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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7
- 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (hip) could miss game vs. Chiefs
- Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) returns to practice
- Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) formally inactive vs. Broncos
- Bucs star WR Mike Evans (hamstring) misses practice
- Jets WR Mike Williams (personal reasons) misses second practice
- Giants star WR Malik Nabers clears concussion protocol
- Eagles DT Jalen Carter, CB Darius Slay miss practice
- Saints WR Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for season after surgery
- Browns plan to leave Cleveland, build domed stadium in suburbs
- Week 7 TNF: Broncos-Saints Preview, Props, Prediction
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) returns to practice
- Bucs owners double hurricane-relief donation to $2M
- Billionaire Tom Gores buys 27 percent of Chargers, ends sibling squabble
- Steelers' Justin Fields takes blame; OC hints at divide in pending QB call
- Bills bring in competition for struggling K Tyler Bass
- Chargers, Steelers, Saints inquire about WR Mike Williams
- Titans to grant S Jamal Adams' request for release
- New part-owner Tom Brady visits Raiders' facility
- Soaring NFL ratings suffer second straight dip in Week 6
- Vikings LB Blake Cashman (turf toe) expected out vs. Lions
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 7 | Make Way For Drake Maye
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 7 Preview
- Fantasy Life: Week 7 Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Marvin Harrison Jr. Is A Go
- Fantasy Life: Lots of Games To Attack In Week 7
- Fantasy Life: An Action-Packed Sunday Afternoon For Betting
- Fantasy Life: Week 7 Sunday Night Football Best Bets: Aaron Rodgers Takeoff
- Fantasy Life: Time To Make a Trade ...
The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (illness) is questionable to return against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He was involved in the first half but then exited around halftime. At the time of his departure, he had caught two of three targets for 14 yards. Douglas was Drake Maye's favorite target last week, but the rookie quarterback will now turn to tight end Hunter Henry as his preferred option in the passing game. Kayshon Boutte and Ja'Lynn Polk should also see additional opportunities with Douglas on the sideline.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. He's widely viewed as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver but has actually been more productive than Michael Pittman Jr. over the last three weeks. We'll see whether that holds true this Sunday as the Colts return to a healthy Anthony Richardson under center. Richardson replacing Joe Flacco is less than ideal for all of the Colts' receivers, but Downs is still talented enough to be a reliable fantasy WR3 on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Pittman averaged 3.7 catches, 29.3 yards, and zero touchdowns per game with Anthony Richardson under center, and those averages jumped to 4.7 catches, 61.7 yards, and 0.7 touchdowns when Joe Flacco replaced the injured Richardson. Now that Richardson is healthy and has reclaimed his starting job, we'll see whether Pittman can keep up his hot stretch of games. Even if the passing offense does take a step backward under Richardson, Pittman is still talented enough to be deployed as a fantasy WR3/FLEX.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Pierce is listed third on the depth chart even though he leads the team in receiving yards this season. This is a direct product of the 24-year-old's big-play upside, which has allowed him to explode in some games while being somewhat of a non-factor in others. Pierce is one of the only Colts receivers who seems to have played better while catching passes from Anthony Richardson rather than Joe Flacco this year, so perhaps Richardson's return to the lineup this week is good news for the Cincinnati product. Still, he ranks outside the top 36 fantasy receivers for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring, personal) is officially active for Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. He had been listed as questionable after missing practice on Friday, and it's unclear whether the hamstring injury or the personal matter was the reason for his designation heading into the weekend. Regardless, Beckham is going to suit up this week as the Dolphins' No. 3 receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He's off the fantasy radar, especially now that Miami's passing attack is struggling with Tyler Huntley under center.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (calf) is officially active for Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable, and there was real doubt about his availability for Sunday's game. In the end, though, he'll suit up as the No. 2 running back behind James Cook. Davis is coming off the best game of his young career when he broke free for 152 scrimmage yards on 23 touches when Cook was sidelined. Now that Cook is back, Davis' volume will be scaled back. He'll still earn some touches, but not enough to justify starting him in 12-team leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles have declared TE Dallas Goedert, OG Darian Kinnard, QB Tanner McKee, OG Trevor Keegan, CB Eli Ricks and DL Byron X. Young inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
