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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 2
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 2
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Fantasy Preview: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Start/Sits: Week 1
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard has pec strain, avoids tear
- Chiefs WR Marquise Brown needs shoulder surgery
- Ex-NFL player Kellen Winslow II seeks reduction of prison sentence
- Dolphins 'confident' in Skylar Thompson as QB1
- Former Saint, ALS activist Steve Gleason hospitalized, 'stable'
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) exits vs. Bills
- Texans TE Dalton Schultz sidelined by sprained ankle
- Alabama continues NFL opening roster dominance
- C Connor McGovern returns to Jets to 'join something special'
- Giants OC: Daniel Jones’ confidence has never wavered
- Browns star DE Myles Garrett (foot) misses practice
- Hall of Famer, Lions legend Joe Schmidt dies at 92
- Thumb surgery to sideline Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
- Deshaun Watson's accuser plans to meet with NFL
- Week 2 TNF: Bills-Dolphins Preview, Props, Prediction
- Week 2 NFL Capsules
- Jaguars place CB Tyson Campbell (hamstring) on IR
- Dolphins RB De'Von Achane to test ankle pregame
- Bengals' Joe Burrow insists wrist not impacting ability to throw
- 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) limited in practice
- Fantasy Six Pack: ameson Williams Will Build Off Week 1 | 2024 Fantasy Football Sit-Start Week 2
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Start-Sit Week 2 | Get Keion White In Your Lineups
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football WR/CB Matchups Week 2
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Bets for Week 2: Trust Zack Moss Again?
- Fantasy Life: Week 2 NFL Prop Bets: Dak Prescott, Najee Harris, and more
- Fantasy Life: The Utilization Score: Understanding Player Roles to Forecast Future Performance
- Fantasy Life: Buffalo Wins Big, But Concern Over Tua
- Fantasy Life: WR Matchups for Week 2: Spots to Target and Avoid
The Paur Report
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (illness) was seen practicing on Friday and is set to play on Sunday night as the Houston Texans face the Chicago Bears, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Collins was limited in practice on Thursday due to an illness but looks ready to suit up over the weekend. In the season opener, Collins continued his 2023 breakout campaign by catching six passes for 117 yards, which led the team. Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting the 25-year-old into their lineup as he enters Week 2 as a solid high-end WR2 in all formats.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is seeing approximately 30% of the first-team reps at team practices, according to Evan Lazar. This is a significantly higher percentage that backups typically never see. Head coach Jerod Mayo explained that this is part of the development process for the North Carolina product. While fantasy managers should continue to expect Jacoby Brissett to serve as the starting QB, this is a promising sign for Maye's development as he is being given ample opportunities to develop even as a backup. In the season opener, Brissett threw for just 121 yards without a score but led New England to an upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers in deeper 2-QB leagues should continue to stash Maye, as he should see playing time later this fall.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) remains questionable heading into Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. General manager John Lynch spoke on KNBR radio and said, "Don't know that answer. Dealing with Achilles tendinitis, could be good one day and then it flares. Been frustrating," when asked about his star running back's status. He further noted that, "We're thinking in long view. We need Christian healthy, fully out there, and don't want to compromise anything." In Week 1, Jordan Mason got the starting nod and looked quite comfortable, as he ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 attempts. If McCaffrey is not deemed ready for Sunday, fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Mason as an RB1 in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) was not practicing on Friday again, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. The 25-year-old wideout also did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday of this week and is now in danger of missing his second straight game. Higgins first hit the injury report with a hamstring on Thursday of last week, which held him out of the opener. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Cincinnati injury report later on Friday as it will provide clarity on his chances of signing up on Sunday. If the Clemson product is sidelined again on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin to serve as the No.2 and No.3 wideouts opposite of Ja'Marr Chase.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams is set to see an increase in snaps this weekend, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The veteran wideout suffered a torn ACL last season and was on a strict 15-snap limit in the season opener. In fact, the 29-year-old logged only nine snaps in Week 1 and ran only four routes. He did not see a target. This allowed Allen Lazard to emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Garrett Wilson. Fantasy managers should continue to expect Lazard to be deployed as the No.2 option as Williams continues to get himself accustomed to NFL action. Lazard is worth a look in deeper leagues this weekend and could be a sneaky play in DFS, as he caught six of nine targets for 89 yards and two scores in the season opener.