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 4
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quadriceps) is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 4 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football. The rookie wideout has yet to make his NFL debut after suffering a quad injury earlier this month. However, after a week of limited practice, he may have a chance to do so this weekend. The sixth-round pick flashed his explosiveness during the preseason. He would be a nice boost to a Dolphins squad with just three receivers without injury designations on their active roster. If Washington can suit up, he could see a decent snap share rotating behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Braxton Berrios. Berrios would stand to cede most of the snaps. However, the 23-year-old is not a recommended option in an offense that has struggled over the past few weeks sans Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Tyler Huntley will get the start on Monday, and the team projects to deploy a run-focused game plan.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught four of his targets for 36 yards in the team's Week 3 win against the Chicago Bears. Pittman has yet to live up to his ADP this season, with the Colts' struggles through the air being the main culprit. He now gears up for a Week 4 matchup when the Colts host the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league thus far. On top of that, Pittman will likely see a ton of coverage from Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr., who has allowed an average of just 28 receiving yards to the WRs he's faced through the first three weeks. Pittman has slowly been climbing down the ranks after his first three performances of the season, and Sunday's matchup might be where fantasy managers look to finally put him on the bench. Pittman doesn't come into this matchup with an incredibly safe floor and carries huge bust potential, given the matchup. He is currently the WR38 in our staff's half-PPR rankings for Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and wasn't listed on the final injury report on Friday. It's clear that Garrett isn't 100 percent healthy and may not be at all the rest of the year, but he's going to play through his injuries for now. The All-Pro pass-rusher didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and was a full-go on Friday. The 28-year-old reportedly could eventually need surgery on his foot, but he'll be trying to put that off until the offseason. With a potential limited snap count, Garrett will be a more volatile IDP fantasy option. As long as he's on the field, though, he's worth starting in those fantasy formats, especially against a lackluster Raiders offense that will be missing their top receiver in Davante Adams (hamstring) in Week 4.
Houston Texans running back J.J. Taylor has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is noteworthy because it probably means lead back Joe Mixon (ankle) is probably trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game. Taylor was elevated last week as well with Mixon on the sideline. He rushed the ball once for three yards on hauled in both his targets for two yards through the air. He should serve as the emergency back behind Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale, assuming Mixon is out. Fantasy managers who have Mixon rostered should go ahead and prepare a backup plan for Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran wideout is back on the active roster for the second straight week. Shepard only played four snaps during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Possibly, Shepard sees more involvement this week with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. However, fellow wideout Trey Palmer should all be in the mix for snaps as the third wideout, assuming McMillan sits. Shepard is looking more like a depth option than anything else, so he can be avoided in fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) won't carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Detroit Lions. Brown has been limited in practice all week due to a foot injury that cost him the first two games of the season. Brown figures to serve as the primary backup tight end to Noah Fant. He finished with one reception on two targets for nine yards during his season debut in Week 3. The Seahawks have a handful of viable options on offense, so Brown falls pretty far down on the pecking order. The 30-year-old can be avoided for fantasy purposes right now.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) doesn't carry an injury designation into Monday's Week 4 contest against the Detroit Lions. Fant appears to be good to go after being limited in practice all week due to a toe injury. Possibly, the Seahawks were just being cautious, but regardless Fant looks fine now. Fant has hauled in nine of his 13 targets for 85 yards and zero touchdowns through the first three weeks of the season. He hauled in all six of his targets for 60 yards last week, so it looks like Fant is trending in the right direction. Fantasy managers who lack a reliable option at tight end should consider Fant as a possible streaming choice.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive linemen Javon Hargrave (triceps) has been placed on the injured reserve on Saturday. The two-time Pro Bowler suffered a partially torn triceps during last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. There is a good chance that Hargrave misses the rest of the 2024 season with him expected to undergo surgery. He recorded seven tackles and one sack over three games with the 49ers this season. Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott figure to start at the tackle spots with Hargrave sidelined.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers DT Javon Hargrave (triceps) and LB Curtis Robinson (knee) were placed on injured reserve on Saturday, Sept. 28. Also, DL Sam Okuayinonu was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster and DL Evan Anderson and S Jaylen Mahoney were elevated from the practice squad for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) is officially off of the Week 4 injury report and is set to suit up against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. LaPorta was battling an ankle injury that caused him to leave the team's win over Arizona early last week. The Iowa product has not been as heavily involved this year as he was last year but this is a good sign that he will be back for this game. So far, he has eight catches for 94 yards in three games. Fantasy managers will want to be patient with the talented former second-round pick as one good game could spark his resurgence. LaPorta should be locked and loaded in lineups as a starting tight end this week now that he has shaken off the injury.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) is listed as questionable in the final injury report of the week for the team. The Dolphins play on Monday night against the Titans and Mostert has a chance to return after missing the last two games with a chest injury. Even if he does return, the veteran running back would be operating behind De'Von Achane on the depth chart and thus would have limited upside. He was listed as a limited participant on Saturday, making it three straight limited practice sessions. Mostert has the big-play ability to break long runs and do damage on limited carries but if he does return it might be wise to wait and see what his role is upon getting back on the field. A healthy Achane has dominated opportunities in the Dolphins' backfield and the offense in general hasn't been very explosive this season even when Tua Tagovailoa was healthy.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) is listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. Thompson got a limited practice in on Saturday to make it three straight limited sessions on the practice field. The team has already named Tyler Huntley as the starting quarterback for Week 4 against Tennessee on Monday night. But Thompson has a shot to get back as the backup QB in this game after suffering a rib injury last week. Thompson has struggled since taking over for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) and the team will look to Huntley for a spark. Thompson could be available and ready to go off the bench if needed.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers OT Luke Goedeke (concussion) was downgraded to out for Week 4 on Saturday, Sept. 28. Also, WR Sterling Shepard and P Trenton Gill were elevated from the practice squad.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett (thigh) practiced in full once again on Saturday, Sept. 28, and was removed from the injury report for Week 4.
Fantasy Spin: Lockett has taken a back seat to DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba over the first three games. He's a low-end flex option for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Barring a pregame setback, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is expected to start Sunday's game against the Chiefs according to NFL Network. Herbert is dealing with a high-ankle sprain but is expected to fight through it to play in Week 4. Rashawn Slater (pectoral) has been ruled out and Joe Alt (knee) is doubtful, so the Chargers' offense will not be operating at full-go against the talented Chiefs' defense potentially without two tackles. A slightly hobbled Herbert with a make-shift offensive line is not a good recipe for fantasy success, so managers with other options might want to look elsewhere at the quarterback position.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns TE Geoff Swaim and CB Tony Brown were elevated from the practice squad for Week 4 on Saturday, Sept. 28.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks LB Boye Mafe (knee), DT Byron Murphy II (hamstring) and DE Leonard Williams (ribs) did not practice on Saturday, Sept. 28, and were ruled out for Week 4. Also, LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee) was limited but was ruled out, LB Jerome Baker (hamstring) was limited and is questionable, TE Noah Fant (toe) and TE Pharaoh Brown (foot) were limited but carry no designation, and RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique), OG Laken Tomlinson (ankle), LB Derick Hall (hip), WR Tyler Lockett (thigh), DL Johnathan Hankins (calf), WR Jake Bobo (knee), WR DK Metcalf (hand), TE Brady Russell (shoulder), RB Kenny McIntosh (hand), LB Tyrel Dodson (shoulder), OG Anthony Bradford (knee) and S K'Von Wallace (shoulder) practiced in full and carry no designation.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (illness) was added to the injury report as questionable, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. White is in danger of missing Week 4's game against the Eagles on Sunday after a late injury designation. He will likely be a game-time call and should he miss Week 4, Bucky Irving (hamstring) would be in line for a bigger role and would be a must-start fantasy RB. But Irving himself is questionable with a hamstring injury. The Buccaneers running back situation should be monitored closely before Sunday's game against Philadelphia. White has been ceding some work in the backfield to Irving in the past weeks anyway, so this is a very fluid situation.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated wide receivers Parris Campbell and John Ross from the practice squad prior to Sunday's Week 4 game against Tampa Bay. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) ruled out, the Eagles' are looking for depth at the position. Campbell had some promising stints with the Colts and is a former second-round draft pick. Ross has seen time with the Giants and Chiefs since he was drafted by the Bengals as the No. 9 overall pick of the 2017 draft. The duo will join Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson as the main healthy receivers for the Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals OL Charlie Heck and DL Angelo Blackson were elevated from the practice squad for Week 4 on Saturday, Sept. 28.
From TheHuddle
