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
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained Sunday, Sept. 8, for a minor traffic violation but is expected to play in Week 1, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players can monitor the situation to see if the incident affects his availability down the road, but he is on track to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He remains one of the top receivers in the NFL and is a must-start option in all leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt is penciled in as the backup tight end heading into the Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. The 29-year-old will likely be the second string option for a few weeks while T.J. Hockenson (knee) recovers from injury. Josh Oliver is listed as the starter, but the two of them could split up the role. However, neither of them are likely to see a significant role with wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison being the primary options on offense. Mundt has finished with less than 20 receptions in each of his last two seasons. He can be ignored in fantasy formats for Week 1, but could be an option if Oliver goes down.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was reportedly detained by police while heading to the stadium. The stop was for a driving violation, so it doesn't sound too serious. Hill's agent Drew Rosenhaus says that Hill will play today during the Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about this as it seems like a minor issue. Stay tuned for more updates, but Hill should be a locked in WR1 for Week 1 as long as he plays.
From RotoBaller
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is reporting Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained by police today entering the stadium for a driving violation. Hill is still expected to play in today's game but keep an eye on the inactives to be sure.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is reporting Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained by police today entering the stadium for a driving violation. Hill is still expected to play in today's game.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) is expected to receive a lot of treatment prior to Week 1's game versus the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Sept. 8, and then will test his injured calf during pregame warmups before a final decision is made on his status.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in Pittsburgh's final two practice sessions during the week. He said he would be able to play against Atlanta but the Steelers may decide to err against the side of caution and start QB Justin Fields instead. If Wilson is unable to play, Fields could be viewed as a QB2 option with QB1 upside because of his mobility.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson will open the season as the third wideout in this offense. He's set to start behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua during the season opener against the Detroit Lions. The 29-year-old beat out Tutu Atwell for the third wideout spot in camp, but he probably won't have a significant role. Both Kupp and Nacua figure to see the bulk of the targets. Last season, Robinson finished with 26 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns. There is still some big-play potential here, which makes Robinson a possible WR4 in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl defensive back Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will try to play through his hamstring injury in Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He may be limited in the number of snaps he takes to help reduce the risk of re-aggravating the injury, though, and it's yet to be seen how many. Ramsey missed time last year after suffering a meniscus tear; the Dolphins handed him a three-year, $72.3 million deal. It's safe to assume he can still play at a high level. Ramsey will turn 30 this year, so his best days are likely behind him. However, defensive cornerstone Jaelan Phillips is returning from an Achilles tear, and there are many new pieces and a new defensive coordinator, so there are better D/STs to start this week over the Dolphins.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney will step into the WR2 role for this offense to open the season. The 26-year-old reportedly looked good in camp and continued to make plays when called upon. Drake London opens the season as the primary passing option, but Mooney shouldn't be far behind him on the depth chart. It's worth noting that tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson should also be involved in the receiving game. Mooney has spent the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. He's worth stashing in most fantasy formats and should be on the WR4 radar heading into the opener.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (ankle) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. Nailor was able to log in a full practice to close out the week after being limited earlier in the week. He's expected to be the third wideout on this roster behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Sadly, there probably won't be a ton of targets left for Nailor with those two likely seeing the bulk of them. Nailor should be considered a desperation play in deep leagues heading into Week 1. The third-year wideout is unlikely to have a huge role while Jefferson and Addison are healthy.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent QB Ryan Tannehill (Titans) received interest from several NFL teams during the offseason, according to multiple sources. However, he would only be interested in returning to the league to play for a playoff contender with the need for a quarterback, a strong offensive line and multiple offensive weapons, if the money was right.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills DE Dawuane Smoot (toe) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Week 1's game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
From TheHuddle
The Green Bay Packers are going to be without starting quarterback Jordan Love (knee) for a few weeks. Love suffered a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain, which could force him to miss three or four games. Malik Willis came into the game in the final seconds after Love went down during Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite that, the Packers haven't committed to Willis being the starting quarterback in Week 2. Willis has only been with the team for a few weeks, so he might not be quite ready for this type of role yet. Sean Clifford is currently on the practice squad and has been with the team since 2023. Those are two are their primary options unless they want to go outside of the organization. Free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been a rumored name, but wants to join a contending team and be paid well. Regardless of who starts, none of these players are going to be viable fantasy options in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) appears to have avoided a season-ending injury. Love went down in the final moments of Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He needed to be helped off the field and further evaluation revealed an MCL sprain. The Packers only expect Love to miss a few weeks, which could be three or four games. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn't an ACL tear that would force Love to miss the entire season. The assumption is that Malik Willis will start for a few weeks, but free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has also been rumored to be an option. Whoever starts is going to be a downgrade over Love under center.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin could be in line for a heavier workload during Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is trending in the right direction, but is still uncertain for the season opener. If he sits, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas would move up the depth chart. Also, Irwin could be in line to be the third starter considering he was competing for the WR3 role in camp. His value hinges on the status of Chase, which might not be known until closer to game time. Irwin could be a desperation play in deep leagues if Chase does end up sitting out.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will attempt to play in Week 1's game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple sources. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging just one limited practice session during the week. Ramsey will not be at 100 percent and is hoping to be able to play on a pitch count.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Calijah Kancey (calf) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Kancey was a late addition to the injury report on Friday due to a calf injury. It looks like the Bucs are going to play it safe and hold him out of the season opener. The first-round pick from last year recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season. He was mostly a part-time player, but Kancey has a chance to be a real difference maker on defense. Kancey figures to start on the Bucs defense this season, but Mike Greene is likely to get the opening week start.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is expected to play in Week 1's game versus the Tennessee Titans, according to head coach Matt Eberflus.
Fantasy Spin: Allen had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging two limited practice sessions and one full session during the week. He is expected to receive his normal workload and can be viewed as a WR3 or flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions DT D.J. Reader (quadriceps) is not expected to play in Week 1's game versus the Los Angeles Rams, according to multiple sources. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited practice participant throughout the week but it is believed that he has a more realistic chance to play in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) woke up ill on Saturday but started to feel better later in the day, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. Chase is currently listed as questionable for Week 1 versus the Patriots with his illness, but his availability could also be impacted by the absence of a contract extension. The star wide receiver has mentioned that he could skip or be limited during Sunday's game since he didn't accept an extension offer before his self-imposed Week 1 deadline. Based purely on health alone, it sounds like Chase is feeling better and could be well enough to play. Add in the contract factor, though, and this situation is incredibly murky. To further complicate matters, Tee Higgins (hamstring) is not expected to suit up. Therefore, we could see increased opportunities for Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Trenton Irwin against New England.
From RotoBaller
