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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
Josh Allen Jul 5 5:30pm CT
Josh Allen

At just 24 years old, Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andre Cisco is an ascending player who could be on the verge of a true breakout in a contract year in 2024. The Jaguars already have big contract extensions for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and linebacker Josh Allen out of the way, so Cisco could be next up. After a tough offseason for the safety market, there is added intrigue with how teams will choose to pay their safeties, which also adds intrigue to Cisco's situation in Jacksonville. The former third-round pick in the 2021 draft out of Syracuse finished his third season in the NFL with 62 tackles (42 solo), half a sack, a career-high four interceptions, five pass breakups and a forced fumble in 15 starts last year. Cisco isn't quite on the fantasy radar yet in IDP leagues, but if he continues ascending, that could change in 2024.

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Alim McNeill Jul 5 5:29pm CT
Alim McNeill

Detroit Lions fourth-year defensive tackle Alim McNeill is an extension candidate for the team after they already dished out $444 million to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell and quarterback Jared Goff this offseason. McNeill is coming off his best season as a pro in 2023. He turned 24 in May and has his best football in front of him as he enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. McNeill was disruptive against the run and as a pass-rusher when he was healthy and he should only get better with the addition of space-eating nose tackle DJ Reader. If it all comes together for McNeill this year, he will be due a big payday. How much he ultimately gets could determine how much money is left for impending free agents Taylor Decker and Carlton Davis III, among others. McNeill had 32 tackles (17 solo), a career-high five sacks, six tackles for loss and 10 QB hits last season.

Chris Godwin Jul 5 5:27pm CT
Chris Godwin

The Bucs plan to use wide receiver Chris Godwin more in the slot in 2024 after shifting him outside last year with an eye on avoiding injuries. It's the same role Cooper Kupp had with the Rams when Liam Coen was running the offense in LA. Godwin did manage to stay healthy last year, and in so doing he posted his third straight 1,000-yard season with 83 receptions on 130 targets, although he disappointed by scoring just two touchdowns in 17 starts.

Evan Engram Jul 5 5:20pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram set the single-season franchise record in 2023 with 114 catches for 963 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games to earn his second trip to the Pro Bowl. After two very successful year in Jacksonville, Engram is now looking to be a bigger downfield threat than ever before, which would include more big plays and touchdowns, perhaps putting him in the elite tight end category that includes Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Sam LaPorta. Engram's 241 targets and 187 catches over the last two years are the most of any player on the roster and the most of any TE in the NFL. His 187 catches over that span are second among TEs only to Kelce's 203. Engram was the most-targeted TE last year, and only David Njoku had more yards after the catch than his 516. But his 8.4 yards per catch ranked 26th at the position. Draft Engram as a solid midrange TE1 and hope he can deliver on his goals in his third year with the Jags.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Jul 5 5:10pm CT
Chris Godwin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have said they plan to use wide receiver Chris Godwin more in the slot in 2024 after shifting him outside last year with an eye on avoiding injuries. It's the same role Cooper Kupp had with the Los Angeles Rams when Liam Coen was running the offense in LA. Godwin did manage to stay healthy last year, and in so doing he posted his third straight 1,000-yard season with 83 receptions on 130 targets, although he disappointed by scoring just two touchdowns in 17 starts. The 28-year-old has been more effective in his career while operating out of the slot and he'll have continuity at quarterback with Baker Mayfield re-signing this offseason. Injuries are always a concern when it comes to Godwin, but with a move back to the slot in 2024, he'll certainly be an attractive fantasy selection as a low-end WR3/high-end WR4/flex this fall.

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Tyree Wilson Jul 5 3:50pm CT
Tyree Wilson

Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors last season after compiling 90 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and a league-leading 23 tackles for loss. Despite being banged up for much of the season, he turned in the best campaign of his five-year NFL career. In 2024, he's aiming for even more production. "My one goal is to be the best in the world, pound for pound, and I talk about it, I'm about it, I live it every single day, and whatever street I've got to travel to get to where I want to go, I'm going to do that." Crosby said, "So I'm exhausting every single resource I possibly have to have the best season of my career." The Raiders signed former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year $110 million deal this offseason, and his presence on the interior could help free up Crosby on the edge. Crosby could also see more success if 2023 No. 7 overall pick Tyree Wilson develops into at least an average rusher on the other side of the line.

