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
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson reeled in 6-of-10 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson scored his third touchdown in the last four games in this one and led his team in every significant receiving category. Since quarterback Andy Dalton took over as Carolina's signal-caller in Week 3, the 28-year-old has done as such in 3-of-4 contests and is the PPR WR5 over that stretch. He'll look to keep it rolling in an enticing Week 7 road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Their defense has registered just one interception on the season and entered Week 6 tied with the Panthers for the most passing touchdowns let up to opposing offenses (11).
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard rushed 18 times for 91 yards in the team's 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, adding 11 yards through the air and five receptions on eight targets. It was another effective day for Hubbard, while the only thing missing from his stat line was a trip to the end zone. It's the fourth-straight game for the 25-year-old with at least 92 yards on the ground and the fifth in a row with at least four receptions. Since Week 3, the Oklahoma State product's 82.8 PPR fantasy points are second only to Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Hubbard has a favorable Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders and can continue to be fired up as a strong RB2 while Carolina's backfield is his.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton completed 26-of-38 passes for 221 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to their division-rival Atlanta Falcons. He threw two touchdowns and two interceptions and rushed three times for 21 yards. It was another underwhelming performance for the Red Rifle, who has thrown at least one pick in his last three outings, leading Carolina to its third-straight loss. The more of a sample we see from him, the more that his 300-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 3 looks like the anomaly. He'll have a chance to turn it around in a solid Week 7 road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Still, one has to wonder how much longer it is until we see second-year QB Bryce Young regain control of the offense.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers recorded one sack, one interception, two forced and recovered fumbles, and a blocked punt while surrendering 13 points to the Las Vegas Raiders in a Week 6 win. Once again, it was DPOY candidate T.J. Watt leading the charge, forcing both fumbles by Las Vegas ballcarriers. Defensive back Donte Jackson logged his third interception of the campaign on an overthrow by quarterback Aidan O'Connell in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh was still missing linebackers Alex Highsmith (groin) and Nick Herbig (hamstring) but is expected to have the former back in time for a Week 7 clash with the New York Jets. Fantasy managers should continue to roll with the Steelers DST in most weeks this season.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (tibia) will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after undergoing emergency surgery Sunday to repair a compound fracture, per Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Hutchinson suffered the injury while sacking quarterback Dak Prescott in the Lions' 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The third-year defensive standout completed the sack but immediately grabbed his leg upon hitting the ground and was carted off the field in an air cast. He'll now spend the night in a local Dallas hospital. It's a massive blow to Detroit's defense, as the 24-year-old led the league in sacks (6.5) entering Week 6 and is a formidable game-breaker off the edge. Defensive end Isaac Ukwu figures to pick up snaps with the injury to Hutchinson, and Detroit may seek help elsewhere with no other healthy defensive ends on the roster. The Lions will get a road matchup in Week 7 against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made all five of his kicks in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos. Dicker tried three field goals, making them all while also adding two extra points. His field goals came from 20, 33, and 46 yards out. He remains one of the most consistent kickers inside 50 yards and with the way the Chargers offense is going, he could continue to get several chances to score per game. He'll be a top-12 option more weeks than he won't be, and should be rostered in most formats that still have a K spot in the lineup.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal scored the first touchdown of his NFL career in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos. Vidal ran the ball four times, gaining 11 yards. He was targeted twice in the passing game and made the most of it, scoring a 38-yard touchdown and gaining 40 yards total through the air. Vidal only got six touches total, but his workload should be going up after this solid performance and with Gus Edwards (ankle) now on IR. J.K. Dobbins will clearly be the RB1 on the Chargers offense, but Vidal should work his way into the main backup role before long. He should be picked up off waivers wherever he's available.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey was in and out of Week 6's win over the Denver Broncos, but appears to have escaped the game without a serious lasting injury. Several times, McConkey was forced to the sideline only to return to the game later on. In total, he was targeted eight times, making four catches for 43 yards. He led the team in targets and catches, falling one yard behind the team lead in receiving yards. McConkey has proven to be the WR1 on this offense, but it will continue to be a run-first unit that severely limits the upside of any pass catcher on the roster.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled four field goal attempts and converted on both of his extra-point tries in a 32-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Boswell followed up a quiet showing in Week 5 with his best fantasy performance since Pittsburgh's season opener. He nailed his longest field goal of the day, a 52-yarder, on the Steelers' first possession of the contest and proceeded to hit from 49, 37, and 36 yards out. The 33-year-old is in the midst of a stellar campaign with 16 field goals on 17 attempts and 10 extra points on as many tries. Although he is producing like an every-week fantasy starter, there will likely be more games in which Boswell is limited by Pittsburgh's offense. One such outing could be in Week 7 against a tough New York Jets defense.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught two of his three targets for 16 yards in a 32-13 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Freiermuth was on a two-game touchdown streak heading into the contest but failed to extend it. He came up short of making a significant impact in the passing game with his lowest reception and yardage totals of the campaign. The fourth-year pro is maintaining a role in the offense, but it is difficult to project him for weekly fantasy success with Pittsburgh's passing attack struggling to find its footing. That's unlikely to change in a difficult matchup against the New York Jets in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott converted two of his three field goal attempts and nailed both extra-point tries during the team's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. After three straight down weeks for the 29-year-old, he was able to give fantasy managers a solid performance even with a blocked field goal attempt that turned into a touchdown. The Eagles offense is still going for it at a high rate on fourth down, leading to frustrating results for fantasy managers. With that said, the Eagles' next three matchups are against the New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, and Jacksonville Jaguars. None of those defenses are scary by any means, and the Eagles offense should be able to get into scoring range often. Elliott will be on the streaming radar again next week.