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.
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Phillip Dorsett was released by the team on Monday. With the Broncos already planning to move on from wide receiver Tim Patrick, they continued their overhaul of their wide receiving core with Dorsett's release. Dorsett was buried on the depth chart and unlikely to be much of a factor. He had not caught a pass during the 2024 preseason, and he has not caught a pass in the regular season since 2022. With the Broncos moving forward with a younger receiving core, the former-first-round pick will have to find a new home.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) will return to practice on Tuesday. Njoku had been limited for the past couple of weeks and was described as "sore" by head coach Kevin Stefanski. With little information available about the injury, fantasy managers can begin to breathe a sigh of relief with draft season in full swing. The 28-year-old hauled in 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He finished as the TE6 and was dominant down the stretch of the season. Look for Njoku to pursue a similar stat line in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick on Monday. With roster cuts underway, the Titans were able to recoup some value on Willis while also clearing a roster spot. The Titans signed Mason Rudolph this offseason and he appears to have won the backup quarterback job. Willis is already listed as the No. 2 quarterback for the Packers. The Packers did not get much out of quarterbacks Sean Clifford or Michael Pratt this preseason. With most teams carrying a maximum of three quarterbacks, either Pratt or Clifford appears to be on the chopping block. Willis gives the Packers a mobile option behind starter Jordan Love. This move does not impact fantasy football unless Love goes down due to injury. However, Willis has valuable starting experience that would be useful if Love were to miss time.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Browns running back Nick Chubb will start the season on the PUP list. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season as a result. This is hardly a surprise after his awful knee injury during week two last year. Chubb's rehab is apparently ahead of schedule but he won't be ready until October at the earliest. Jerome Ford looks like the early season winner in the backfield but Chubb will be poised to take over upon his return. Chubb remains a possible buy low for a contender even with this news.
Dynasty | The Chiefs are signing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Dynasty Analysis: This is a reunion of sorts as JJSS played for the Chiefs in 2022, posting a 78/933/3 line in the process. He parlayed that into a two-year deal with the Patriots but that proved to be a bit of a disasters as his 29/260/1 season and subsequent lackluster training camp got him released. This tour of duty with Kansas City may be a little different as he's really being added as insurance for a possible Rashee Rice suspension and not expected to start. Smith-Schuster is a tough add off the waiver wire and looks like a dynasty roster clogger at the moment.
Dynasty | The Texans are fielding calls on the availability of John Metchie. Dynasty Analysis: This comes as no surprise as the Texans already have Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell as their three mainstays and Metchie is little more than a luxury at the moment. Still, Diggs is on a one-year deal and Houston may choose to keep Metchie, rather than deal him. Managers with him on their roster have to be hoping for a trade considering his strong training camp. Stay tuned as nothing seems imminent. At this point, Metchie simply remains a hold.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Lamb gets a monster four-year, $136 million extension that makes him the second highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history and includes a $38 million signing bonus and $100 million in guaranteed money. Yep. That'll do it. This was always the expected outcome with Lamb, who was clearly not happy playing out the season on his fifth-year option. This contract keeps Lamb in Dallas long-term and cements his status as a WR1, if not THE WR1 in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Buccaneers have released wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Dynasty Analysis: Shepard was reunited with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Ravaged by injuries over the past few years, the former Giant will now look to latch on with a receiver-needy team, though that's far from a done deal. At 31 years old, he may be running out of time. Regardless, Shepard doesn't belong on a dynasty roster at this point.