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Rasheen Ali Jul 5 3:40pm CT
Rasheen Ali

Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, meaning he's not guaranteed a Week 1 roster spot. The Ravens have Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell (knee) on the roster, so he's likely to need to carve out a special teams role. "Ali faces a battle to find a role as a rookie," Clifton Brown of BaltimoreRavens.com wrote. "Special teams may represent Ali's best opportunity. He suffered a biceps injury at the Senior Bowl that sidelined him during rookie minicamp, but Ali was on the field for mandatory minicamp and figures to see plenty of preseason action. With Mitchell not scheduled to return until sometime during the preseason, Ali has an opportunity to provide added depth to the running back room." Ali rushed 212 times for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season at Marshall, and his 28 receptions for 213 yards prove he has at least some pass-catching chops, too. Ali should be on the fantasy radar in deep dynasty leagues, but it would be a surprise if he's fantasy-friendly in 2024 redraft setups.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Jul 5 3:30pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) has been no stranger to injuries through the first four years of his NFL career. The former LSU product missed six games in his 2020 rookie season due to a torn ACL and seven games last year after suffering a major wrist injury. Heading into 2024, staying healthy is his main focus. "Well, number one, I want to be on the field for all the games," Burrow said. "I know I'm going to play well when I'm out there. I'm at that point in my career where I've seen enough to know myself that I can go out there and play as well as anybody in the game. The biggest strides this year are going to be my body and learning how to get through the season, get through practices with my body, and feeling in tip-top shape. And so that's the main focus for the offseason." The 27-year-old and the organization are going to be extra cautious with the former No. 1 overall pick, and if he can stay healthy, a top-six fantasy QB season is within his range of outcomes.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Jul 5 3:20pm CT
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has had three offensive coordinators in just four NFL seasons, so he has plenty of experience in learning a new system. He's set to play under former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman in 2024, and center Bradley Bozeman, who played from Roman in Baltimore, said Herbert is having no trouble picking up the offense. "He acts like he's been in the system for 10 years," Bozeman recently said. "He dives so deep into the system and knows it so well before anyone else could even grasp it. It's been impressive to see him put people in the right positions and just elevate people around him." Herbert is set to play in a run-heavy offense, but his efficiency could see an uptick behind an improved offensive line. He will look to elevate a mid-level supporting cast of Ladd McConkey, Joshua Palmer, D.J. Chark, and Quentin Johnston heading into his fifth NFL campaign.

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Stefon Diggs Jul 4 2:00pm CT
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The Houston Texans acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a big trade this offseason from the Buffalo Bills, but after trading for him, the Texans voided the final three seasons of his contract. Diggs will play the 2024 season on a one-year deal worth $22.5 million, so it's essentially an experimental year in his first year in Houston. The 30-year-old could land an extension if he fits well in Houston and remains productive, but it will be interesting to see if the Texans work to reach a new deal with him at some point this season or if they wait until the offseason to assess the situation. Diggs will be motivated to produce in 2024 and moves to another potent offense, although he'll have more competition for targets among Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz. He'll have a lower fantasy ceiling but should still see enough volume to make him worth a look as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 in fantasy.

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Dak Prescott Jul 4 2:00pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (foot) is dealing with a very minor foot sprain and has been for a few days. Prescott was seen with a walking boot on his right foot, but it's not considered to be anything that should affect his preparation for the 2024 season. The 30-year-old has been wearing his boot for around a week, but he should be able to shed it and be ready to go for the start of training camp at the end of the month. It's something worth watching as camp gets underway, but it's unlikely to affect Prescott's availability for the start of the 2024 campaign. Because of Prescott's lack of rushing ability, he'll be hard-pressed to be a high-end QB1 for fantasy managers, but he should have plenty of passing volume again in 2024 to maintain his status as a high-floor midrange QB1 target in fantasy drafts with one of the best receivers in the game at his disposal in CeeDee Lamb.

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Amari Cooper Jul 4 1:30pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper didn't take party in the team's offseason program or mandatory minicamp because he wants future guarantees from the Browns ahead of the final year of his current contract. Cooper thinks he has leverage because he's been great in his two seasons in Cleveland, and the rest of the receiving corps is unproven and inconsistent. He's likely looking for something like the $35 million in guarantees that Mike Evans got from the Buccaneers last spring ahead of his age-31 season. Another comparison could be the $50 million the Titans gave to Calvin Ridley, who is six months younger than Cooper. The Browns have the money to give Cooper a raise, but future years could be complicated. The 30-year-old will undoubtedly be the team's WR1 again, but the addition of Jerry Jeudy could lower his fantasy ceiling. Target him as a low-end WR2.

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Ja'Marr Chase Jul 4 1:20pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. expects the Cincinnati Bengals to eventually give star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase a lucrative long-term contract extension, but it more than likely won't come until the summer of 2025. The Bengals can begin negotiations with Chase now that the Vikings locked up star wideout Justin Jefferson. Chase is extension-eligible entering his fourth NFL season in 2024. The Bengals exercised his fifth-year option for 2025, and their organizational approach with big contracts has been to wait out the negotiations. However, locking Chase in now could ease tension in a receiver room that already felt plenty of it with Tee Higgins. Contract aside, Chase is Cincy's clear No. 1 wideout and is a no-doubt top-five fantasy wideout.

