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 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Five Late-Round Gambles
- Commanders put QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve
- Panthers place TE Ian Thomas (calf) on IR
- Patriots add S Jabrill Peppers (hip) to injury report
- Colts elevate K Spencer Shrader with Matt Gay iffy
- Jets coach: 'Fair' to say Haason Reddick won't play in opener
- Packers QB Jordan Love (leg) scheduled for MRI
- Chiefs-Ravens opener draws top Thursday opener rating
- Commanders rule out QB Marcus Mariota, cut WR Byron Pringle
- Falcons TE Kyle Pitts poised to play in opener vs. Steelers
- Bills sign RT Spencer Brown to 4-year contract extension
- Steelers QB Russell Wilson 'hoping' to play in opener vs. Falcons
- Cardinals don't expect WR Xavier Weaver (oblique) to play vs. Bills
- Titans S Jamal Adams (hip) ruled out vs. Bears
- Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth agrees to 4-year, $48.4M deal
- Ravens TE Isaiah Likely talks the talk, could draw fine
- Colts WR Josh Downs (ankle) ruled out vs. Texans
- Daily drama continues with Bengals' star receivers
- Week 1: Packers-Eagles Preview, Props, Prediction
- Dolphins make Jalen Ramsey NFL's highest-paid CB
- Bucs sign DL Ben Stille off Cardinals' practice squad
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL DFS Cash Game Cheat Sheet
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Streamers Week 1
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 1 Preview
- Fantasy Life: NFL Futures Market: Big Week 1 Bet on Bijan Robinson
- Fantasy Life: Week 1 Chaos Reigns Supreme
- Fantasy Life: Today's Daily Special: Dolphins Are A Hot Bet
- Fantasy Life: Week 1 NFL Player Props: Take the Value on Christian McCaffrey
- Fantasy Life: Lessons For Week 1 in Fantasy Football: The Fantasy Life Chronicles
The Paur Report
Top DFS Pickem Plays: Week 1
In his first year with the Denver Broncos in 2023, kicker Wil Lutz finished as the No. 18 fantasy kicker by making 30 of his 34 field-goal attempts and 29 of his 31 extra-point opportunities in 17 games. It was enough to get the Broncos to sign him to a two-year contract extension in the offseason after it initially looked like he was about to jump ship and join the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 30-year-old veteran was a Pro Bowler in 2019 and has made 85.2% of his kicks in seven NFL seasons. It's not that he's an unreliable kicking option, but there are just much better options in fantasy to begin the season. The biggest reason why Lutz remains off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks is that he's kicking for an offense that will be led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Consistent field-goal opportunities may be hard to come by for the veteran.
From RotoBaller
After another injury-plagued year in 2023 in which he managed to play in just two games, Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich went undrafted in most standard-sized, 12-team fantasy leagues. Dulcich opens his third year in the NFL listed as the No. 2 TE on Denver's depth chart behind Adam Trautman, although it's widely expected that he'll end up as the Broncos' most targeted tight end when all is said and done this year. The 24-year-old caught 33 of 55 targets for 411 yards and two TDs in 10 games as a rookie and has shown upside as a fantasy TE when healthy. The problem is he's rarely been healthy. Entering Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field, Dulcich will be an upside TE3 stash in deeper fantasy leagues. If he stays healthy and earns the trust of rookie quarterback Bo Nix as a safety blanket, Dulcich could become a waiver-wire consideration in shallower leagues.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) is questionable to play Monday night against the New York Jets. The superstar running back suffered a calf injury in August, knocking him out of the preseason and most of training camp. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan never seemed concerned about McCaffrey missing Week 1. Every indication has been that the veteran will be on the field for the Monday night matchup against the Jets. Yet, fantasy players should have a backup plan on their roster if McCaffrey is a last-minute inactive. Jordan Mason and Deebo Samuel will see most of the team's rushing workload if McCaffrey doesn't play.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is questionable to play tomorrow against the New England Patriots. The superstar wide receiver was already questionable to play after barely practicing this week because of contract negotiations. Unfortunately, it feels like Chase is trending towards not playing in Week 1, leaving the Bengals with limited options at wide receiver. Tee Higgins (hamstring) isn't expected to play against the Patriots, meaning Andrei Iosivas and Jermaine Burton will likely get the start. Fantasy players with Joe Burrow on their roster should consider other options in Week 1, including adding Justin Fields off the waiver wire with Russell Wilson (calf) not expected to suit up against the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, Chase will be a snap count if he plays, making him a risk start for fantasy players.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds came to Denver in the offseason and essentially will replace Jerry Jeudy in 2024 as the team's WR2 behind Courtland Sutton. A season ago in Detroit, Reynolds finished with a 40-608-5 line in 17 regular-season games. His five touchdowns matched his career-high set back in 2018 with the Rams. Reynolds has never surpassed 618 receiving yards in any of his seven NFL campaigns and not much is expected of him in his first year with the Broncos in an offense that will be led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. The 29-year-old went undrafted in most standard-sized, 12-team fantasy leagues, therefore he should be on most benches in deeper leagues in a Week 1 tilt in Seattle against the Seahawks. Reynolds dealt with a minor Achilles injury in August but practiced in full earlier this week and is good to go for the season opener.