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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

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
Marquise Brown Jul 28 1:20pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (illness) didn't practice on Sunday. Hollywood went for over 1,000 receiving yards in his final season in Baltimore in 2021. Unfortunately, his production declined in the two years he spent in Arizona, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by amassing 51 grabs for 574 yards and four touchdowns. Brown will have the luxury of playing alongside one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League this season. However, the Chiefs offense is loaded, so it could be challenging for him to remain a consistent target for Patrick Mahomes. At any rate, fantasy managers should expect an update on his health on Monday.

From RotoBaller

Chris Jones Jul 28 1:10pm CT
Chris Jones

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin) did not practice on Sunday. The 30-year-old is battling a groin strain. Head coach Andy Reid expects Jones "to be fine." Yet, Reid couldn't say for certain how long he'd be out. Jones has been instrumental to the Chiefs' success over the years, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by totaling 30 tackles and 10.5 sacks. There's a chance he will miss more practices in the coming days. However, IDP managers should get a better idea of Jones' condition in the next day or two.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Jul 28 1:00pm CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (personal) was excused from Sunday's training camp practice for personal reasons. It's unknown how long Cook might be away from the team, but it's nothing that is going to affect his fantasy value heading into the 2024 season. The 24-year-old former second-round selection (63rd overall) in the 2022 NFL draft out of Georgia took on a much larger role in his sophomore season in 2023 and earned his first Pro Bowl nod, carrying the ball 237 times for 1,122 yards and just two touchdowns. He added 44 receptions on 54 targets for 445 additional yards and four touchdowns through the air. Cook heads into his third year in the league as Buffalo's unquestioned lead back. He does not thrive between the tackles and will probably never have a high TD ceiling with quarterback Josh Allen vulturing goal-line carries. Cook is more attractive in PPR formats and is listed as RotoBaller's No. 15 fantasy RB.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Jul 28 12:50pm CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring) is being held out of training camp practices due to hamstring tightness. It doesn't appear to be a serious injury for Tremble, but the Panthers are being cautious early in camp. As long as the 24-year-old tight end doesn't suffer a setback with his hamstring when he returns to the field, he should be fine for the start of the 2024 regular season. The former third-round pick in 2021 out of Notre Dame set a new career-high in receptions (23) and receiving yards (194) on 32 targets while scoring three touchdowns in 16 games (eight starts) for the second straight year. Carolina's offense was dreadful in 2023 under rookie quarterback Bryce Young, but even if they show improvement in 2024, Tremble is unlikely to be very attractive in fantasy as he competes for targets with rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas.

