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 jeff@rtsports.com. 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
- 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
- Texans RBs Joe Mixon (ankle), Dameon Pierce (hamstring) sit out practice
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Roster Cloggers | Get Rid of Deshaun Watson
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 4 | Plucking Tre Tucker
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 4 Preview
- 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
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It sounds like Mixon is feeling better, but the team decided to take the cautious approach here. Mixon tested out his hamstring and feels good, so hopefully he'll be able to return next week. In the meantime, Cam Akers figures to be tasked with making another start in the backfield. Akers rushed for 21 yards last week on nine attempts, but salvaged his fantasy value with a touchdown through the air. He'll be worth a look as a low-end flex option for Week 4.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) and running back Alvin Kamara (hips, ribs) are both active ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. As expected, both players will suit up and will resume their roles as focal points on this offense. Kamara has been nearly unstoppable through the first three games and remains an elite RB1 for Week 4. Olave has 12 receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown through the first three weeks. He's coming off back-to-back 80-yard performances and needs to be in fantasy leagues in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb (knee), who is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list, will have his practice window opened Wednesday, Oct. 2, according to multiple sources.
Fantasy Spin: Chubb is not expected to play in Week 5's game versus the Washington Commanders but this news is a good sign that he will likely be able to return to action by midseason. He should continue to remain stashed in all fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The star wideout was a late addition to the injury report after suffering a hamstring injury during Friday's practice. Despite that, the Saints are confident that Olave will suit up for this game. He plans to test out his hamstring during pre-game warmups before the team makes a final decision. Rashid Shaheed would be more involved if Olave sits out, but it sounds like Olave is trending in the right direction. There is always risk of re-injury, especially with a hamstring issue, but fantasy managers need to play Olave if he's active.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki was able to stay involved during last week's loss to the Washington Commanders. Gesicki hauled in four of his five targets for 47 yards in the loss. The veteran tight end has seen four or more targets in every game this season. He's not going to see a huge volume of work considering the Bengals have plenty of weapons at wide receiver. However, Gesicki should remain involved enough that he holds TE2 value against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (illness, toe) is "likely" to play in Week 4 versus the New England Patriots, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Williams will still undergo pregame testing to ensure he's good to go, but it sounds like he's trending in the right direction. San Francisco would benefit from having Williams on the field in a huge way. He's widely regarded as the NFL's best offensive lineman, setting up numerous opportunities for Brock Purdy, Jordan Mason, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel Sr., Brandon Aiyuk, and others to make plays. A healthy Williams truly does bump Purdy and Mason up a spot or two in the weekly fantasy football rankings.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip), who is currently on the Reserve/Injured list, is expected to resume practicing during the upcoming week, according to multiple sources.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys defensive ends Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) are expected to miss multiple games after suffering injuries during Thursday's win over the New York Giants. The Cowboys have already ruled out Parsons for Week 5 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a high-ankle sprain. The superstar pass rusher could be sidelined as long as Week 8. Lawrence is expected to miss four games due to a foot sprain. The loss of both players is going to be a significant hit to this defensive unit. Chauncey Golston and Marshawn Kneeland are expected to fill in, but they aren't going to be able to give the same production as Parsons or Lawrence.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson is coming off his best performance of the season during last week's win over the Tennessee Titans. Wilson rushed 12 times for 50 yards while hauling in two passes for an additional 25 yards with a touchdown as well. It's nice to see Wilson getting more involved after seeing only nine carries through the first two games of the season. Possibly, the Packers will trust him with a bigger role going forward. However, Josh Jacobs will remain the clear lead back in this offense, which is going to limit Wilson's upside. Wilson is worth rostering in deep and dynasty formats but probably not worth starting against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) is considered a game-time decision for Week 4's contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a source. He will test out the injury during pregame warmups to determine if he will be able to play.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging just one limited practice session during the week. RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has already been ruled out, so if Mixon is also held out of action today, RB Cam Akers would be in line for a heavy workload versus the Jaguars. In this scenario, Akers would be a decent flex option with upside in most fantasy formats. Keep checking back for updates on Mixon's status.