Draft Day Winners and Losers
Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
White should be lead back
The draft is always so exciting, seeing where all the players get picked. But after the draft, the big issue is figuring out what it all means for their fantasy value. We thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the biggest fantasy winners and losers from draft day. These are some of the players that were picked but also some of the guys that were already on rosters, seeing their fantasy value get impacted from the draft. Adjust your rankings accordingly!
WINNERS
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. The Panthers did a great job of getting Young some much needed offensive help. The team took a receiver, running back and tight end in three of the first four rounds of the draft. Carolina already added Diontae Johnson this offseason, so the receiver corps should be much better after getting Xavier Legette in the first round. The receivers got very little separation last year, so it was hard to gauge Young. He needed help and got some this offseason. Carolina also took a possible franchise running back in Jonathon Brooks and hopefully a solid starting tight end in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Things are looking up for Young and this offense.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. Worthy could not have landed in a much better spot. He heads to one of the best offenses in football that has some openings at receiver, especially with the status of Rashee Rice a bit up in the air. Worthy has electric speed and the Chiefs should find plenty of ways to utilize that. He could be the new Tyreek Hill for this offense. Look for Worthy to make an impact right away.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys. Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the draft was the Cowboys not addressing their running back spot. Instead, the team signed Elliott after the draft. He is likely to be the starter in this top offense. He might not rack up the yards of past seasons, but has big touchdown potential in this offense. Elliott seems a pretty sure bet to get double-digit touchdowns. He could be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers. Brooks is returning from a major knee injury and could be slowed a little early in the season, but once he is back healthy look for him to the three-down back for the Panthers. He lands in a great spot for playing time, having little top talent to compete with for playing time. Brooks could really get the volume in this offense. He is our top rookie fantasy back.
Zamir White, RB, Raiders. Many thought the Raiders were another team that could address their running back spot during the draft, but that didn’t happen. They used a sixth-round pick on Dylan Laube, but he is not expected to challenge White for that starter’s job. It sure seems the Raiders are comfortable with White as their lead back. He has a chance to get a lot of touches in year two. His stock is going up.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers. The Chargers need help at receiver and McConkey helps fill that need. It would not surprise if he quickly became Justin Herbert’s favorite target in the passing game. We really like his chances to rack up the weekly looks in this offense. Someone has to fill the Keenan Allen void and McConkey seems the best bet out of the options at receiver for the Chargers.
Keon Coleman, WR, Bills. Coleman is another rookie receiver that lands in a great spot for playing time. The departure of Stefon Diggs leaves a big opening for the Bills. Coleman could help fill that void. He has great size for the position and could be a top red-zone threat from day one for Buffalo. Coleman should get his chances from the get go, giving him a high ceiling for the coming year.
LOSERS
Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins. Mostert had a monster season last year and helped many fantasy teams to championships. He is going to have a very hard time repeating, especially after the Dolphins picked Jaylen Wright in the fourth round. Wright is a speed back similar to Mostert but a lot younger with less wear on his tires. Remember, Mostert is 32 years old. He might end up falling to third on the depth chart after the addition of Wright.
Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze is a super talented player that could be a star in the NFL. But for his year, you have to worry about him being up and down. He has two really good receivers ahead of him on the depth chart in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This is going to limit the ceiling of Odunze. He will be a much better fantasy player in a few more seasons. For now, expect erratic production from the talented rookie.
Kyren Williams, RB, Rams. Williams remains the lead back for the Rams and is coming off a breakout season. But the Rams picked Blake Corum in the third round. He is going to be a factor in the offense. He might get put a huge dent in Williams’ workload but the big concern is the goal-line work. Corum is more of a between the tackles runner that does well on short-yardage work. He could end up stealing some touchdowns from Williams, hurting his fantasy value.
Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders. Mayer was a second-round pick for the Raiders last year and showed well at times his rookie season. The Raiders couldn’t pass on the talented Brock Browers in this year’s draft, though. This move absolutely kills the fantasy value of Mayer. He is going to play second fiddle to Browers, getting few weekly looks. Browers is the clear tight end to own in this offense.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall is a talented pass catcher that can get in and out of his breaks in a hurry. He is a really good fit for the slot and could fill that role for the 49ers his rookie season. The problem is he has some of the top talent in all of football to compete with for targets. He could really be up and down his rookie season. He will look better in a year or two when he has a more defined role and less to compete with at receiver. His rookie season could be a tough one to gauge for fantasy owners.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Many considered Nabers the top receiver in this year’s draft. He is super talented with a high fantasy ceiling. The problem for Nabers is he got drafted by the Giants, a team that really struggled offensively last year. Plus, he has Daniel Jones throwing him passes. This is not a great landing spot for the talented Nabers. Jones needs to make some big strides this season if Nabers hopes to reach his potential. We aren’t sure that happens.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall made his NFL debut in a 28-18 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. The Arizona native came into the game as the assumed third option for quarterback Brock Purdy with Jauan Jennings (hip) ruled out, but inherited even more snaps after Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel (illness) left during the game. Pearsall missed the first six weeks of the season due to a gunshot wound and received a standing ovation from the home crowd after his first catch. He finished with three receptions on five targets for 21 yards. If Aiyuk has torn his ACL as feared, Pearsall will be worth a look on waivers, although the situation is muddied by the probable return of Jennings in Week 8, not to mention fellow rookie Jacob Cowing having a few games more experience and a more impactful performance today. Pearsall is the better bet long-term though, as San Francisco waited until the fourth round to take Cowing after taking Pearsall in the first. The 49ers get the Dallas Cowboys at home on Sunday Night Football in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed 15 of 20 passes for 193 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots. He also rushed for 13 yards and didn't take a single sack. The former No. 1 pick led the Jaguars to their second win over the last three weeks. As much flak as Jacksonville has taken this year, Lawrence has quietly played good, turnover-free football, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 1,527 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He'll rank as a mid-to-low QB2 when the Jaguars return stateside to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He was unable to haul in his lone target. The 22-year-old stepped up as the Jaguars' No. 1 running back with Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) sidelined, and it's safe to say that he impressed. Interestingly, Bigsby's best games have come in the Jaguars' two victories this year. When Jacksonville wins, Bigsby is averaging 124 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. That could just be a coincidence over a small sample size, but it's also possible that Bigsby's performance on the ground is one of Jacksonville's integral keys to victory. As long as he continues to handle a large workload, he'll rank as a solid RB2 in fantasy football. That holds true despite next week's tough matchup against the Green Bay Packers back in the United States.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled 12 carries for 44 yards and came down with two of three targets for 15 receiving yards in a Week 7 win over the New York Jets. Although he was once again outshined by Najee Harris, Warren was given his biggest workload of the season on Sunday night. He operated as the primary pass-catching option out of the backfield for quarterback Russell Wilson and was on the receiving end of an important third-down conversion in the third quarter that eventually led to a touchdown. Warren should continue to operate in a similar role moving forward and could eventually play his way into weekly flex consideration. He's worth stashing in most fantasy leagues and will look to contribute against the New York Giants in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The 49ers believe wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL in the loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Brutal. Aiyuk had a ridiculously long holdout, only to finally get his big money contract. After a few up and down weeks, this happens. We'll wait to get an official diagnosis, but it's rare for a team to come out and say they believe a player has torn an ACL only to find out they're wrong. If this is indeed the case, dynasty managers will have to look elsewhere for a WR2 the rest of the way. Stay tuned.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 21 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown in a 37-15 win against the New York Jets. He failed to haul in his only target of the contest, but Harris was nonetheless productive and efficient on the ground. Although he ran hard throughout the game, he did not find the end zone until only 26 seconds remained in the fourth quarter, rumbling in for a 10-yard score to seal the victory. After a slow start to the campaign, Harris has looked great over the past two weeks. Additional goal-line opportunities could be in store for him going forward as Pittsburgh's offense seems more capable of pushing the ball downfield with quarterback Russell Wilson under center. Harris should project as a solid fantasy RB2 next week against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
X-rays came back negative on Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (shin), according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The defensive starter exited late during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. While any injury is concerning, it's great news that his X-rays were negative. Still, it's possible that Stone will miss some time. If so, look for Tycen Anderson to earn more snaps on defense.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 16 of 29 pass attempts for 264 yards and two touchdowns, adding three carries for three yards and a score on the ground in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. Wilson and the Steelers' offense got off to a slow start but started to get in rhythm in the second quarter. He displayed chemistry with wide receiver George Pickens as the duo connected on multiple deep balls and an 11-yard touchdown on the team's last possession of the first half. The 35-year-old later scored on a QB sneak and found Van Jefferson in the end zone from four yards out. Although Justin Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start, it seems Wilson will be the starter moving forward after a convincing win in which the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points. Fantasy managers can view him as a QB2 option heading into a Week 8 meeting with the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason was mostly held in check by the Kansas City Chiefs in a 28-18 home loss on Sunday. He ran for 58 yards on 14 carries and caught both of his targets for 11 yards. A large chunk of his yardage came on a 26-yard third-quarter run. Mason also had a