From RotoBaller

Kendall Sheffield Jul 28 12:50pm CT
Kendall Sheffield

The New York Jets signed quarterback Adrian Martinez and cornerback Kendall Sheffield on Saturday and released cornerback Nehemiah Shelton and quarterback Ben Bryant in corresponding moves. Martinez went undrafted out of Kansas State and was waived by the Detroit Lions back in late August of last year. The 24-year-old has yet to appear in an NFL game and will now look to make some noise as QB depth for the Jets this summer in training camp and the preseason. Martinez will be a long shot to make the active roster out of camp, but there's a chance he could stick around on the practice squad if he impresses. Behind Aaron Rodgers at the position, the Jets now have Martinez, Tyrod Taylor and rookies Jordan Travis and Andrew Peasley.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Jul 28 12:40pm CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) remained sidelined at training camp practice on Saturday after injuring his hamstring in the first practice of the summer on Wednesday. It remains to be seen when Miller will be able to get back on the field, but it's certainly a bad start for the 22-year-old former third-round pick last year after he managed to play in just eight games in his rookie season in 2023. If Miller cannot figure out a way to stay healthy, he may not stick around in New Orleans for very long. As of right now, he's not on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues with both Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams ahead of him on the RB depth chart. Miller averaged only 3.8 yards per carry on his 41 rushing attempts last year for 156 yards and one touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Jul 28 12:30pm CT
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (undisclosed), who opened training camp on the Non-Football Injured list with an undisclosed ailment, was at practice on Sunday and upped his level of participation. It means that Gibson has been cleared from the NFI list, and he'll now look to highlight his pass-catching ability as he tries to earn a role in the backfield in his first year with the Patriots. Rhamondre Stevenson is the clear lead back in New England heading into the 2024 campaign, but the 26-year-old Gibson should be his primary complement in the backfield, mainly in third-down situations. The Pats figure to rely heavily on their RBs, whether it's Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye under center, making Gibson worth a late-round flier in deeper PPR fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Jul 28 12:30pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy is not focused too much on trying to win the starting job in his first NFL season. "The process is the progress," McCarthy said. The 10th overall pick in April's draft mostly has worked behind presumptive starter Sam Darnold in the first three practices of training camp. "My ultimate goal is to get the most out of every single day. When the time comes [to start], it comes. I'm just training every single day so that when that time does come, I'm going to be ready," McCarthy said. The 21-year-old Michigan product said he can now call plays in the huddle without stumbling through the verbiage. It sounds like McCarthy is getting more comfortable already, but the Vikings have made it clear they will treat his development with patience above all else, and conventional wisdom around the team suggests that Darnold will open as the starter.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Jul 28 12:20pm CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants rookie tight end Theo Johnson (hip), who should have plenty of opportunity in his first year in the NFL given the retirement of Darren Waller, passed his physical and was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list on Sunday. The 23-year-old fourth-rounder will now get going as he tries to learn the offense heading into his first year in the NFL. Fantasy managers in single-year formats shouldn't expect much from Johnson right away, especially with quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) coming off an ACL tear, but he's not a bad dynasty/keeper stash. Johnson will be competing with Daniel Bellinger as the team's top pass-catching tight end in 2024. The Penn State alum didn't put up production that raised eyebrows in college, but he could be a red-zone asset right away because of his 6-foot-6, 259-pound frame.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Jul 28 12:10pm CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) has had a slow start to training camp practice on Sunday and completed only two of his six pass attempts. Jones was underthrowing the deep ball, which has been a thing for him early this summer. ESPN's Jordan Raanan thinks it's something to monitor as camp progresses as Jones comes off his ACL injury from last season. It's still very early in camp, but so far, the 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2019 out of Duke looks rusty. He's heading into a make-or-break year in 2024 after playing in just six games in 2023 before tearing his ACL. Jones had a career year in 2022 but still managed to throw only 15 touchdown passes in 16 starts. Coming off a torn ACL, Jones is going to need to prove himself in an offense that still has a lot of question marks. In fantasy, treat him as a low-end QB2 with minimal upside.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Jul 27 11:10pm CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson's chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has already been evident during the early days of training camp. Rodgers acknowledged that Wilson still has some minor details to work through but praised the third-year wideout for his athleticism. "He's just so dynamic because he can go from zero to full speed so quickly, and he can look like he's just kind of like gliding out there because he's moving so fast. It's a gift." Wilson has already amassed 178 receptions on 315 targets through his first two seasons as a Jet. It seemed likely the Ohio State product would break out in 2023, but that was before Rodgers' (Achilles) season came to a screeching halt after just four plays. There remains some risk here as we have yet to see Rodgers and Wilson make a significant on-field connection, but his upside as the primary target in New York's offense is astronomical. The former Buckeye is the WR8 in NFFC ADP (12th overall) and presents as one of the higher-risk, higher-upside players at the top of fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jul 27 11:00pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was sidelined for the third straight day Friday as a calf strain still hampers him. While Wilson did not participate, he was seen working with the wideouts post-practice. This is an encouraging sign for him, and the Steelers are likely just playing it safe with their new signal caller. While the former Denver Bronco has yet to have the success he did early on in his Seahawk days, he did have a minor bounce-back season in 2023. The Wisconsin product scored 30 fantasy points more in 2023 than in 2022, and he currently finds himself with his best cast of weapons since his departure from Seattle. He's in the QB30 range in drafts and has some sleeper appeal in best-ball and 2QB formats.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Jul 27 11:00pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reported that Saturday brought no news on the team's star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's current hold-in. Shanahan also stated there was no update on Trent Williams' holdout. Aiyuk requested a trade earlier this month and is lobbying his team for a new deal. He reported to training camp on time but is not practicing until his contract situation is resolved. The fifth-year wideout was integral to the 49ers' run last season as he enjoyed his full-on breakout. It is possible that Aiyuk will be traded according to his request, but San Francisco has drawn these situations out in the past, and he likely plays this year in 49ers red. Regardless of where he plays, the Arizona State product has cemented himself as an upper-echelon receiver for fantasy. He's currently the WR16 in NFFC ADP (29th overall), and that's a good spot for him in drafts despite the hold-in.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Jul 27 6:10pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (foot) was spotted limping during practice on Saturday after getting his foot stepped on. However, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans, it isn't a concern. The 22-year-old had a stellar first season in the league. In 15 games, he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five picks, adding 167 yards and three scores off 39 carries. Without question, expectations for Stroud are high entering the 2024-25 campaign, and he could be an even bigger fantasy asset if he becomes more accurate. There will likely be an update on Stroud's condition soon. Fortunately, it doesn't sound like it's anything fantasy managers need to be concerned about.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Jul 27 6:00pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

