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.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (undisclosed) was absent from practice on Wednesday as he continues to deal with an unspecified injury that has affected him for the past few weeks. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel mentioned that Ramsey has been held back for precautionary reasons, stating, "No setbacks... I've never been more proud of a player not practicing." However, McDaniel did not guarantee that the seven-time Pro Bowl selection would be available for the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Ramsey missed the first seven games of the 2023 season due to a knee injury sustained early in training camp but still managed to record three interceptions and earn a Pro Bowl nod. If Ramsey cannot play, second-year cornerback Ethan Bonner, who didn't see any defensive snaps during his rookie season but played 11 snaps in the Dolphins' wild-card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, would be the likely starter. Ramsey's absence would be a significant advantage for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville receiving corps.
From RotoBaller
On the initial Week 1 injury report for the New Orleans Saints, cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hip) was listed as limited due to a lingering hip issue that has persisted since training camp in California. Lattimore's 2023 season was marred by injuries, with an ankle problem restricting him to just ten games and a kidney laceration limiting him to seven games the previous year. These health issues fueled trade speculation during the offseason, but the Saints opted to retain him. He is expected to start on Sunday if he is healthy enough, which would significantly boost the Saints' defense against a Panthers offense projected to struggle. If Lattimore cannot play, it could provide a notable advantage to Bryce Young and the Panthers' receiving corps.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight ends Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) and Ian Thomas (calf) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Both were listed as starters on the unofficial depth chart released yesterday. Tremble has been struggling with a tight hamstring since the early days of training camp, and the Panthers have now also listed him with a back injury in their first practice report of the season. Thomas has been sidelined since early August with a calf injury, joining Tremble. With both players still unable to practice, rookie fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders, along with Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson, are the only healthy tight ends on the roster. Sanders could see significant action in his NFL debut if Tremble and Thomas remain unavailable. However, until further notice, it's advisable to avoid starting any tight end for the Panthers. The Panthers are set to open their season against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (finger) was limited in Wednesday's practice. While the injury isn't serious, the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure his full recovery before their season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Sanders was the Panthers' starting running back this time last year, but circumstances have shifted since then. He is expected to serve as a backup to Chuba Hubbard at the start of the season, provided his injury doesn't hinder his performance. However, this situation could change when Jonathon Brooks (knee) returns from the reserve/non-football injury list. If Sanders' participation is restricted, Hubbard will likely see an increased workload, as he is already expected to handle the majority of the running back duties for the Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (foot) will play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. The rookie first-round pick missed a significant chunk of preseason and training camp while working through his foot issue. That may delay a potential breakout, as he was unable to play any preseason snaps with starting quarterback Gardner Minshew II. Bowers is one of the best tight end prospects to enter the NFL in the last decade. However, due to the pessimistic outlook of the Las Vegas offense, Bowers is at the bottom of the TE1 rankings in Week 1 and for the 2024 season as a whole. Fantasy managers will need to practice patience with the back-to-back John Mackey Award winner.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) is trending toward suiting up in Week 1, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. The second-year wideout has been dealing with an ankle issue since being carted off the practice field in mid-August. O'Connell says they "feel good" about Addison playing against the New York Giants. The 22-year-old is a clear second fiddle to All-Pro Justin Jefferson in the Minnesota passing offense. Despite a strong rookie season, Addison's value took a tumble when the Vikings switched from Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold at quarterback. Addison will be a WR4/5 on Sunday if he is active.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. The backup to Josh Allen suffered a knee injury during a preseason game against the Steelers in mid-August. Sean McDermott notes that he's unsure if Trubisky will be healthy enough to play in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Allen and Trubisky are the only two quarterbacks listed on the active roster. If the latter is unable to suit up, the Bills will likely promote veteran Mike White from the practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix was named one of the team captains for the upcoming season. He's the first Denver rookie to be selected as a captain since 1967. The 12th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft won the starting quarterback job over Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in training camp. Receiver Courtland Sutton, guard Quinn Meinerz, cornerback Pat Surtain II, linebacker Alex Singleton, and kicker Wil Lutz will also sport captain patches on their jerseys this fall. Nix is RotoBaller's 27th-ranked quarterback for fantasy football this season and only needs to be rostered as a QB3 in Dynasty and Superflex formats while he adjusts to the NFL game. The Broncos travel to Seattle for a matchup against the Seahawks in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was named a starter for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He'll line up alongside Taylor Rapp in the Buffalo secondary. It's the first start for Hamlin since he collapsed on the field in January 2023. His heartbeat was restored on the field by the team's medical staff. The 26-year-old was medically cleared for football activities in August of last year but played sparingly in his five active games. Head coach Sean McDermott pointed to Hamlin's consistency as a reason he won the starting job.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (neck) is doubtful to suit up on Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie fifth-round pick suffered a stinger early in the preseason and has been a limited participant in practices leading up to the regular season opener. The team officially lists Ali as doubtful. As expected, Derrick Henry and Justice Hill will handle the touches out of the backfield for the Ravens. Baltimore could call up John Kelly or Chris Collier from the practice squad to serve as depth. Ali is more likely to make his NFL debut when the Ravens host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was spotted in uniform walking into Wednesday's practice as his high-profile contract extension discussions continue. The multi-time Pro Bowler has been at the team facility but not participating in practices while he searches for a new deal. According to reports, Chase was part of the team meeting to prepare for the New England Patriots. These are important steps toward his availability on Sunday, but it's worth monitoring Chase's involvement during practice today and the rest of the week. Chase is a must-start WR1 for fantasy football if he's active on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (hand) put in a second straight limited practice session on Wednesday. The Packers didn't actually practice on Wednesday, so Doubs' practice status was an estimation with the team flying to Brazil ahead of Friday night's regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Unless Doubs is unable to practice on Thursday, he should be fine to suit up this week for fantasy managers while working through a minor hand contusion. When healthy, the 24-year-old will be a WR4/flex with upside for fantasy managers in a crowded Green Bay receiving corps that also includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. The former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Nevada showcased his playmaking ability in 2023 in 17 regular-season games by finding the end zone eight times on 59 receptions and 674 yards.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (back) was added to the Week 1 injury report on Wednesday after he put in a limited practice. Kraft has apparently recovered from a torn pectoral muscle that he was rehabbing in the offseason, but now a back injury has cropped up right before the team's Week 1 regular-season opener in Brazil on Friday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. It doesn't mean the 23-year-old won't suit up on Friday, but it's something to watch for with Green Bay's tight end depth in the season opener. Luke Musgrave should operate as the team's top pass-catching TE, but if Kraft's back injury keeps him out or limits his snaps, it could create more playing time for third-stringer Ben Sims. Fantasy managers can ignore Kraft in starting lineups in Week 1 in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running backs MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) and Emanuel Wilson (hip) were both listed as limited at practice on Wednesday. The Packers held Lloyd out as part of their plan in the first practice of the week on Tuesday, and the fact he's back in the fold on a limited basis on Wednesday means he's on track to suit up for his first regular-season NFL game in Brazil on Friday night versus the Philadelphia Eagles. The 23-year-old missed valuable development time in training camp and the preseason due to his hamstring injury, but with AJ Dillon (neck) done for the year, he should take over RB2 duties from Wilson sooner than later behind starter Josh Jacobs. Lloyd is the better bench stash in Green Bay's backfield than Wilson, although he shouldn't be trusted in starting fantasy lineups in Week 1 against Philly.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday, and his status for Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans is up in the air. Downs is trending in the wrong direction to be ready for the start of the regular season after suffering a high-ankle sprain on Aug. 7, but that could change if he's able to get back on the practice field on either Thursday or Friday. As of right now, though, fantasy managers should be planning to be without the 23-year-old in Week 1. If Downs is inactive on Sunday, it will mean that rookie Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will start next to Michael Pittman Jr. in three-wide sets on Sunday against Houston. Downs should be set in a bench spot for now as Week 1 approaches.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) said he underwent surgery for a sports hernia, which is why he's not taking part in the team's first official practice on Wednesday. Gay had something flare up after the team's preseason contest against the Cincinnati Bengals and could be trending toward missing Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday versus the division-rival Houston Texans. Fantasy managers that were banking on using Gay as their starting kicker to open the year may already have to pivot and go in another direction. If he cannot kick this Sunday, rookie Spencer Shrader would be added to the active roster to make his NFL debut. It's best to just avoid Indy's kicking situation altogether in fantasy if Gay ends up being inactive against the Texans, which is the way this appears to be trending.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will travel to Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers in the regular season opener on Friday night. The 29-year-old suffered an oblique injury a few weeks ago, but returned to the practice field Tuesday and is slated to suit up on Friday. Goedert had a down year in 2023, finishing with his lowest fantasy point total since 2020 when he played in just 11 games. Goedert is no stranger to target competition and has been able to deliver for fantasy managers at times, but he has been an inconsistent option. After the acquisition of former Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson a few weeks ago and the addition of running back Saquon Barkley this past offseason, Goedert is in the most crowded receiver room of his career. The veteran is a threat to score a touchdown every week as apart of the Eagles offense, but he is going to be tough to trust on a weekly basis. Fantasy managers should consider him a fringe TE1 in Week 1 against the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will travel to Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers in the team's regular season opener on Friday night. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $24 million extension this past offseason, making him tied for the highest paid kicker annually with Baltimore's Justin Tucker. Elliott deserved every bit of the extension, hitting 30 of his 32 field goal attempts and converting 45 of 46 extra points. After attempting only 23 field goals in 2022 (the second-lowest amount of his career) the veteran proved to be one of the most valuable fantasy assets at the position last season and heads into Week 1 as a top five option.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) will be a full participant in the team's first official practice on Wednesday. Samuel should be ready to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals as long as he doesn't have a setback with his turf-toe issue later this week. The 28-year-old has an opportunity to step up as a trusted weapon for quarterback Josh Allen in 2024 with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer around, but he'll also be competing for targets among a group of wideouts that include Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Samuel has gone over 800 receiving yards just once in his seven years in the NFL and is coming off a 62-613-4 line in 16 games with the Commanders. To begin the year, consider Samuel a WR5/flex best left on benches until we see how involved he'll be in Buffalo.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) should be at the team's first official practice on Wednesday, but it remains to be seen how much he'll do. It sounds like Hopkins will most likely be listed as limited on the first injury report of 2024 as the team prepares for their Week 1 matchup in Chicago against the Bears this Sunday. The 32-year-old veteran suffered a strained knee early in training camp but was always expected to be ready for the start of the 2024 season this week. Still, there's a chance he could be limited if he's active this weekend, which would mean more targets for Calvin Ridley as he makes his Titans debut. Hopkins should be active on Sunday to kick off the year, but he figures to be a little more risky for fantasy managers as more of a WR4/flex play in lineups.
From RotoBaller