Draft Day Winners and Losers
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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 4
- Eagles RT Lane Johnson (concussion) out vs. Bucs
- Jaguars put standout LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) on IR
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) expected to start vs. Chiefs
- Packers QB Jordan Love to start against Vikings
- Browns place OT Trent Brown (knee) on IR, ending his season
- Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley to start Monday vs. Titans
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) questionable vs. Chiefs
- Titans put CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) on IR
- Eagles WR DeVonta Smith out, A.J. Brown questionable vs. Bucs
- Packers 'encouraged' QB Jordan Love on field, Sunday start uncertain
- Raiders WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby ruled out for Week 4
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard, CB Taron Johnson out vs. Ravens
- Cowboys LB Micah Parsons has high ankle sprain; DE could miss weeks
- Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers in concussion protocol
- Browns rule out starting OTs, TE David Njoku
- Week 4 NFL Capsules
- Saints rookie fined $4,600 for hit on Eagles WR DeVonta Smith
- Cardinals TE Trey McBride ruled out vs. Commanders
- Cowboys' Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence headed for MRIs
- Giants WR Malik Nabers sustains concussion in loss
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 4 | The Week To Bench Patrick Mahomes?
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Life: Tough Week 4 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Bills vs. Ravens: Sunday Night Football Week 4
- Fantasy Life: Avoiding Bad-Team Bias in Betting
- Fantasy Life: Don't Rush Into Roster Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Expert Roundtable: Who Can You Trust In Week 4?
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is officially out for Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report on Friday. McMillan tweaked his hamstring during practice on Friday and will miss the first game of his career after going for three receptions on six targets for 59 yards and one touchdown in his first three games. He has averaged 19.7 yards receiving per game and has effectively become the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But for Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium, expect Trey Palmer to take over McMillan's duties against Philly. It's unclear if McMillan will be able to return on a short week in Week 5 versus the Atlanta Falcons next Thursday. For now, McMillan is merely a deep-league stash for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is still several weeks away from playing, barring an injury to Jacoby Brissett, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Maye did see the field in garbage time against the New York Jets last week, the No. 3 overall pick has not yet been ramped up to NFL speed and continues to see roughly 30 percent of snaps in practice. The Patriots evidently aren't ready to make a change at quarterback yet, which means the starting job still belongs to Brissett. The veteran has completed 61 percent of his passes for 368 yards and one touchdown so far. Despite the low offensive numbers, Patriots fans and fantasy managers in deep leagues have to be excited that he hasn't turned over the football through three weeks. On a less positive note, he's taken nine sacks between a porous offensive line.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (back) is officially active for the Week 4 game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Allen was listed as questionable for this weekend's game but will suit up as the team looks for their second straight victory on the road in a hostile environment. Even with both receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) missing another game, Allen is off the fantasy radar as he works behind starting tight end Colby Parkinson. Parkinson himself has been disappointing in recent weeks with both Kupp and Nacua injured, and the Rams offense could struggle on the road against a tough Bears defense in Week 4. Through three games in 2024, Allen has only been targeted once, in the Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, and he was unable to haul in the pass. Not much will be expected of him against Chicago.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee), who was listed as questionable, is officially active for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Vea suffered a knee injury in Week 2 and missed last week's loss against the Denver Broncos. Getting Vea back will be a much-needed boost to Tampa's defensive line as they look to slow down Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who has gotten off to a strong start early in his Eagles tenure. Although the Broncos didn't really impose their will on the ground last week, Vea's absence from a pass-rush perspective was felt, as they were unable to sack rookie quarterback Bo Nix at all. Vea could have his snaps limited in his return to action against the Eagles, but his presence alone is a big boost for the Bucs' D as they look to slow the Eagles down.
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 game.
