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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
Khalil Shakir Oct 7 4:00pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott called wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) day-to-day on Monday. The Bills will continue to evaluate Shakir's ankle injury after he was forced to sit out of the Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. The 24-year-old will hope to make some progress in practice this week and hopefully have a chance to return this Sunday against the division-rival New York Jets in Week 6. Fantasy managers will have a better idea of whether Shakir can return later on in the week. In his absence in Houston, quarterback Josh Allen and Buffalo's offense really struggled to sustain drives and put up points in a 23-20 loss. Allen threw for a season-low 131 yards on just nine completions, and rookie receiver Keon Coleman led the team in receiving on a 49-yard touchdown reception.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 7 4:00pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) came out of the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns "well." Robinson didn't have a carry in the second half of the game on Sunday, which Quinn said was "a coaching decision" as they monitor his knee. In the first half, B-Rob had seven carries for only 18 yards, but he saved the day for his fantasy managers by finding the end zone twice in an easy win over Cleveland. With the Commanders up big in the second half, there was really no need to push the 25-year-old after he came into the game questionable due to a knee injury. Robinson has five rushing touchdowns through five weeks, but fantasy managers have to be a little concerned that his workload will continue to be monitored heading into a Week 6 contest versus the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Oct 7 3:50pm CT
Nico Collins

After initially being deemed day-to-day on Monday, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that the team will evaluate wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) "week-to-week." "It takes a hamstring a couple weeks," Ryans said. Collins managed to catch both of his targets for 78 yards and his third touchdown of the season in the Week 5 win over the Buffalo Bills before leaving the game, and now his status for the Week 6 contest against the New England Patriots is firmly up in the air. Fantasy managers should already be preparing as if he won't be available this week. The 25-year-old's status will be more clear once the Texans hold a few practices later this week. He currently has a league-high 567 receiving yards through five weeks and would be a big loss for Houston's offense. Second-year wideout Tank Dell, would be the biggest beneficiary in the Texans offense from a fantasy standpoint if Collins misses any time.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 7 3:50pm CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is still being evaluated this week. "Definitely improving, see where he is as the week goes on," Ryans said. Mixon tweaked his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears and hasn't played since. The Texans are going to play it coy with Mixon's status for now, but we should have a better idea of his status for Week 6 versus the New England Patriots once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday. There's also the status of Dameon Pierce (hamstring) to take into account in this backfield. Pierce hasn't played since Week 1 but is apparently getting close to a return. Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have been splitting the backfield for Houston in each of the last three weeks, but Mixon will be the Texans' primary back once he's fully healthy.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 7 3:40pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) will remain on Injured Reserve and will not be available to make his 2024 debut this Thursday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 6. McCaffrey is dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both of his legs and has yet to play so far in 2024. However, he did do some on-field work last week and didn't have any setbacks to his legs. The 49ers will continue to take things slow with last year's leading rusher, but it's been reported that CMC could be ready to make his season debut at the earliest in Week 7 for a rematch of last year's Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. But there's also a possibility that San Fran decides to hold McCaffrey out through their Week 9 bye. He needs to remain stashed in all fantasy formats, while Jordan Mason maintains RB1 status for however long McCaffrey is sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 7 3:30pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

The San Francisco 49ers are not opening the practice window for rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) this week because the team isn't going to have a full-speed practice this week as they prepare to take on the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on a quick turnaround to kick off Week 6 action on Thursday night at Lumen Field. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall will continue to undergo physical therapy while he stays on the Non-Football Injury list. Pearsall sustained a gunshot wound to his chest on Aug. 31 during an armed-robbery attempt and he also missed the majority of training camp due to a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old is getting close to rejoining practices, but the Niners will likely take the full 21-day window before activating him from the NFI list. Pearsall is fighting an uphill battle to make an impact in redraft fantasy leagues in 2024 after already missing a lot of time.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Oct 7 2:20pm CT
DeVonta Smith

