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 Starts/Sits: Week 6
The Cleveland Browns D/ST turned in a solid effort in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Cleveland notched one sack and got a 50-yard touchdown return from Rodney McLeod Jr. on a blocked field goal. The Browns were solid against a good Eagles offense, holding them to two touchdowns and two field goals in the close loss. The Browns were led by McLeod, who in addition to scoring the team's only touchdown, notched eight solo tackles and also broke up a pass. The Browns defense will have another tough task on hand in Week 7 as they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs found the end zone twice in the Packers' 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. After a Week 5 where Doubs was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, Doubs put up a three-catch, 49-yard effort on four targets plus two touchdown catches from quarterback Jordan Love in Week 6. Doubs' first score came in the second quarter with a 10-yard snag on the sideline where he dove to get the ball across the goal line. The second touchdown came on a pressured blitz where Love throw a pass on his back foot and Doubs adjusted to make the catch and get across the goal line. With the Packers staying home and hosting the Houston Texans in Week 7, consider Doubs a flex option for fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught five of his seven targets for 31 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Njoku has dealt with ankle and knee injuries this season but he ultimately suited up while leading the team in targets and catches in the close loss to Philly. The Browns haven't gotten much out of any of their receivers this season so the opportunity for Njoku to become a big part of the Cleveland offense is there. Njoku will look to keep it going in Week 7 when he heads back home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made three of his four field goals and added an extra point in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Hopkins hit field goals from 43, 49, and 31 yards out while missing from 52 yards out in the close loss. The veteran kicker has been a reliable source of points for the Browns in 2024, hitting 10 of his 12 field-goal tries and adding seven extra points. Hopkins will look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert went 3-for-4 on attempts and 2-for-2 on extra points in their Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Seibert converted on his first 50+ yard attempt as a Commander from 55 yards out. Seibert's only miss was from 52 yards out, as the kick was blocked. The 27-year-old journeyman has missed only one field goal attempt since moving to the DMV in Week 2. Given how productive the Commanders offense has been, Seibert is worth adding in all formats, as he should have another productive afternoon next weekend, facing the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He initially exited early in the first quarter and did not return. At the time of his departure, he had registered one pass defended. Surtain has been dominant so far this year, so his absence is bad news for Denver in this week's divisional battle with the Chargers. Tremon Smith and Levi Wallace should see additional opportunities for the remainder of Week 6 and until Surtain can return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Upon returning from a hamstring injury, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce had his best game in more than a year during a 41-21 victory at New England, finishing with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. The third-year back also added one catch for one yard, but compiled most of his fantasy points on a 54-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Sunday marked the Florida product's highest rushing total since going for 81 yards in Week 4 of the 2023 season. Running back Joe Mixon is still the clear top option in Houston, so Pierce's usage with a big lead against a bad team could be an aberration. Houston will take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, the young pass-catcher had caught two passes for 14 yards. Josh Palmer and Ladd McConkey should see additional opportunities with Johnston sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels went 24-for-35 with 269 yards and two scores in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He added 22 yards on six rushing attempts and did not throw an interception. This was a season-high passing total for the former second-overall pick, but he could not win his fifth-straight game. Daniels found his top wideout, Terry McLaurin, for two scores in the red zone. Fantasy managers should continue to start Daniels in all formats as he takes on the Carolina Panthers next weekend, who have allowed the 25th-most points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler had a poor showing on the ground as he ran for only 21 yards on nine carries in Week 6. Ekeler was pushed to the top of the depth chart with Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) inactive but did not produce a high rushing total. Fortunately, Ekeler salvaged his fantasy day in the receiving game as he caught four passes (off of five targets) for 47 yards. Even as the lead back, Ekeler showcased his value in PPR formats but remains a tough player to trust in standard leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to view the 29-year-old as a low-end flex player in PPR leagues heading into Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love accounted for all four touchdowns as the Packers handily defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 in Week 6. Love tossed four touchdowns and was 22-of-32 for 258 yards while adding 13 rushing yards on the ground. Love got the scoring started with a five-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed in the first quarter, and then got the returning Romeo Doubs involved with a 