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) recently returned from seeing a specialist in Germany. It sounds like the plan is for McCaffrey to continue working on the ground, but he won't be back on the field anytime soon. The earliest McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be Week 6. Right now the plan is for McCaffrey to possibly return by early November. That isn't great news for fantasy managers, but at least the superstar back will only miss a handful of more games. In the meantime, Jordan Mason figures to continue being the lead back. Mason should be considered a RB1 in fantasy formats until McCaffrey returns.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is expected to play in Week 4's game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. When healthy, he should be viewed as a must-start option in all fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to get back on the practice field this week. Chubb began the year on the PUP list while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. Once Chubb begins practicing, he will get three weeks to get ready before the team must activate him. That being said, Chubb likely isn't going to get back into game action until closer to mid-season. It's uncertain how the team will manage his workload once Chubb is fully back in action. The star back figures to reclaim his role as the lead back in Cleveland, which means Jerome Ford will probably take a backseat here soon.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) is expected to practice in Week 5 as he gets closer to returning from the PUP list, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Beckham has been sidelined since early training camp due to an undisclosed issue, so even if he does practice this week, it could be a while longer before he plays in a game. It's been hard for the Dolphins to extract much production out of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) sidelined, so Beckham doesn't figure to have much fantasy value when he returns, either. He can be left on waivers in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is expected to practice in Week 5 as he gets closer to returning from the PUP list, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bourne is recovering from an ACL tear that abruptly ended his promising 2023 season. Through just eight games, he had caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns. That type of production put him on the fantasy radar as a FLEX play, but we're not sure he'll be able to replicate it when he returns this year given the state of New England's run-heavy offense led by Jacoby Brissett. Still, we can't discount the reliable, veteran presence he offers when on the field.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver D.J. Chark (hip) has spent the first four weeks of the season on the PUP list and is expected to resume practicing ahead of Week 5 when the team is on its bye, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Chargers' early bye week is convenient for Chark as it gives him extra time to practice while (potentially) missing no more than the minimum four games. Once activated, Chark figures to command a few looks per game in an offense where the other top wide receivers are Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Josh Palmer. Still, Chark is off the fantasy radar ahead of his eventual return.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is expected to practice in Week 5 as he prepares to return from the non-football injury list, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Edwards-Helaire was placed on the NFI list coming out of the preseason as he dealt with personal mental health issues, including PTSD. This move forced him to miss the first four games of the 2024 season, at a minimum. After the Chiefs' Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Edwards-Helaire will be eligible to return. He's expected to practice right away as the Chiefs get ready for Week 5, and he could immediately slot into the starting running back role with Isiah Pacheco (fibula) on IR. He would rank as a fantasy RB3 while operating alongside rookie standout Carson Steele and veteran pass-catching specialist Samaje Perine.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to have his practice window opened on Wednesday in Week 5, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Chubb opened 2024 on the PUP list as he continued to recover from two surgeries to repair ligaments in his left knee that were torn against the Steelers on Sept. 18, 2023. Once his practice window is opened, the star running back will be allowed to practice with the team for 21 days without counting toward the 53-man roster. Before those 21 days expire, the Browns must elevate him to the active roster. If they don't, he'll be ineligible to play this season. We don't know an exact timetable for Chubb's return, and while Cleveland has no interest in rushing him back before he's ready, it sounds like he's ahead of schedule in his recovery. Chubb was a solid fantasy RB1 when healthy but will likely drop the low-end RB2 tier when he returns to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is almost ready for the team to trigger his 21-day practice window, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in Week 16 last year but has made a speedy recovery and hopes to return within the next few weeks. It's important to note that once the Vikings designate Hockenson to practice, he'll have 21 days where he can practice with the team while not counting toward the 53-man roster. Once those 21 days go by, the team must activate him from injured reserve or rule him out for the remainder of the season. Schefter notes that the former is more likely for Hockenson, with Week 7 or 8 being his target for a return. Once he's back on the field, Hockenson will rank as a high-end fantasy TE1.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) "has worked hard to be back and even though it seems to be an uphill climb to play, he hasn't given up trying," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon will test his injury pregame to see whether he can suit up on Sunday afternoon. The veteran hasn't played since Week 2 when he was on the receiving end of a hip-drop tackle. He was able to finish the game but then was sidelined for Week 3. Through two games, he has 228 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. Houston would benefit from having him available on Sunday against the Jaguars, but they also won't rush him back before he's ready. If Mixon can't play this week, Cam Akers would lead the Texans' backfield for the second consecutive game, ranking as a fantasy RB3.
From RotoBaller