According to NFL Insider James Palmer, the Philadelphia Eagles expect superstar wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) to return to action in Week 6. It's excellent news for the Eagles and fantasy managers. Brown has been on the shelf since a five-catch, 119-yard performance in Week 1 after popping up later that week with a hamstring issue, and Smith since Week 4 when he was forced from Philly's loss to the Buccaneers -- failing to record a target. They'll be a welcome sight for quarterback Jalen Hurts, who struggled to get much going down both athletes when the team fell to Tampa Bay 33-16. The wideouts will immediately slot back into their elite WR1 and high-end WR2 roles in the Eagles' offense, providing a significant boost to the team when Philadelphia hosts the visiting Cleveland Browns this coming Sunday. Fantasy managers can confidently return them to their starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Oct 7 2:13pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert had seven catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in a win against Pittsburgh. Dynasty Analysis: Tolbert led the team in catches and targets while the Steelers focused much of the defensive game plan on CeeDee Lamb. Tolbert now has double digit fantasy points in three of four games and is quickly emerging as a legitimate option in fantasy leagues. With Brandin Cooks on injured reserve, Tolbert has a chance to take the WR2 job in Dallas and run with it. He'll be a flex consideration moving forward and maybe more if he can keep it up.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dalvin Cook Oct 7 2:13pm CT
Dalvin Cook

Dynasty | Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle had 87 rushing yards, two catches, 27 receiving yards, and a touchdown in a win against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: After beginning the season in a rotation with Ezekiel Elliott, Dowdle has now taken over the backfield in Dallas. He had 22 touches this week compared to just six for Elliott. While his production has been far from dominant, his workload merits him to be in consideration each week. The Cowboys could still bring up Dalvin Cook but it seems Dowdle is going to finally get a chance to earn the job. He's a solid hold in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Anthony Richardson Oct 7 2:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that when quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is healthy, he will remain the team's starter. Richardson was forced from the Colt's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with what was initially labeled a hip injury. In his absence, Joe Flacco has thrown for 527 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in less than two full games of action. Despite this, Indianapolis will continue to roll with their second-year quarterback, who has yet to eclipse three passing scores on the year while already tossing six interceptions. As exciting as the 22-year-old is to watch, it would appear that Flacco gives the Colts a better chance to win games and is a bigger boost to his surrounding skill players -- particularly the wide receivers -- for fantasy. The Florida product isn't expected to be sidelined long, and projects to be back this Sunday when Indianapolis faces the Tennessee Titans on the road. This situation will become more evident when the Colts release their week's first injury report on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Oct 7 2:10pm CT
Xavier Legette

Per Joe Person of the Athletic, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) said he is expected to undergo imaging on Monday for his AC Joint injury. The rookie wideout exited Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Chicago Bears late in the first half, ending his day with one catch on one target for eight yards. Earlier reports from Legette confirmed he expects to play in Week 6 when the team lines up to face the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday. However, Carolina is at least moderately concerned about the 23-year-old's shoulder. In his absence, wide receiver Jalen Coker saw an uptick in snaps, leading the team in receptions (4) and yards (68). Coker would likely play in three wide receiver sets again, along with Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo, if Legette were to miss more time. For now, the former first-round pick is considered day-to-day.

From RotoBaller

DeMarvin Leal Oct 7 1:50pm CT
DeMarvin Leal

The Pittsburgh Steelers allowed 20 points while logging two sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a blocked field goal in a Week 5 Loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Led by T.J. Watt, the Steelers' defense was on fire to begin the contest, forcing two turnovers and holding Dallas to just six points in the first half. Pittsburgh managed some big plays late, such as an interception by cornerback Joey Porter Jr. that eventually led to a go-ahead touchdown, but the defense struggled to put pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott in the second half. Edge rushers Nick Herbig (hamstring) and DeMarvin Leal (neck) were both injured in the contest, leaving Pittsburgh depleted at outside linebacker with Alex Highsmith (groin) inactive. The Steelers DST will hope to get healthy in a spot to bounce back against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 7 1:40pm CT
Devon Achane

