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
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is a healthy scratch for Sunday night's game against the Giants. The rookie looked good during the preseason. However, he has just one catch through the first five weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Instead, Trenton Irwin will suit up, although he likely won't get much action with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas in the mix.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may not have lit up the fantasy scoreboard like he did the past few weeks, but he moved the offense enough for a 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. The two-time MVP finished the game with 323 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 20-for-26 throwing while adding 40 yards on the ground with 11 carries. This game marks his second 300-passing-yard game in a row and his fourth in a row with a passer rating of 114 or higher. Jackson and the Ravens will get an extra day of rest as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 31 attempts for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 41-21 victory on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year tossed first-quarter touchdowns to wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon, the first receiving scores of the season for both players, and found wide receiver Stefon Diggs for another touchdown in the third quarter. It was another efficient outing for Stroud, who has spurred a talented offense to a 5-1 start. The second-year quarterback will look to keep the momentum going in Week 7 at Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin is active for Sunday's meeting with the Giants. The 26-year-old has played in just two games this season but has been a healthy scratch in other contests. Instead, Jermaine Burton will take a seat in Week 6. However, with Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Andrei Iosivas on the field, along with Zack Moss (ankle) and Chase Brown (quadriceps) cleared for action, Irwin isn't expected to get much playing time. The same would have been true for Burton.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (quadriceps) is officially active for Sunday Night Football versus the Giants. He's been on a roll of late, amassing three touchdowns in the last two contests. But there was some concern regarding his availability once he appeared on the injury report and was listed as questionable. Fortunately, he's good to go. While Zack Moss (ankle) will also be in the equation, both players have been involved to remain relevant for fantasy managers, making them flex options (at the very least) in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin finished with game highs of 11 receptions, 125 yards and 13 targets in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, and he had touchdowns of four and 55 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin has five or more receptions in all six games this season, he has scored five times, and he has managed two 100-yard games. He has posted low-end WR1 fantasy numbers in most formats. He'll look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Zack Moss (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The 26-year-old injured his ankle in the Week 5 overtime loss to the Ravens. As a result, he missed practice time during the week. Fortunately, Moss is good to go, and even with Chase Brown (quadriceps) also active, both men are at least flex options in any fantasy format.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) stated he is "going to be good" after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Colts. However, he acknowledged the severity of the injury, indicating that it prevented him from returning even if he wanted to. Spears finished the day by totaling 27 yards off six carries, although Tony Pollard had one of his best games of the season by going for 93 yards and a touchdown off 17 touches. Spears will likely undergo further testing. He may also miss practice time heading into the Week 7 matchup with the Bills. If he can't go for that one, Pollard will likely see more opportunities out of the backfield, with Julius Chestnut picking up the scraps.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield completed 24-of-36 passes for 325 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, while adding 29 rushing yards on three attempts.
Fantasy Spin: It was Mayfield's second straight game with three or more touchdown throws, and he has totaled three scores in three consecutive outings. He also has a pair of 300-yard showings in the past three contests. Don't look now, but Mayfield can be trusted as a low-end TE1 in most fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams. The Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night in Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz caught four passes for 27 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Schultz has been targeted at five times in each of the last four games but has been held to under 35 yards in each of those games. He should see a handful of targets next week but can be benched in fantasy leagues if players have better options available.
From TheHuddle
The Cincinnati Bengals have declared DL Lawrence Guy, TE Tanner McLachlan, OT Andrew Stueber, DT Jay Tufele, WR Jermaine Burton and DE Cedric Johnson inactive for Week 6.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (knee) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. The veteran injured his knee early in the second half and immediately went to the locker room after a brief stop in the medical tent. Slay, one of the team's top defenders, was replaced in the contest by Isaiah Rodgers, who had played just nine defensive snaps this season. The team will likely get an update soon on his condition. But his potential absence isn't ideal for a Philadelphia team that has struggled at times this season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd ended up with three receptions for 19 yards on three targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd is the third receiver on a team with a bad quarterback, and that's never good for fantasy appeal. He should be treated as a more of a WR5 in most fantasy leagues until further notice.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley was targeted a team-high eight times in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, but he was held without a reception.
Fantasy Spin: Yuck. QB Will Levis tried to get the ball to Ridley early and often, but they were unable to get on the same page at any point. Levis has been pretty bad from a fantasy perspective, and he is killing the appeal of his received like Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd in the process. Unless a change is made under center, Ridley's fantasy ceiling seems rather limited.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans WR Stefon Diggs caught six passes for 77 yards and one touchdown against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted seven times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Diggs has been playing very well over the last month and has posted at least 69 yards in each of the last four games. He should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) was carted off the field in Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old entered Week 6 with 6.5 sacks, the most in the National Football League. He recorded another on Sunday. Unfortunately, his latest sack may cost him some time, especially since he immediately grabbed his leg afterward and was placed in an aircast before leaving the field. This isn't a good situation for the Lions, so IDP managers will anxiously await an update, which will likely come soon.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon rushed for 102 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He also caught two passes for 30 yards and one touchdown during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon returned to the lineup this week after missing multiple games because of injury. He was productive in both the running and passing games against the Patriots and should be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins went for 54 receiving yards on four catches on six targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins did pretty well considering his quarterback threw for less than 100 yards. You can imagine what the stats for the other receivers look like. Hopkins still has plenty left in the tank, but the clock is ticking, and he is wasting away in Nashville with a less-than-stellar QB. He remains more of a WR3 in most fantasy leagues heading into Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The veteran suffered a groin injury and will finish the week without a catch. Considering he hasn't done anything relevant this season, his departure likely won't cause panic for most fantasy managers. But his absence could at least allow Will Dissly to see a few more targets during the game.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Agholor caught one pass for 25 yards against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. He was targeted three times during the game.
From TheHuddle