Fantasy Spin: Allen will return to the lineup after a two-week absence and should have a good role in the passing game against the Los Angeles Rams. He can be a starting option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Los Angeles Rams have declared WR Cooper Kupp, QB Stetson Bennett, DL Desjuan Johnson, DE Brennan Jackson, OT Geron Christian and RB Cody Schrader inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson is not active for Week 4's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson will only be available in this afternoon's game if a third quarterback is needed. QB Justin Fields will receive his fourth start of the season but should only be a starting option in deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is officially active for the Week 4 game.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara should continue to be a significant part of the Saints offense this week and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
As expected, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) will return for a Week 4 divisional showdown on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings after spraining his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Love has been limited in practices the last two weeks and has been given the green light to return after missing two games. The Packers could have some packages for backup QB Malik Willis after he led the club to two wins with Love out, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect Love to be moving as well in his first game back as he wears a brace on his knee. Expect an aggressive Vikings defense to bring plenty of blitzes to test Love's mobility in and out of the pocket. Love's return surely makes Green Bay's receiving weapons intriguing again in fantasy, while Love will be a more volatile QB1 option for managers in his first game back.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) and wide receiver Roman Wilson (coach's decision) are both inactive for Week 4 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Russell Wilson has yet to make his Steelers debut, and he'll operate as the team's emergency third quarterback for the fourth consecutive week. Justin Fields will start at quarterback for Pittsburgh while Kyle Allen backs him up once again. As for Roman Wilson, the rookie has missed two games due to injury and two games as a healthy scratch so far. He has yet to make his NFL debut, instead remaining buried on the depth chart behind George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White (illness) and Bucky Irving (hamstring) are both officially active on Sunday for a Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. White was a late addition to the injury report this week and was listed as questionable on Saturday due to an illness, but he will play. Through the first three weeks of the season, White has underwhelmed as Tampa's lead back, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on 31 rushing attempts for 66 yards and no touchdowns, adding 12 catches for 98 yards. Meanwhile, the rookie Irving has averaged 6.2 yards per tote on 25 carries for 154 yards while catching five passes for 28 yards. Irving has looked more spry and has obviously been more productive, potentially leading to a more even split this weekend in Tampa. Both backs should be considered RB3/flex plays against the Eagles as the Bucs look to bounce back after a lackluster showing against Denver in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars have declared OG Cole Van Lanen, S Darnell Savage, OT Javon Foster, LB Myles Cole, LB Devin Lloyd, DT Jordan Jefferson and TE Evan Engram inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
The Minnesota Vikings have declared CB Dwight McGlothern, DB Fabian Moreau, WR Trishton Jackson, QB Brett Rypien, OT Walter Rouse, LB Ivan Pace Jr. and DT Levi Drake Rodriguez inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) is officially inactive for Week 4 versus the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but will ultimately miss his third consecutive contest. Hudson hasn't played since Week 1 when he caught two passes for 18 yards and lost a fumble. Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, and Erick All have looked solid at the tight end position this year, so even when Hudson is healthy, he might not have much of a role on offense. He should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) is officially inactive for Week 4 versus the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as doubtful, so his absence Sunday is not much of a surprise. The 32-year-old will miss his second consecutive contest. Through the first two weeks of the year, he registered 12 tackles. Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams will be tasked with anchoring the Jets' linebacking core against Denver on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets have declared LB Braiden McGregor, OT Morgan Moses, RB Israel Abanikanda, LB C.J. Mosley, OT Carter Warren, DT Leonard Taylor III and CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
The Houston Texans have declared RB Dameon Pierce, LB Jamal Hill, WR Tank Dell, SS Jimmie Ward, RB Joe Mixon and OG Nick Broeker inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
The Cincinnati Bengals have declared DL Sheldon Rankins, TE Tanner Hudson, TE Tanner McLachlan and DT B.J. Hill inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets LB Haason Reddick is not a trade option for the Dallas Cowboys even though LB Micah Parsons (ankle) and DE DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) are dealing with injuries, according to sources.
From TheHuddle
Updating previous reports, Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is considered week-to-week because of a hamstring injury sustained during the closing minutes of practice Thursday, Sept. 26, according to multiple league sources.
Fantasy Spin: Adams has already been ruled out for Week 4's game against the Cleveland Browns and fantasy owners will have to check back regularly to see his status for Week 5's game versus the Denver Broncos. In the meantime, WR Jakobi Meyers should see an increased number of targets and can be a possible flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