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton found the end zone a career-high 10 times on 59 receptions and 772 yards in 16 games in 2023. But that came with quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm, and now rookie Bo Nix will be leading the offense in a tough Week 1 draw in Seattle against the Seahawks. Fantasy managers should have drafted Sutton with the realistic expectations that he won't score double-digit TDs in 2024. Despite that, they should rest easy knowing target volume shouldn't be an issue. The Seahawks defense was a top-12 matchup for wideouts last year, and Nix could pepper Sutton with targets in his NFL debut in a hostile environment at Lumen Field. Sutton should be considered a WR4/flex with a safe floor in the season opener, and his stock could improve as the season goes on if he's able to establish chemistry with Nix like he had with Wilson last year.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) suffered a sprained MCL in the 34-29 Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday in Brazil, according to Ian Rapoport. While he is expected to miss time with the injury, the franchise quarterback doesn't have a season-ending injury. How long Love will be out is still to be determined, but Malik Willis is currently the Packers' No. 2 quarterback. He should be the starter until Love is healthy. However, many have speculated that Green Bay could add a veteran to compete with Willis until Love returns. Unfortunately, fantasy managers might have to avoid starting any Packers pass-catchers with Willis under center.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have placed quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) on injured reserve and have signed quarterback Sam Hartman from their practice squad. Mariota, who sustained a chest injury during Wednesday's practice, will be sidelined until at least early October. Washington had signed Mariota to a one-year, $6 million contract before drafting Jayden Daniels with their second-round pick. Mariota, a former No. 2 overall pick in 2015, had agreed to either mentor or start as needed for the team. This marks Mariota's first season with the Commanders after previous stints with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie from Notre Dame will step in as the third-string quarterback behind Daniels, the starter, and Jeff Driskel, the new backup, for the start of the season.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin did some great things for the Broncos in his first year in the NFL in 2023 despite going undrafted out of Youngstown State. McLaughlin battled for touches with lead back Javonte Williams and third-down specialist Samaje Perine and finished with 410 rushing yards and a touchdown on 76 carries for an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 31 catches on 36 targets for 160 yards and two more scores in 17 games. McLaughlin enters his second year as the clear backup to Williams, and he's also going to have to fend off rookie Audric Estime. The Broncos have a matchup in Week 1 against a Seattle Seahawks run defense that allowed the third-most half-PPR points to RBs a year ago, but as long as Williams stays healthy, it will be hard to recommend McLaughlin as anything more than an RB4/flex. He belongs on the bench in standard 12-team leagues.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams broke into the league in 2021 as an impressive tackle-breaking back with three-down potential and a bright future in Denver. Williams' fantasy stock has since tumbled, mainly because of devastating season-ending knee injury suffered in 2022. The 24-year-old didn't look the same in 2023, averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry in what was a below-average Denver offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson. However, Williams quietly played 16 games and finished with 774 yards and three touchdowns, adding a career-high 47 receptions for 228 yards and two more TDs. He heads into a Week 1 matchup in Seattle against a revamped Seahawks defense, although they did allow the second-most half-PPR points to RBs per game in 2023. As the clear lead back in Denver, expect the Broncos to lean heavily on Williams in Bo Nix's debut, putting him on the RB2/3 borderline in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings have elevated running back Myles Gaskin to the active roster for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Gaskin, who led the team with 128 rushing yards on 27 carries during the preseason and added four receptions for 16 yards, brings valuable experience with 41 NFL games and 17 starts. His impressive performance in training camp caught the coaches' attention, making him an essential depth addition behind Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler. Gaskin also returned three kickoffs for 55 yards in the preseason and could be utilized as the Vikings and Giants navigate the new kickoff rules. While Gaskin may not be a fantasy asset this week, it's reassuring to know he will be the next option if anything happens to Jones or Chandler.