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Draft Day Winners and Losers

Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Player Notes
Calvin Austin III May 24 2:00pm ET
Calvin Austin III

The Athletic's Mark Kaboly writes that the No. 2 wide receiver spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers is currently wide open. Quez Watkins, Calvin Austin III, Marquez Callaway and Van Jefferson could all be competing for the job this summer at training camp if the team doesn't add a legitimate No. 2 receiver via trade before then. Austin could be the most consistent of the group, but rookie Roman Wilson also can't be counted out for now because of his quickness. George Pickens is the team's unquestioned top wideout this year after the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Because of the lack of clarity beyond Pickens right now, tight end Pat Freiermuth, who has already developed notable chemistry with new quarterback Russell Wilson, could be one to watch for a breakout season.

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Russell Wilson May 24 1:50pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has looked on point during organized team activities this week with his new team, and the 35-year-old still appears to have plenty of arm strength. Wilson's accuracy was spot on this week, whether in warmups, drills or competition periods, including a 70-yard pass in stride to receiver Quez Watkins on Thursday. His ability to sell play-action fakes was also noticeably better than the other QBs this week. Wilson is in pole position to open the 2024 season as Pittsburgh's starter under center for Week 1, but Justin Fields, a former first-rounder, is competing to make starts for the Steelers at some point in 2024 as well in what is a contract year for him. Fields' presence and dual-threat abilities will be a threat to Wilson's value as a QB2 in fantasy in his first year in the Steel City.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth May 24 1:50pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been one of new quarterback Russell Wilson's favorite targets during organized team activities this week. The Athletic's Mark Kaboly writes that it's hard not to notice the connection the two have already built. The two had a throwing session in San Diego earlier in the spring, which might have helped. Wilson seems to have the most trust in Freiermuth right now, and the big tight end is fully healthy and is entering a contract year in 2024. Having a more accurate QB and an offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith who will highlight the tight end position could be the factors that lead to the 25-year-old having a breakout year. A hamstring injury cost Freiermuth five games in 2023, and he caught just 32 passes for a career-low 308 yards and two touchdowns in 12 regular-season games (nine starts) in 2023. With better health, he's a value pick at TE to consider in fantasy this fall.

From RotoBaller

Jarrett Stidham May 24 1:40pm ET
Jarrett Stidham

As he competes with both rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix and former first-rounder Zach Wilson in offseason workouts, Denver Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham said he's much more comfortable running the offense in his second year with the team. Stidham was with head coach Sean Payton a year ago and will have an advantage over both Nix and Wilson in that area. His four career starts in the NFL have come in the last two seasons with the Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. "I'm not out there thinking as much, I'm just out there playing free and playing more confident, which is great. It's been good," Stidham said. It remains to be seen who will emerge as the team's Week 1 starter after training camp and the preseason, but if it's Stidham, he'll probably be no more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy. Even if Stidham wins the job to begin the year, it would be a surprise if Nix doesn't make starts at some point in 2024.

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Caleb Williams May 24 1:30pm ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft out of USC, has looked like a rookie in the early going at organized team activities this week. The Bears are hoping that their strong defense will prepare the rookie QB and help him improve by the time he's facing other teams in games that matter. The Bears are installing a new offense under coordinator Shane Waldron and have a rookie signal-caller learning the speed and intricacies at the next level, so it's not exactly a surprise that he's struggling early on. Williams also hasn't had first-rounder Rome Odunze or Keenan Allen to throw to. Odunze is sitting out with a minor injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into Williams' early struggles against a strong defense in voluntary offseason workouts, but it's certainly worth noting.

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Christian Watson May 24 1:20pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) said this week that he's made significant progress toward ending his hamstring issues for good. Tests this offseason showed a muscle imbalance in his legs, which likely contributed to his problems -- he has missed 11 games in his first two seasons, including eight in 2023, due to a pulled right hamstring. Packers coaches have raved about the progress Watson has made so far this year, and the 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of North Dakota State looked explosive as a full participant in organized team activities on Tuesday. Watson had a 20% difference in muscle mass between his right and left legs. Now, it's between 8% and 10%. It's interesting news, but most fantasy managers may still be hesitant to roster a player with the injury history he has early in his career. But when healthy, Watson has the most upside of any of Green Bay's current wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson May 24 1:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder), who suffered a severe AC joint sprain in his right shoulder in Week 5 of last year that required season-ending surgery in October, is not limited at all during organized team activities and is throwing 60-yard bombs. The 22-year-old also dismissed any notion that he needs to change his dual-threat playing style to remain available. He described his injury last year as unlucky rather than unwise. Through the first two days of OTAs, head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson has "been pretty smooth." Richardson said some days his surgically repaired shoulder feels "a little achy," but he's not worried about the occasional soreness. He said he's also more comfortable in the offense in his second year in the NFL. Richardson is a bit of an injury risk, but he has clear high-end QB1 appeal, which will make him attractive in fantasy drafts.

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Jonathan Taylor May 24 1:10pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been getting valuable repetitions during organized team activities this week with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Last year at this time, Taylor and Richardson didn't practice together in the offseason because Taylor was hurt and in a contract dispute. When he returned in Week 5, Taylor played with Richardson for two snaps before Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Taylor missed seven games in 2023 due to ankle and thumb injuries but ended the year with season-highs in carries (30) and rushing yards (188), including a 48-yard touchdown run. The 25-year-old should be a lock for 1,000 rushing yards in 2024 if he's healthy, and his ceiling will be pretty high if Richardson remains healthy all years as well, although the dynamic QB could vulture plenty of TDs at the goal line.

From RotoBaller

John Ross May 24 11:13am ET
John Ross

Dynasty | The Eagles have signed free agent wide receiver John Ross. Dynasty Analysis: Ross was last seen with the Chiefs prior to deciding to retire around a year ago. Instead, the former fastest man in the league has decided to give it one more go and takes the place of the newly retired DeVante Parker on the roster, at least for now. Ross will not be guaranteed a roster spot and while this is a fun story to follow, it's doubtful we see any kind of fantasy value emerging from Ross, a former first round pick who busted in Cincinnati.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

La'Mical Perine May 24 12:40am ET
La'Mical Perine

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free agent running back La'Mical Perine to a one-year deal, they announced on Thursday. Perine had been cut loose by the Kansas City Chiefs roughly one week earlier. A fourth-round pick in 2020, Perine has never been a major contributor out of the backfield. His best season came as a rookie with the New York Jets when he totaled 295 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. He has just 33 touches over seven games since then, though he did log one start with the Chiefs in 2023 (21 rushes, 76 rushing yards, three receptions, 33 receiving yards). Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have the top two running back spots occupied in Pittsburgh, so Perine is presumably competing for the third-string role with versatile veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, former Harvard standout Aaron Shampklin, and undrafted rookie Daijun Edwards. He remains off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum May 24 12:30am ET
Blake Corum

The Los Angeles Rams have asked running back Blake Corum to evolve into a three-down back, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. Specifically, he's working to improve his route running, pass-catching, and pass-protection skills. This is an interesting note out of Los Angeles for a couple of reasons. First, Corum was viewed as a goal-line and change-of-pace option when drafted by the Rams just a few weeks ago. Expanding his role suggests Los Angeles has high expectations and optimism for the running back, and it could also lead to more snaps and touches (which equates to extra fantasy points). Second, the Rams' request for Corum to take on a larger role could have some connection to Kyren Williams (foot) being sidelined at OTAs. If the Rams think Williams could be delayed this offseason, it only makes sense that they look to get Corum involved as their No. 1 running back for the time being. Similarly, expanding Corum's skill set prepares him for the opportunity to jump into the starting role during the regular season should Williams suffer a different injury and miss time. The landing spot of the Rams wasn't immediately attractive for fantasy managers looking at drafting Corum. However, the latest signs out of Los Angeles suggest that the Michigan product could get his fair share of work right away in 2024. His fantasy value should climb as September draws nearer.

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Malik Cunningham May 24 12:20am ET
Malik Cunningham

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Malik Cunningham has officially transitioned to wide receiver, according to his listing on the team's website. The Louisville product even hauled in some passes during Thursday's OTAs. This move has been roughly a year in the making for Cunningham, who previously drew attention thanks to his athleticism and flashy playing style last preseason with the New England Patriots. The Patriots were reportedly interested in using him at both quarterback and wide receiver, but they ultimately made him active for just one game and deployed him under center. The Ravens poached him from the Patriots' practice squad in December, but he only appeared in one game with Baltimore, too. In theory, though, this official switch to wide receiver could allow Cunningham to carve out more opportunities, even if it's in a depth role. With most teams carrying around a half-dozen receivers on their 53-man rosters, there's a chance that Cunningham could be active in Week 1. Of course, that's dependent on him producing throughout training camp and the preseason. Even if he does make the team, he's unlikely to generate any fantasy appeal.

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Maxx Crosby May 24 12:10am ET
Maxx Crosby

The Las Vegas Raiders and star defensive end Maxx Crosby have agreed to a restructured contract that pays him an extra $6 million in 2024, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The team also moved an additional $1.2 million into 2025. As Schefter notes, the Raiders wanted to reward Crosby for being a standout player and leader. This move accomplishes those goals while not altering the total length of his contract. He still has three more years left on his deal, tying him to Vegas through the 2026 season. That's bad news for AFC West quarterbacks, of course. Crosby tallied 90 tackles (23 for loss), 14.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 starts last year.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin May 24 12:10am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running backs Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin "will face a challenging battle to maintain their roles this offseason," according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. He notes that the same is true for Javonte Williams. It appears as though all three holdover running backs in Denver have reduced job security after the team drafted Audric Estime and signed Blake Watson. There will be plenty of competition throughout the offseason as the Broncos work to determine which running backs are worthy of key volume in 2024. However, as of now, it appears there's at least some favor for Estime and Watson while the three returners may need to do a little extra to prove themselves. From a fantasy perspective, Williams and Estime seem like the most intriguing names, but Perine and Watson (and even McLaughlin) benefit from their pass-catching skills.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams May 24 12:10am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams "will face a challenging battle" to maintain his role heading into the 2024 season, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. He notes that the same is true for Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin. It appears as though all three holdover running backs in Denver have reduced job security after the team drafted Audric Estime and signed Blake Watson. There will be plenty of competition throughout the offseason as the Broncos work to determine which running backs are worthy of key volume in 2024. However, as of now, it appears there's at least some favor for Estime and Watson while the three returners may need to do a little extra to prove themselves. From a fantasy perspective, Williams and Estime seem like the most intriguing names, but Perine and Watson (and even McLaughlin) benefit from their pass-catching skills.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Baker May 23 7:30pm ET
Jerome Baker

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (wrist) didn't take part in organized team activities on Wednesday. Baker injured his right wrist in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year while playing for the Miami Marlins and required offseason surgery. The 27-year-old is still recovering from his surgery, and it remains to be seen what his availability will be like for mandatory minicamp next month and training camp this summer. When healthy, Baker should help make up for the offseason losses of both Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner at the linebacker position in Seattle. The former third-round pick of the Dolphins in 2018 out of Ohio State has 22.5 sacks, 382 solo tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 46 QB hits, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 21 passes defended and six forced fumbles in his six years in the league.

From RotoBaller

Uchenna Nwosu May 23 7:20pm ET
Uchenna Nwosu

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (pectoral) said last month that he "absolutely" plans to be ready for training camp this summer after having surgery last October to fix a torn pectoral. Nwosu was seen at organized team activities on Wednesday working in a positional drill and he later took part in team periods and didn't look to be at all limited. OTAs are non-contact practices, but it's still good progress for the 27-year-old former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018 out of USC. He tore his pectoral muscle back in Week 7 in 2023 and missed the rest of the season, but barring a setback, Nwosu should be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season this fall. The Seahawks signed Nwosu to a three-year, $45 million extension after he had a career-best 9.5 sacks in 2022.

From RotoBaller

Zac Taylor May 23 7:10pm ET
Zac Taylor

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has decided to hand over the direction of the offense to new offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher this year. "I'll take a step back this spring," Taylor said, "And let [Pitcher] take ownership in the direction of the offense." Tight end Drew Sample said that Pitcher has "added new wrinkles." The Cincinnati Enquirer's Charlie Goldsmith wrote that the Bengals' playbook has changed more this offseason than it has in any offseason since quarterback Joe Burrow's rookie year. The Bengals are more interested in lining up under center this year, using the play-action passing game more and marrying their run game, their screens and their drop-back passing. It remains to be seen if Taylor will turn the play-calling over to Pitcher, too, but in general, it should be good news for Burrow and the rest of the offense in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Dalvin Cook May 23 7:00pm ET
Dalvin Cook

Free-agent running back Dalvin Cook said he's "ready to roll" and would like to find a new team before training camp this summer to avoid his struggles in 2023. Cook, the former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl RB, signed with the New York Jets in mid-August last year and never got off the ground. He had just 67 carries for 214 yards in 15 games with the Jets before ultimately landing on the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad before taking part in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The 28-year-old was coming off surgery last year and looked sluggish, averaging a career-worst 3.2 yards per carry. "I feel great, man," Cook said. He should be able to latch on with a team for some veteran depth at the position in the next month or two, but at this point in his career, he's facing an uphill battle to regain any kind of fantasy relevance.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix May 23 6:40pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that rookie quarterback Bo Nix is "farther along than most" rookies during organized team activities. "We're talking about a player who has played 61 games. He's extremely smart. He's picked it up very quickly." Nix was the QB working with the first-team offense on Thursday, but Payton said that Jarrett Stidham was the No. 1 QB on Tuesday and Zach Wilson was the No. 1 QB for the second day of OTAs on Wednesday. The Broncos are rotating all three of their signal-callers so far during voluntary offseason workouts, but it could be telling that Nix is already getting some work with the top offense. Nix will have his opportunities to win the starting job in training camp and the preseason, but it won't be given to him. And if he wins the job, the 24-year-old will still probably be no better than a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in 2024.

From RotoBaller