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.
The Invitational Live Stream
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that wide receiver Davante Adams (undisclosed) tweaked something in training camp practice on Wednesday, which is why he didn't suit up for the team's preseason game on Saturday versus the Dallas Cowboys. Adams is expected to return to practice on Tuesday, though, so it doesn't appear to be an injury that is serious enough to put his availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener in question. The 31-year-old pass-catcher is unlikely to play in the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers next Friday, and the team's starters won't even play in that contest. In his first year without quarterback Derek Carr in 2023, Adams still had over 1,000 receiving yards, but his 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns were both his fewest marks since 2019. He's likely to struggle for big explosive plays down the field again in 2024, making him more of a low-end WR1 than a high-end one.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that rookie first-round tight end Brock Bowers (foot) was held out of Saturday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys due to a sore foot. It remains to be seen how serious Bowers' foot injury is, but he's unlikely to play in the preseason finale on Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. There are still several weeks to go until the start of the 2024 regular season in early September, but missed practice time now for the 21-year-old could cause him to get off to a slow start in his rookie campaign. Fantasy managers targeting him in upcoming drafts as a low-end TE1 will want to keep a close eye on his status this upcoming week. When healthy, the former Georgia Bulldog is expected to immediately become Vegas' top pass-catching tight end in 2024 over Michael Mayer. It's possible that Bowers will be the team's No. 2 target behind receiver Davante Adams.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh had more good things to say about rookie running back Braelon Allen after Saturday's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. "We picked him for a lot of reasons, because he's actually really good out of the backfield and route-running, he's really good in protection, too. We think he's an all-around good back and he's a very powerful runner, too, and he's displaying that, down in and down out," Saleh said. The 20-year-old saw eight carries on Saturday and gained 27 yards while also catching two of his four targets for 12 yards. With just one preseason game remaining, it seems pretty clear that Allen is the team's preferred RB2 behind workhorse Breece Hall heading into his first year in the NFL. He's probably going to go undrafted in standard 12-team fantasy leagues, but in deeper formats, Allen is worth taking as a handcuff to Hall.
From RotoBaller
Former Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore (shoulder) signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, according to a source. The former Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots defensive back will reunite with defensive coordinator Brian Flores in Minnesota. The Vikings had long been in the market for a big-name cornerback, and Gilmore was being patient and biding his time. Gilmore is fully healthy and demonstrated it during his visit with the Vikes before signing. The 33-year-old veteran had offseason surgery on his shoulder after starting in all 17 regular-season games for Dallas in 2023, registering a career-high 68 tackles (54 solo), two interceptions, 13 pass breakups and a forced fumble. Gilmore will be a starter for the Vikings and will be a big-time upgrade to their secondary as long as he's healthy.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) suffered a groin injury in Saturday's preseason contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Beathard played the entire third quarter after following Mac Jones in the exhibition contest and finished 5-for-7 for 40 yards with 10 rushing yards on two carries. The 30-year-old veteran could lose out on the competition for the backup job behind Trevor Lawrence if his groin injury is serious enough to sideline him for the preseason finale next week against the Atlanta Falcons. In Saturday's game, Jones, the former New England Patriots signal-caller, went 16-for-23 for 210 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 14 yards on six carries. Given Beathard's injury, Jones appears to be in a good spot to win the backup job in his first year in Jacksonville.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson caught all four targets for 57 yards in the preseason win over Seattle. While the rookie didn't find the end zone like teammate Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, he still led all receivers in yards on the night. Jackson, the No. 182 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has reportedly looked good in training camp. However, Tennessee has plenty of depth at the wide receiver spot, so he'll have an uphill climb to get targets during his inaugural campaign. The Titans will end the preseason with a trip to New Orleans to meet the Saints.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught two of his four targets for 20 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Seattle. While Nick Westbrook-Ikhine didn't get as many looks as some of the other wideouts on the roster, he made the most of his limited targets, pulling in a 15-yard pass from Mason Rudolph near the end of the second quarter. The 27-year-old has had flashes of production in his four seasons with the Titans, totaling 94 receptions for 1,276 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, the Titans have depth at the wide receiver position, meaning Nick Westbrook-Ikhine won't be consistently involved. With that said, he could still have a few decent outings during the 2024-25 campaign. Tennessee will end the preseason with a trip to New Orleans to meet the Saints.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis got some work in Saturday's narrow preseason win over the Seahawks. The 2022 No. 86 overall pick went 12-for-16 passing for 116 yards. He added four carries for 30 yards. Willis was more accurate than Mason Rudolph, who went 10-for-17 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown. However, unlike Rudolph, Willis threw an interception. At any rate, Willis will likely remain behind Rudolph on the depth chart heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, unless Will Levis isn't starting, neither backup quarterback will be relevant for fantasy purposes. The Titans will end their preseason with a meeting with the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph had a solid showing in Saturday's preseason victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Rudolph, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Titans this offseason after spending the start of his career in Pittsburgh, threw for 125 yards and a touchdown off 10-for-17 passing. He added four carries for 15 yards. Rudolph appears to have a lock on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart ahead of Malik Willis. However, the signal-caller won't be relevant for fantasy managers during the 2024-25 campaign unless Will Levis loses his job as the starter. The Titans will close out the preseason with a trip to New Orleans versus the Saints.