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
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- Divisional Inactives
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will regain a big role in the offense as they head to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and company in the divisional round. Likely was tied for the most targets against the Steelers last week, and led the wide receivers and tight ends in receptions and yards. In Week 4, the running backs dominated both on the ground and through the air for the Ravens, but the Bills have changed considerably since then. Likely will probably take on a bigger role as a pass-catcher with Mark Andrews helping on the offensive line and Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful. Likely could be a sneaky option in DFS tournaments.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman scored his first career postseason touchdown in the big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Wild Card round. It's likely going to be a bit more difficult against the Buffalo Bills as they roll into freezing cold weather with a chance of a bit of snow. Derrick Henry and company dominated in Week 4 while Bateman saw just one target and caught it for 23 yards. That seems to be all Bateman needs, however, as he had two catches for 24 yards and the touchdown last week. With Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful, Bateman could serve as the outlet outside of the backfield and tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will have to step up yet again in both the blocking game and through the air as the team travels to Buffalo in freezing cold weather. He only received one target in Week 4 against the Bills because the ground game went wild and they coasted to a win. While they'll look to get going with Derrick Henry, the game won't likely go the same way which means Andrews will have to step up with Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful. Isaiah Likely and Andrews led the team in targets against the Steelers, and they're headed for more of the same in the divisional round.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has produced his best season yet and goes into Buffalo to take on the other MVP candidate in a rematch from Week 4. In that first matchup, Jackson posted 156 yards and two touchdowns on 13-for-18 throwing, and six carries for 54 yards and another touchdown. Both teams have changed considerably since then, but the Ravens' run game definitely hasn't slowed down. The game is supposed to be one of the coldest that Jackson has ever played in which means it could turn to more of a running script again, but it's hard to get better than Jackson in DFS formats. The option should be featured quite heavily while Rashod Bateman can find himself open for a deep strike.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is fresh off of a ridiculous 186-yard game with two touchdowns in the Wild Card round, and he sets his sights on the Buffalo Bills. The last time these two teams faced off was in Week 4 when Henry registered 199 yards and a score on 24 carries to go along with three catches for 10 yards and another touchdown. He had a ridiculous 8.29 yards per carry average, and he'll likely be heavily involved once again in a freezing game in Buffalo. At kickoff, the temperature should be around 19 degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill that could reach the single digits. Everything about it signals a heavier ground game where Henry can dish out punishment.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen calls running back Ty Johnson "the best third-down back in football." The veteran was utilized that way in the Wild Card victory over Denver, tallying 11 touches for 70 yards and a touchdown. An increase in snaps was, in part, due to running back Ray Davis suffering a concussion. The rookie hadn't cleared concussion protocol as of Friday and is questionable Sunday. The Bills should pass more often to avoid slamming into Baltimore's top rush defense, which could lead to more snaps for Johnson. He's a sneaky DFS player and could see several targets on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir continues to be Josh Allen's most-trusted wide receiver but it's not translating to massive fantasy success. The slot receiver led the team with six targets and six receptions in Buffalo's Wild Card victory. However, five other receivers saw three targets. Allen's tendency to spread the love in the passing game has prevented any Buffalo receiver from truly breaking out. Shakir is reliable for a double-digit PPR performance but there isn't a high ceiling for him in the divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills Amari Cooper (back) saw one of his lowest snap shares since he joined the team in mid-October last week. Granted, Buffalo did blow out the Broncos, but the starters played most of the fourth quarter. Cooper played just over one-third of the snaps. That led to two catches for eight yards. The veteran has been below 50% of the snaps in over half of his games as a Bill. As has been the case for the last few weeks, a back issue has placed him on the injury report but he doesn't carry an injury designation into the weekend. He shouldn't be used in any fantasy lineups against Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, who appeared to be separating himself from the pack before his wrist injury, is now a part of the problem. The Bills have a crowded wide receiver room and Josh Allen tends to spread the football around. Coleman has caught eight passes in the last five games, and just one for five yards in the Wild Card victory over the Denver Broncos. Still, the rookie may be the most dangerous downfield threat of the bunch. He is tied for the team lead for receptions longer than 25 yards (six) and trails Mack Hollins in receiving touchdowns (four). Coleman is a boom-or-bust DFS option with a low output more likely.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) continues to be underutilized in the Buffalo offense. It's a season-long trend, despite the belief the former first-round pick would break out in his second season. Kincaid caught three passes against Denver in the Wild Card round. It's the 12th time he's logged four receptions or fewer this season. Kincaid's recurring appearance on the injury report with a knee ailment is a non-issue. He's fully practiced for weeks. However, it's difficult to envision a spot for him in DFS lineups given his subpar play.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen delivered his worst fantasy football performance of the season against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. It's the only game this season (and first since Week 9 of the 2021 season) that Allen failed to throw or run for a touchdown. It was also the only game in which he scored fewer than double-digit fantasy points. While Baltimore's pass defense, the league's worst at the time, has improved, it's still smarter for offenses to attack the secondary rather than the front seven. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady should keep the football in Allen's hands more often than not. Allen has a great chance to finish as the QB1 for the week and can be utilized in any fantasy game.
