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
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb carried the ball 15 times for 39 yards and lost four yards on his lone reception in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. Chubb was quiet on an afternoon where the Browns fell behind early and had to pass the ball 46 times in comeback mode. The veteran tailback has struggled in his three games this season, posting just 113 yards and one touchdown on 42 carries. Settling in as an RB3 in fantasy, Chubb will be on bye in Week 10 before heading on the road to face off against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball twice for five yards while catching one of his three targets for two yards in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. Ford returned to the field after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury but was hardly used as Nick Chubb dominated the backfield work with 15 carries. Ford was an early-season value in fantasy but his lack of usage in the passing game in Week 9's lopsided loss is concerning as he operates as the team's third-down back when Chubb is active. He does not need to remain rostered in redraft leagues heading into a Week 10 bye.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson rushed 19 times for 86 yards and led his team in receptions for the second straight week after reeling in seven passes for 59 yards in Sunday's 27-21 victory over the Cowboys. The only thing missing was a touchdown, which was vultured by fellow back Tyler Allgeier who had just six carries on the day for 18 yards. The 22-year-old now has four consecutive games with over 100 total yards rushing and receiving, hovering right around the top five RBs for fantasy through the season's first nine weeks. Robinson's Week 10 opponent, the New Orleans Saints, just allowed two rushing touchdowns to Carolina's Chuba Hubbard on Sunday, totaling 10 rushing scores allowed on the season by New Orleans, which is tied for fourth-most in the NFL. With his continued involvement in the passing game, now with the second-most receptions (38) behind only Alvin Kamara (46), Robinson has a high weekly floor and is looking like an RB1 again next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman caught six of his 11 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. Tillman's touchdown came in garbage time as the Browns were down 27-3 when he hauled in a 17-yard score with 44 seconds left in the game. That being said, his performance against a lockdown Los Angeles secondary is encouraging moving forward. Tillman heads into his Week 10 bye with 24 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns, with most of that production coming over the past three games since Amari Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson posted his best fantasy performance of the season in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching three passes for 51 yards and a touchdown (the first of his career). Targeted six times, Johnson made his presence felt with a 35-yard grabthe longest play of the game for the Giantshighlighting his potential as a big-play option. Averaging a strong 17 yards per catch, he provided a downfield threat rarely seen from the tight end position on this roster. The rookie finished with 12.6 fantasy points, well above his previous season high of 7.3 in Week 5, Johnson may be earning more looks in the passing game as the Giants search for consistent playmakers.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have suspended Ezekiel Elliott one game. Dynasty Analysis: Elliott reportedly missed multiple team meetings this week, so the Cowboys had enough. Realistically, he's done next to nothing this season and is more of a luxury than a necessity at this point, and that luxury is more as a figurehead than anything else. Elliott has long since lost his burst and has turned into a bit of a roster clogger at this point.
Dynasty | Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton was a healthy scratch for the Bengals this week. Dynasty Analysis: The rookie wide receiver apparently missed Saturday's walkthough, so the Bengals decided he could miss Sunday's game as well. Burton has been a pretty big disappointment this season as the third round pick has just two catches for 88 yards on the season. He's still a decent hold in dynasty leagues, but any chance he had at contributing this season has long since evaporated and this won't help much.
Dynasty | Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was knocked out of Sunday's game with an apparent concussion. Dynasty Analysis: In what quickly turned into a scary scene, Olave was sandwiched by two defenders and crumpled quickly into the ground. Ironically, Olave went public with his consideration of wearing a guardian cap for today's game, but ultimately chose not to. He was taken to a local hospital but reportedly has movement in all of his extremities. It would be a surprise to see Olave back any time soon after this latest head injury.