couple of nice runs called back by holding penalties and was something of a game-script victim with the 49ers falling behind 14-3 early. Coming into the game, Mason was the second-leading rusher in the NFL and should have better days ahead of him until Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) returns. Unless CMC surprises everybody and comes back next week, Mason will look to get back on track against a porous Dallas Cowboys run defense at home on Sunday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a rough day at the office in a 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Purdy finished with 17 completions on 31 attempts for 212 yards, no passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. Overall, it was a sloppy performance but Purdy's day was saved in fantasy with a couple of touchdowns on quarterback sneaks. He finished with eight rushes for 27 yards and the two scores. Although a substandard Purdy made his share of mistakes, it didn't help that he was without receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) for most of the game. Looking ahead, Purdy will probably slip in weekly rankings if Aiyuk has suffered an ACL tear as feared, at least until rookie receivers Ricky Pearsall and/or Jacob Cowing prove reliable. A return by Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) at some point would help buoy Purdy's value. Purdy gets the Dallas Cowboys at home next Sunday night.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison reeled in 3-of-4 targets for 66 yards in the team's 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions. It was another modest outing for Addison, who has now caught three balls in each of his four contests this season. He somewhat saved his fantasy day in this one with a long reception of 51 yards that helped set up a Vikings field goal but was otherwise held in check by a formidable Lions defense. Third-year wideout Jalen Nailor racked up one more catch and target than the 22-year-old and out-gained him by 10 yards in the matchup -- the first time he's done so all season. While the USC product is a good WR in his own right, ceiling games will be challenging to come by while sharing the field with target-hog Justin Jefferson -- potentially even less so when tight end T.J. Hockenson enters the fold. Minnesota will travel to Los Angeles on a short week to take on the Rams on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins had a rough afternoon in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Hopkins missed his lone field goal and went 0-for-1 on extra points in the close loss to the Bengals. The veteran kicker has been mostly reliable for the Browns since joining the team before the 2023 season but he has now missed two field goals over his past two games. Overall, Hopkins has converted 10 of his 13 field-goal tries and all but two of his nine extra-point attempts. He will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 19 yards in the 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Worthy completed three catches on a team-leading eight targets in the contest. Worthy also had one carry for five yards in this contest. Despite the ball heading his way more than any other pass catcher, Worthy could not turn opportunity into a big game. Kansas City is trying to increase Worthy's usage, but it is up to the rookie receiver to step up to the plate. Thankfully, Worthy will have more favorable matchups moving forward since the Niners are one of the most well-rounded defensive units in the league. Worth and the Chiefs will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Despite the Raiders giving up the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, Worthy's involvement out of the backfield and designed plays should keep his usage high in the team's next matchup. Worthy is a high-upside flex play as long as you can stomach his low floor.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns defense performed well in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Cleveland allowed just 21 points while notching three sacks and holding the Bengals to just 223 yards of total offense in the contest. The Browns were led by Za'Darius Smith, who had one sack, and Shelby Harris, who also chipped in a sack. The Browns will face another tough test in Week 8 as they will face off against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo hauled in four passes for 50 yards on four targets in a 34-10 loss at Buffalo in Week 7. This marked the young tight end's best game of the season, having failed to top 16 receiving yards up to this point. His 26-yard reception in the first quarter set up Tennessee's only touchdown drive of the game, and he displayed solid chemistry with new starting quarterback Mason Rudolph on the afternoon. With how unreliable this Titans passing attack continues to be, Okonkwo is still not a great option moving forward, but there may be ample opportunity next week in Detroit with the Titans likely playing catch-up.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught six of his seven targets for 41 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Moore finished third on the team in targets and catches in the close loss to the Bengals. The veteran receiver's Week 7 performance goes down as one of his best games in what has been a rough season for him in 2024. Moore could continue to see a larger role in the Cleveland offense moving forward with Amari Cooper now a member of the Buffalo Bills. He will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught 7-of-8 targets for 81 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-29 loss to their division-rival Detroit Lions. It was another strong performance for the 25-year-old, who continues to be one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. Sunday marked his fourth-straight game with at least 81 yards and six catches, and he's scored a touchdown in all but one contest thus far in 2024. He could have had an even bigger game, but two of his catches went for no gain. The former LSU Tiger will get a quick turnaround in Week 8 when he and the Vikings head to SoFi Stadium for a road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams. He'll again be a top-flight WR play.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss had only 7 yards off six touches in Sunday's win over the Browns. He added three catches for 33 yards. It's clear Chase Brown is the preferred runner out of the backfield, resulting in another subpar showing for Moss. While he was considered a flex option heading into Week 7, fantasy managers should reconsider things for the Week 8 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught 10 of his 14 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. In his first game as one of the team's top targets after they traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week, Njoku came up big as he turned in his best game of the season. He led the Browns in targets and catches while finishing second on the team in receiving yards in the loss. Njoku can be trusted as a mid-range TE1 in fantasy moving forward as he should soak up plenty of targets in the offense. He will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had five catches for 55 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Browns. The former LSU Tiger was relatively quiet in Week 6 against the Giants. While Tee Higgins was more productive in this one, Chase still found the end zone for the sixth time in the Bengals' previous five contests. With Cincinnati picking up another win, the team will look to get to .500 with a win over the Eagles in Week 8. Fortunately for fantasy managers, the Eagles have struggled to stop opposing wideouts this season, making Chase one of the top fantasy options.
From RotoBaller
