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
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush entered Sunday's game in the fourth quarter after Dak Prescott (hamstring) left with an injury and did not return. The longtime Cowboys' backup looked solid in the comeback attempt, completing 13-of-25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. It is unclear whether Prescott will miss any further time, as he is set to have an MRI on Monday. If Prescott misses time, Rush would be an intriguing QB2 option in multiple-quarterback leagues.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra caught all five of his targets for 30 yards during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year tight end was involved early in the game having four grabs before halftime, but did little after. Next week will mark the fourth since starter Dallas Goedert (hamstring) was injured against Cleveland and will be his first real shot at making a return to the field. Fantasy managers will need to monitor practice reports during the week, but Calcaterra may move back to his role as the No. 2 option if Goedert is able to put in any practice time this week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury late in their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He left the game while Cooper Rush took over, and is now in doubt for Week 10. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he was concerned and Ian Rapoport reported that Prescott will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The Cowboys' offense has already been disappointing, so if Rush has to take over for a week or more, the entire offense would get a big downgrade until Prescott is healthy. A clearer picture should come into focus after the MRI.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was productive in the 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The 26-year-old saw most of the running back work with Ezekiel Elliott (healthy scratch) missing the game due to disciplinary reasons. Dowdle rushed 12 times for 75 yards while also securing five receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown on an impressive grab in the endzone. Dowdle appears to remain set as the lead back in Dallas and is an RB2 moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson led the way through the air on Sunday in the 27-21 loss to Atlanta. Ferguson was targeted 10 times, securing seven receptions for 71 yards. The performance was Ferguson's second-highest receiving yardage total of the season. The third-year tight end still has not found the end zone in the 2024 campaign, but remains a key part of Dallas' passing offense and is still a top option at the bleak tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made one of two field goal attempts and converted his lone extra point attempt during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. After his best week of the season, the 29-year-old came back to earth in Week 9 and missed a long field goal attempt late in the game that would have given the Eagles an eight-point lead rather than a five-point one. It went on not to matter in the end, but the up-and-down season for Elliott continues. At this point, fantasy managers need to consider him a boom-or-bust streaming option who only needs to be started in plus matchups. That applies next week when the Eagles take on a reeling Cowboys team.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson scored his first career touchdown in the 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears. Starting running back James Conner had to check himself out after a hard fall, which opened the door for Benson to enter the game and take the Cardinals' goal-line carries, during which he found his way into the end zone. With the Cardinals taking a commanding lead and Conner getting a little banged up, Benson saw an increase in workload, finishing the game with eight carries for 37 yards, one touchdown, and one reception for 18 yards. It was expected that at some point in the season, the Cardinals would try to get Benson more involved to lower Conner's snap count and keep him healthy, and that happened in Week 9. This was Benson's most impressive game of the season, and the rookie looks like he's starting to find his footing in the NFL. While Benson could be viewed as a handcuff for James Conner, he is not necessarily a viable option when the Cardinals host the New York Jets in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of six targets for 87 yards and scored in the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Heisman winner found the end zone for the second week in a row, making one of the year's best catches on a one-handed 25-yard grab in the back of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Smith was pivotal for the offense in the second half with A.J. Brown (knee) leaving early in the third quarter. The 25-year-old had a few rough outings after the Eagles Week 5 bye but has since gained 85 or more yards and has found the end zone in each game recently. Smith will be a set-it-and-forget-it WR2 again in Week 10 when Philadelphia takes on a banged-up Dallas team.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a knee injury and didn't return in the second half. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the superstar wideout avoided "anything serious and is expected to be fine." This comes as huge news for both the Eagles and fantasy managers who had to endure three games without him already this year. His status should still be monitored throughout the week to see if he may need to miss a game or not though.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson caught his lone target for a 36-yard gain during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The catch came in the second half after A.J. Brown (knee) left the game early in the third quarter. It was an impressive grab near the sideline but it is just his seventh reception of the year through nine weeks. There have been plenty of chances for the former Washington Commander to stand out in this offense, but quarterback Jalen Hurts does not look his way at the moment. He will remain waiver wire fodder in redraft leagues and a hold in dynasty heading into Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got involved in the Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears with an impressive 53-yard rushing touchdown right before halftime, giving the Cardinals a 21-9 lead. Demercado has impressed throughout the season in his limited playing time, which has frequently come on third downs. His final stat line was four carries for 59 yards and one rushing touchdown, along with two catches for 21 yards. It's unclear whether Demercado's role will increase, making him not an option for fantasy managers when the Cardinals play the Jets in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took 27 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown, added three receptions for 40 yards and an additional score, and lost a fumble during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 27-year-old's 199 scrimmage yards were his most in a single game this season, and he posted his best numbers as a receiver this year as well. Quarterback Jalen Hurts did not take any goal line opportunities away from Barkley this week, and got things started for the Eagles and threw a 20-yard score to the star back to give Philadelphia its first points scored in the first quarter all season. The Eagles may be without A.J. Brown (knee) for the second time in 2024, but regardless of his status next week the Eagles will likely lean on Barkley again as they face a struggling Dallas team.