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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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Tua Tagovailoa Sep 22 8:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams unit scored in double digits once again in Week 3. The Seahawks faced a Miami Dolphins offense missing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Seahawks D/ST finished with six sacks and only allowed three points. The Dolphins' offense managed to make several trips into Seahawks territory, but the Seahawks' defense buckled down and kept them off the scoreboard numerous times. In 2024, the Seahawks' defense has clearly been positively affected by the addition of head coach Mike Macdonald. The defense is allowing the offense to continue to work out its kinks under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. This defense has a huge test in Week 4 against a talented Detroit Lions offense. If they can have a solid outing next week, then this may be a unit worth rostering every week moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Sam LaPorta

According to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) suffered a sprain during Sunday's win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old was carted to the locker room, so fantasy managers were expecting the worst. However, he returned to the field in the second half, although he was still visibly hobbled by the ailment. LaPorta has underperformed through the Lions' first three games of the year, catching only eight passes for 94 yards. The 2023 No. 34 overall pick shouldn't be considered a lock to suit up in Week 4 versus the Seahawks. Brock Wright, who finished Week 3 with four catches for 34 yards, would likely draw streaming interest if LaPorta isn't out there for that one. Fantasy managers should monitor things throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson caught two of three targets for a gain of eight yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. The former Washington Commander has done nothing of note in Philly up to this point and even with an increased chance for more looks due to A.J. Brown (hamstring) sitting out and DeVonta Smith (concussion) leaving early, Dotson did nothing in this game. The 24-year-old can be sent to the waiver wire and ignored even with the potential of Brown and Smith missing in Week 4 against the Buccaneers. Until Dotson shows us something, he can be ignored and benched in dynasty formats too.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 3-of-5 targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 24-3 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. It was another sub-par outing for the 30-year-old speedster, with the Dolphins getting stonewalled by the Seahawks. Since Hill popped off for 130 yards and a score on 7-of-12 receiving in Miami's season opener, he has yet to match any of those statistical marks cumulatively through the last two weeks. Quarterbacks Skylar Thompson (chest) and Tim Boyle spread the ball around in this one, as nine Dolphins caught at least one pass in the loss. Better days are ahead for Hill -- who led the team in yards and tied for the team lead in targets with De'Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. However, performances like the one he had in Week 1 will be more challenging to come by, with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) still shelved. Miami will host the visiting Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had another quiet outing on Sunday. Smith-Njigba caught three passes on three targets for 39 yards. After a huge breakout in Week 2, fantasy managers were hoping for an encore. What is most puzzling is that Smith-Njigba only had three targets after earning 16 in Week 2. The 16 targets in Week 2 signaled that the Seahawks were going to make a concerted effort to get him the ball moving forward. However, fantasy managers are back to square one in trying to figure out Smith-Njigba's fantasy value. Smith-Njigba will look to rebound in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett finished Week 3 with five receptions for 46 yards. It was a fine flex outing for Lockett who had a quiet day in Week 2. Lockett was Geno Smith's safety valve in this game. He caught several possession catches that either moved the chains or got the Seahawks out of trouble. Lockett and fellow wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba seem to be alternating solid outings. The fantasy value of each player has been difficult to predict. Lockett will look to stay fantasy-relevant once again next week. The Seahawks will need to throw to keep up with a talented Detroit Lions offense in Week 4. As such, Lockett should have plenty of opportunities to build on this outing but he remains a mid-range flex option moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert caught 10 of 11 targets for 170 yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) out for the second consecutive week, the 29-year-old was targeted early and often in this game. Even though he was unable to find the end zone, Goedert had the longest catch of his career, going 61 yards to inside the five-yard line to set up a Saquon Barkley touchdown. DeVonta Smith (concussion) also exited this game early, leaving Goedert the top target for Jalen Hurts this week and potentially next with both star wideouts are forced to sit. This will likely be the best fantasy performance of the season for the veteran tight end, but it solidifies him as a TE1 moving forward, especially if the Eagles receivers miss more time.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Wilson Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Johnny Wilson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson caught one of two targets for a gain of nine yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. The rookie saw his snap share rise this week with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out for the second consecutive week and DeVonta Smith (concussion) exiting early in this game. Wilson did little with his targets and had a penalty called on him that stalled a drive but could see his usage increase in Week 3 if the star receivers sit out against Tampa Bay. Offseason acquisition Jahan Dotson has done nothing to solidify a role and the Eagles will likely stick Wilson outside to allow him to use his long reach to his advantage. He is not a recommended start, but a name to monitor heading into Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 29 of 38 passes for 311 yards and one interception, adding eight carries for 25 yards and a lost fumble during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. Again, the turnovers happened fairly early for Philadelphia, but the 26-year-old was able to rally the offense in the second half and instead of losing in the final minutes like last week, the Eagles pulled out a win. Saquon Barkley had two touchdowns Sunday, and with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out and DeVonta Smith (concussion) leaving the game after a nasty collision, the passing attack ran through tight end Dallas Goedert, who tallies 170 yards receiving. This was not the best fantasy finish for Hurts by any means, but he will remain a QB1 heading into next week when the Eagles take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 22 8:00pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf caught another long touchdown pass in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins. Metcalf got behind the defense and was wide open for a 71-yard score. Metcalf would finish the day with four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. He has now caught a long touchdown pass in two straight games. Although the Seahawks' passing offense was out of sync for much of Week 3, Metcalf was still able to capitalize on his opportunities. Metcalf now has over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in two straight games. The Seahawks are clearly committed to Metcalf as a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver which bodes well for his fantasy outlook as a high-end WR2 or low-end WR1 moving forward. He will look to continue this momentum in Week 4 against a vulnerable Detroit Lions secondary.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took 17 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns, adding four receptions for nine yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. After a costly drop that cost the Eagles a shot at sealing the win last week, the 27-year-old got involved heavily in the second half, taking a carry 65 yards in the fourth quarter for a touchdown to give Philadelphia its first lead of the day. The Eagles' defense then gave the lead back with only two minutes to go in the game. The final drive consisted of a huge play by tight end Dallas Goedert and a four-yard score for Barkley, taking the lead. The poorly timed drop last week against Atlanta is the only negative you can point to when looking at the former Giants performance through three weeks. Even in a stiff matchup with the Buccaneers' run defense next week, lock in Barkley as a top-three fantasy option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 11 times for 30 yards in the team's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday. He added 28 yards and three receptions on five targets. It was the 22-year-old's first outing this season without a touchdown and the fewest touches and total yardage for him in the young season. The Dolphins offense was stuck in neutral for most of the game, with neither Skylar Thompson (chest) nor Tim Boyle able to get any traction going against Seattle. Still, Achane saw the lion's share of the work out of the backfield, out-touching Jaylen Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. 14-to-5. The former Aggie is one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL, but this offense does not have the same juice sans Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Miami will look to score its first touchdown in six quarters when they take on the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 4 on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 22 7:58pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Dynasty | Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had two catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: Johnston now has three touchdowns in two games after having just two in his rookie season last year. While much of the off-season talk revolved around Ladd McConkey, it's been Johnston who has established himself as the better fantasy scoring threat through two weeks. He remains a bit of a dangerous start at the moment, but his start is a huge step forward for a player who many felt was already a bust.

