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 Pick Em Picks: Week 6
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 6
- Jaguars S Andre Cisco criticizes defensive effort vs. Bears
- Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson suffers serious leg injury
- Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II (concussion) exits vs. Chargers
- CB Darius Slay among three Eagles starters out with injuries
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. out with concussion
- Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out vs. Bucs
- Colts' Joe Flacco to start vs. Titans
- Ravens vs. Commanders: Betting Trends, Prop Picks, Prediction
- Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers downgraded to doubtful
- Chargers put CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB Gus Edwards on IR
- Lions sign RB David Montgomery to extension through 2027
- Jets rule out CB Michael Carter II, LB C.J. Mosley could return
- Roger Goodell talks kickoff rules, Super Bowl outside U.S.
- Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) out vs. Ravens
- Steelers RB Jaylen Warren in vs. Raiders; DE DeMarvin Leal on IR
- Jaguars owner on Doug Pederson, GM: 'I still believe in them'
- Bills coach: RB James Cook (toe) to be questionable vs. Jets
- Giants to sign P Matt Haack as injury sub
- 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall returning to practice after shooting
- NFL, NFLPA back Josh Allen's concussion check
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Early Rookie Check-Up | Jayden Daniels and Brock Bowers Excelling
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 6 | Shake Rattler and Roll
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 6 Preview
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Sunday Night Football: Giants vs. Bengals
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Best Bet: Are You on Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos?
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Anthony Richardson Sits
- Fantasy Life: Injuries Force More Week 6 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Sunday Blitz 2.0: Notes For The Week 6 4 PM Slate
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 NFL DFS Plays: Top Stack, Values, and More
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman continues to be heavily involved in the passing game this year. During the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders, Bateman registered four catches for 71 yards on four targets. He was tied for the second-most targets with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. He's on pace for a career-high in receiving yards and has already tied his career-high for touchdowns in a single season. He also has his second-best yards per target right now with 9.2. Bateman will try to get back into the end zone in Week 7 on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 14 of his 24 pass attempts for 145 yards and handled 11 carries for 59 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Similar to his performance in Week 5, Fields struggled to get anything going through the air for much of the contest, but he got help from running back Najee Harris in this one to put the Steelers on top. Although the 25-year-old is producing for fantasy and avoiding turnovers, it's possible that Russell Wilson eventually takes over starting duties if Fields can't find a rhythm in the passing game. For now, though, the Steelers are 4-2 and likely to roll with Fields under center at home against the New York Jets in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. had two receptions for 28 yards on three targets in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers now has more 100-yard games this year than he did all of last regular season. In the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders, Flowers finished with 132 yards while catching all nine of his targets. He also added one carry for two yards on the ground. Flowers has averaged 14 and 15 yards per reception in the last two games along with nine and 12 targets. He's been more involved and making more out of his touches since the rough two-game streak where he saw four catches for a total of 30 yards. He takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary in Week 7 on Monday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews finally found paydirt in the Week 6 victory over the Washington Commanders. The veteran gave fantasy managers what they've been waiting for as he also set a new season-high for receiving yards. Andrews registered 66 yards and a score on three receptions and four targets. It's hard to tell if this is the start of an Andrews revenge tour or if he was just the hot hand this time around. Either way, it helps the Ravens offense to get Andrews going again so the opposing defenders have more to worry about. Andrews will look to gain some momentum in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed 13 times for 40 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while adding five receptions for 24 yards on eight targets.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara had a rushing touchdown for the sixth time in six games. While his rushing yards were limited for a second straight game, he remains a solid RB2 in most fantasy leagues. It could be a slow go with a quick turnaround Thursday against the defensive-minded Denver Broncos in Week 7.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams rushed just two times for seven yards in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he was not targeted in the pass game.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry registered yet another big day in the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. The King scored two more touchdowns along with 132 yards on 24 carries. With those two touchdowns, he continues his streak of scoring in each game so far to start the season. Technically the streak stretches back to his last game with the Titans making it seven consecutive. Henry has gained 100 or more yards rushing in three of the last four games as well. His next chance to continue his touchdown streak will be Monday night in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Lavonte David registered nine total stops with six solo tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore registered 10 totals stops with six solo tackles in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From TheHuddle
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
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans ended up with two receptions for 34 yards on six targets in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
Fantasy Spin: The Buccaneers racked up 51 points, but it was Chris Godwin amassing most of the receiving yards and two of the four receiving scores. Evans was mostly a non-factor, which is a bummer when a team puts up the kind of passing yards and points that the Bucs did. The 31-year-old receiver still has three scores in the past three games, but he also has 42 or fewer receiving yards in three of the past five outings. He is looking more like a low-end WR2 or flex fantasy option at this point.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard rushed four times for 31 yards, while finishing with three receptions for 23 yards on four targets, in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
From TheHuddle
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