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys have officially activated wide receiver CeeDee Lamb from the exempt list, and he is set to play on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns in the season opener. Lamb had been holding out before signing a four-year, $136 million contract extension, which includes a record $38 million signing bonus for wide receivers and $100 million guaranteed. His $34 million annual average makes him the second-highest-paid receiver, trailing only Justin Jefferson of the Vikings. Lamb was placed on the commissioner's exempt list while the Cowboys utilized a two-game roster exemption, which allowed them to keep a roster spot open as Lamb worked to get back into form after missing most of training camp. As Lamb returns for this challenging matchup against the strong Browns defense, he will have had limited preparation. Although he remains a must-start in fantasy leagues, it's wise to temper expectations for Week 1 as he shakes off the rust.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is traveling with the team to Atlanta despite being listed as questionable on the injury report. Wilson is dealing with tightness in the same calf he injured during training camp. He was limited in practice over the final two days of the week, leading to the questionable designation on the final injury report. While his availability for the game remains uncertain, he will at least be present with the team. If Wilson cannot play, the Steelers will turn to Justin Fields, who has a 10-28 record as an NFL starter. Fields, who competed with Wilson during training camp and preseason, was named the backup for Week 1 but now has an opportunity to prove himself as the potential full-time starter. The Steelers are set to face the Falcons on Sunday, and the inactives list, including the final decision on Wilson's status, will be released about an hour and a half before kickoff. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' quarterback situation, relying on any Steelers quarterback in fantasy leagues this Sunday may be risky, regardless of who starts.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix looked great in training camp and the preseason while quickly winning over the coaching staff and being named the starter over Jarrett Stidham. Many analysts thought Denver reached for the Oregon product with the 12th overall selection back in April, but head coach Sean Payton really likes him, and Nix's athleticism and strong arm could help him excel in the system right away. With that said, there is a lot of pressure on the 24-year-old as Denver's first rookie to start the season opener since legend John Elway in the early 1980's. In addition to that pressure, he'll be making his first NFL regular-season start in the harsh environment at Lumen Field in Seattle against the Seahawks. While Nix is an excellent stash in dynasty/keeper leagues, he's only worth a bench spot in two-QB superflex leagues in his rookie campaign as a QB3 heading into Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns while adding two catches for 23 yards and another score in his Philadelphia debut. Dynasty Analysis: The Eagles offense struggled in its first two series but came to life after with Barkley leading the way. It couldn't have gone much better for Saquon as he had 24 of the 25 running back carries with Kenneth Gainwell garnering just one tote. While we have a long way to go before declaring Barkley as being totally back, this was a pretty awe-inspiring debut for his new team.
Dynasty | Packers receiver Jayden Reed had four catches for 138 yards and a touchdown while adding a 33-yard rushing touchdown in Green Bay's season-opening loss to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Reed was a fantasy dynamo at times last year and this game showed that was no fluke. It looks like Reed, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are the top receivers in this offense and while any ot them can post a big game, Reed certainly looks like the best bet of the trio at the moment. The big concern with him is clearly the health of Jordan Love, so stay tuned.
Dynasty | Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 17-of-34 passes for 260 yards with two touchdowns and one interception but suffered an injury late in Green Bay's season opener. Dynasty Analysis: Love was injured with just seconds left in the game as he was scrambling around in an effort to throw a hail mary. X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) has exploded with everyone quickly becoming doctors and thinking film shows a "pop" in his knee. Early reports indicate his ACL is intact but Love isn't out of the woods. Stay tuned.
Dynasty | Packers running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 84 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards in Green Bay's opening night loss to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Jacobs had one 32-yard gain but was otherwise quiet on the night. This will certainly not be the case every week and he may be even more important to the offense should Green Bay lose Jordan Love for an extended period of time. Regardless, Jacobs is a fringe RB1 most weeks and this seems like a game that would be closer to his floor than ceiling this year.
Dynasty | Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks was held without a catch in Green Bay's season-opening loss to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Wicks was targeted three times but failed to record a reception. This was a major downer for many dynasty managers who bought into the hype surrounding Wicks all off-season. While it's just one game, it does seem as if he's a distant fourth option behind blossoming star Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. Wicks remains a hold in dynasty leagues for now but expectations should be tempered.
Dynasty | Eagles receiver Jahan Dotson was held catchless in his Eagles debut. Dynasty Analysis: Yuck. Even worse, Dotson garnered just one target on the night. While it's just one game, the notion Dotson would take a few targets away from AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith early on can be put to rest. Dotson is a hold in dynasty leagues but his value arrow is pointing straight down at the moment.