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Dante Pettis played just 12 snaps in the team's 27-3 preseason win over the Bengals but made them count, catching all three of his targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard touchdown grab from Tyson Bagent. Behind receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, Pettis is vying to be the primary backup. The offseason acquisitions and the switch to offensive coordinator Shane Waldron suggest more three-receiver sets this year, which could elevate the role of the fourth receiver. Pettis has one final opportunity Thursday at Kansas City to secure his spot before the team's season opener on September 8 against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze saw an increase in snaps to 20 during the 27-3 preseason win over the Bengals, catching one of two targets for a 45-yard gain from quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze also rushed for the first time in his professional career, gaining 16 yards. The Bears' offense showed some exciting flashes but generally struggled throughout most of the first half before their first touchdown drive late in the half. Odunze had more opportunities to work downfield with DJ Moore limited to nine snaps and Keenan Allen playing just eight snaps. His final chance to improve in the preseason comes on Thursday at Kansas City before he makes his regular-season debut on September 8 against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams appeared in 22 plays during Saturday's 27-3 preseason victory over the Bengals, completing six of 13 passes for 75 yards. Following a stellar debut in a limited appearance, Williams' efficiency took a step back in his second professional outing. His escapability and rushing upside were evident, with a seven-yard touchdown on his only rush of the game. However, he took his first sack against Cincinnati and ended the game with a completion percentage below 50. Williams' final tune-up game is scheduled for Thursday in Kansas City before he hosts the Titans in Week 1 for his regular-season debut.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 12 of 15 passes for 150 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The 26-year-old also rushed five times for 11 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown. Hooker did lose a costly fumble late in the game but otherwise looked calm throughout his time on the field. As of now, Hooker's performance and higher ceiling give him the edge for the backup quarterback position over Nate Sudfeld, though both players had poor performances in their first preseason games last week. Hooker remains a dynasty stash for now and will look to improve on Saturday's performance in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington once again led all Rams receivers in targets during Week 2 of the preseason in Saturday's game against the Chargers. The rookie out of Texas continues to turn heads this preseason as he recorded five catches for 52 yards on eight targets against the Chargers. Rams coach Sean McVay has spoken about the fact that he believes Whittington will have a role in the offense during his rookie season this year. Alongside Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Whittington is an interesting name to monitor ahead of draft season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Boston Scott got just 10 carries in the team's preseason game against the Chargers but he gained 55 yards. He did not record a catch out of the backfield. Scott was outpaced by Zach Evans, who registered 16 carries for 62 yards, but was more efficient on his touches. Scott is battling Evans for the third spot on the depth chart behind returning starter Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum. Scott's versatility and his pass-catching ability may give him the upper hand as he competes for that role.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett earned the start and played the team's entire preseason game in a 13-9 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Bennett completed 17-of-31 passes for 213 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The first thing that stands out is that he did a better job of taking care of the ball after throwing four interceptions in the opening preseason game. He found JJ Laap on a long, 47-yard TD strike in the fourth quarter. For the most part, Bennett was effective in this game as he competes to win the backup job behind Matthew Stafford after taking last year off to deal with mental health issues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans led the team's backfield in touches during the second week of the preseason against the Chargers on Saturday. Evans carried 16 times for 62 yards. The 3.88 yards per carry wasn't super efficient but he got some good work in. Boston Scott had 10 carries for 55 yards as the two battle for the third running back spot behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Evans will need to show a little more efficiency on his carries if he wants to impress the Rams' coaching staff. He also did not catch a pass out of the backfield in Saturday's game.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke threw for 114 yards and rushed twice for zero yards in a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Saturday. It was an uneventful preseason game for the 31-year-old veteran, with no touchdown passes on 8-for-16 passing. Heinicke seems locked in as the QB3 on Atlanta's roster, but with the Falcons holding out Michael Penix Jr. for the rest of the offseason, he should get plenty of snaps to see how he fares during the rest of the preseason. Heinicke will look to turn things around in the preseason finale on Friday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. ran nine times in Saturday's game for 39 yards while receiving no work in the passing game in a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. After averaging less than 2.0 yards per carry last week on 16 attempts, Washington was much more efficient on the ground this week, averaging over 9.0 per carry. The 25-year-old seemed to have the edge over Jase McClellan for the RB3 job according to the Falcons' official depth chart, but now it seems to be a tight-knit race for that job with McLellan running the ball extremely well so far in the first two preseason games. Look for this race for the RB3 spot to continue on Friday when the Falcons take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson put together a nearly perfect half of football in the team's 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday afternoon. The veteran completed all 11 of his pass attempts for 120 yards and a touchdown and carried the ball twice for eight yards on the ground. The lone miscues were a sack for 12 yards and a miscommunication with the center that led to a fumble, but it didn't officially count in Johnson's box score. In the first quarter, a lot of Johnson's throws were short passing plays, but he ended up completing big play after big play in the second quarter. In the touchdown drive, he completed passes of 12, 13, and 31 yards respectively, capped off by a six-yard score to Owen Wright.
From RotoBaller