The Denver Broncos are exploring trade possibilities for wide receiver Tim Patrick, according to Broncos reporter Mike Klis. Patrick suffered a torn ACL during training camp in 2022 and a torn Achilles before the 2023 season, so he has not played in a regular-season contest since 2021. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Patrick racked up 143 receptions for 2,009 yards and 12 touchdowns in 55 games. Denver is likely to release him if they do not reach a deal to trade him ahead of Tuesday's roster cutdown deadline. Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Mims Jr. are expected to start in three-wide sets for Denver, but Patrick's potential departure could clear the way for rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele to play in reserve roles in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos are expected to move on from veteran running back Samaje Perine, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The organization is engaged in trade conversations, but if they do not reach a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT roster cutdown deadline, he could be released. This move was expected by many following the acquisition of former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Denver backfield is crowded with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Estime, so Perine has been viewed as the odd man out. Although Perine is unlikely to have a ton of fantasy value somewhere else, he could affect another running back and negatively impact their standing on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) returned to the practice field on Monday, but he was wearing a blue non-contact jersey. The rookie first-round pick out of Florida has been out of action for a few weeks, causing him to miss valuable reps in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk (holdout). Pearsall's role is already tough to analyze in Year 1 with the Niners, but his injury could take him even longer to get acclimated to his new offense. If Aiyuk re-signs with the 49ers, it would be a surprise if Pearsall is on the fantasy radar in 2024. If Aiyuk is traded or does not play early in the season, Pearsall could have deep-league flex value, but veteran Jauan Jennings (oblique) could play ahead of him. Ultimately, Pearsall is an intriguing dynasty stash, but his projected redraft value is likely to be limited.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans linebacker Chance Campbell (knee) suffered a torn ACL in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, effectively ending his 2024 season. Campbell was projected to be a reserve linebacker behind Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens, so the team might look to add a veteran inside linebacker for depth purposes. The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Ole Miss played in four games last year and racked up three total tackles.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) was on the practice field on Monday doing side work as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he is not concerned with CMC missing all of training camp, and his return to the field in some capacity is great news for his Week 1 availability against the New York Jets. Last season's NFL Offensive Player of the Year was dominant in fantasy football in Year 2 with the Niners, racking up just under 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. The 28-year-old is still in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in all redraft formats, and he's a must-start option all season - regardless of matchup.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions are releasing wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Peoples-Jones was dealt to the Lions at last year's trade deadline from the Browns in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He caught just five passes for 58 yards in eight games for Detroit. Overall, the Michigan product has tallied 122 receptions for 1,895 yards and eight touchdowns in 58 games since entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2020. While his chances of becoming a legitimate starter seem to be dwindling, another organization might sign him after teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT deadline.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith (ankle/hamstring) reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring following Saturday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M is getting an MRI, but his Week 1 status is in some doubt. With Johnny Wilson and newly-acquired Jahan Dotson on the roster, Smith was already unlikely to have a significant role on offense early in the season, but he was an excellent punt returner in college, so he could be in the mix there. For now, he can be safely ignored in 2024 fantasy football redraft leagues, and dynasty managers should monitor his status.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens are releasing wide receiver Russell Gage, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Gage missed all of last season with a torn patellar tendon that he suffered in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he is now being let go by Baltimore after signing with the team earlier this month. Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU, Gage has racked up 244 receptions for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had big moments with the Atlanta Falcons and Buccaneers earlier in his career, but his major injury from last year could be affecting him in 2024. Either way, there's a chance another organization will give the veteran a shot as teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that backup quarterback Desmond Ridder (head) is in the league's concussion protocol after he was forced from the preseason finale on Sunday against the Denver Broncos early due to a head injury. Before Ridder left the contest at Empower Field, he went 10-for-16 passing for 111 yards and carried the ball twice for 25 yards. In his first year in Arizona, the 24-year-old is expected to open the year as the primary backup to starter Kyler Murray. However, if he cannot clear the concussion protocol in time for the Week 1 regular-season opener versus the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 8, it will be Clayton Tune backing up Murray. The former third-rounder quickly fell out of favor with the Atlanta Falcons in 19 games over two seasons, mainly due to turnover issues and overall mediocre performances.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said it's to be determined whether wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) will start the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. McDaniel also said Beckham isn't going to put on a cape and play in games without practicing -- he hasn't been on the practice field all summer. He will need to get comfortable working with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in practices before he can play in games. If we had to guess, the 31-year-old would start on the PUP, but it depends on how quickly he can get on the field. He's running out of time with the regular-season opener just less than two weeks away. If OBJ does start on the PUP, he'd be forced to miss at least the first four games. With Beckham and River Cracraft dealing with injuries, Braxton Berrios is now the favorite to open the year as the WR3 behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard on Monday, according to a source. The 31-year-old pass-catcher signed with Tampa with the hopes of rekindling his rapport with old teammate Baker Mayfield. It may still happen, though, as the Bucs are holding a practice spot for him. The former second-round pick by the New York Giants in 2016 out of Oklahoma had a career-high 872 receiving yards in 2018, but injuries pretty much derailed what was once a promising career. Shepard was unable to play in more than 12 games from 2019-22. In 15 games (two starts) last year in New York's terrible offense, he caught just 10 of 22 targets for 57 yards and one touchdown. An undisclosed injury also kept Shepard out of all three preseason games with the Buccaneers. If he re-signs with the team, he'll merely be providing depth at the position behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and others.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) is back at training camp practice on Monday and is taking part in individual drills. The Rams are easing Nacua back into the fold, with Monday being the first time he's been at practice since Aug. 4 due to a bursa-sac injury in his knee. All indications are that the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher will be ready to go in time for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Sean McVay hasn't been worried at all about Nacua's status despite missing plenty of practice time in camp. Unless Nacua suffers a setback in the next two weeks, fantasy managers should feel confident selecting him as a top-10 fantasy wideout after a breakout rookie season in 2023 in which he went for 105 catches (160 targets), 1,486 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season contests.
From RotoBaller