10-yard touchdown. With a 44-yard strike to Christian Watson and a second touchdown to Doubs in the third quarter, Love was on the money with his wide receivers all day and fantasy managers had to be smiling. With Love's quality outing, there's no doubt that he should be considered anything other than a must-start fantasy option as the Packers stay home to host the incoming Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught six of his seven targets for 53 yards and two scores in their Week 6 loss. McLaurin had a modest day from a yardage standpoint but made an impact in the red zone as he caught both a seven and a six-yard pass for scores. After getting off to a slow start to the season, the Ohio State product has now eclipsed double-digit PPR points in every game since Week 3 and has emerged as a solid WR2. McLaurin should remain locked into all lineups heading into Week 7, as he faces a Carolina defense that has surrendered the 26th-most points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown saw a team-high eight targets in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Brown was able to bring in four of them for 58 yards. After sitting out in Week 5 due to a groin injury, Brown continued to stake his claim to the No.2 role. In addition, his eight targets were a new season-high for him, as his previous high was four, which he saw in Week 4. Daniels consistently looked Brown's way in all situations throughout the afternoon. Fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should consider adding Brown this week, as he should continue to build a connection with his rookie QB as the season progresses.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught four of his five targets for a team-high 68 yards in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. This was a nice bounce-back effort for the veteran tight end, as he caught just two passes last weekend. From Weeks 1-to-4, Ertz caught at least three passes. Despite the lack of upside, fantasy managers should continue to count on Ertz for a reasonable "floor" output every week, making him a low-end TE1 in deeper formats. The 33-year-old should have another productive game next weekend when the Commanders play host to the Carolina Panthers, who have a struggling secondary.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solidly involved in the Packers' 34-13 victory against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Jacobs took 18-of-29 running back carries on the afternoon for 62 rushing yards. He also caught all three of his targets on day for 29 yards, to account for the most total yards of any skill-position player on the team. All four offensive scores came via the pass from Jordan Love, but the run was utilized heavily as the team had a total of 38 rushes to 32 pass attempts. Jacobs' workhorse role was slightly in question with Emanuel Wilson's emergence but after Love returned, Wilson has merely spelled Jacobs. The Packers stay home in Week 7 to match up with the Houston Texans, where Jacobs will be a low-end RB1 for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
After what has been a frustrating start to the season, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell broke out Sunday at New England with seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown on a team-high nine targets. The second-year receiver was involved early, finishing Houston's first drive with a two-yard touchdown reception, his first scoring play of the season. Houston will be without star wide receiver Nico Collins for at least three more weeks, so Dell's usage at New England could be a preview of the weeks to come. The former Houston Cougar will look for more production when the Texans travel to Green Bay in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper caught four of his six targets for 42 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Cooper turned in another pedestrian outing in the loss to the Eagles as he has been held to 42 yards or fewer in four of his six games played and has gone over 10.0 PPR fantasy points just once all season. The veteran wide receiver's name has come up as a possible trade candidate with the Browns sitting at 1-5 on the season and a trade to a contender could be a path to unlocking some fantasy value for Cooper for the remainder of the season. As it stands, he will be a boom/bust WR3 heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught one of his three targets for a 35-yard gain in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Jeudy was quiet for most of the game but his 35-yard catch helped to set up a 31-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal with 3:57 left in the fourth quarter. The veteran receiver has shown some promise this season but he will continue to be tough to trust with Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland offense struggling to move the ball. Jeudy will not be a strong fantasy option heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns RB D'Onta Foreman rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. He also caught two passes for 16 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Foreman shared playing with several other running back during the game but led the team in carries. His role for Week 7 is uncertain because of Jerome Ford's injury but could be a flex option in some deeper leagues if receives most of the work at running back.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner rushed seven times for just 24 yards in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. He added four receptions for 22 yards on five targets.
Fantasy Spin: Conner has been putting up some strong number this season, putting him in the borderline low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 neighborhood, but that certainly wasn't the case in Week 6. He'll look to bounce back in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. Treat him as more of a RB2 for that one.
From TheHuddle