According to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (leg) is "close" to practicing. The wideout was recently spotted working on the side at training camp. However, there hasn't been much clarity surrounding the exact nature of the ailment other than it being labeled as a "minor injury." Jeudy, who was traded to Cleveland from Denver, agreed to a three-year, $58 million contract extension in March. In his four seasons with the Broncos, he amassed 211 catches for 3,053 yards and 11 touchdowns. Although Jeudy has shown flashes of promise over the years, fantasy managers have mostly been disappointed with his production. At any rate, he needs to get on the field with his new team soon. If not, Jeudy's fantasy value will drop even more.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Jul 27 5:50pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

According to Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was sent a new contract offer on Friday. It appears things are moving in a promising direction, with Jones acknowledging that conversations between both parties have been positive. Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie deal and hasn't reported to training camp. But with Lamb coming off a 135-catch, 1,749-yard, 12-touchdown season, it is in the Cowboys' best interest to get him to sign on the dotted line as soon as possible. With that said, the wideout's fantasy value won't take a hit unless this situation extends for at least a few more weeks.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Jul 27 5:40pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is participating in training camp despite being on an expiring contract. "Yes," owner Jerry Jones said when asked if Prescott could be at his best while also playing on the final year of his current agreement. "That implies that he won't get a new deal, and that's not the case. Those things can change everyday. It can happen." With Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa landing new contracts, the focus will shift to Prescott and the Cowboys. While this situation has been ongoing for quite some time, it appears both sides are willing to work to get something done as soon as possible. The signal-caller finished last season by throwing for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. As a result, Prescott is expected to remain a top fantasy performer, regardless of his contract situation.

From RotoBaller

Michael Badgley Jul 27 5:20pm CT
Michael Badgley

Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley (hamstring) was officially placed on injured reserve. While the team has already acknowledged his injury was season-ending, the latest marks an official end to his 2024-25 campaign. The 26-year-old has played for the Chargers, Titans, Colts, Bears, and Lions since 2018. He's made 98 of his 119 kicks while also missing just seven of his 175 extra-point tries. Although Badgley isn't the best fantasy kicker, he's undoubtedly a better option than others. But now he's heading for surgery, with the Lions anticipated to quickly move to fill the position.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Jul 27 5:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins signed free-agent linebacker Curtis Bolton on Saturday. Since entering the NFL, he has appeared in 28 games for the Lions and Raiders, totaling just 16 tackles. However, the move doesn't mean much from a fantasy standpoint outside of the team waiving quarterback Gavin Hardison to make the deal happen. This brings Miami down to three quarterbacks, including Tua Tagovailoa, who just agreed to a four-year, $212 million contract extension.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Jul 27 5:00pm CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce stated how "taxing" last season was from a physical standpoint. However, he appears committed to getting himself in better shape heading into the 2024-25 campaign. "I've had more snaps than a lot of guys if not everybody in the NFL over the past five, six years" said Kelce during an interview. "I'm very prideful of that, but I know it has taken a toll on my body. So, it's just making sure that my body's getting that rest and that ability to train harder and be able to withstand an entire 17-to-20-game season." Undeniably, Kelce is the best tight end in the National Football League. But, his production declined in 2023-24, finishing with 93 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns. Managers still plan on making him the first tight end taken in nearly all fantasy drafts. Yet, if Kelce has another subpar season, that will change in the years ahead.

From RotoBaller