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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
Tre Tucker Sep 30 5:00am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker had another nice game in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. Tucker showed his versatility with a three-yard rushing touchdown to go along with five receptions on six targets for 41 yards. He was expected to have a decent role with lead receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) out for Week 4, and he capitalized on his opportunities. The 23-year-old's been showcasing his blinding speed, and Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy should find more ways to get him involved. Sunday's win is a good sign for Tucker, who had 22.60 PPR points in Week 3. The Browns have a stout defense, so his good performance against them shows he's talented enough to earn more opportunities. Tucker will look to continue working with more touches in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. He may not have as big of a role if Adams returns, but he's at least worth stashing on benches for now.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Sep 30 5:00am CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was relatively quiet in Week 4, as he was targeted just three times, hauling in two passes for 19 yards, and handled one rush attempt for 12 yards in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. It was Bowers' worst game of the season despite the absence of lead receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and fellow tight end Michael Mayer (personal). The Browns have historically held opposing tight ends to low yardage and touchdown totals, and this trend continued Sunday. The Raiders rookie tight end didn't have the worst day ever, considering Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II only completed 14 passes. Bowers will face a tough Denver Broncos defense in Week 5 but is still a must-start tight end because of the lack of depth at the position. Bowers is highly talented, but as it was known before the season, his biggest obstacles are target competition and poor quarterback play.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Sep 30 5:00am CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison rushed for 60 yards on five rushing attempts in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He did have 10 more rushing yards than lead back Zamir White, outgaining him 60 to 50 in Week 4. Mattison punctuated his day with big runs of 24 and 16 yards. Interestingly, he was targeted just once and didn't record a catch on the day. The 26-year-old is usually more involved in the passing game, so, oddly, he was mostly kept out of it. He has not recorded a catch in the Raiders' wins this season but has nine receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in losses this season, so his receiving production is game-script dependent. Mattison has scored 16.2 and 13.4 PPR points in losses and 6.1 and 6.0 points in wins, so his scoring will likely depend on whether the Raiders are playing from behind for much of the game. Mattison is not worth starting outside of very deep leagues in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to his inconsistency and low floor.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Sep 30 4:40am CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed's day got off to a terrible start when he muffed a punt inside his own five-yard line less than four minutes into their Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta pounced on the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Saints in an early hole. That did not deter the team from turning to Shaheed thereafter. In Week 4, he saw a career-high 11 targets which led the team and resulted in eight catches (also a career-high) for 83 yards. He also handled two rushing attempts for 14 yards on the ground. Derek Carr looked Shaheed's way twice in the end zone late in the fourth quarter but both times delivered uncatchable balls. In Week 5, the Saints take on the Kansas City Chiefs whose lack of success in zone coverage might lead to more positive results for Shaheed, as long as he can avoid further miscues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 30 4:40am CT
Chris Olave

Wide receiver Chris Olave was targeted 10 times and had eight catches for 87 yards in the New Orleans Saints' Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, making it his third consecutive game with at least 80 receiving yards. Olave finished the game without a touchdown but did have two chances at a score. With just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, a scrambling Derek Carr put up a deep shot to Olave in the end zone but the ball carried the receiver out of bounds for no catch. On their next drive, Carr connected with Olave for a 16-yard pass but he was stopped on the Falcons' one-yard line, setting up an eventual Alvin Kamara touchdown. Olave will need to turn in another productive game in Week 5 for the Saints to stay in the game when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 30 4:30am CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr completed 28 of 36 pass attempts for 239 yards in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This was the first time this year that he did not record a touchdown pass. Carr started the game with seven consecutive completions but had his streak snapped by a fluke pick-six in the second quarter. A ball tipped at the line arced high in the air giving Atlanta linebacker Troy Andersen time to settle under the ball and secure it before rumbling 47 yards for a score. The completions and attempts were season highs but without any scores or big plays to increase his yardage total, Carr failed to crack double-digit fantasy points for the second straight week. He may find it hard to do better in Week 5 when the Saints go to Kansas City to face the Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 30 4:30am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) had a quiet day, rushing for just 50 yards on 11 carries in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. He also added one catch for 10 yards. The 25-year-old briefly exited the first quarter of Sunday's game with a shoulder injury but was able to return. Etienne Jr. wasn't that involved in the running game or the passing game, as Tank Bigsby, similar to Week 1, outshined him. A big pull for fantasy managers to draft the Clemson product in the early rounds was his potential volume, but through four games, that just hasn't materialized. The Jaguars have been losing in most of their games, meaning more passing situations, and Bigsby is cutting into some of his work. In weeks where he doesn't score a touchdown, Etienne Jr. may struggle to prove his worth to fantasy managers going forward. While the Jaguars running back is still a good start in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, it is clear his upside is far lower than what fantasy managers expected heading into the season.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Sep 30 3:40am CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches on nine targets for 89 yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce was the primary beneficiary of a first-quarter injury to Rashee Rice. Rice was carted off the field, and Kelce became the top option for the Chiefs passing attack. Today, Kelce's yardage eclipsed the yardage he had gained in the first three games combined. Kelce will look to keep this momentum against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, so Kelce should remain productive. The loss of second-year receiver Rashee Rice will have a massive impact on the Chiefs offense moving forward, and Kelce should bring in most middle-of-the-field targets in Rice's absence. The Chiefs tight end is a must-start option against the Saints, and fantasy managers should be excited about his value going forward.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 30 3:40am CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy broke free for a 54-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of this contest. The rookie's three catches and 73 receiving yards were both season-highs. Despite having at least one carry in the first three games, Worthy did not have a single opportunity out of the backfield this week. The Chiefs may have planned to bring Worthy along slowly, but those plans may need revision with Rashee Rice sustaining a potentially season-ending injury in the first quarter. Kansas City already lost Marquise Brown for the season, so losing Rashee Rice would presumably leave Worthy as the top option at the wide receiver position. Worthy will look to be more involved against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has given up the sixth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season, so there is opportunity for Worthy in this matchup. The Chiefs rookie receiver should still be viewed as a flex option, but hopefully, he will gain a more significant role in the offense after Rice's injury.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Sep 30 3:40am CT
Samaje Perine