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season in the 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears. Conner finished the game with 18 carries for 107 rushing yards and added three receptions for 12 yards. The Cardinals' rushing attack was dominant, and the offensive line frequently created lanes for the running backs. Conner did take a hard fall in the second quarter, landing on his hip and needing to check himself out after the play. However, that does not seem to be a lingering issue, as he returned to the game in the second half before the Cardinals put their backups in and went into cruise control. Although Conner did not find the end zone, he remains the focal point of the Cardinals' rushing attack, and fantasy managers should be happy with how his season has gone. He remains a likely starter for fantasy managers heading into their Week 10 matchup with the New York Jets.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders set a career-high in Week 9 with 87 receiving yards on four receptions against the New Orleans Saints. Sanders again received the bulk of offensive snaps as veteran tight end Tommy Tremble (back) was inactive, missing his third game in the last four weeks. In Week 8, the one game Tremble was active for in October, Sanders played just 36% of the snaps and recorded one reception for seven yards. While the rookie certainly offers waiver wire value, there remains concern that the coaching staff has preferred Tremble when healthy. Regardless, Sanders could have an opportunity further to cement himself against a weak Giants defense in Germany.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette recorded a rather pedestrian stat line in Week 9 with four receptions, 33 yards, one touchdown, and one drop in Sunday's 23-22 win over the New Orleans Saints. The 23-year-old also rushed for six yards on one rushing attempt. His drop resulted in a Saints interception, but his touchdown gave Carolina an early lead. Legette's 26-yard reception on 3rd and 10 set up Chuba Hubbard's game-winning run. While having yet to crack a 70-yard game, Legette has four touchdowns on the season and has scored in consecutive weeks with Bryce Young at quarterback. His fantasy value is still erratic, as you'd expect from a rookie in a dysfunctional situation. Still, Xavier Legette has undeniable traits and will look to extend his scoring streak in Germany against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
In his second consecutive start, Bryce Young led the Carolina Panthers to a 23-22 divisional win over the New Orleans Saints. It was Carolina's second win of the season. Young finished the day 16-for-26 with 171 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The interception came from a drop by wide receiver Xavier Legette. En route to the victory, Young kickstarted Carolina's game-winning drive with a 26-yard dart over the middle to Legette on 3rd and 10. The second-year quarterback looks more comfortable in head coach Dave Canales's system and has showcased more confident decision-making. Despite Carolina not naming a starting quarterback for Week 10, Young played well enough to get the starting nod in Week 10 as the Panthers head to Germany to face a reeling Giants squad.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for two touchdownsincluding a game-winning 16-yard scamperin Carolina's Week 9 victory over the New Orleans Saints. It was Hubbard's first game this season scoring multiple touchdowns. He added 72 yards and two receptions to go along with the scores. After a disappointing Week 8 outing at Denver, this performance was a strong response and shows why he remains a valuable weekly flex option. Heading to Germany to face the New York Giants in Week 10, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is expected to make his NFL debut and could take valuable touches away from Hubbard. Despite Brook's potential return, Hubbard remains a flex option against the Giants next week.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a limited role in the offense during their game against the Arizona Cardinals. He saw the ball just three times, finishing with a modest total of 13 rushing yards. Additionally, Johnson contributed in the passing game with two receptions for eight yards, but overall, his impact was minimal. The Bears needed help establishing a consistent offensive rhythm, significantly reducing their opportunities in the red zone. As a result, Johnson missed out on the goal-line opportunities he had capitalized on in previous weeks, leaving fantasy managers disappointed. With the Bears facing challenges in their offensive execution, it will be crucial for the coaching staff to find ways to involve Johnson more in upcoming games, particularly as they seek to enhance their effectiveness in the red zone and maximize his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
From RotoBaller
In Week 9, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore experienced a notably quiet performance during the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He concluded the game with only four receptions for a total of 33 yards and failed to find the end zone, leaving fantasy managers and fans wanting more. Throughout the contest, the Bears' offense appeared disjointed and out of sync, struggling to establish any rhythm. This lack of cohesion hindered Moore's ability to make impactful plays, a hallmark of his game in previous weeks. Despite his usual talent and playmaking ability, he didn't seem at his best, making it difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team's offensive efforts. As the Bears look to bounce back next week against the New England Patriots, fans will be eager to see Moore return to form and regain his status as a key playmaker in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a disappointing outing in the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the game with just four receptions for a modest total of 38 yards. Throughout the contest, Allen struggled to find separation from the Cardinals' defensive backs, a stark contrast to his previous season when he consistently found ways to get open and make impactful plays. Despite leading the team with ten targets, the lack of completed passes to him highlighted an apparent disconnect in the Bears' offensive execution. This inefficiency raises concerns about the chemistry between Allen and the quarterback, as well as the overall performance of the offensive line, which may have contributed to the struggles. As the Bears move forward, it will be crucial for Allen to regain his form and the coaching staff to find ways to utilize his skills in future games better. Allen will get a chance to bounce back against the New England Patriots next week.
From RotoBaller
