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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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Player Notes
Will Levis Aug 6 6:20pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans right guard Saahdiq Charles is set to retire. The 25-year-old appeared to be in the driver's seat to secure the Titans' starting right guard position. Charles was signed by the Titans in March after spending his first four seasons with the Washington Commanders. Charles has had trouble staying healthy during his career. He only played in 35 games over his first four seasons. However, he did bring 18 games of starting experience to the Titans. With the 30th PFF-ranked offensive line in the NFL, the Titans need all the help they can get up front. Fourth-year player Dillon Radunz is now listed as the Titans' starting right guard. The Titans need a solid performance from their offensive line in 2024 to give second-year quarterback Will Levis a chance to succeed. The Titans have several fantasy-relevant players including Levis, DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and Tyjae Spears who could all be negatively impacted if this line is unable to hold up.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Aug 6 6:20pm CT
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (concussion) was back in team drills on Tuesday. Moore suffered the injury during the Browns' final training camp practice. Moore recorded 59 receptions for 649 yards and two touchdowns with the Browns in 2023. He is currently listed as the No. 3 wide receiver on the Browns' depth chart. With the Browns reportedly engaged in trade talks for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, it remains to be seen where Moore will fall on the Browns' final depth chart. The former New York Jet is likely the fourth option on a Browns team, including David Njoku. For now, Moore should be considered a depth piece in fantasy in deeper leagues.

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Brandon Aiyuk Aug 6 6:13pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

Dynasty | The 49ers have granted wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk permission to negotiate a contract with other teams. Dynasty Analysis: It seems the 49ers are finally going to bite the bullet and deal the star receiver at some point here soon. Unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal, it seems San Francisco is ready to move on find him a new home rather than deal with the distraction any longer. Aiyuk is reportedly garnering interest from New England, Cleveland and Pittsburgh at minimum with more teams likely in the mix. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Ricky Pearsall Aug 6 6:10pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

As a precaution, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) was removed from practice Tuesday. The 49ers rookie wideout was put in a blue non-contact jersey earlier in training camp due to a shoulder injury. Pearsall projects to be the team's fourth wide receiver behind Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Deebo Samuel Sr. in 2024. However, with Aiyuk entrenched in trade rumors, Pearsall could see a leap in his fantasy stock. For now, Pearsall is a solid option to monitor ahead of fantasy drafts for both his injury and role in the offense.

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Kyler Murray Aug 6 6:00pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will not play during the preseason. This comes as no surprise as many high-profile quarterbacks sit the entirety of the preseason, especially in recent years. Murray is coming off a season in which he threw for 1,799 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight games. Murray added 244 rushing yards and three touchdowns despite coming off a torn ACL. While it is a bummer that we will not get to see Murray throw to Marvin Harrison Jr. in the preseason, fantasy managers should know what to expect from Murray at this point. The Cardinals' offense should be serviceable, with Murray behind center. As the current QB10 in fantasy drafts, Murray should be a target in fantasy drafts.

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Jameis Winston Aug 6 6:00pm CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Jameis Winston is set to start the Browns' preseason opener on Saturday versus the Green Bay Packers. It remains to be seen if starter Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will play during the preseason, but this game will give the Browns a chance to see what they have in Winston. The 30-year-old Winston signed with the Browns on a one-year deal with Cleveland during the offseason. Winston spent the past four seasons primarily as a backup with the New Orleans Saints. The former No. 1 overall pick appeared in seven games in 2023 and recorded 264 passing yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He should not be on fantasy radars for 2024. However, with Winston having extensive starting experience, hopefully, he will give fantasy managers a good look at some of the Browns' potential starting wide receivers or sleepers in this game.

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CeeDee Lamb Aug 6 6:00pm CT
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was placed on the Reserve/Did Not Report List by the Cowboys on Tuesday. The move creates roster space to allow the Cowboys flexibility while Lamb holds out. Lamb and the Cowboys have been in contract negotiations that have caused Lamb to hold out in protest of the lack of a deal. Lamb is coming off a career year in which he caught 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation to see how long it may actually drag out. Despite holding out, Lamb is a surefire top-three pick heading into upcoming fantasy drafts.

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Christian McCaffrey Aug 6 2:43pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) recently suffered a calf strain and will likely be sidelined for 'a couple of weeks,' according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Fantasy Spin: Shanahan added that McCaffrey will not see any action during the preseason, so he will just over a month to heal up. It is also being reported that Elijah Mitchell dealing with a hamstring injury, which leaves Jordan Mason as the top back in 49ers' camp right now. As far as McCaffrey is concerned, his health will likely be called into question for the foreseeable future as a 28-year-old running back coming off a 417-touch season. Fantasy managers can be forgiven if they opt to go with a younger back like Bijan Robinson or Breece Hall or a receiver such as CeeDee Lamb or Tyreek Hill at the top of the first round.

From TheHuddle

Christian McCaffrey Aug 6 2:40pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) is dealing with a calf strain in training camp, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said he will not be taking part in the preseason. Furthermore, Shanahan said that McCaffrey might miss a couple weeks of camp with his calf issue. While CMC may not be in danger of missing the start of the 2024 regular season, this is bad news for the reigning NFL rushing leader and the three-time Pro Bowler. The 28-year-old led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs while also catching 67 passes for an additional 564 yards and seven TDs in 16 regular-season games in 2023, making him the unquestioned top fantasy pick going into 2024 fantasy drafts. However, he's no stranger to disappointment for fantasy managers due to injuries, as he played in a combined 10 games from 2020-21 while with the Panthers. CMC should still be the No. 1 overall fantasy selection as long as he's ready for Week 1, but this is a reminder of the risk that's also involved. Elijah Mitchell is second on the RB depth chart and would become a weekly play in fantasy lineups if CMC misses any time.

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Brandon Aiyuk Aug 6 2:30pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

The Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers re-engaged in conversations mid-day on Tuesday regarding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, according to league sources. As of Monday night, talks between the two teams had stalled, but there have been further conversations on Tuesday in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams as well, mainly the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. It was reported Monday night that the Niners had agreed to the framework of trades with both the Browns and Patriots, and Aiyuk reportedly has been given the green light to negotiate a contract extension with other teams interested in trading for him. A resolution on Aiyuk is expected sooner than later, and no matter where he ends up, he's likely to see a decline in fantasy value, especially if he lands in New England with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. it's unclear what the Steelers might be offering San Fran in a potential deal. Stay tuned.

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Jared Goff Aug 6 2:10pm CT
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn't anticipate quarterback Jared Goff playing in Thursday's preseason opener against the hosting New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. That likely means veteran Nate Sudfeld will absorb a significant chunk of snaps in Thursday's exhibition game, with 2023 first-rounder Hendon Hooker also figuring to get in on the action at some point. Goff is coming off a prolific season for Detroit that saw him rank second in passing yards (4,571) and pass attempts (605) in 17 games, but his complete lack of rushing upside keeps in late-round territory of fantasy drafts this summer. Considering the 29-year-old Pro Bowler has far superior splits when playing at home or indoors in his career, it's worth noting that the Lions will only play three out of 17 contests outdoors in 2024, with the first not arriving until Week 9 in Green Bay against the division-rival Packers.

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Rico Dowdle Aug 6 2:00pm CT
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Royce Freeman (groin) might remain out of practice on Tuesday, and Deuce Vaughn (hamstring) likely won't practice either, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters. It adds fuel to the breakout case for late-round sleeper Rico Dowdle, who "has been the face of the committee and could be the lead guy during the season. In practices, he's had solid showings in pass protection, flashed receiving ability, and gotten the call to run in high-leverage situations." Starter Ezekiel Elliott remains the best bet for touches and the favorite to lead the Cowboys in carries this year as the incumbent veteran during the early stages of the season, but the speedier Dowdle has stood out at training camp and could push him for work in Dallas' backfield this fall. Sunday's preseason opener against the hosting Los Angeles Rams should offer fantasy managers a clearer picture on the hierarchy here.

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Daniel Jones Aug 6 1:50pm CT
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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) playing in Thursday's preseason opener versus the visiting Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium has yet to be determined, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters at training camp on Tuesday. Although Jones hasn't appeared to be limited by last year's torn ACL in any capacity in practice to begin the year, the Giants may opt to exercise some caution for the first bill of exhibition play on Thursday. If Jones sit outs, Drew Lock figures to draw the start under center for the G-Men, and Tommy Devito would likely play in the second half. Jones is entering a make-or-break season in the Big Apple this fall, and his fantasy appeal to begin the season is relatively muted. In 2023, however, the 27-year-old former first-rounder did rank fourth among eligible signal-callers with 34.3 rushing yards per game.

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Malik Nabers Aug 6 1:40pm CT
Malik Nabers

Through just two weeks of training camp, New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is already looking like he can be a playmaker. In nearly every practice, Nabers has shown off with highlight-reel catches. The Giants are already using Nabers in a variety of ways during practice, and head coach Brian Daboll has even turned to the rookie wideout for play-calling input. During a two-minute drive at the end of the first week of practices, Nabers told Daboll he wanted a go-ball. Quarterback Daniel Jones then connected on a deep ball down the right sideline for the kind of catch that fans want to see on a regular basis. Although New York's offense is questionable at best to begin 2024, the 21-year-old No. 6 overall pick should be one of its lone bright spots. Nabers' ADP of 70 on Yahoo may be bargain as an exciting WR2 option this summer, but he'll need functional QB play for weekly consistency.

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MarShawn Lloyd Aug 6 1:30pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd had a drop and a fumble during the first-team period at training camp on Tuesday. It was a rough day at practice for Lloyd, who also got thumped on a run stop by rookie linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper on Tuesday, per Andy Herman. It seemed earlier in the offseason that AJ Dillon was shaping up as the odd man out and a cap casualty in Green Bay's revamped backfield, but there's been some speculation that the veteran will end up as the Packers' No. 2 back over Lloyd this fall. The 22-year-old rookie third-rounder will certainly need to have better showings at camp if he wants be more than a minimally used change-of-pace option in 2024. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Saturday's preseason opener against the hosting Cleveland Browns for more clarity on who the favorite is for touches behind workhorse starter Josh Jacobs.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Aug 6 1:20pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is fine after a collision that happened during Monday's practice, per head coach Matt LaFleur. Watson suffered an injury scare during Monday's session, but he is back on the field at training camp on Tuesday. After being drafted as Green Bay's No. 1 wideout in last summer's fantasy drafts, the 25-year-old former second-round pick is instead coming off the board a bit after slot receiver Jayden Reed in 2024. Watson has dealt with recurring hamstring injuries in the past and will need to stay healthy for any chance at a breakout season this year, but he's likely the Packers' most explosive option after ranking sixth among qualifying wideouts in average target distance (15.4) over 53 targets in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Russell Gage Aug 6 1:00pm CT
Russell Gage

The Baltimore Ravens signed free-agent wide receiver Russell Gage (knee) to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Gage had a workout with the New Orleans Saints during minicamp in June but will now head to Baltimore to provide depth at wideout. The 28-year-old missed all of last season due to a torn patellar tendon in his knee last August and was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March. Rashod Bateman has been pretty banged up so far in training camp, so perhaps the Ravens wanted some extra depth at a position that also includes Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, rookie Devontez Walker and Deonte Harty, among others. Gage appears to be healthy now and will be competing for one of the final spots at receiver with the Ravens in camp and the preseason. In 13 games (four starts) in Tampa in 2022, Gage had a 51-426-5 line.

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Avonte Maddox Aug 6 12:40pm CT
Avonte Maddox

Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (shoulder) is currently sidelined at training camp with a shoulder injury, but it's not considered a long-term injury. With Gardner-Johnson sidelined at Tuesday's training camp practice, Avonte Maddox is filling in for him with the first-team defense. When healthy, the 26-year-old Gardner-Johnson is a lock to start at safety for an Eagles secondary that was a liability for the defense in 2023. The former fourth-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2019 out of Florida only played in three games last year for the Detroit Lions due to a torn pectoral muscle before signing a three-year deal with Philly in March. Gardner-Johnson's six interceptions with the Eagles in 2022 represent half of his career total. He's useful as a bye-week filler at defensive back in IDP leagues when he's healthy.

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Drake Maye Aug 6 12:30pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye will play in the team's preseason opener on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers. "Everyone who is healthy enough to play in the game, will play," Mayo said. The head coach also said that the plan right now is for veteran Jacoby Brissett to start on Thursday. Although nothing has been officially announced, Brissett is the clear favorite to start for the Pats in the Week 1 regular season opener. While the 21-year-old Maye, who was the third overall pick in April's NFL draft, has much more long-term upside than Brissett, he's reportedly looked like a rookie in training camp as he tries to learn New England's offense. We'll get a better look at Maye during the preseason, but for now, he's not much of a redraft option in fantasy as he heads into his first year in the league.

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Josh Whyle Aug 6 12:30pm CT
Josh Whyle

The Tennessee Titans listed an offense with a two-tight end set on their depth chart last year. This year, they listed one tight end in the starting lineup on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, and it's split between Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle. Fantasy managers should never read too much into unofficial depth charts, especially this early in the preseason, but it's not a great sign for Okonkwo. Tennessee's offense is expected to be more pass-happy under new head coach Brian Callahan, but the 24-year-old Okonkwo will have plenty of competition for targets after the team added wideouts Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in the offseason. The former fourth-round selection in 2022 out of Maryland caught 54 passes for 528 yards and only one touchdown in 17 games in 2023 in his second year in the league. For now, he's merely a low-end TE2 target in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller