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.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said this week that Tutu Atwell is ready to get more opportunities with Puka Nacua (knee) sidelined. McVay noted that with Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson as the outside receivers, Atwell, Tyler Johnson, and rookie Jordan Whittington all have similar skill sets that can complement Kupp and Robinson. While Johnson was the standout in Week 1 against the Lions once Nacua exited, McVay's thoughts hint that it could be Atwell who comes through in Week 2 against the Cardinals. It would be speculative to add Atwell because of these comments but it is a situation that is worth monitoring and could fluctuate each week while Nacua misses time. Right now Johnson is the popular waiver-wire add but maybe Atwell will be next week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., was active in Week 1 as the Dolphins' third running back ahead of rookie Jaylen Wright and rushed five times for 26 yards in the team's win over Jacksonville. Wilson ended up being the team's leading rusher in the game. De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) have each missed practice time this week ahead of Thursday night's Week 2 matchup with Buffalo. It should be noted that Tuesday's practice was a walkthrough for the Dolphins so even though both were listed as DNP, it doesn't necessarily mean they won't play. If both Achane and Mostert miss the game, Wilson could be the featured runner, but there is also the possibility that Miami chooses to feature their rookie in Wright. There is a lot of uncertainty in the Miami backfield this week, but Wilson figures to see an increased workload should one or two of the running backs ahead of his on the depth chart miss the game.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright was inactive in Week 1 but could make his debut in Week 2 with De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) banged up ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Bills on Thursday night. Wright, the talented rookie back out of Tennessee, is likely to make his NFL debut if Achane or Mostert can't suit up. If both are out, Wright could be a fantasy sleeper as most managers might assume Jeff Wilson, Jr., would be the featured back. Wilson is a solid runner, but Wright profiles as a more versatile back who could factor heavily into the game plan without Achane and Mostert available. This all depends on the health of the top two running backs for Miami. Both were listed as DNPs on Tuesday, but it should be noted that the practice was a walkthrough for Miami which doesn't reveal much more about their availability on Thursday. Wright is worth a speculative add for managers who haven't stashed him already for his long-term upside.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) feels like a long shot to play in Week 2. McCaffrey was a surprise inactive in Week 1 and backup Jordan Mason filled in admirably in the team's runaway win over the Jets on Monday night. Mason could be in line for another big week with McCaffrey likely out based on this report. McCaffrey is dealing with a calf issue as well as Achilles tendinitis and the 49ers may be playing it safe early in the season with their star running back. Mason rushed 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 and added a catch for five yards so he is clearly capable of filling in for McCaffrey. Fantasy managers of McCaffrey will hope he returns in a full capacity in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has expressed a desire for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to prioritize passing over rushing after his Week 1 performance. Quinn stated, "We'd love to see him remain a passer first." The news is a little worrisome for fantasy as Daniels' rushing helped propel him to a top-three finish at the quarterback position in Week 1. Despite an impressive debut with 88 rushing yards and two touchdownsmarking the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in a Week 1 debut and the most carries by a Commanders quarterbackDaniels showed vulnerabilities in his passing game. The team's leading receivers were running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson, while wideouts contributed only 55 yards, with top receiver Terry McLaurin managing just two catches for 17 yards. Additionally, Daniels' high rushing volume raises concerns about his durability and the need for improved sliding technique to avoid big hits. Washington will look to adjust their game plan for Week 2 against the New York Giants to reduce Daniels' reliance on running.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing acknowledged the need to get rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved after his quiet NFL debut. Harrison Jr. caught just one pass for four yards and was targeted only three times in Week 1. Petzing emphasized that making Harrison Jr. a central part of the offense is a priority moving forward. He noted, "I think the Bills did some things to take him away, and I could've called plays to involve him more early, but it was a good start. We have some work to do." Petzing took responsibility for not utilizing Harrison Jr. more and clarified that it's his job, not quarterback Kyler Murray's, to ensure the rookie gets ample opportunities. Fantasy owners should confidently start Harrison Jr. in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, as plans are to feature him more prominently.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals right tackle Jonah Williams (knee) is expected to miss some time due to a knee injury. The team is still assessing the full extent of the injury and determining a timeline for his return. Williams, who signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason, was a left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals before transitioning to right tackle in 2023. With Paris Johnson stable on the left side, Williams' injury leaves a gap on the right side of the line. Veteran swing tackle Kelvin Beachum, who previously started 48 games at right tackle for the Cardinals from 2020-22, filled in on Sunday. However, Beachum struggled, allowing two sacks and two additional hurries on quarterback Kyler Murray. This change will likely negatively impact the effectiveness of Murray and the rest of the Arizona offense.