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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 4
- Chiefs WR Rashee Rice (knee) leaves game vs. Chargers
- Broncos RB Tyler Badie injures back, out for rest of Jets game
- Packers WR Christian Watson (ankle) ruled out for rest of Vikings game
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson injures hip, out vs. Steelers
- No surgery for Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence (Lisfranc)
- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) to miss game vs. Jaguars
- Packers QB Jordan Love active, CB Jaire Alexander out vs. Vikings
- Eagles RT Lane Johnson (concussion) out vs. Bucs
- Jaguars put standout LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) on IR
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) expected to start vs. Chiefs
- Packers QB Jordan Love to start against Vikings
- Browns place OT Trent Brown (knee) on IR, ending his season
- Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley to start Monday vs. Titans
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) questionable vs. Chiefs
- Titans put CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) on IR
- Eagles WR DeVonta Smith out, A.J. Brown questionable vs. Bucs
- Packers 'encouraged' QB Jordan Love on field, Sunday start uncertain
- Raiders WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby ruled out for Week 4
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard, CB Taron Johnson out vs. Ravens
- Cowboys LB Micah Parsons has high ankle sprain; DE could miss weeks
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 4 | The Week To Bench Patrick Mahomes?
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Life: Tough Week 4 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Bills vs. Ravens: Sunday Night Football Week 4
- Fantasy Life: Avoiding Bad-Team Bias in Betting
- Fantasy Life: Don't Rush Into Roster Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Expert Roundtable: Who Can You Trust In Week 4?
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins had 60 yards off a team-high six catches in Sunday's win over the Panthers. The wideout returned from a two-game absence for the Week 3 loss to the Commanders. However, he had only three receptions in that one. But with 10 targets in Week 4, it appears Higgins still has the attention of Joe Burrow, making him worthy of a starting spot in all fantasy formats when the Bengals meet the Ravens in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense played well in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The Jets were unable to notch any sacks but did force a turnover while holding the Broncos to just 186 yards of total offense in the close loss on a rainy afternoon in New Jersey. New York's defense got their lone takeaway when they recovered a Tyler Badie fumble in the contest. The Jets will have their work cut out for them when they take on a red-hot Minnesota Vikings offense in London in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins was bottled up again in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Dobbins led the backfield in carries with 14 and also led in rushing yards, but with just 32. He was targeted four times in the passing game, making three catches for 30 yards. It was a rough day for the Chargers running game in general, as the longest play on the ground was a 12-yard run by Dobbins. For the first time this season, the Chargers offense threw the ball more times (27) than they ran it (24). Dobbins will have better games ahead, and his usage remains encouraging going forward, as no other Charger back had more than six carries in this game. The Bolts head into their bye week and will come out in Week 6 to take on the Broncos in Denver.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards received only six touches in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Edwards ran the ball six times, gaining 19 yards with a long gain of five. He was not targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins wasn't particularly effective (14 carries for 32 yards), but he clearly remains the RB1 in the Chargers backfield while Edwards fades further and further into a backup/change of pace role. Edwards is droppable in most formats right now and likely won't have much fantasy value this season unless Dobbins is forced to miss time.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed six times for 12 yards on the ground during Sunday's Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He left much more of an impact in the receiving game, hauling in three of four targets for an additional 67 yards through the air. He finished as the Patriots' receiving yards leader. Gibson now has 219 scrimmage yards over the last three weeks, but he's still searching for his first touchdown as a member of the Patriots. Nevertheless, he has demonstrated a tendency for breaking off big plays within a Patriots offense desperately searching for a spark after a 1-3 start. Gibson is still operating as the Patriots' No. 2 running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson, but given that Stevenson has lost two fumbles in the last two games and Gibson has impressed lately, the latter could be in line to earn more snaps going forward. He'll rank as a low-end RB3 heading into Week 5 against a suspect Miami Dolphins squad.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss had 15 carries for 51 yards in Sunday's win over the Panthers. He added four catches for 27 yards and a touchdown. Although Chase Brown was much more involved than he had been all season, Moss still had an efficient fantasy showing in Week 5. With a touchdown in three of the Bengals' four games on the year, Moss remains at least a flex option for the AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein made three of his four field goals in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Zuerlein provided all of the offense for the Jets on a rainy day in New Jersey in the close loss. The veteran kicker made field goals from 23, 35, and 40 yards out while missing on a 50-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter that would have given the Jets the lead. Zuerlein has struggled with his accuracy this season, missing on two of his seven field-goal attempts through four weeks. He will look to regroup ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had another solid showing in Sunday's win over the Panthers. After finding the end zone twice in Week 3, the wideout scored again in Week 4. Although Tee Higgins was more productive from a volume standpoint, Chase still had 85 yards off his three catches. With the Bengals offense returning to form, the former LSU Tiger is obviously a lock for all fantasy lineups when Cincinnati meets Baltimore in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield started off the season hot with a great performance in the season opener. After that, Mayfield and the Bucs hit a cold patch, but they found their footing on Sunday. Mayfield completed 30-of-47 passing attempts for 347 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He also added a third touchdown to his total with a read-option end zone keeper. It will be a short week for the Bucs as they turn around with a Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Fantasy managers can consider Mayfield a high-end QB2 for that one.