The Indianapolis Colts have declared RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Anthony Gould, LB E.J. Speed, LB Genard Avery, QB Sam Ehlinger, DB Chris Lammons and OG Danny Pinter inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (groin) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. This is good news for the Browns backfield that will be without Jerome Ford (hamstring) this weekend. However, Nick Chubb (knee) should be back in the mix and be the primary back for Week 7. It's worth noting that this would be Chubb's first game back since suffering that horrible season-ending knee injury last year. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Browns limit Chubb during his first game back. That being said, Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. should both be in the mix in the backfield. Foreman has seen 19 carries over the last two weeks, which is solid for a backup. However, he hasn't offered much fantasy value, so fantasy managers should consider him a desperation option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III saw his stats take a dip during last week's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McCloud finished with a season-high 66 yards in Week 5, but was only able to haul in three receptions for 30 yards last week. He remains third or even fourth on the pecking order, which doesn't guarantee solid weekly value. McCloud should still see a handful of targets as he has been thrown to five times or more in four of his first six games this season. Fantasy managers should consider McCloud a low-end flex option for Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Palmer suffered a concussion in Week 4 and as a result he has missed each of the last two games. It sounds like Palmer still needs to clear concussion protocol, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without him for at least one more game. Sterling Shepard figures to move into the WR3 role if Palmer is unable to play. He has seven receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown over the last three games. However, Shepard won't be a recommended fantasy option for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Monday's Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Vea popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to a hamstring issue. The loss of Vea would be a significant hit to this defensive unit. The 29-year-old is one of the better run stopping tackles in the league. He has 12 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks in five games this season. Greg Gaines would likely be asked to step in and start if Vea is unable to go. The Bucs are likely going to wait until Monday to decide on whether or not Vea will play.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) is expected to suit up for Week 7 despite being listed as questionable coming into this game. Simmons has missed time in practice this week, but appears to still be in good enough shape to play. The All-Pro safety has 23 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception in six games this season. The absence of Simmons would likely mean that Richie Grant would get the start at strong safety. The loss of Simmons would be a significant hit to this secondary, but it sounds like Simmons is in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is not expected to play in Week 7's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple sources. However, he is still likely to participate in pregame warmups before the team makes a final decision about him.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week. He is one of the league's better receivers when healthy and should be a starting lineup option in fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet has taken a backseat in the backfield over the last few games. Charbonnet has rushed the ball five times or less in each of the last three games. The 23-year-old has seen a limited role with Kenneth Walker III healthy right now. Charbonnet has been able to get involved in the receiving game, but it's not enough to save his fantasy value. He's unlikely to see a significant role against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Charbonnet is worth stashing but really only has reliable fantasy value if Walker misses time.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the Detroit Lions, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Jones had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in the team's final two practice sessions of the week. He is only two weeks removed from a performance where he had seven catches for 130 yards so fantasy owners should feel good about using him as a WR3 option in their lineups.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (illness) has been added to the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Benson popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to an illness and is now uncertain to play on Monday. The rookie back has been quiet this season outside of one 50-yard performance. If active, Benson still isn't a viable fantasy option for Week 7. However, his absence would likely mean that Emari Demercado takes over as the primary backup to James Conner. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to the waiver wire to add Demercado considering Conner is likely going to see the bulk of the carries.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is active ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Campbell has missed the last four games while being on the injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, Campbell was able to practice this week and has been activated ahead of this contest in London. The 24-year-old has been limited to one game this season, but is a difference maker when healthy. Campbell should resume his role as the top defensive back on this team which should give the Jaguars defense a boost on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have activated running back Nick Chubb. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will make his much-anticipated return in week seven against the Bengals. His presence will be a welcome one by a Browns team that's 1-5 and flailing miserably. Cleveland traded Amari Cooper this week and Deshaun Watson looks like an absolute shell of himself, so anything the Browns get from Chubb will be important. Dynasty managers should be cautious as his role is likely not going to be a huge one for a few weeks. Still, it will certainly be nice to see him back after last year's gruesome injury.