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine had five carries for 14 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The veteran running back scored on a two-yard in the fourth quarter to give the Chiefs the lead. Perine had the second-most carries out of the backfield for Kansas City and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Despite his receiving prowess, Perine did not have a single target in this contest. Perine ceded receiving work to Kareem Hunt, who had three targets against the Chargers. With the addition of Kareem Hunt and the eventual return of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, there will not be enough touches to go around in the Kansas City backfield. Perine will try to hold onto his secondary role against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. If Steele redeems himself in the eyes of the coaches, Perine may be the odd back out. Despite the uncertainty at the position, the Saints are a good matchup for running backs. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses this season, so Perine should have decent running lanes. The Chiefs backfield is too crowded to know who to start, but there should be more clarity following next week's contest. Perine is a good stash candidate but is best left on benches until we know where he sits in the hierarchy.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 30 3:30am CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt made his season debut in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Hunt had 14 carries for 69 yards in the contest. The veteran back also brought in two of his three targets for 16 receiving yards. Although rookie Carson Steele was the starter in this game, a first-quarter fumble by Steele allowed Hunt to be the lead back. Hunt averaged 4.9 yards per carry and demonstrated his value as a pass catcher. Hunt will have another opportunity to control the Kansas City backfield against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards this season, but they have also given up the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses. If Hunt is given the same opportunity next week, he should be a viable fantasy starter. Given the uncertainty of the situation, it isn't easy to project what Hunt's role will be moving forward, especially since Clyde Edwards-Helaire is set to return soon. If reports come out that Hunt will be the feature back for the Chiefs, he should rank as an RB2. Nevertheless, Hunt is a difficult start, given the one-game sample size.

