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.
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The Paur Report
The Kansas City Chiefs are designating running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday, opening his 21-day window to officially activate him from IR. Pacheco fractured his right fibula on Sept. 15 and has been on IR ever since, but he's eligible to return whenever the Chiefs feel he's ready. While the 25-year-old can now return to practice, the Chiefs aren't going to rush him and he's unlikely to return for the Week 11 game this Sunday on the road against the Buffalo Bills. In a best-case scenario, the Chiefs are hoping to get Pacheco back toward the end of November, so they could use his entire 21-day practice window before activating him. Pacheco will be a must-start RB1 in fantasy when he returns, but until then, Kareem Hunt will continue to serve as the Chiefs' lead back. Hunt has been money with Pacheco out, averaging 15.6 half-PPR fantasy points in his six games.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears fired offensive coordinator Shale Waldron on Tuesday after just nine games into his first season with the team, according to sources. Passing-game coordinator Thomas Brown is expected to take over as the team's interim offensive coordinator. The move comes following three straight losses with mounting concerns on offense. The Bears have scored a combined 27 points in the last three games and they have not scored a touchdown in 23 possessions. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams threw for 120 yards and was sacked nine times -- an NFL-high for any game this season -- in the 19-3 loss to the Patriots in Week 10. Chicago has also allowed six or more sacks in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 1993. Williams has been sacked 38 times, the most for a rookie in his first 10 weeks since David Carr was sacked 49 times in 2002.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former All-Pro wide receiver/kick returner Jamal Agnew to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to a source. Agnew had a tryout for the Steelers on Monday, and apparently they liked what they saw and added him as depth for the receiving corps and return group on special teams. The 29-year-old Agnew suffered a season-ending leg injury last year while playing in his third season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and finished with 14 catches on 21 targets for 225 yards and a touchdown in 11 games (one start). He also returned 14 punts for 144 yards and 15 kickoffs for 391 total yards. Agnew was a Pro Bowler for Jacksonville in 2023 and is expected to compete for return duties on special teams in Pittsburgh. He can remain on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues, though.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) is scheduled to have season-ending surgery on his injured hamstring on Wednesday, according to owner Jerry Jones. Even if Prescott didn't have surgery, it was unlikely that he was going to be able to make it back this season after suffering an avulsion hamstring tear in the Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. For now, the Cowboys will move forward with Cooper Rush under center, but if he continues to play as bad as he did in the Week 10 blowout loss to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, third-stringer Trey Lance could make some starts down the stretch as well. Prescott will now rest and rehab in hopes of returning for the 2025 season. The 31-year-old three-time Pro Bowler finishes his 2024 season with 1,978 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 286 pass attempts in eight games.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) caught three of four targets for 16 yards and one touchdown in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He added two carries for 11 yards. Since training camp, the 30-year-old has been dealing with a torn ligament in his wrist but has been playing through it, as reported by ESPN's Lisa Salters. It was not a great performance in terms of receptions and yards, but Jaylen Waddle led the team with only three catches for 57 yards. The emphasis for Miami in recent weeks has been to run the football, and the wide receivers have been asked to help with run blocking considerably more. The one-yard touchdown in the third quarter helped Miami extend to a two-score lead. The Rams young front seven was in the backfield all night, making it difficult for the Dolphins offense to develop plays down the field. Hill will look to have a better game in Week 11 when he and the Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert caught two of three targets for 34 yards but did not log a rushing attempt in Monday's 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. His best play came on a 3rd and 19 when Mostert caught a short pass and ran it for 25 yards to move the chains. One can only assume his carries are starting to take a hit due to his recent fumble troubles. Miami has little room for error due to their (3-6) record, and head coach Mike McDaniels has made it clear he's not afraid to make changes. The offense could only muster 67 rushing yards as the offensive line struggled in run blocking for most of the night. That could be a trend with the amount of injuries the Miami offensive line is dealing with. Mostert will look to bounce back against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught three of four targets for 45 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He finished second on the team in yards and tied for the lead in receptions with Jaylen Waddle. Smith has now recorded at least 45 receiving yards in three of his last four contests. His best play of the night came on a 33-yard reception where he broke multiple tackles and set the Dolphins offense up at the one-yard line, which resulted in a one-yard Tyreek Hill touchdown. None of the Miami pass catchers have had any spectacular games lately, but seeing the 29-year-old continue to receive a solid target share is encouraging. Next week presents a great matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, who struggle mightily against tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown in their 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble. After an impressive five-play 70-yard first drive, the Dolphin's offense struggled for most of the game. The young Rams defensive line constantly pressured Tagovailoa and sacked him three times. Two of the sacks were due to him holding the ball too long instead of throwing it away. This was not a good showing for the offensive line, and with the news of tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR, it doesn't look to get any better. Tagovailoa and the Miami offense will look to get back on track in Week 11 when they host the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught three of six targets for 57 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He held the team lead in targets, receptions, and yards. Waddle continues to struggle to get on the same page as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The offense struggled overall to get anything going after their first drive ended in a touchdown. He had yet another drop in this game on a crucial third-down play that would've easily moved the chains. Nonetheless, the Dolphins got a much-needed win to climb back into the AFC playoff picture. It will be hard to trust Waddle down the stretch into the playoffs, with Miami throwing the ball much less than in previous years. He will look to bounce back in Week 11 when he returns to Miami to take on the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 12 times for 37 yards and caught all five of his targets for 15 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was disappointing from his two best performances of the season in Weeks 8 and 9. The Rams' defensive line was constantly in the backfield and allowed little to no room to run. The run blocking could be a concern as the Miami offensive line is dealing with a multitude of injuries. The latest was tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR before the game. One positive was that he out-touched all other Miami running backs 17 to 7. It looks as though Raheem Mostert's fumbling troubles are starting to affect his snaps and touches. Achane will look to return to RB1 form next week at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen converted six targets into five catches for 34 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has taken on a larger role lately, playing 55 percent of snaps last week. That rate jumped to 87 percent this week. While it's too early to run to the waiver wire and spill FAAB on Allen, he's a name worth monitoring as bye weeks and injuries continue to hit the tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua converted 14 targets into nine catches for 98 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has played in four games this season, and while he's still searching for his first touchdown of 2024, he did set a season-high target total on Monday night. Nacua and Kupp form an impressive one-two punch in Los Angeles, and both are fringe top-12 fantasy receivers heading into a favorable matchup against the New England Patriots next weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp hauled in all seven of his targets for 80 yards during Sunday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He played 90 percent of offensive snaps but saw his second-lowest target total of the season. Although he was out-produced by Puka Nacua on Monday, both players are dependable options in fantasy football, ranking as fringe WR1 options at the moment. Kupp is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game (PPR) this season and should be started in all leagues heading into next weekend's clash on the East Coast versus the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams rushed for 62 yards on 15 carries during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also caught five of his six targets for an additional 20 receiving yards, boosting his production in PPR leagues. With that said, Williams lost a fumble and failed to find the end zone in Monday's loss. The 24-year-old's nine-game touchdown streak came to an end last week, and now, he has gone two games without crossing the goal line. This is the first time since his rookie campaign in 2022 that Williams failed to score a touchdown in back-to-back games. Perhaps he'll bounce back next week in a game against the New England Patriots that figures to be run-heavy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty went 5-for-6 on field goals but did not attempt an extra point during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He converted kicks from 22, 31, 34, 53, and 55 yards in the effort. His lone miss was a 57-yard attempt that sailed wide right. The miss puts only a small blemish on the rookie's performance as five made field goals (including two from beyond 50 yards) is nothing to scoff at. Karty had been one of the worst kickers in terms of fantasy points entering Week 10, but Monday night's showing could give him some real streaming appeal ahead of a favorable matchup versus the New England Patriots next weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also took four sacks and fumbled twice, but both loose balls were recovered by Los Angeles. Stafford has now failed to throw for a touchdown in more than 44 percent of his games this season, but Monday's scoreless effort is particularly concerning given the Rams' favorable matchup, negative game script, and Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both being healthy. Even with another favorable matchup on tap against New England, Stafford is not a dependable fantasy option, especially in single-quarterback leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Kendall Fuller (concussion) was ruled out of the Week 10 game on Monday, Nov. 11, after being placed in the concussion protocol.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders defensive back Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant during Monday's practice estimation. Lattimore suffered a hamstring injury and has yet to make his team debut for Washington. The four-time Pro Bowl corner should be a significant upgrade for this secondary once he's healthy enough to play. He'll likely need to get through a few limited practice sessions in order to have a chance at suiting up against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. The Commanders defense could certainly use the help, but they also aren't going to rush Lattimore back to the field.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) isn't expected to get back on the practice field this week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't expect to open Greenlaw's 21-day practice window yet. Greenlaw is working his way back from a torn left Achilles he suffered during the Super Bowl in February. That injury caused him to be placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season. The 49ers believe Greenlaw can contribute this season, but aren't going to rush him back to the field. Once he returns, Greenlaw should give this defensive unit a nice boost.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley (hamstring) is expected to practice this week, according to David Lombardi. Conley sat out of Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a hamstring injury. He suffered that injury during the Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The return of Conley gives this team depth with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the season. Conley hasn't done much this season and is unlikely to contribute right now with this offense mostly healthy.
From RotoBaller