From RotoBaller

Russ Yeast Jul 4 1:10pm CT
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The Los Angeles Rams announced on Thursday that they re-signed safety John Johnson to an undisclosed. Johnson will return to the Rams in 2024 after putting up 42 tackles (24 solo), two interceptions and six pass breakups in 17 regular-season games (eight starts) in his return to the Rams in 2023. The 28-year-old defensive back was originally drafted by the Rams in the third round (91st overall) in 2017 out of Boston College. Johnson saw more playing time down the stretch in LA last year, but overall, it was a step back in more of a rotational role. At best, Johnson will be competing for a starting spot to open the 2024 campaign with Russ Yeast, putting him off the IDP radar. In his seven years in the NFL, Johnson has a total of 554 tackles (366 solo), one sack, 13 tackles for loss, six QB hits, 14 picks, 47 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Jul 3 6:50pm CT
Jahan Dotson

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson has raised eyebrows this spring as he hopes to have a big bounce-back season. According to John Keim of ESPN the Penn State product has looked quite well against press coverage, which was an area he struggled in last season. Dotson caught seven scores in his rookie campaign in 2022 and gained 20 or more yards on 28.6% of his catchers. However, he experienced a significant sophomore slump where he caught only four touchdowns and gained 20 or more yards on a much lower 10.2% mark. In addition, his average air yards per target dropped from 14.35 in his first season to 9.25 last fall. Wide receivers coach Bobby Engram has also expressed the importance of improving his press releases, which will, in turn, get him downfield and provide him with more opportunities to make a big play. The 24-year-old currently sits with an ADP of 154.6 in standard leagues, but he could be a steal as the newly revamped Washington offense with Jayden Daniels at the helm can get Dotson's career back on track.

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Garrett Wilson Jul 3 6:40pm CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is ready to put a rough season behind him and bounce back in a big way this fall. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Wilson expressed that during the offseason, he had to "Get my feet back under me and my head right." The Ohio State product was very frustrated at the conclusion of last season and even referred to it as "The worst year of my life." In 2023, Wilson posted his second consecutive 1000-yard season, but the poor play of the Jets hurt his confidence and caused great frustration, which was often shown in public. Over his first two seasons in New York, Wilson caught passes from six different quarterbacks, which greatly affected his rhythm and ability to develop. The 23-year-old will have a great opportunity to enjoy a big season with a healthy Aaron Rodgers throwing to him, which makes him a consensus first-round selection in all drafts this summer and a strong candidate to finish near the top among all receivers.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Jul 3 6:30pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown are expected to bring big plays back to the Kansas City offense this season, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. While the Chiefs finished the season with the seventh-most total passing yards last season, they were near the bottom with just eight plays of 40 yards or more. This is a significant reason why the Chiefs brought in veteran Marquise Brown, who finished near the top of all receivers last season with 84.6 air yards per game last season. In addition, with the 28th overall selection of this year's NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected Xavier Worthy from Texas, who set a new record in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed, "I think we've done a great job of mastering the intermediate and short stuff, but we want to get back to having that part of the offense as well." While it is currently unknown who will emerge as alpha in this wide receiver room amid a potential multi-game suspension for Rashee Rice, both of these wideouts will raise Mahomes' weekly ceiling due to their game-changing speed.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Jul 3 6:10pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs recently appeared on the NFL Network's NFL Insiders program and expressed his great excitement about the potential of the Green Bay offense. The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract with Green Bay this offseason worth $48 million. Jacobs missed a few games last season but ended with 805 rushing yards and 296 through the air with six total touchdowns. The former Alabama product told the NFL Network, "I honestly think the sky is the limit in this offense." He further stated "To be able to see the game plan and things they want me that they want me to do this year, the things that they're allowing me to do, I just think it's going to be a special year." This could be a telling sign that Green Bay plans to use Jacobs in a potential three-down role, which would provide him with several scoring opportunities on a weekly basis. Jacobs currently sits with an ADP of 33 in standard leagues and has the potential to finish near the top of his position this season.

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D.J. Moore Jul 3 6:00pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore's current contract runs through the 2025 season, so nothing is urgent at this time, but he's currently 17th among wideouts in terms of average salary and is coming off a career year in his first year in Chicago in which he caught 96 passes on 136 targets for a career-high 1,364 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 17 starts. Moore has become one of the faces of the franchise, and general manager Ryan Poles might want to reward him with a new deal sooner than later. Fellow receiver Keenan Allen will be a free agent after the 2024 season and is likely to enter the year on an expiring contract, as the Bears want to see what he has left at 32 before considering keeping him around beyond one year. Moore certainly has more competition for targets with Allen around now, but he's a pretty safe WR2 target this fall.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Jul 3 6:00pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was recently praised by fellow teammate Blake Cashman. Cashman, a linebacker, recently joined Minnesota this offseason and has been around several young quarterbacks. He began his career in the Big Apple with Zach Wilson and played with former second-overall pick C.J. Stroud last season. The 28-year-old defender said on the Jim Rome Show that McCarthy "Is 21 years old, but a great young man. He's a leader and he's eager to learn." This is great to see McCarthy's leadership translate quite well and quickly to the NFL as he led the Michigan Wolverines to two consecutive playoff appearances, including a national championship this past season. Cashman further expressed how well the young quarterback has thrown the ball in minicamps. Even though the 21-year-old is reportedly not starting in Week 1, according to Alec Lewis of the Athletic, it is great to see his veteran teammates express their excitement and support for him. McCarthy was a popular first-round selection in rookie drafts this past spring and remains a coveted asset in dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller