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: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 2
- 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: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 2
- Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (knee) set to play vs. Rams
- 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey ruled out, could be headed to IR
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful for Chiefs
- Browns star DE Myles Garrett (foot) set to go vs. Jaguars
- Packers say QB Jordan Love (knee) questionable despite no practice
- Buccaneers missing at least three starters vs. Lions
- Vikings rule out WR Jordan Addison (ankle) vs. 49ers
- Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) questionable to play vs. Broncos
- Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes has surgery, out vs. Giants
- Ravens rookie CB Nate Wiggins out Sunday after car accident
- 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
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 2 Preview
- 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 Life: NFL Week 2 Underdog, PrizePicks, and Sleeper Winning Plays
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Regression Candidates: Rise Up Trey McBride
- Fantasy Life: Is Wan'Dale Robinson a Lock This Weekend?
- 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
The Paur Report
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Friday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has begun working out again. It's excellent news for the rookie -- who traveled with the team to Minnesota -- as he can now shift his focus to returning to the field for his NFL debut. "He started working out again," said Shanahan. "I think it was a weight room workout yesterday. He's back to conditioning, getting back into football shape, and getting back to healthy." Pearsall is just 13 days removed from narrowly escaping with his life after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. The bullet exited his back, near his armpit -- miraculously missing bones and vital organs alike. The former first-round pick will presumably need time to get back up to speed, considering that he saw no preseason action due to a shoulder subluxation that has nagged him since the spring. San Francisco will square off against the Vikings this Sunday in their first road matchup of the season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein was quiet in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, attempting just one extra point in the Monday night game. He will look to get it going in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense was generous to fantasy kickers in 2023, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position. That trend continued in Week 1 this season as they gave up three field goals to Cairo Santos, including a 50-yarder. Thanks to his plus matchup, Zuerlein can be trusted as a top-10 fantasy kicker against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin surprisingly out-touched Javonte Williams 15 to nine in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but his 15 touches (10 carries, five receptions), only led to 28 total yards in a day where the Denver offense was stuck in the mud under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in his first career start. McLaughlin also played only 35% of the offensive snaps. The Broncos could look to stick with the running game longer in a Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would favor both McLaughlin and Williams, but it sets up as another difficult day for the Broncos' offense after the Steelers D shut down the Falcons in Week 1. While McLaughlin isn't a recommended fantasy starter this weekend, his touch total in the season opener bodes well for his continued involvement in what looked more like a committee to begin the year.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense struggled to slow down the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 1 loss, coughing up 32 points while notching three sacks. They should play better in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee turned the ball over three times while allowing Will Levis to get sacked three times in a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Jets have talented players throughout their defense and should have a productive fantasy day against Tennessee in Week 2. Treat them as a top-10 option on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker hasn't put up the big fantasy numbers that managers have grown accustomed to in recent seasons. Especially when it comes to 50-yard field goals, Tucker has missed five of his last six dating back to the 2023 season. The Ravens offense should be able to move the ball against the Raiders and Tucker returns to home field where he's made 88.8% of his field goals throughout his career. He should see plenty of opportunities for both field goals and extra points in this contest. The worry about Tucker falling from fantasy grace shouldn't kick in unless he strings together multiple bust weeks in a row. So, for now, managers can consider him a mid-to-high-level kicking option in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had a pretty lackluster showing in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, playing just over half the offensive snaps while carrying the ball eight times for 23 yards (2.9 yards per carry) and catching one of his two targets for no gain. Williams was out-touched by backup Jaleel McLaughlin 15-9, which was perhaps most concerning, on a day in which the Broncos couldn't really get anything going on offense in a hostile environment with rookie quarterback Bo Nix making his NFL debut. McLaughlin really did nothing to stand out, either, and Williams should be Denver's primary back heading into Week 2 against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old Williams faces a below-average matchup and should be considered a low-upside RB3/flex in another tough matchup in which Denver's offense could struggle to move the ball consistently.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard turned in one of the more unexpected fantasy outings in Week 1, catching six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Lazard will look for an encore performance in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans on the road. The Titans represent a plus matchup for Lazard as they allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2023. It is unclear whether Lazard will remain a major piece of the Jets passing offense moving forward but he was a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers a few years back when both played for the Green Bay Packers. That puts Lazard on the map as a solid flex option heading into Week 2.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams went from taking on one of the best offenses in the league to one in the lower half. Against Patrick Mahomes and company, they produced two sacks and an interception while giving up 353 total yards (only 72 on the ground). The Las Vegas Raiders could only muster 10 points against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Ravens' pass-rush gets a matchup with Gardner Minshew II. Combine that with a knack for creating turnovers with two of the best at their respective positions in Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, and you get a recipe for a big defensive outing. The Ravens should be a top-10 option in Week 2, especially at home.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin was quiet in Week 1, catching just one of two targets for six yards in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Conklin will look to carve out a larger role in the offense in Week 2's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough on tight ends in 2023, allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin will need to post a big game for the Jets before fantasy managers can feel confident with him in their starting lineups. Treat him as a low-end TE2 in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) is officially questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The undrafted rookie wideout is still looking to make his NFL debut, and he has a chance to do so this week after logging three straight limited practice sessions. Weaver performed well in Arizona's preseason finale, reeling in 2-of-4 targets for 56 yards. He also handled two punt and kickoff returns for an additional 81 yards. The Colorado product projects to have difficulty finding consistent playing time in the starting WR rotation behind Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch -- even when healthy. However, he is someone to monitor regarding his usage on kick returns. If Weaver can gain consistency there, he could be helpful for fantasy managers. Otherwise, he can be safely avoided sans deep dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 167 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran signal-caller will look for more in a Week 2 road showdown against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense allowed the 19th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and held Caleb Williams to 93 passing yards without a touchdown in Week 1 this year. That being said, the Titans defense should be a bit more forgiving opponent than the 49ers were, making Rodgers a reasonable fantasy option as a QB2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall turned in a big performance in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, running for 54 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches for 39 yards. He will look to find the end zone again in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough against the run in 2023 and held D'Andre Swift to 30 yards on 10 carries in Week 1 but Hall's extensive usage in the passing game makes him a safe fantasy play even in tough matchups. Fantasy gamers can confidently start Hall as a top-three fantasy running back in fantasy heading into Week 2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran wide receiver will look to keep it going in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee struggled to slow fantasy receivers in 2023, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Wilson paced the Jets in targets in Week 1 and should continue to operate as Aaron Rodgers' first read moving forward. That puts Wilson on the map as a top-10 fantasy receiver heading into Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made a 51-yard field goal, his lone attempt, in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Hopkins will now head on the road to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Jacksonville gave up three field-goal attempts to Jason Sanders when they faced the Miami Dolphins back in the season opener. The Cleveland offense didn't show much to evoke optimism in Week 1, so Hopkins might not hear his number called much this weekend if the struggles continue. That leaves him as a low-end fantasy kicker heading into Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely became the waiver addition of the week after a huge performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. While Mark Andrews helped with the lack of blocking from the offensive line, Likely was finding plenty of separation to the tune of a 100-yard game. Now, the Ravens have a committee at tight end with both of them playing a bigger part in the passing game than a lot of wide receivers. If Andrews has to help out blocking again, Likely could be in line for another big game. The Raiders tight end coverage isn't the best, but they do have Maxx Crosby to worry about. The ultimate decider between Likely and Andrews comes down to the game script, but Likely should be a high-end TE2 even if he doesn't garner 30% of the target share as he did in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns defense turned in a rough showing in Week 1's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing 33 points while notching three sacks. They will look to tighten it up in a Week 2 road matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lawrence got sacked three times in Week 1's loss to the Miami Dolphins, but Cleveland could be without star pass rusher Myles Garrett (foot) who missed practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday. A Garrett absence would be a big hole for the Browns to fill this weekend. If Garrett ends up playing, Cleveland's defense can be trusted as a fringe top-12 unit in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix was a little wobbly, as expected, in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on the road, but head coach Sean Payton mostly thinks that the team's offensive weapons need to step up around Nix. The 24-year-old Oregon product finished 26-for-42 for 138 yards and two interceptions while carrying the ball five times for 35 yards and a rushing TD. Thirteen of his completions went for four or fewer yards. At best, Nix will be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues against a swarming Steelers defense. Expect Denver to prioritize the ground game a bit more against Pittsburgh while continuing to mostly give Nix shorter targets to help him succeed and build his confidence. The Steelers held Kirk Cousins to 155 yards passing in Week 1. Nix has a tough opening schedule, so fantasy managers should expect more growing pains.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (knee) has officially been labeled as questionable ahead of the team's Week 2 matchup. The Pats will square off against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in their home opener, coming off a surprising 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old popped up on the injury report this past Thursday and logged back-to-back limited sessions leading up to the weekend. Hasty did not receive a touch out of the backfield during Week 1 but was the only Patriot to return a kick in the win. If he were unable to play, rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk would be set to get work on returns alongside backup running back Antonio Gibson. Additionally, New England could decide to sign or elevate another running back to the roster as insurance on game day, with just Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson the only active players at the position.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford turned in a solid outing in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, catching six passes for 25 yards and rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown. He will look to keep it going in a Week 2 road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in 2023 and allowed De'Von Achane to run for a touchdown while catching seven passes for 76 yards in Week 1 this season. Ford saw all but four running-back touches last week and should be in for another heavy workload against the Jags, leaving him as a solid RB2 in PPR leagues this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper turned in a disappointing Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, catching just two passes for 16 yards and dropping a long would-be touchdown near the Dallas five-yard line. He will look to bounce back in a much more favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 2. The Jaguars secondary struggled in Week 1, allowing both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to post 100-yard games. While the Cleveland offense looked bad in Week 1, Cooper should find more room to operate this weekend, making him a high-end WR3.
From RotoBaller
