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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From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had a rather underwhelming performance in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. Despite getting 16 carries, Swift managed just 59 yards on the ground, averaging a modest 3.7 yards per carry, and could not find the end zone. His involvement in the passing game was minimal, catching just one pass for six yards. The Bears' offense struggled to move the ball, punting on eight of their eleven possessions and turning it over on downs twice. Swift's opportunities were limited, as the offense was constantly playing from behind and unable to sustain drives. Looking ahead, Swift and the Bears offense will have a chance to bounce back next week against the Green Bay Packers, a defense that will be well-rested after their bye week and primed for a strong performance.
From RotoBaller
In Week 10, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze struggled to make an impact in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Odunze finished the game with just three receptions for 23 yards, failing to find the end zone. His performance was indicative of the Bears' overall offensive woes, as the team only managed 120 yards passing throughout the game. Behind a battered offensive line that allowed nine sacks, Odunze and his fellow receivers had little opportunity to get into rhythm. The Bears' offense could barely sustain drives, punting eight times and turning the ball over on downs twice. While Odunze showed flashes of potential earlier in the season, this performance was a reminder of how difficult it can be for any skill player to thrive when the offense is struggling. Odunze and the Bears will look to bounce back next week against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders only had two receptions for eight yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the New York Giants, but one of those receptions was a five-yard touchdownthe first of Sanders' career. The score came on a nifty Bryce Young scramble, which froze the defense and left Sanders alone in the back of the end zone. The fourth-round pick was due for his moment after recording 51 yards per game in Carolina's previous four weeks. Still, Sanders has had fewer than 10 yards in two of his last three games, making him a risky streaming option. Carolina has a bye in Week 11 and will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 coming off the bye.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker led all Panthers wideouts with 41 yards on three receptions against the New York Giants. Coker has received increased snaps since his 68-yard performance in Week 5 and garnered a team-high eight targets in this matchup. While the Panthers' passing attack has been anything but electric this season, the rookie from Holy Cross has managed to find his footing in the NFL. His talent and production likely contributed to the decision of Carolina's front office to trade wide receiver Jonathan Mingo to the Cowboys at the NFL deadline. While he'll rest on a bye next week, seeing how Coker develops throughout the season will be interesting. Coker will look to build on Sunday's performance when the Panthers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, coming off the bye.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette recorded three receptions for 40 yards in Carolina's 20-17 win over the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. It was Legette's second-most receiving yards in a game this year, as he has only eclipsed the 50-yard mark once. The rookie, who has emerged most as a red-zone threat, did not receive a target in that area of the field. While Carolina has a Week 11 bye in the future, Legette remains a touchdown-dependent streaming option in deep leagues. The Carolina passing attack is not dynamic enough to properly feed the mouths they have, making Legette a flex play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 coming off the bye.
From RotoBaller
For the first time in his career, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has initiated a winning streak as the Panthers defeat the New York Giants 20-17. While not spectacular, Young played his role and didn't turn the ball over, contributing 126 yards, a touchdown, and a 60% completion rate. The 23-year-old also added 30 rushing yards on two attempts in Sunday's win. Since taking over for veteran Andy Dalton, Young has a 4:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and the Panthers are (2-1). Carolina has a Week 11 bye and will face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in late November. Head coach Dave Canales declined to name Young the foreseeable starting quarterback, but given the win streak and serviceable play, he would be expected to continue manning the helm.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard set a career-high with 153 rushing yards while catching four of six targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 20-17 win against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. He achieved the feat on 28 rush attemptsa season-highand tied a career-high in missed tackles with nine. Hubbard also recorded his seventh touchdown of the season. It was a European trip to remember for the Panthers' leading rusher, who signed a four-year contract extension earlier this week. He's remained a consistent, high-value fantasy player throughout the season, outproducing his ADP. The Panthers have a bye in Week 11 before returning to face the mighty Kansas City Chiefs on November 24.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a frustrating and underwhelming performance in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. Allen finished the game with just five receptions for a modest 44 yards, a far cry from the dynamic playmaker he was last season. Throughout the contest, he struggled to gain separation from the Patriots' defensive backs, who were able to neutralize him for much of the game. This lack of production was symptomatic of the Bears' overall offensive struggles, as the team managed just 120 passing yards behind a battered offensive line that allowed nine sacks. Beyond a lone field goal drive, the Bears punted on eight of their ten possessions and turned the ball over on downs twice, leaving little opportunity for Allen or any other receiver to make a significant impact. Looking ahead, Allen and the Bears' offense will have a chance to rebound next week against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense, coming off their bye week.
From RotoBaller
In Week 10, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a frustratingly quiet performance in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Kmet finished the game with just two receptions for 13 yards, a far cry from many expectations for him heading into the matchup. What made his lack of involvement even more baffling was that Kmet didn't see a target until midway through the third quarter, despite the Bears' offense struggling to move the ball all game. This performance was particularly disappointing for fantasy managers. Kmet has shown flashes of potential as a red-zone target earlier this season, but he remains a boom-or-bust player. The Bears managed only 120 yards passing, with a battered offensive line allowing nine sacks, which made it difficult for any of the receivers, including Kmet, to get into a rhythm. Kmet and the Bears will look to bounce back in Week 11 against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense coming off their bye.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a minimal impact in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. With a limited role in the offense, Johnson carried the ball just once and finished with an unfortunate total of negative four rushing yards. His involvement in the passing game could have been more extensive, as he caught just one pass for five yards. The Bears' offense struggled to gain traction throughout the game, punting on eight of their eleven possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. With the offense unable to sustain drives, Johnson and other skill players had little opportunity to make an impact. Johnson and the Bears offense will look to rebound next week against the Green Bay Packers, who will be coming off a bye week and ready to face the challenge.