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught seven of nine targets for 35 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. After catching just four passes over his last two games, Douglas bounced back with a high-volume showing against the Titans. The 23-year-old isn't a major threat for yardage, but his high target share gives him appeal as a solid WR3/FLEX option in PPR leagues. He's worthy of lineup consideration heading into Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton showcased his deep-threat ability again in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching all three of his targets for 49 yards with a solid 16.3 yards per reception. His longest catch went for 23 yards, giving the Giants a much-needed spark downfield, and he added 11 yards on a lone rushing attempt in the red zone. Slayton finished third on the team in receiving yards. Amid ongoing trade rumors, Slayton posted 7.5 fantasy points, potentially boosting his value to both the Giants and fantasy managers looking for a reliable flex option with big-play upside.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught seven of eight targets for 56 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The veteran pass-catcher has been impressive over the last four weeks, totaling 23 catches, 234 yards, one touchdown, and 52.4 fantasy points (PPR) during that span. He has built a strong rapport with Drake Maye and will rank as a solid low-end fantasy TE1 heading into his Week 10 battle versus the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson struggled to make an impact in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, recording just three receptions for 10 yards on four targets. Robinson's afternoon could have looked different if not for a penalty that wiped a touchdown off the board, leaving him without a score and frustrating fantasy managers. His 10-yard longest catch accounted for all his receiving yardage, with a disappointing 3.3 yards per reception otherwise. Finishing with just 2.5 fantasy points, Robinson's role remains limited, and he'll need more volume or a trip to the end zone to offer real fantasy value going forward.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins led his team to a 27-21 victory over the Cowboys on Sunday, completing 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. The interceptions were somewhat of a problem earlier in the season, throwing seven of them over the Falcons' first seven games, but now has a 7:0 TD:INT over the last two contests. Averaging 234 yards passing per game on the season, the 36-year-old will get another favorable matchup in Week 10 versus the Saints who have lost six in a row and allowed no less than 23 points in each of those contests. As such, Cousins figures to be a borderline QB1/2 next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne converted six targets into four catches for 41 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This was easily his best performance through four games this season. While the veteran helped contribute to a team effort, he might have also been boosting his stock on the trade market. Bourne's name has surfaced in trade rumors lately, and a four-catch, 41-yard showing might catch the attention of some rival teams prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. For now, Bourne lacks significant fantasy appeal, but a trade could change that.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries during Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. He also caught each of his three targets for an additional 26 yards through the air. Pollard essentially had the backfield to himself on Sunday, and despite missing all three practices this week, he was able to handle a very heavy workload against New England. The 27-year-old hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, but his impressive efficiency, volume, and receiving skills keep him in the fantasy RB2 range for next week's clash against the Los Angeles Chargers.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the team in carries once again in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, solidifying his role as the primary back over Devin Singletary. Tracy Jr. rushed for 66 yards on a steady 4.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 10 yards that showcased his ability to gain tough yards. Although he didn't find the end zone and caught only one pass for 3 yards, Tracy Jr.'s workload suggests he's entrenched as the starter. Finishing with 7.4 fantasy points, he may not have hit high-scoring numbers, but his consistent touches make him a solid option for fantasy managers seeking reliable volume.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 20 of 33 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. He also took one sack and rushed for 19 yards. Rudolph wasn't perfect, but he had his first game this year with multiple passing touchdowns and has also thrown for over 200 yards three weeks in a row. With that said, Rudolph may lose his starting job if Will Levis (right shoulder) is healthy enough to play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers provided a second-half spark in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, finishing with nine receptions for 59 yards on 11 targets. After being shut out with zero receiving yards in the first half, Nabers became a reliable target in the final two quarters, helping the Giants stay competitive down the stretch. Although he averaged a modest 6.6 yards per catch with a 16-yard longest reception, his volume was crucial as the Giants tried to close the gap. Nabers ended the day with 10.4 fantasy points, showing value as a high-floor option despite missing the end zone in this outing.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was highly inefficient on the ground Sunday, rushing for just 16 yards on 10 carries against the Tennessee Titans. However, he was able to salvage his fantasy performance with one rushing touchdown, one receiving touchdown, five catches, and 38 receiving yards. Stevenson was responsible for both of the Patriots' touchdowns Sunday, one of which was a score as time expired in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Stevenson now has seven touchdowns this year, including four over the last two weeks. If he can continue to catch passes and score points, the 26-year-old will be a respectable RB2 option in fantasy football. He faces the Chicago Bears next week.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz took the backseat in Week 9 as he brought in his lone target for five yards. This was his lowest output of the season, and snapped a three-game streak where he topped double-digit PPR points in each outing. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned, as the Commanders were in the lead the entire afternoon and did not need Jayden Daniels to push the ball downfield as often. The veteran tight end remains a low-end TE1 heading into Week 10 as he has averaged 7.3 targets in his past four games entering Week 9.
From RotoBaller
