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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

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
Miles Boykin Apr 3 8:10pm ET
Miles Boykin

The Chicago Bears have reached an undisclosed agreement with veteran wide receiver Miles Boykin. Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported the news. The 28-year-old split last season on the practice squads of the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, though he never made his way to the field. Boykin most recently contributed for the Steelers in 2023, appearing in 17 games, recording three catches for 17 yards on four targets. Though his playing time on offense was minuscule for Pittsburgh, he did play 316 snaps for the squad on special teams (70.07%). Boykin joins his fourth NFL team and will compete for the third WR spot behind returning starters DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. However, he'll likely serve as a special teams asset for Chicago.

From RotoBaller

DeMarvion Overshown Apr 3 7:50pm ET
DeMarvion Overshown

During his appearance on Good Morning Football, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (knee) expressed his desire to return to the field at a high level in 2025. "I have my sights set high," proclaimed Overshown. "Not only do I want to be nominated for the Comeback Player of the Year, but I'm going to be the Comeback Player of the Year." Despite his age, the 24-year-old has dealt with his fair share of adversity. He tore his ACL during his days as a Longhorn in 2019 and then did so again in 2023 -- forcing him to miss his rookie season. Overshown was exceptional in 2024, racking up 87 tackles and five sacks in 13 games before tearing the ACL, MCL, and PCL in his right knee. Reports are that the Texas product plans to rejoin the team before December. He's already proven that he can return from a devastating injury twice before, and if he is the player he was before he got hurt, he'll be an impactful asset in IDP leagues. Still, it seems unlikely he'll be ready to hit the field until the back half of the season.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Apr 3 7:30pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reworked quarterback Baker Mayfield's contract to free up cap space. The Bucs converted Mayfield's $30 million base salary to a roster bonus, freeing up nearly $15 million. The team also added a void year for proration purposes in 2029. Tampa Bay has been resourceful this offseason, moving money around for Mayfield in addition to offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. All in all, the Buccos saved $50.12 million over the next few seasons. It seems unlikely that the money moves are in anticipation of signing a big-ticket asset and more so for down the road. Mayfield is entering his third season with the squad and will look to build off his spectacular 2024.

From RotoBaller

Case Keenum Apr 3 7:20pm ET
Case Keenum

The Chicago Bears are signing former Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Keenum spent the last two years as a Texan but missed the entire 2024 campaign due to a foot injury he suffered just before Week 1. Though he spent minimal time on the field over the prior two seasons (two appearances), the 37-year-old was reportedly a leader off the field and a mentor for young QB C.J. Stroud. He'll play a mentoring role again, in addition to potentially backing up second-year signal-caller Caleb Williams. Chicago has done an excellent job of addressing their team needs this offseason -- beefing up their offensive -- and they're doing right by their young QB. Things are looking up for Williams in his second season.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Apr 3 5:13pm ET
Geno Smith

Dynasty | The Raiders have signed quarterback Geno Smith to a two-year, $85 million extension. Dynasty Analysis: The contract includes nearly $67 million in guaranteed money and will effectively lock him in as the team's starter for the next few seasons. It's a hefty chunk of guaranteed money and essentially ties new Head Coach Pete Carroll and Smith for the duration of their Las Vegas tenures. Smith could have been a one-year rental, but this all but assures his job is safe for the foreseeable future. He'll remain a decent QB2 in dynasty leagues until further notice as his off-season has been a lucrative one in fantasy and reality.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Trey McBride Apr 3 4:50pm ET
Trey McBride

The Arizona Cardinals are making Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride the highest-paid tight end in NFL history with a four-year, $76 million contract extension on Thursday, according to his agents. The deal includes $43 million guaranteed and a $19 million average per year, which is the highest ever for any NFL tight end. The 25-year-old former second-rounder (55th overall) in 2022 out of Colorado State was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 while setting career-highs in receptions (111), targets (147), receiving yards (1,146) in 16 games. Despite only finding the end zone two times, McBride still finished as the TE2 in standard scoring in his third year in the league, with his 111 catches falling just one short of Brock Bowers' 112 for the league lead. He should score more in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL, making him an elite TE1 target for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Apr 3 4:10pm ET
Geno Smith

The Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Geno Smith agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension on Thursday to better compensate him for his play after the blockbuster trade this offseason in which they acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz is reporting that the deal is worth $85 million and includes $66.5 million guaranteed. The 34-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) by the New York Jets in 2013 out of West Virginia has been a late-bloomer, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2022 and 2023 in Seattle. Smith threw for a career-high 4,320 yards with 21 TDs and 15 interceptions in 17 starts in 2024 and will reunite with head coach Pete Carroll in Vegas. He'll get to work with impressive young TE Brock Bowers, but his wide receiving corps will be a big downgrade from what he had in Seattle. Treat Smith as a QB2 target in fantasy in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Shough Apr 3 3:00pm ET
Tyler Shough

Former Louisville, Texas Tech, and Oregon quarterback Tyler Shough has reportedly been one of the biggest risers at the position during the pre-draft process, and ESPN's Field Yates projects the Cleveland Browns to select the 26-year-old with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While that's likely bold, many mock drafts have slotted Shough inside the first three rounds. Between his three collegiate spots, Shough completed 62.7% of his passes for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 23 touchdowns in 42 games over seven seasons. He has impressive traits and physical tools, which is likely why many believe he'll be a Day 2 selection as part of a weak rookie quarterback class. With a lack of high-end quarterback talent at the top of the draft, we could see many teams taking shots on mid-round signal-callers in the NFL Draft later this month.

From RotoBaller

Dante Fowler Apr 3 2:50pm ET
Dante Fowler

Former Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is meeting with the defensive coaches and front-office members of the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, according to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network. The 21-year-old spent three seasons with the Aggies and racked up 65 tackles (30 solo), 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in 37 career games. Stewart is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Dallas could be interested in taking an edge prospect to play opposite Micah Parson despite signing Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason. The Cowboys hold the No. 12 pick in the first round of this month's draft.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Apr 3 2:40pm ET
Russell Wilson

The New York Giants have become the popular landing spot for former Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter following the organization's signing of quarterback Russell Wilson. With Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Tommy DeVito on the roster, the belief is New York could be choosing to address its franchise quarterback position in the future given the weak 2025 NFL Draft QB class. The team is likely interested in Miami's Cam Ward, but the Titans are asking for a significant package of first-round selections to move off the No. 1 overall pick. That said, the Giants could take the "best player available" approach with the No. 3 overall pick if they are not sold on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. If Hunter ends up in New York and plays wide receiver, his upside in Year 1 could be limited while playing alongside Malik Nabers and catching passes from an aging Wilson. That said, he is an elite talent, so he could exceed expectations right away.

From RotoBaller

DeMarvion Overshown Apr 3 2:20pm ET
DeMarvion Overshown

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (knee) missed his entire rookie season in 2023 due to a torn ACL before returning and being a productive member of the Dallas defense in 2024. The Texas product registered 90 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, four pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown in 13 games. Unfortunately, he suffered another ACL tear, costing him the final four games of the regular season. Heading into 2025, Overshown is ready for a bounceback campaign. "The future's looking good, let me tell you that," Overshown said Thursday during an appearance on Good Morning Football. "Just how I came off of last year, I'm 100% positive. I have my sights set high. Not only do I want to be nominated for the Comeback Player of the Year, but I'm going to be the Comeback Player of the Year." Last season, Overshown ranked 13th in total fantasy points from Week 1 until suffering his ACL tear in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Apr 3 1:20pm ET
Derek Carr

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that the New Orleans Saints need a long-term plan at the quarterback position and are among the team's that could take a signal-caller early in this year's NFL draft. There was a time earlier in the offseason where there was uncertainty if Derek Carr would even stick around in New Orleans in 2025. They aren't desperate for a starter this year, but they have done all their homework on the QBs in this year's draft and have had a heavy presence at their Pro Day workouts. It's possible that the Saints consider taking a QB with the ninth overall pick, but Rapoport also says it wouldn't be a surprise to see them trade back into the end of the first round to take someone like Jaxson Dart. It makes plenty of sense to draft a QB and have him sit and learn behind Carr in new head coach Kellen Moore's first season with the organization.

From RotoBaller

Mike Edwards Apr 3 1:20pm ET
Mike Edwards

Veteran free-agent safety Mike Edwards is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. After spending the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Edwards will return to Kansas City after winning the Super Bowl with them in 2023. The 28-year-old former third-rounder (99th overall) by the Buccaneers in 2019 out of Hawaii played in only eight combined games (two starts) in Buffalo and Tampa last year and has 12 tackles (seven solo). In his lone season with the Chiefs in 2023, Edwards compiled 51 tackles (32 solo), one sack, one interception, five pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) in 17 regular-season games (five starts). The six-year NFL veteran will provide depth for Steve Spagnuolo's defense and won't be relevant in IDP fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Apr 3 11:13am ET
Dak Prescott

Dynasty | The Patriots have traded quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys. Dynasty Analysis: As we reported yesterday, there was a lot of smoke around a trade of Milton and and just like that, he's gone the next day. The Cowboys are sending their compensatory fifth-round pick to the Patriots for Milton and a seventh-round pick in order to shore up the backup spot behind Dak Prescott. While Milton is no threat to the starting job in Dallas, he's shown real promise and could be worth a roster stash in dynasty leagues as a result.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Joe Milton III Apr 3 10:30am ET
Joe Milton III

The Dallas Cowboys are sending a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for quarterback Joe Milton III and a seventh-round pick, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Milton has been in trade rumors all offseason long and is headed to Dallas to back up Dak Prescott now that Cooper Rush is with the Baltimore Ravens. Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, flashed in his limited opportunity with New England as a rookie. In Week 18, the 25-year-old connected on 22 of his 29 passing attempts for 241 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He added 10 rushing yards and a score on the ground. While Milton still does not have a clear path to a starting role, he could be one of the top quarterbacks to stash in deep two-QB or Superflex leagues. Prescott has missed at least five games in three of his nine NFL seasons. Milton is arguably one of the most talented signal-callers in the NFL, but touch and accuracy have been a concern for the rocket-armed QB.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Apr 3 8:31am ET
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson said on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday that he's not looking for a short-term deal from Cincinnati and began asking for a long-term deal from the Bengals with guaranteed money three years ago. Hendrickson, who has the third-most sacks in the NFL since 2020 (70.5), sounds frustrated that he hasn't been able to get an extension worked out with the Bengals yet, but he's not willing to put a timeline on when he might prefer a trade out of town this offseason. The 30-year-old said he doesn't have any desire to become the highest-paid defender in the league, but the communication of late with him and the team has been poor. He sounds fed up, but in all fairness, it was always going to be hard for Cincy to lock up all three of Hendrickson and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. It doesn't sound like a Hendrickson extension is close.

Christian Barmore Apr 3 8:31am ET
Christian Barmore

The New England Patriots expect to have defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness) in the fold when they begin their offseason workouts on Monday, April 7, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. It's great news for the interior of the team's defensive line, as Barmore entered the offseason with uncertainty after having a setback with his blood-clot diagnosis last year. The Patriots signed the 25-year-old to a four-year, $84 million extension in 2024 after he led the team in sacks (8.5) and QB hits (16) in 2023. But he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs right before the start of training camp last July and ended up playing in only four regular-season games. Barmore made his season debut in Week 11 but was shut down after experiencing "recurring symptoms" from blood clots. If healthy, Barmore will join forces with Milton Williams, and the two could create one of the best interior combinations in the NFL.

Joe Milton III Apr 3 8:31am ET
Joe Milton III

Dynasty | The Patriots are reportedly receiving trade calls in regards to quarterback Joe Milton. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't the first report we've seen like this and it seems there's a lot of smoke surrounding the interest around the league. With Drake Maye established as the long-term starter, it's hard to imagine New England not at least listening to what other teams have to offer. Milton showed well in limited action last season and seemingly has some upside. With quarterbacks being the premium of all premium positions, it wouldn't be surprising to see New England hold on to him in case something happens with Maye as well. At this point, Milton looks like a solid stash in dynasty leagues.

Tyler Conklin Apr 2 11:00pm ET
Tyler Conklin

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they signed Australian tight end Jordan Petaia as part of the league's International Player Pathway training program. Petaia recently worked out for teams at the University of South Florida's Pro Day on March 26. He appeared in two Rugby World Cups in 2019 in Japan and in 2023 in France for the Wallabies and became the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup in 2019 at just 18 years old. Petaia will be a long shot for any kind of fantasy relevance in the NFL with the Chargers but will provide additional tight end depth in L.A. heading into training camp behind newcomer Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Tucker Fisk and McCallan Castles. The 25-year-old spent the last few months learning American football at the IMG Academy in Florida.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Golden Apr 2 10:10pm ET
Matthew Golden

University of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden is taking a pre-draft visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, according to Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh. The Steelers acquired wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, but it doesn't mean that they won't look to add to the position through the draft to provide depth in 2025 behind Metcalf, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. The 21-year-old Golden is widely expected to come off the board in this year's NFL draft in the first round after producing 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Longhorns. He also impressed with his speed at the combine in late February by running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. If makes sense for the Pittsburgh to look at receiver in the upcoming draft with the future of Pickens uncertain beyond the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller