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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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry capped off another fantastic year with a touchdown despite the team getting away from the run when they could have used it the most in the two-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished the game with 16 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown to go along with two targets, but he didn't haul any of those in. The Ravens had short spurts of committing to the run, then they ultimately got away from it as the game went on. In two postseason games, Henry accumulated 270 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Henry and Lamar Jackson will look for redemption next season while the Ravens look to re-tool on both sides of the ball.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson committed a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers in the first half on Sunday, but almost turned it all around in the second half. During the 27-25 loss to the Bills, Jackson finished with 254 yards and one interception on 18-for-25 throwing while gathering 39 yards on six carries and a fumble. He did a great job shaking off the rough first half to get the team within a two-point conversion of tying the game in the fourth quarter. He went 12-for-15 for 131 yards and a touchdown in the second half, but the third costly turnover from Mark Andrews and a dropped two-point conversion was the nail in the coffin.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had a subdued performance in the 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams, finishing with just two receptions for 14 yards. Over the last three games, Brown has averaged two catches for 20 yards, a surprising dip for one of the league's most elite receivers. The Eagles have leaned heavily on Saquon Barkley and the ground game during this stretch, limiting Brown's opportunities. He hasn't found the end zone since Week 16 against the Cowboys, but his ability to stretch the field and make big plays remains critical to Philadelphia's success. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Brown's role in the passing attack will be pivotal.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert paced the team with four receptions for 56 yards, including a 31-yard catch, in the 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert's reliability in the passing game has been a consistent asset, especially as defenses focus on containing wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Over his last three outings, Goedert has averaged four receptions for 52.6 yards per game, proving his value as a dependable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. His ability to create opportunities has been instrumental in keeping the Eagles' offense balanced. As the Eagles gear up to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Goedert's steady production will remain a key factor in their quest for a Super Bowl appearance.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had a mixed outing in the 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He converted just one of three extra-point attempts, with the snowy conditions playing a significant role in the second attempt. However, Elliott remained reliable on field goals, going three-for-three this game and extending his streak to 10 makes in his last 11 attempts. While Elliott's missed extra points have raised some concernsthis marks the second consecutive game with a misshis consistency on field goals has been crucial for the Eagles during their playoff push. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Elliott's ability to deliver under pressure will be vital in what could be another tightly contested playoff matchup.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith contributed four receptions for 27 yards in the team's 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles relied heavily on Saquon Barkley's dominant ground game, Smith proved reliable when his number was called. The passing attack has taken a backseat multiple times this season as the team leans on Barkley's historic performances. However, Smith's ability to make key catches and move the chains remains a vital part of Philadelphia's offensive strategy. As the Eagles prepare for a grudge match against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Smith's role in complementing the running game with an efficient aerial attack will be crucial in maintaining their postseason success.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts played a pivotal role in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts completed 15 of 20 passes for 128 yards while adding seven carries for 70 rushing yards, including a 44-yard touchdown run on the opening drive that electrified the snow-covered crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. As for the passing game, Hurts completed 15 passes for 128 yards. Hurts showed resilience despite being sacked seven times and playing with a knee brace in the second half. He should be good to go for next week as the Eagles are set to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. Hurts' ability to adapt and lead through adversity will be critical to Philadelphia's Super Bowl aspirations.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley delivered another historic performance in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley carried the ball 26 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including a 62-yard score in the first half and a game-clinching 78-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also added four receptions for 27 yards, showcasing his versatility in the snowy conditions. Remarkably, this was Barkley's second 200-yard rushing game against the Rams this season, bringing his total to an astonishing 534 scrimmage yards against Los Angeles in two meetings. His explosive plays once again proved to be the backbone of the Eagles' offense, accounting for the majority of their points. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Barkley's dominance will be key to securing a Super Bowl berth.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could be traded if the team adds a No. 1 receiver during the offseason, according to Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan. In a post on X responding to fan questions, Kaboly wrote, "Can they land somebody? If so, I do think they will move [Pickens]." It was a turbulent year for the 23-year-old, who drew head coach Mike Tomlin's ire for unsportsmanlike penalties and reportedly showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game. He missed three contests due to injury this year, and his production was somewhat inconsistent when he was healthy. Pickens finished the campaign with 59 receptions, 900 yards, and a career-low three touchdowns. There's no indication that Pittsburgh is done with Pickens or committed to trading him, but Kaboly's post suggests he could certainly be moved.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews had five catches for 61 yards in a playoff loss to the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: He also dropped the would-be tying two-point conversion attempt and had a brutal fumble to position the Bills to win the game. This one will sting for quite some time as Andrews' mistakes really did cost the Ravens a chance to win. He had a brutal start to the season but came back strong in the second half. While not the elite-level dynasty asset he once was, Andrews should be back as a TE1/2 next season.
Dynasty | Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper had no catches on one target in the Bills playoff win over the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: Cooper is seemingly healthy, but Buffalo simply doesn't use him. In fact, he was only on the field for 21 of the more than 60 snaps on the day. Cooper will be a free agent at the end of the season and it's fair to wonder just what he may have left in the tank. His usage will again be something to watch next week.
Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (undisclosed) exited the Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills with an undisclosed injury.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir secured six of seven targets for 67 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens to advance to the AFC Championship game. Shakir led Buffalo in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. The Buffalo passing game was a little underwhelming. Running back James Cook finished with three targets, second on the team. No other receiver had more than two. Shakir will continue to be Josh Allen's favorite target when the Bills face the Chiefs next weekend for the chance to go to the Super Bowl.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught one pass for 11 yards in the team's 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs. Kincaid's lone reception came on the first play of Buffalo's second drive. He was targeted just once more for the rest of the game. Josh Allen threw for 127 yards, a season-low mark, which resulted in poor receiving performances across the board for Buffalo's pass catchers (excluding Khalil Shakir). Kincaid's subpar season continues but the Bills did advance to the AFC Championship game to meet the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford said he would take some time before deciding on his NFL future, following the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 19, but he added that he 'sure feels like' that he has football left in him.
Fantasy Spin: If Stafford does decided to call it a career, it could hurt the value of Puka Nacua the most of any player on the Rams' roster. Nacua has been a WR1 with Stafford under center, but transitioning to a new quarterback always comes with some unknowns.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 127 yards and carried the ball 10 times for 20 yards and two touchdowns in the team's victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Allen's passing total was the lowest of his 2024-25 campaign. The rushing yardage left a lot to be desired, too. The two short touchdown plunges salvaged his fantasy score but he still finished below 20 points. Allen and the Bills get another shot at defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason when they travel to Arrowhead for the AFC Championship game.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed 17 times for 67 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Cook averaged just a hair under four yards per carry against Baltimore, one of the league's stingiest run defenses. All three of Buffalo's touchdowns came on the ground. Quarterback Josh Allen punched in two of the scores. The other was given to backup running back Ray Davis, despite Cook getting Buffalo to the one-yard line. Another tough run defense is next when the Bills travel to Kansas City for a matchup with the Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles win over the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Barkley added four catches and 27 receiving yards, along with touchdown runs of 62 and 78 yards on the day. It was just another day at the office for the NFL's best running back. Barkley wasn't affected by the snowy conditions and broke the back of the Rams on his two long runs. There really isn't much to say at this point. Barkley is going to be the favorite to finish next year as the RB1 and is a prime target for any contending team this off-season.
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had five catches for 61 yards in the Rams playoff loss to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Firmly supplanted as the Rams top option by Puka Nacua, it's fair to wonder just what his future holds at this point. Kupp may finally be showing his age at this point and he's under contract for a lot of money moving forward. While the cap hit for cutting him would possibly be too much to endure, it's a possibility moving forward. Kupp's dynasty value is sinking fairly rapidly at this point and he may indeed need a new home.