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith hauled in 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards in Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He tied running back De'Von Achane for the team lead in targets. It was a rough night for Miami as Buffalo held them in check despite a first-quarter TD. Smith was more involved in this one than last week when Julian Hill (easily) led the Dolphins' TEs in snaps. However, the split was much more, even this Thursday. Smith had one less snap than Durham Smythe's 33 and just five more than Hill (28). This is beginning to feel like a tight-end-by-committee situation for Miami, which might not be fruitful for fantasy. Regardless, it will be tough to trust any Dolphins skill player next Sunday in Week 3 if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) can't suit up. Skylar Thompson will start for the team if so.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 4-of-4 targets for 41 yards in the team's 31-10 defeat Thursday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. He also rushed once for four yards. The Dolphins struggled to get anything going after they scored a touchdown in the first quarter, and their offense stalled indefinitely when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was forced to leave the contest early. Waddle and Tyreek Hill combined for just 65 yards through the air, as it was the first game since 2022 that neither wideout led the team in receiving. Although the severity of Tagovailoa's injury -- and how much time he might miss -- is currently unknown, we're expected to learn more over the coming days. In his stead, Skylar Thompson would man the helm for Miami. If that is how it shakes out, it would be tough to trust any Miami WR when they take on the Seattle Seahawks in a road matchup in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill brought in 3-of-6 targets for 24 yards in the team's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also rushed once for a gain of 12 yards. The Dolphins had trouble getting anything going after their first scoring drive of the game early in the first quarter. Hill would finish the night third on his team in targets while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) tossed three interceptions and was forced from the game early. It was the first time since Week 18 of 2022 that neither Hill nor Jaylen Waddle led the team in receiving yards. Skylar Thompson will start for the team if Tagovailoa misses extended time and would be a downgrade for all offensive skill players -- including the ninth-year veteran. Fortunately, the Dolphins have ten days before their next contest -- a road matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was added to the injury report on Thursday due to a knee issue, but it seems that this isn't too much of a concern to head coach Brian Daboll. He stated on Friday that Nabers will be "ready to play" on Sunday in their Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The rookie wideout caught five of his seven targets for 66 yards in his first-ever regular season NFL game. Without Nabers, the Giants' offense doesn't seem able to do much at all, so the fact that he's playing is big news for fantasy managers and the Giants' entire offense. Nabers finished in the flex range as WR32 in Week 1, but against one of the worst defenses in the league, Nabers garners WR2 value heading into this game against the Commanders.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve on Friday. The veteran receiver suffered a shoulder injury early in the preseason. After missing the Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Brown was expected to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Unfortunately, he needs surgery to repair the injury. With Brown going on injured reserve, the Chiefs will be without their big-name free-agent addition for at least the next four games, if not longer. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will continue to see an uptick in targets and snaps with Brown out of the lineup.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 22 times for 96 yards and scored in Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He had an additional 69 yards through the air, catching all seven of his targets. With Raheem Mostert (chest) sidelined for the matchup, the second-year back received 29 touches as Mike McDaniel's clear lead-back. Achane played 62% of snaps and was largely effective despite Miami having trouble getting their offense on track against a Bills' team that looked like they had something to prove. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was forced to exit the game early after a scary-looking collision with defender Damar Hamlin. He's day-to-day for now, with Tagovailoa to undergo further testing to determine the severity of his injury. If he cannot go in Week 3, Skylar Thompson will suit up for Miami's first road game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks. Achane would tick down the rankings if that were the case, but would still be a strong play on the back of his athleticism and projected volume.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is a great starting option in Week 2 against Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns. The Browns offense looked out of sorts in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys defense, who scored 17 fantasy points, aided by a punt return touchdown. The Jaguars limited the high-powered Miami Dolphins offense to just 20 points, but only produced four fantasy points. The key to a great fantasy outing for the Jaguars D/ST will be to generate sacks and turnovers. The Browns will likely try to run the ball as much as possible to limit the Jacksonville pass rush, so making the most of the plays Watson drops back to pass is important. The Cowboys mustered six sacks against the Browns, meaning the Jaguars have a good chance of generating sacks of their own. Add on a pick-six or return touchdown, and the Jaguars D/ST has the potential to put up double-digits in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson entered Thursday night's game near the end of the third quarter when Tua Tagovailoa left the game with a concussion. Thompson completed eight of his 14 passing attempts for 80 yards and one carry for four yards. While the team evaluates Tagovailoa further on Monday, head coach Mike McDaniel said that Thompson is the "next man up." The amount of time that Tagovailoa will have to miss is still to be determined, so we'll see how the offensive game plan might change accordingly. Thompson last appeared in seven games for the Dolphins in 2022 and he posted 534 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions on 60-for-105 throwing. The biggest fantasy value increase could be the ground game if Tagovailoa has to miss extended time.