According to Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday that running back De'Von Achane (concussion) is in the NFL's concussion protocol. The 22-year-old exited Sunday's contest against the New England Patriots early after taking an end around and colliding head-on with a Pats' defender. Achane had racked up 18 yards on his three carries before his exit and seemed to be in store for a big game. In his stead, running backs Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright handled the majority of the backfield touches, with the veteran amassing six more carries but six fewer yards than the latter. That duo would likely lead the backfield again if Achane missed time. Fortunately, Miami is heading into their Week 6 bye, which will afford the second-year back an extended recovery period. He is probably able to clear protocol ahead of an enticing Week 7 road matchup against a sieve-like Indianapolis Colts defense, but this will be a situation for fantasy managers to monitor.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Oct 7 1:20pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell connected on his lone field goal attempt and was successful on both of his extra-point tries in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Boswell drilled a 41-yarder on Pittsburgh's first possession of the game but was not called upon again until the third quarter when the team finally found the end zone. Although he continues to kick extremely accurately to begin the season, the Steelers' offensive woes give some cause for concern moving forward. Boswell should be able to bounce back next week against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are surrendering over 26 points per contest.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Oct 7 1:10pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth came down with all three of his targets for 22 yards and a score in a Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Freiermuth was quiet for much of the contest but was called upon when it mattered most. The 25-year-old was on the receiving end of a six-yard shovel-pass-touchdown from quarterback Justin Fields that put the Steelers up 17-13 with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Freiermuth was credited with a lost fumble on the last play of the game, on which he lateralled the ball in a desperate attempt to score as time expired. Freiermuth has had a sizeable role in the offense all season and has proven to be a threat near the goal line over the past two weeks. He'll continue to project as a low-end TE1 heading into a Week 6 bout with the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 7 1:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) played 25 offensive snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday in his first game since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. However, Njoku suffered a knee injury against Washington, and head coach Kevin Stefanski said he will get an MRI exam on Monday to determine the extent of his new injury. The 28-year-old had just one reception for 14 yards on three targets in his return, while Jordan Akins caught all three of his targets for 22 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Njoku's status for a Week 6 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles is now up in the air until we know more about his knee injury. Even if his knee injury isn't serious and he's able to play this weekend, Njoku's stock has fallen to a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 in what has become an ugly Browns offense.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Oct 7 1:00pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens recorded three receptions for 26 yards on seven targets in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was an oddly quiet night for Pickens, who was out-snapped by fellow wideouts Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. When asked about the situation, head coach Mike Tomlin labeled it "snap management" and stated that there was no underlying reason for Pickens' minimal role. With Pickens on the sideline, it was made apparent that the Steelers are lacking explosive pass-catchers, making his limited utilization all the more confusing. He did manage to contribute on a pivotal possession late in the fourth quarter, gaining 21 yards on a short pass from Justin Fields that set up a go-ahead touchdown. The 23-year-old should be more involved in a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 7 12:50pm CT
Davante Adams

The Las Vegas Raiders' preference as an organization is to trade wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) "sooner rather than later," according to multiple sources. However, the Raiders aren't just going to do any deal just for the sake of trading Adams, and their preference has been not to take on any of the money remaining on his contract. Trade talks involving Adams are expected to heat up this week, with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints being the most likely destinations for the 31-year-old. Adams has missed the last two games with the Raiders due to a hamstring issue, but he's expected to be ready to play in Week 6 if he's traded by then. In three games this year, he has caught 18 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown. Moving out of Vegas and their ugly quarterback situation should be a plus for Adams' rest-of-season fantasy outlook. Stay tuned on this high-profile situation.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 7 12:40pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) likely won't practice on Monday, but he expects the young signal-caller to return to his practice routine later in the week. Levis is "improving" and is better than he was after last Monday's win over the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old suffered a right AC-joint sprain in his throwing shoulder in Week 4. He was relieved by Mason Rudolph, who stayed in for the remainder of the game and led the team to an easy win over Miami. It sounds like Levis should have a chance to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts coming out of the bye week, but nothing is official as of right now. The Titans said last week that Levis remains their starting QB as long as he's healthy, but he could be on a short leash moving forward after leading the league with six interceptions through his first four games.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 7 12:30pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 15 of 27 pass attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns while adding 27 rushing yards on six attempts in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers' offense struggled in this one, but Fields was able to execute with some success in the second half. He found tight end Connor Heyward for a 16-yard score early in the third quarter and later hit Pat Freiermuth on a six-yard shovel pass for a touchdown that gave the team a 17-13 lead with less than five minutes to go in the fourth. Like his performance in Week 4, Fields' efforts to mount a comeback salvaged his fantasy output even though the Steelers came up short. Assuming he remains the starter, the 25-year-old will be a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 for fantasy purposes in Week 6 when he takes on the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller