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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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren logged 14 carries for 66 yards and hauled in both of his targets for 29 yards in the team's Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. After a slow start to the campaign, Warren looked much more like his explosive self on Sunday and ran far more efficiently than Najee Harris. He did, however, cough up the football in the red zone with the game on the line. The Commanders failed to capitalize on the turnover and Pittsburgh ultimately came out on top, but Warren did not receive a touch after fumbling. Warren should nonetheless maintain his role going forward and is worth a look on fantasy waiver wires. He'll face a tough challenge against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos said recently that they were looking to get rookie running back Audric Estime more involved, and they weren't kidding, as he finished with team-highs in carries (14) and rushing yards (53) in the 16-14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Week 10. Estime was not targeted in the passing game, but out-touched both Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin 14 to five and out-gained them 53 to 19. It was the 21-year-old's biggest workload, by far, of his rookie season, and although he shouldn't be expected to lead Denver's backfield every week the rest of the way, his workload on Sunday shouldn't be ignored. At the very least, Estime is worth a deep-league waiver-wire pickup heading into a Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Estime's heavy volume is obviously bad news for Williams' fantasy value moving forward.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud looked poised for a big victory on Sunday, but they failed to generate any points in the second half as Detroit stormed back from a 16-point deficit to win, 26-23. The former Buckeye finished 19-for-33 for 232 yards with a touchdown and two second-half picks that aided Detroit's comeback. He also carried the ball once for five yards. Pass protection continues to be a major issue for Houston, which allowed four sacks Sunday and has now allowed 12 in its past eight quarters. Stroud and company will look for a better finish next week with a road trip to Dallas.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth recorded three receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown on three targets in a Week 10 victory against the Washington Commanders. Freiermuth, after a strong start to the campaign, has been utilized sparingly with Russell Wilson under center, but it was promising to see him earn an opportunity near the goal line in the second quarter. The three-yard score was Freiermuth's first from Wilson and his third on the season. While his role in the offense has been far too inconsistent to consider him a weekly fantasy option, Freiermuth could be a streaming candidate in the right matchups. That said, he has a great opportunity next week against the Baltimore Ravens, who give up plenty of fantasy production to tight ends.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans defense/special teams intercepted Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff a whopping five times on Sunday, but it wasn't quite enough as the Lions came back to win on the final play of regulation by a score of 26-23. The defense did not record a sack in the defeat, during which the Houston offense failed to score in the second half after being ahead 23-7 at halftime. Houston will look to snap a two-game losing streak with a visit to the reeling Dallas Cowboys in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix nearly gave the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season but came up just short in a 16-14 loss on the road, completing 22 of his 30 pass attempts for 215 yards for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Nix was sacked two times for a loss of 33 yards and also had his worst rushing performance of the year, taking off three time for minus-five yards. He fumbled once but was able to recover. The 24-year-old held his own against a strong defense in a hostile environment and was able to avoid turnovers, but he just didn't do enough and was unable to lead Denver to any points in the second half. In the last five games, Nix has seven TDs and only two picks and continues to improve as a passer. He'll be a solid QB2 option in two-QB fantasy leagues for a Week 11 home date against the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell finished with five catches for 39 yards on Sunday in a 26-23 loss to the Detroit Lions. The second-year receiver was targeted a team-high nine times, but finished fourth on the team in receiving yards. The Houston offense didn't do much of anything in the second half, during which they failed to score as Detroit rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to win the game. Dell's time as the No. 1 receiver is likely coming to an end, as Nico Collins (hamstring) nears a return, but he should still be firmly involved for the AFC South leaders. Houston takes on Dallas in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz pulled in three passes for a season-high 66 yards in a 26-23 loss to Detroit on Sunday. The big tight end didn't see a ton of volume, logging only four targets, but he was effective when called upon in the passing attack. Unfortunately for Houston, the offense was shut out in the second half as the Lions mounted a comeback from 16 points down. Schultz and the Texans will face a much friendlier matchup in Week 11 when they take on the struggling Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
On his worst rushing night of the season, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon still compiled 90 total yards, two catches, and a touchdown on Sunday in a 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. It was the fifth consecutive week in which the veteran found the end zone. The Lions limited the former Bengal to 46 rushing yards on 25 carries, by far his least efficient rushing game of the season, but he broke free for 44 yards on his two catches from four targets. Mixon and the Texans will be favored to snap a two-game losing stream when they play Dallas in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. fell a bit short of projections in a 23-20 win over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. The 28-year-old dual threat caught five of six targets for 62 yards receiving and three carries for 14 yards rushing. It's worth noting that Samuel Sr. was limited in practice all week with rib and oblique issues and was announced to play relatively late. Pure speculation here, but Samuel Sr. didn't appear to have his best burst and aggression with the ball in his hands in this one. Samuel Sr. surely has better performances ahead of him, but today, it was shown that the absence of Brandon Aiyuk doesn't imply increased volume for Deebo, especially with the return of Christian McCaffrey. Jauan Jennings drew 11 targets and rookie Ricky Pearsall took the same amount of targets as Samuel Sr. The 49ers will get the Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner tallied over 103 total yards in the 31-6 win over the New York Jets, including 80 yards through the air on five catches. Conner continues his aggressive running style, still leading the league in forced missed tackles. On the game's opening drive, Conner took a screen pass 44 yards before getting tackled inside the one-yard line. While his efficiency on the ground wasn't up to his usual standard, he was still able to cross the goal line for his fifth touchdown of the year. Conner has been a solid RB2 for fantasy managers this season; however, fantasy managers will need to look elsewhere in Week 11, as the Cardinals are on their bye week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III had a career night against the Detroit Lions, finishing with five catches on six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in a 26-23 loss. The third-year receiver missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with leukemia and has played sparingly in the two years since, but broke out Sunday with fellow Texans receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) inactive again. A 15-yard touchdown connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud was Metchie's first NFL score to go with career highs in catches and yards. He'll look to stay involved again when Houston visits Dallas in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey made his 2024 debut in a 23-20 victory in Tampa over the Buccaneers on Sunday. In a bit of a fantasy disappointment to managers waiting for a return on their first-round investment, McCaffrey took 13 carries for 37 yards rushing and caught six of seven targets for 68 yards receiving. Credit should go to Tampa Bay's ground defense for consistently bottling up San Francisco's rushing attack. If not for one 13-yard rush, McCaffrey would have averaged 2.2 yards per carry. Still, today's game represents the floor for a healthy McCaffrey. Importantly for CMC managers who remain in the playoff hunt, there were no signs of a setback with the dual Achilles tendinitis that held him out until today. McCaffrey did come off the field a few times, probably due to some combination of the Florida heat and his conditioning, but he only ceded two carries to his backups. Assuming he came away unscathed, McCaffrey is a must-start in Week 11 versus Seattle.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22-of-35 passes for 151 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss against Arizona. Dynasty Analysis: This is about as bad as it gets for the Jets and Rodgers, who are now 3-7 on the season and a team quickly fading into irrelevance. Rodgers himself just hasn't looked like himself on the year and now has just 2,258 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions on the season. He also had a costly fumble at the three yard line that turned the game on its head. The Jets were listless on the day and it's fair to wonder what we can expect from this group moving forward. Rodgers is a QB2 right now with a dynasty value that's really hit the skids.
Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Davante Adams had six catches for 31 yards in the Jets loss to Arizona. Dynasty Analysis: Adams was targeted 13 times (seven more than any other Jets player), but that resulted in meager results. The Jets simply look lost and the addition of Adams looks now like a desperation play that's going to fail to turn anything around. He'll continue to be a volume based option, but it's going to be at "boom or bust" WR2 levels at best. It's hard to see Adams being a huge difference maker the rest of the way and while he could be a target for dynasty managers who are contending, he's also one poised to disappoint each and every one of them.
Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush completed 13-of-23 passes for 45 yards in a blowout loss to Philadelphia. Dynasty Analysis: Yikes. This was about as bad as it gets and Rush was eventually replaced by Trey Lance. The Cowboys offense was only able to muster 146 total yards, and that was with the Eagles defense resting virtually the entire fourth quarter. We'll see where the Cowboys turn moving forward, but it would be no surprise to see a 3-6 Dallas team turn to Lance to see if he has anything to give them the rest of the way. Rush has no dynasty value at this point, especially after this disaster.
Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had six catches for 21 yards in a loss to Philadelphia. Dynasty Analysis: Ugh. The Cowboys are a total disaster and regardless of his immense talent, Lamb just isn't going to be able to overcome this most weeks. Today was clearly a disappointing one as he was targeted ten times but just couldn't break off anything of substance. Lamb is going to be a WR2 option unless one of the Dallas quarterbacks can show some semblance of rhythm moving forward. It's quickly looking like a lost season for anyone with a star on their helmet.
Dynasty | Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley had five catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Ridley now has 32 targets over his last three games after complaining about his role in the offense. While his production is bound to be spotty (he has just one 100-yard game this year), the Titans have little choice but to get him the ball. On the plus side, Will Levis did look a lot better today than he has in most weeks, so there's that. Ridley will be a plus WR2 moving forward and his dynasty value has evened out over the past couple of weeks.
Dynasty | Chargers running back JK Dobbins had 50 rushing yards, three catches and five receiving yards in a win against Tennessee. Dynasty Analysis: Dobbins has had a great start to the year, but he shared the load with Gus Edwards today and that's going to be a major concern moving forward. If the Chargers make this more of a committee again, this could be a major problem moving forward for dynasty managers. Dobbins is going to be a sketchy play until we see how Los Angeles is going utilize these players moving forward.
Dynasty | Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 18-of-23 passes for 175 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss against the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Levis and the Titans lost the game, but this was about as good as he's looked all season. With the Titans at 2-7, you can bet the second half of the season will be used to evaluate Levis more than anything else. He passed the test today, but has to string together some good games moving forward to really create any buzz amongst dynasty managers. At this point, the Titans look to be a team looking for a new start in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Levis will at least have some say in that. He remains a player worth holding, but he's hardly a sure thing at this point.