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) is in danger of missing two straight games. The superstar back was declared inactive a few hours before the season opener against the New York Jets on Monday. There was some controversy about backup running back Jordan Mason knowing he was going to start on Friday, but the team insisted that McCaffrey was a game-time decision. Now, it sounds like McCaffrey could sit out against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. It's a short week and Minnesota does play on a turf, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the 49ers play it safe. They didn't seem to miss a beat with Mason running all over the Jets defense. The 49ers are likely going to draw this out all week, but fantasy managers who have McCaffrey rostered should get a backup plan ready for in case he does miss Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Michael Thomas (Saints), CB J.C. Jackson (Patriots) and DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (Cowboys) were reinstated from suspension on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts defensive back JuJu Brents (knee) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. It appears the young corner has suffered a season-ending knee injury. The organization isn't sure of the specifics of the injury, but it sounds like Brents is done for the season. This is a tough blow for the former second-round pick that only played in nine games last season due to injury. The Colts could be in a tough spot here without a ton of viable options in the secondary. It's likely that Samuel Womack or Dallis Flowers gets an extended look, but the loss of Brents is certainly a downgrade for this defensive unit.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills defensive end Dawuane Smoot (toe) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. It's a short week and it doesn't sound like Smoot is going to have enough time to get ready to play. He also sat out of the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The hope is that Smoot can rest during Thursday's game and be able to suit up for the Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former third-round pick is expected to be a rotational player on this defense. He has been a rotational player throughout most of his career, but he did record 36 tackles and six sacks in 16 games (10 starts) with the Jaguars in 2021. His absence is unlikely to have much of an impact on this defense.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back La'Mical Perine has been released by the organization on Tuesday. Perine joined the Packers a few weeks ago after getting cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of August. Perine was on the Packers practice squad, but they needed to move him in order to make room for tight end Johnny Lumpkin. Through three seasons, Perine has 340 rushing yards and two touchdowns between the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old will look to catch on elsewhere as a depth option.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Bryce Hall (ankle) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. This knocks him out for at least the next four games, but he's likely done for the rest of the season. The former fifth-round pick suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during the Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders. Hall signed with the Bucs this past offseason after playing the last four seasons with the New York Jets. He was expected to be a depth option in the secondary, but now his season is most likely over. In a corresponding move, the Bucs have signed defensive back Keegan Isaac who figures to take over Hall's role on defense.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent TE Geoff Swaim (Cardinals) is signing to the Cleveland Browns' practice squad, per source on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Phillips tore his Achilles during the 2023 season. The Dolphins have been managing his reps early in the season as a result. Phillips is a game-breaking pass rusher. He recorded one sack in Week 1 during the Dolphins' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins will need more excellent play out of Phillips in Week 2 if they have any hope of slowing down Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, Sept. 11, per sources.
From TheHuddle
The Carolina Panthers placed defensive end Derrick Brown (knee) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, and he will miss the rest of the 2024 season after injuring his knee in the season-opening loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Brown is expected to undergo a full repair of his meniscus. The former seventh overall pick in 2020 out of Auburn was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023, when he finished with a career-high 103 tackles (57 solo), two sacks, seen tackles for loss, 15 QB hits, an interception and six pass breakups in 17 starts for the Panthers. Carolina's season had already gotten off to a terrible start after getting blow out by the Saints in Week 1, and now they are losing their best pass-rusher heading into Week 2. Things are setting up for another long season in Carolina. Fantasy managers can obviously continue to avoid the Panthers defense/special teams unit.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry wasn't brought in to get 30 carries per game, head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday, Sept. 9. 'We didn't bring Derrick in here to be the guy that gets the ball 30 times a game,' Harbaugh said. 'He's done that before. That's really not the plan. The plan is Derrick, Lamar, Mark (Andrews), Isaiah (Likely), Zay (Flowers), Bate (Rashod Bateman) and Nelly (Nelson Agholor). That's kind of the plan in this offense going forward.'
Fantasy Spin: Henry wasn't necessarily expected to get the kinds of massive workloads he got in Tennessee, if for no other reason than Lamar Jackson takes a lot of carries himself, as he did in Week 1. The biggest concern for Henry was his lack of involvement on passing downs, which makes him reliant on game script to get a big workload. Henry remains a borderline RB1, but that will change if he proves to be touchdown-dependent.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will not be placed on the commissioner's exempt list following the latest sexual assault allegation against him, per source on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Ramsey has been battling the injury since before Week 1 but was able to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Ramsey is one of the defensive pillars for the Dolphins. His absence would significantly affect their ability to cover the Buffalo Bills' wide receivers this coming Thursday. However, given that he was able to play this past week, his limitations in practice are likely precautionary.
From RotoBaller