From RotoBaller

Carson Steele Sep 30 3:30am CT
Carson Steele

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele had two carries for six yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Steele was the starter again this week, coming off a performance where he carried the ball 17 times, but things did not go his way in this one. Steele fumbled on his first carry of the game, which led to him only getting one more carry in this contest. The coaching staff plugged Kareem Hunt into Steele's place, and Hunt was efficient with his touches. Steele will try to get back in the good graces of his coaches against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses, so Steele should be productive with his touches. It remains to be seen if the team will roll with Hunt as the lead back or if they will give Steele another chance as the starter. The two Chiefs backs could split the workload, capping each other's value. The Chiefs should also be getting Clyde Edwards-Helaire back soon, which would further muddy the situation. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Kansas City backfield, trusting Steele in your starting lineup will be difficult.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 30 3:20am CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 19 of his 29 pass attempts (65.5%) for 245 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes also threw an interception in this game, making it his fourth straight game with an interception this season and bringing his interception total up to five. Mahomes has also thrown for less than 300 yards in every game this season. Despite his diminished counting stats, Mahomes and the Chiefs remain undefeated through the season's first four weeks. The Chiefs quarterback will look to keep the streak alive against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints should be a favorable matchup for Mahomes since their defense has allowed the sixth-most passing yards this season. The Chiefs passing attack has not been exciting to begin the year, and it may be getting worse as Rashee Rice is believed to have suffered a significant knee injury in the first quarter. Travis Kelce seemed to be the primary beneficiary of Rice's exit from the game. Mahomes could funnel the passing game through Kelce moving forward, but the volume of their passing attack should remain consistent. The Chiefs have been content in establishing the run, and you cannot argue with their results so far. It is becoming increasingly difficult to rely on Mahomes as a fantasy quarterback this season.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 30 3:00am CT
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk had another great performance in Week 4 against the Houston Texans in a 24-20 loss. Kirk finished with seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. The former Arizona Cardinal only had two catches in the first two games, but now has 15 receptions in his last two games. His touchdown was also his first of the season. Kirk in past seasons has been a great volume guy which conveys well to PPR leagues, and after two hiccups to start the year, it seems he is back on track. With the Jaguars offense slowly getting better and the potential return of Evan Engram soon, the offense should only get better. Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. each scored touchdowns against the Texans, seemingly a potential dynamic duo going forward. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, where Kirk will once again look to lead the team in targets and catches.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 30 2:40am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. scored and led the team in receiving yards in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. BTJ has been one of the few bright spots for the Jaguars offense so far this season, and that continued in Week 4. He put up six catches for 86 yards and had one of Trevor Lawrence's two passing touchdowns on the day. He also showed off his big play ability once again, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, with his longest reception being 32 yards. The rookie receiver was still behind Christian Kirk in catches and targets, but his down field threat makes him the higher upside pick in fantasy. Kirk's success should be more positive than negative for BTJ, as it will draw defensive attention away. The first round pick has been impressive and will likely only get better as the season progresses. BTJ will look to continue his high-level play in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 30 2:30am CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught all four of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in the team's 30-13 home victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. The All-Pro's status was in doubt for most of the week after missing Week 3 with a hamstring injury but came through for fantasy managers in this one, the highlight a 12-yard head-top touchdown with multiple defenders draped over him in the corner of the endzone. Kittle now holds the lead in fantasy half-PPR points per game among tight ends. It's worth noting that Kittle left the field briefly due to an apparent injury late in the game, but did return. Assuming he's active in Week 5 at home against the Arizona Cardinals, he'll again be a top option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Sep 30 2:30am CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had a great performance in Week 4, putting up 90 yards rushing on just seven attempts in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. The second-year pro improved on his great Week 1 performance of 73 yards on 12 attempts. Travis Etienne Jr. still had more touches than Bigsby, but the young back is making a case to get more playing time going forward. That is great to hear for Jaguars fans, but not for fantasy managers. If Bigsby continues to perform, he will continue to cut into Etienne Jr.'s workload, limiting each player's upside. Bigsby showed off his big play ability with a 58 yard rush and putting up 12.9 yards per carry. That likely isn't sustainable, but it does show he can potentially be at least a solid fantasy option with a limited workload. In Week 5, the Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts, where Bigsby will look to once again make the most of his touches.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 30 2:20am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a quiet day, rushing for just 50 yards on 11 carries in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. He also added one catch for 10 yards. Etienne Jr. wasn't that involved in the running game or the passing game, as he was outshined by Tank Bigsby, similar to Week 1. A big pull for fantasy managers to draft the Clemson product in the early rounds was his potential volume, but through four games, that just hasn't materialized. The Jaguars have been losing in most of their games, meaning more passing situations, and Bigsby is cutting into some of his work. In weeks where he doesn't score a touchdown, Etienne Jr. may struggle to prove his worth to fantasy managers going forward. While the Jaguars running back is still a good start in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, it is clear his upside is far lower than what fantasy managers expected heading into the season.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 30 2:10am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had his best fantasy output of the season, passing for 169 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-20 defeat to the Houston Texans. While those numbers still are below expectations for the former number one pick, the offense is at least showing signs of improving. The Jaguars are now 0-4, and are in desperate need of a good game to turn things around. This wasn't quite that, but it was nice to see Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. do well. While Lawrence himself hasn't had any fantasy success, he at least seems to be building rapport with his receivers. Once Evan Engram returns from injury, Lawrence could finally put it all together and have an above average fantasy performance. The Jaguars face another division rival in the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 who just let up 312 passing yards and 30+ fantasy points to Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields. Lawrence will look to continue improving steadily as the season progresses.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 30 2:00am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings proved that he's become more than just an injury replacement in the team's 30-13 home victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. In Week 3, Jennings had the game of his life, an 11-catch, 175-yard, three-touchdown performance, partially explainable by the injury absences of receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and tight end George Kittle. However, in Week 4 Jennings kept the momentum rolling even with both players back on the field. He led the 49ers in yards and targets by posting three catches -- including a ridiculous over-the-wrong-shoulder snag for 45 yards -- on six targets for 88 yards. Jennings is unlikely to continue pacing all 49ers receivers but has at least forced his way into fantasy consideration until further notice. Jennings gets the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5.

From RotoBaller