From RotoBaller
The Ravens' dominant run defense has kept running backs in check all season and did just that when Buffalo Bills running back James Cook faced them in Week 4. Cook failed to log double-digit carries in three of 17 games this season, one of which came against the Ravens. The unit has also allowed just eight rushing touchdowns. Cook will need to be utilized in the passing game. The Ravens surrender the fourth-most receiving yards to the position but Ty Johnson has thrived in the pass-catching role for the Bills. Cook is a risky start for DFS lineups.
From RotoBaller
According to Sarah Barshop of ESPN, Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (chest) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Higbee exited Monday's wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings early. Before exiting, Higbee caught all five of his targets for 58 yards. He opened the week as a limited participant and was able to upgrade to a full participant during Friday's session. The 32-year-old made his season debut during Week 16 due to a torn ACL and MCL. Over his first four games, Higbee has scored twice and averaged 31 yards per game. He should be viewed as a low-end option in DFS formats this weekend, as the Eagles have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is off the injury report prior to their playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Brown saw out during the initial session on Wednesday and upgraded to limited participation on Thursday. The top wideout was able to log a full session on Friday and does not carry a designation into the weekend. The 27-year-old has had his practice sessions monitored over the past month due to a lingering knee injury. Last weekend, during their wild-card victory over the Packers, Brown caught just one of his three targets for ten yards. However, Brown scored three touchdowns during Weeks 15 through 17 while averaging 81 yards per game. Fantasy managers should view him as a WR1 in all DFS competitions this weekend despite facing a Los Angeles defense that has allowed the 14th-fewest PPR points to opposing wide receivers.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) is good to go for Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert popped up on the injury report on Thursday as a non-participant. He was able to log a limited session on Friday but does not carry an injury designation on the final report. The veteran tight end returned from a knee injury during Week 18 and brought in four of his six targets for 55 yards. Last weekend, during their victory over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, Goedert caught four passes for 47 yards and a score. Even though he has missed time throughout the season when on the field, the 30-year-old has tallied a solid 10.4 PPR points per game. Facing the Rams, who have allowed the third-most PPR points per game to opposing tight ends, makes Goedert a viable TE1 in DFS competitions.
From RotoBaller
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers has been sidelined since suffering this knee injury during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. During the week, Flowers could not return to practice, which is not a positive sign for his status. However, head coach John Harbaugh noted earlier on Friday that his top wideout will "have a chance" to suit up. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Sunday's kickoff. Flowers posted his first 1,000-yard campaign and found the back of the end zone four times this season. If Flowers were to remain sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews to operate as the top pass-catchers.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite that, Al-Shaair is expected to suit up for this weekend. Al-Shaair was able to get through limited practice sessions this week after picking up a knee injury during last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 27-year-old has missed a handful of games this season, but is an impactful player when healthy. He recorded 70 tackles, two sacks, and four passes defended in 11 games in the regular season. If Al-Shaair sits, Devin White would likely see an increased role this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is reportedly expected to play during Saturday's Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs. The star back suffered an ankle injury and was unable to practice on Thursday. As a result, Mixon is tagged as questionable for this weekend, but it's hard to imagine him sitting out this important contest. The Texans are likely being cautious with Mixon, which is why he missed Thursday's practice. If he sits, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale would be the primary options in the backfield. Pierce is the better fantasy option between the two backs, but if Mixon plays then neither back would be worth a look. If healthy, Mixon would be one of the best backs for DFS contests for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly interviewed Byron Leftwich for their vacant offensive coordinator job. Leftwich hasn't coached in the NFL since the 2022 season when he was the offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leftwich saw plenty of success during his time in Tampa Bay, including a Super Bowl victory in 2020. He recently interviewed for the New England Patriots head coaching job, but the team decided to go with Mike Vrabel instead. Leftwich had some top ranked offenses during his time in Tampa Bay, but it declined during his final year with the team. Leftwich was a pass-heavy coach in Tampa Bay, which might not exactly fit with Seattle, but we'll see what happens.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) is back on the practice field on Friday. That is good news after Goedert was unable to practice on Thursday due to an illness. Luckily, it sounds like a minor issue that shouldn't impact his status for Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert hauled in four of his seven targets for 47 yards and a touchdown during last week's win over the Green Bay Packers. If healthy, Goedert is a fairly reasonable option for DFS contests for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