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins scored a touchdown in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos. Dobbins has been operating as the team's lead back, and that will be even more true now with Gus Edwards (ankle) being placed on IR. Dobbins ran the ball 25 times, gaining 96 yards and scoring a touchdown on a four-yard run in the second quarter. He was also targeted twice in the passing game, making two catches for a total of six yards. While his per carry average wasn't excellent, Dobbins got RB1 volume and did well enough against a strong defense. He'll continue as a solid starting option in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught three of four targets for 64 yards and a touchdown during the team's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. The former Heisman winner recorded his lowest target share of the season but salvaged his fantasy performance with a 45-yard touchdown catch in the 4th quarter that gave the Eagles the lead and ultimately the win. Smith still tied for second on the team in targets and had a solid fantasy outing. Philadelphia was on the field defensively more than they would have liked, leading to just 25 pass attempts for the offense. Starting tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) left early in the first quarter and did not return. The No. 2 spot in the target pecking order is firmly in possession of Smith, and he will be a locked and loaded WR2 next week when the Eagles travel to New York to take on the rival Giants.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra caught all four of his targets for 67 yards during the team's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. The 25-year-old showed off some impressive ball skills and some explosiveness in relief of starting tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) who left early in the first quarter of the ball game and never returned. Calcaterra took a short pass early in the second quarter for 34 yards and made a few impressive snags on his way to a solid fantasy performance. The 25-year-old is entering year three with the Eagles offense and has shown flashes in the past. With no timetable on Goedert's potential return, fantasy managers may want to look Calcaterra's way after he proved to fill in admirably for the veteran starter. He will be on the streaming radar against the rival New York Giants next week if Goedert is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in three of eight targets for 53 yards in a Week 6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Pickens was the subject of much discussion heading into the contest after seeing limited playing time in Week 5. He once again was the favorite target of quarterback Justin Fields and managed to lead the Steelers in receiving on Sunday. Still, he dropped a few passes and underwhelmed relative to expectations as the team's clear WR1. The 23-year-old came down with a deep ball from Fields late in the fourth quarter for a 31-yard gain, but this was with the game well in hand. He'll hope to turn things around next week at home against the New York Jets.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert led his team to a 23-16 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 6. Herbert finally shed his injury designation for an injured ankle and looked healthy in this one, attempting 34 passes and completing 21 of them for 237 yards and a touchdown. He did not throw an interception, but took three sacks, losing 15 yards. He also fumbled, but it was recovered by the Chargers. His touchdown came on a 38-yard pass to Kimani Vidal in the first quarter. Herbert and the Bolts will play on Monday Night Football in Week 7 against the Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown caught six of nine targets for 116 yards and a touchdown during the team's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. The star receiver made his first start since Week 1 of the regular season and did not disappoint, fighting for the ball in tight coverage and breaking multiple tackles on his way to a solid fantasy performance. His highlight catch came in the second quarter when he caught a 22-yard touchdown in a scrap to maintain procession from the defender. It was a typical A.J. Brown performance against a solid Browns pass defense. The 27-year-old will look ahead to next week when the team goes on the road to take on the division-rival New York Giants. Brown will be a top-tier play again in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled six carries for seven yards and caught all three of his targets for 11 receiving yards in a 32-13 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Warren, who had missed the past two weeks with a knee injury, failed to deliver much in the way of production as backfield mate Najee Harris enjoyed his best game of the season. Harris appears to still have a strong hold on RB1 duties in Pittsburgh, but Warren should see an uptick in utilization in the coming weeks. While the 25-year-old is worth rostering in most fantasy formats, he cannot be trusted in starting lineups until he is given a notable role in the offense. A home bout with the New York Jets is on tap for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns, adding 14 carries for 33 yards during the team's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. With both of his top weapons back at full strength, the 26-year-old had a much better outing than his previous three showings. The offense was still a bit slow to start, but Hurts was able to lead the Eagles on a scoring drive in the first quarter for the first time all season. Perhaps even more important than the solid passing total was his zero in the turnover department. Hurts has struggled with turning the ball over in 2024, but held onto the ball this week and completed some tough throws through tight coverage, especially to star receiver A.J. Brown. The Eagles signal caller did lose starting tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) on the first drive of this game and could be without him for a few weeks. With that said, Grant Calcaterra stepped in and showed off his explosiveness a few times against Cleveland, so there are capable hands ready to fill in for the veteran. Hurts will go on the road to face the division-rival New York Giants in Week 7 and should be considered a high-end QB1 in that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris turned 14 carries into 106 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 16 yards on two targets in the team's Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Harris broke free for a 36-yard scamper in the third quarter that resulted in his first trip to the end zone this season. After struggling with efficiency through the first five weeks, Harris gained 7.57 yards per carry on Sunday for a new career-high. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren ran clearly behind Harris and failed to make much of an impact in his first game back from a knee injury. Fantasy managers who have been relying on Harris' workload should be thrilled to see it translate to actual production this week. While it may be difficult for him to find similar success against the New York Jets in Week 7, Harris should remain a volume-based RB2 moving forward.
From RotoBaller