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) had another pedestrian game in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Herbert was listed as questionable all week with a high ankle sprain, but was able to play although clearly slowed by the injury. He ended up attempting 27 passes, completing 16 of them for 179 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked twice and fumbled once, but it was recovered by a teammate. He also "added" three carries, but totaled zero yards on the ground. Herbert's touchdown came on an outstanding throw and catch to rookie Ladd McConkey. The Chargers head into their Week 5 bye with a 2-2 record and Herbert will get a much needed week of rest before taking on the Broncos on the road in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 19 of 32 passes for 168 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during a Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He also rushed for three yards and took six sacks behind a depleted offensive line. Furthermore, Brissett fumbled three times, with one of those fumbles being recovered by the defense. The veteran quarterback had not allowed a turnover through the first three games this season, but then he coughed up the football twice on Sunday. New England falls to 1-3 as buzz continues to grow for Drake Maye. For now, though, the offense still belongs to Brissett. He remains the Patriots' starting quarterback heading into a Week 5 clash with the ailing Miami Dolphins. Perhaps this favorable matchup next Sunday will be enough to get the Patriots back in the win column. However, Brissett is still off the fantasy radar given the Patriots' run-heavy approach on offense.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught five of his eight targets for 58 yards in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Lazard wound up finishing second on the team in receiving yards while tying for the lead with his eight targets and five catches. The veteran has looked reinvigorated this season, having gone for at least 48 receiving yards in three of his four games while hauling in three touchdowns. Firmly established as a weekly flex option, Lazard will now get ready to take on the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught four of his eight targets for 17 yards in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Conklin ultimately didn't do much in the box score but his eight targets tied him with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard for the team lead. Conklin has seen his target share tick up over the past two weeks, drawing 14 over that span as Aaron Rodgers has been looking his way often of late. Conklin will be on the fantasy radar as a TE2 heading into Week 5's London game against the Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams caught four of his five targets for 67 yards in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Williams managed to lead the Jets in receiving yards despite finishing second on the team in catches and targets in the low-scoring loss to Denver. Williams has slowly gotten better each game this season as he did not record a target while playing sparingly in Week 1. Fantasy gamers should continue to be patient with Williams, who has yet to score a touchdown this season but has been a prominent part of the New York offense in the red zone. Williams will be on the fantasy radar as a flex option heading into Week 5's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) will have an MRI on Monday after exiting Sunday's matchup with the Chargers. There hasn't been a firm update on the wideout's condition. However, with head coach Andy Reid indicating things don't look promising regarding Rice's condition, fantasy managers are already bracing for the worst, including what the team fears to be a torn ACL. It's unfortunate, considering he had 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns in the first three weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, with Rice's anticipated absence moving ahead, Skyy Moore, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce are in line to see more attention from Patrick Mahomes.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen carried the ball eight times for 34 yards and added a 12-yard catch in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Allen didn't post a great final stat line but he outproduced starter Breece Hall, who managed just four yards on 10 carries in the close loss to Denver. The rookie running back has been productive on a small workload thus far this season, going for at least 33 rushing yards in three of four games while scoring two touchdowns over that span. Allen has shown himself to be a talented NFL running back who should be treated as a high-end handcuff in fantasy moving forward. He will take on the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught five of his eight targets for 41 yards and lost a fumble in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Wilson and the Jets offense struggled on a rainy day, failing to score any touchdowns in the low-scoring loss. The veteran wide receiver wound up finishing third on the Jets in receiving yards despite tying for the team lead in targets and catches. Wilson has underwhelmed as Aaron Rodgers' No .1 receiver thus far this season, failing to top 60 receiving yards in a game and scoring just one touchdown on the year. Looking more like a fantasy WR2 instead of the WR1 he was drafted to be, Wilson will look to bounce back against the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had 15 carries for a team-high 80 yards in Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers. He added two grabs for 12 yards. Brown wasn't relevant for fantasy managers throughout the first three weeks of the year. However, the 24-year-old had a big outing in Week 4, which also included two trips to the end zone. Zack Moss was still involved (and productive), so it remains to be seen if Brown will get opportunities to produce in Week 5 versus the Ravens. With that in mind, he deserves flex consideration for that one based on his performance on Sunday, although his presence in fantasy lineups is still risky.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 10 times for four yards and caught two of his five targets for 14 yards in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. It was a rough afternoon for Hall and the rest of the New York offense as they were unable to cross the goal line at any point, instead settling for three field goals in the low-scoring loss. Hall's performance easily goes down as his worst of the season as he had found the end zone in each of his previous three contests before running into the Broncos on Sunday. The veteran running back will now begin preparations to take on the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Fantasy gamers should count on him to bounce back and deliver an RB1 performance for them in that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow finished Sunday's win over the Panthers by throwing for 232 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick off 22-for-31 passing. While the 2020 No. 1 overall pick wasn't as productive as in Week 3, he still did enough to lead the Bengals to their first victory of the 2024-25 campaign. His increase in production has also resulted in Ja'Marr Chase picking up his third touchdown of the year in Week 4. The Bengals will meet the Ravens in Week 5 in an AFC North clash. While Burrow and the Bengals offense could be tested, the signal-caller remains a starting fantasy option for that one.
From RotoBaller