J.K. Dobbins Sep 22 7:57pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

Dynasty | Chargers running back JK Dobbins had 44 rushing yards, three catches and ten receiving yards in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: While the scoring total for Dobbins today is disappointing, there is a big development hidden in the box score as Dobbins handled 18 touches while Gus Edwards had just three. At this point, it seems this is no longer a committee with the Chargers as Dobbins has simply taken over the backfield. This is a big development as Dobbins continues to be one of the biggest risers in terms of dynasty rankings over the first month of the season. In short, he finally looks healthy.

Stefon Diggs Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught ten passes for 94 yards in Houston's loss against the Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: This was a big day for Diggs, who led the Texans with 12 targets. While Nico Collins still had ten, the narrative that Collins is clearly the WR1 for the team may have been a little premature. With 20 catches through three games, Diggs will be a recommended play moving forward, despite a receiving room that seems pretty stacked.

Rome Odunze Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Rome Odunze

Dynasty | Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a career-high six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: With Keenan Allen out this week, Odunze tied Cole Kmet for the team lead in targets with 11. He certainly made the most of them as he had his best day in the NFL by far. While Allen should be back soon, it's clear Odunze has the talent of a top-ten pick and has earned himself a pretty good target share moving forward. With an unpredictable rookie at the helm, this corps is going to be tough to count on moving forward, but Odunze looks like a solid dynasty hold right now.

Malik Willis Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Malik Willis

Dynasty | Packers quarterback Malik Willis completed 13-of-19 passes for 202 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions, while adding a team-high 73 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win against Tennessee. Dynasty Analysis: You have to wonder if the Titans brass was second guessing themselves as their former developmental quarterback was carving them up via a flawless game plan. Willis has some limitations but he has also proved he's more than capable of playing at a high level, at least in a short-term burst. Jordan Love should be back next week, but it seems clear the Packers may have found something in Willis. He should be rostered in any dynasty league that has more than 20 or so players on a roster.

Malik Nabers Sep 22 7:56pm ET
Malik Nabers

Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns in a surprise win against Cleveland. Dynasty Analysis: One thing is clear this season - Nabers is here to stay. After a 10/127/1 game last week, Nabers was even better this week with his 8/78/2 line. Regardless, he has the looks not only of a future WR1, but a current one as well. While his potential may be slowed by Daniel Jones, he's proven to be more than worthy of his draft capital and his ranking is going to go up as soon as this week. In short, Nabers is a top-10 dynasty receiver already.

Bryce Young Sep 22 7:56pm ET
Bryce Young

Dynasty | The Panthers are receiving trade calls on quarterback Bryce Young. Dynasty Analysis: "In demand," might be a bit strong as teams are likely contacting Carolina to see if they pick up a former #1 pick for mere pennies on the dollar. At this point, the Panthers have been unwilling to entertain offers but that could change if Andy Dalton plays well and proves their early season offensive problems were legitimately all on Young. If Dalton struggles, Young could get another chance down the road. Today will be a big day for his future for sure. In the end, he remains a pretty weak hold in a dynasty league.

Bucky Irving Sep 22 7:56pm ET
Bucky Irving

Dynasty | Bucs running back Bucky Irving had 70 rushing yards, three catches, and 14 receiving yards in a loss against Denver. Dynasty Analysis: Simply put, Irving has looked better than Rachaad White through three weeks. He also out-carried him 9-6 and had 12 total touches compared to 11 for White today. Neither back is seeing the volume to be a recommended play at the moment, but Irving is starting to look like a rookie bargain at the moment.