From RotoBaller
In Week 10, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a frustratingly quiet performance in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Moore finished the game with just three receptions for 24 yards, but he failed to reach the end zone, leaving fantasy managers disappointed by his lack of production. Additionally, Moore contributed minimally in the rushing game, recording just one rush for three yards. His struggles were largely due to the Bears' anemic offense, which managed a mere 120 yards passing behind a beleaguered offensive line that allowed nine sacks throughout the game. With the offense unable to sustain drivespunting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twiceMoore and the rest of the receiving corps found it difficult to generate momentum. Looking ahead, Moore and the Bears will have a chance to bounce back next week against a tough Green Bay Packers defense, which will be well-rested after their bye week.
From RotoBaller
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a tough test against the New England Patriots in Week 10. Despite showing flashes of potential, Williams struggled in the face of relentless pressure from the Patriots' defense. He completed 16 of 30 passes for a modest 120 yards and failed to find the end zone, contributing zero passing touchdowns to the scoreboard. To make matters worse, Williams was sacked an astounding nine times, as the Bears' offensive linealready banged upfailed to provide consistent protection. While Williams did lead one scoring drive, the Bears offense was primarily stagnant, punting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. Heading into Week 11, Williams and the Bears offense will look to bounce back against a well-rested Green Bay Packers defense, which will be coming off their bye week and is sure to be prepared for the challenge.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott ran the ball six times for 22 yards in a Week 10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Elliott also fumbled once with the Eagles recovering the ball in the end zone for a touchback to end Dallas' best drive of the day.
Fantasy Spin: Back after a one-game suspension, Elliott had a brutal fumble that ended a long drive when the game was still competitive -- the Eagles led, 7-3, when Elliott fumbled at the goal line. Given where Dallas is, you wonder if Elliott makes it to the end of the season with the club, especially if the losses keep piling up. He has marginal fantasy value at this point.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle scored a touchdown for the seventh time in eight games during a 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. He caught three of four targets for 57 yards, including the touchdown. Kittle's score was an important fourth-quarter toe-tapping snag in the corner of the end zone. As we saw Sunday, Kittle's target share will likely take a hit with the return of Christian McCaffrey and the emergence of Jauan Jennings coupled with the evident competence of rookie Ricky Pearsall. Kittle has been by far the most productive tight end in fantasy this year. With many leagues facing the trade deadline this week, the joyful 31-year-old is a sell-high candidate for those looking to bolster at other positions. On the other hand, Kittle has the red zone skills to overcome diminished volume, especially at a perennially thin position. Kittle has a plus matchup in Week 11 when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears S Kevin Byard tied a season-high with 11 tackles - five solo - and broke up a pass play in Week 10 against the New England Patriots.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis had four solo tackles and two interceptions versus the Houston Texans on Sunday, Nov. 10.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall caught his first NFL touchdown in a 23-20 win over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. The 2024 first-rounder caught four of six targets for 73 yards, including a 46-yard catch-and-run to the pylon on a crossing route. The 49ers clearly have something in the 24-year-old but in the Shanahan era, they have not been able to support three wide receivers in fantasy. It's possible that Pearsall jumps ahead of Jauan Jennings in production, and indeed he did today due to the long TD, but Jennings -- who had 11 targets on Sunday -- isn't likely to go away. As a result, Pearsall projects as what he was today -; a touchdown-dependent deep-league or bye-week FLEX. Pearsall and the 49ers will host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles had a field day against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, moving to 7-2 on the season with a big 34-6 win on the road. The Eagles' defense played a key part in the victory, holding Dallas to just six points, 97 rushing yards, and 49 net passing yards. The unit also intercepted one pass, recovered four fumbles, and tallied three sacks. Numerous players contributed to the dominant effort, including linebacker Zack Baun (eight tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (two tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery). Philadelphia's performance was largely inflated by the poor quarterback play of Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, and while the Eagles' defense still has rest-of-season fantasy appeal, they're tough to trust against the flashy Washington Commanders offense in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling hit paydirt in Week 10. On just three catches he racked up 109 yards and scored two touchdowns. For his first score, he reeled in a 40-yard bomb from Derek Carr. On the Saints' next drive, Carr hit MVS on another deep route for a 67-yard gain, setting up his second touchdown from two yards out. With injuries to several Saints receivers thinning the depth chart, the door was wide open for the few still standing to make an impact and MVS ended up being the biggest beneficiary. It was the first time he scored a touchdown since Week 7 of 2023 and the first time he topped 100 yards since 2022. Released by the Bills after they acquired Amari Cooper, Valdes-Scantling now has the inside track to become the Saints' new WR1 as they head into a matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