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey remains one of the top kicking options heading into a Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. The 29-year-old went 4-for-4 in field goals and 3-for-3 in extra points in Week 1, with his longest kick of the day clocking in at 57 yards. In a lot of formats, he put up 20+ fantasy points. Now, with a home matchup, and an offense that will still be able to move the ball into kicking range, Aubrey remains a must-start. In 2023, Aubrey made all 21 of his field goal attempts at home and knocked through 28 of his 29 extra points. Fantasy managers can be confident starting Aubrey each week as long as the Cowboys offense is moving the ball down the field.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks put together a solid Week 1 finishing in the top 24 receivers in the WR2 range. His touchdown was a big part of that finish, but he also saw a good bit of volume against what was expected to be a solid defensive unit in the Cleveland Browns. Now, the Cowboys get a home game against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints posted a big performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, and their secondary isn't one to scoff at. Cooks should still receive close to the same target share (21.8%), but going up against Tyrann Mathieu, Paulson Adebo, and Marshon Lattimore is going to prove to be more difficult. Currently, Cooks sits in the mid-flex area since CeeDee Lamb will be the one to deal with Lattimore the most.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills DST secured three interceptions and took one back for a touchdown in the team's 21-point victory over the Miami Dolphins. The pick-six came on a desperation throw away from Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter to put Buffalo ahead by three touchdowns. The unit also picked up two sacks. It was a surprising result against the high-powered Miami offense. The Dolphins' secondary kept Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle contained, prompting head coach Mike McDaniel to try and win the game on the ground. The Bills get a mini-bye week and will return to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was forced to leave the Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills after colliding with safety Damar Hamlin and suffering a concussion. The fifth-year signal-caller has had a history of concussions and has seen some scary moments over the past few seasons. According to Grant Gordon of NFL.com, Tagovailoa will undergo further testing and evaluation on Monday to understand the extent of head injury and to determine how long he may be out. Head coach Mike McDaniel said that Tagovailoa will be day-to-day for now until they get the full picture. Skylar Thompson filled in on Thursday and ended up throwing 8-for-14 with 80 yards, and barring any kind of transaction, Thompson will likely be the starter if Tagovailoa needs to miss any time.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Dolphins running back De'Von Achane had 96 rushing yards, seven receptions, 69 receiving yards and a touchdown in Miami's blowout loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: Achane was questionable entering the night but clearly performed more than admirably, leading the Dolphins in virtually every major statistical category. Raheem Mostert could be back as soon as next week, so Achane could have his workload scaled back. However, we've seen enough over the past season (and more) to say Achane is a lineup lock moving forward. He should be a matchup-proof option moving forward and his dynasty value seems to actually be trending up, despite it already being high. The best part of all this is he seemed to exit this game healthy and now has a nice break before the Dolphins play again in week three.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught four passes for 33 yards in the team's 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The final stat line isn't ideal, especially when Kincaid was quiet in Week 1. However, the Bills made a clear effort to involve Kincaid early. The 24-year-old caught Josh Allen's first two pass attempts of the game and again secured the first attempt on the first play of the second half. Because most of his receptions came in the flats, he ended with an underwhelming yardage total. The Bills won easily and only completed 13 passes. In a more competitive contest, Kincaid could have been a great start. He'll have another shot to put together a breakout game in Week 3 when the Bills host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught all five of his targets for 54 yards and added one rush for two yards on Thursday Night Football. Josh Allen, who completed just 13 passes on the night, targeted Shakir early. Five of Shakir's six touches came in the first half as Buffalo built their lead. Thanks to James Cook and a stifling defense, the Bills were up 21 points midway through the third quarter and didn't need to throw to maintain their dominant victory. The 24-year-old appears to be the safest Buffalo receiver to roster in fantasy football. He'll be a low-end WR3 when the Bills host the Jaguars on Monday Night Football in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
