubt that Pickett will head into the regular season as the No. 2 behind Jalen Hurts. Pickett will play against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday, but may not get the start if the starters see action for the first time this preseason.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross (concussion) suffered a concussion during the preseason game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 15.
From TheHuddle
Despite participating fully in one-on-one drills, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) reportedly took just one snap during team drills at Thursday's practice. On one rep in particular, Njoku caught a touchdown but got up slowly and was seen walking gingerly away from the end zone. No clarity has been given on what or how severe the injury is, though Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted the veteran tight end is "sore." Fortunately, Cleveland's starters are not slated to suit up this weekend when the Browns face off against the Minnesota Vikings. Therefore, Njoku will have nine days to work back to health before a potential appearance during their preseason finale with the Seahawks on Aug. 24.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons placed kick returner/wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (hamstring) on injured reserve Thursday. Atlanta signed Grant to a one-year contract last Saturday, and he was expected to compete for a role as a return specialist. He injured his hamstring this week at practice, and it's unclear how much time he will miss. However, Grant could play again this year if he is able to reach an injury settlement with the team. The 2016 sixth-round pick was set to experience his first action this season since 2021 after suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries the previous two preseasons (Achilles, knee). With him and Rondale Moore on IR, Atlanta is expected to seek more depth behind Avery Williams to compete for kick returner duties.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans (knee) will miss the entirety of the 2024 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon at Thursday's practice. Evans was the fourth running back on Cincinnati's preseason depth chart. While he only received three touches last season, it had been reported that the fourth-year pro was having a solid camp. Evans figured to play a more significant role in the Bengals' offense with the departure of Joe Mixon this offseason, but he will shortly begin his long road to recovery. This will be the first time since 2017 that Mixon isn't projected to lead the Cincinnati backfield in touches. At this point, Zack Moss and Chase Brown figure to form some sort of committee, with third-string Trayveon Williams sprinkling in when necessary. The point-scoring capabilities of the Bengals' offense makes this backfield one to monitor.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills LB Dorian Williams is expected to start at outside linebacker while LB Matt Milano (biceps) is sidelined.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross (head) left the preseason game early Thursday, Aug. 15, and is being evaluated for a concussion.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks (knee) left practice early Thursday, Aug. 15, because of knee soreness.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) has been released by the organization. This news doesn't come as a huge surprise after Claypool was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve earlier this week due to a toe injury. The 26-year-old put together two solid seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers to begin his career. Since then, Claypool has struggled to find much success and is fighting to stick on a 53-man roster. The former second-round pick will look to catch on elsewhere once he gets healthy next year. He's completely off the fantasy radar in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) likely will play in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 17, as long as he does not suffer a setback before the game, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns WR Amari Cooper (undisclosed) left practice Thursday, Aug. 15, because of soreness, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Fantasy Spin: Cooper probably will rest for a few days but does not appear to be dealing with anything serious. He should be a big part of the passing game this season and can be a No. 3 receiver in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens rookie first-round defensive back Nate Wiggins (shoulder) returned to the practice field on Thursday. This is good news after Wiggins suffered a shoulder injury during the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The organization was concerned about the injury, but further testing determined there was no serious damage to his shoulder. That being said, Wiggins is expected to be fine going forward. The Ravens expect big things for Wiggins after they selected him in the first-round of this year's draft. He's likely to play a significant role on defense this upcoming season.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his contract with the organization. The two sides have reportedly had good conversation about a long term extension. The good news for Cowboys fans is that Prescott appears willing to play through the final year of his deal. The same cannot be said about fellow teammate CeeDee Lamb who is currently holding out for an extension. If the Cowboys extend Prescott it should lower his 2024 cap hit, which as a result should give the organization more money to get a deal done with Lamb. It's unlikely that the organization wants these issues to roll over into the regular season, so we'll see if anything happens over the next few weeks.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) appears to be in good shape after his incident a few days ago. The rookie back was carted off the field during Tuesday's practice due to an ankle injury. Now, Tracy was seen running and cutting on the field with the training staff on Thursday. This is an odd turn of events, but it sounds like Tracy has avoided a serious injury. There seems to be a good chance of Tracy getting back on the practice field next week. Fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates.
From RotoBaller
