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 DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) is expected to suit up against the Dolphins. The wideout is listed as questionable for this one. However, he logged a full practice session on Friday, which was a positive indication he would be on the field in Week 7. From a yardage standpoint, Pierce is the team's most productive receiver so far in 2024-25. But outside of a few strong fantasy showings, he's been irrelevant in most of the Colts' games this season. Still, Pierce has a proven upside, giving him credibility as a flex option, at the very least, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) also in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is slated to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. He is currently listed as questionable, just like he was ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Titans. However, the wideout was on the field for that one, finishing with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, so the latest update isn't surprising. Downs has 24 catches in his last three games. With that in mind, he's at least a flex option for fantasy managers, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) also expected to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is anticipated to play in Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. His back issue isn't anything new, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon. However, as long as the wideout's condition doesn't take a turn for the worse, he should continue to play moving forward. Pittman has scored in each of his last two games. Unfortunately, he's only caught more than four passes twice this season. Still, Pittman should always be considered a starting fantasy option, even with Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) in line to suit up.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is anticipated to play in Sunday's game versus the 49ers. Head coach Andy Reid implied the wideout was on the right track toward suiting up in Week 7, so his expected availability isn't surprising. He is coming off a monster performance, amassing seven catches (eight targets) for 130 yards in the Monday night victory over the Saints. While that type of showing makes Smith-Schuster at least a Flex option, he's still hard to trust, considering he had only two receptions entering Week 5.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle, rib) is expected to play in Sunday's meeting with the Commanders. The wideout has battled a few injuries of late, keeping him off the practice field on Wednesday and Thursday before logging a limited session on Friday. But his anticipated return is certainly good news for a Carolina team that has struggled all season. With that in mind, Johnson, scoring a touchdown in three of his last four games, is a must-start for the favorable matchup against Washington, assuming he officially gets the green light. However, his presence could result in fewer opportunities for Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo on the receiving end.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is expected to suit up for the Week 7 meeting with the Carolina Panthers. Robinson has been battling a knee injury, keeping him off the field for the Week 6 loss to the Ravens. As a result, Austin Ekeler was the No. 1 option out of the backfield, finishing with 21 yards off nine carries and four receptions for 47 yards. Of course, Ekeler's fantasy outlook isn't as favorable with Robinson's anticipated return. On the other hand, Robinson is a must-start in any fantasy format for a favorable matchup with Carolina.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is a must-start when the Cardinals host the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. McBride is currently the fourth-ranked tight end of the season and is a lock in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. He hauled in all eight targets for 96 yards in last week's loss to the Packers. McBride has been a security blanket for the Cardinals and is often targeted on pivotal third downs. With the Cardinals' wide receivers battling injuries, McBride should be relied upon even more. Fantasy managers would like to see him utilized more in the red zone. However, his high target share compensates for it. McBride remains a must-start in Week 7 and for the foreseeable future.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland would be a risky play in their Week 7 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Ryland will fill in for the injured Matt Prater (knee) for the next few weeks, as Prater was placed on injured reserve. Ryland has been solid in relief, going five for six on his field goal attempts and making both of his extra-point attempts over the past two weeks. While he has performed well until the Cardinals' offense finds more consistency, he is not a reliable play in fantasy and would be a risky streaming option at best.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is a low-end RB2 in the Cardinals' Monday night showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals have been committed to running the offense through Conner during the first six weeks of the season, and that plan is unlikely to change. Conner is in the top 10 in the NFL in carries, and the Cardinals also like to involve him in the screen game. The Chargers tend to drain the clock and limit their opponents' possessions, which could also reduce Conner's touches. However, Conner's workload should still be high enough to make him fantasy-relevant, albeit in a RB2 capacity.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has returned to his usual form over the past couple of weeks. In Week 6, he made all three of his extra point attempts and made all three field goals from 45, 32, and 39 yards. He's now averaging 9.3 fantasy points per game and is headed into a week that should have plenty of offensive fireworks. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers allow 9.5 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, and the Ravens offense is more than likely to move the ball against a defense that allows 365.7 yards per contest. Fantasy managers can be confident in starting Tucker again in this matchup.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson saw eight carries for 51 yards in the team's Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He also caught four of his five targets for 14 yards through the air. Goodson has seen a huge influx of opportunities in Jonathan Taylor's (ankle) absence but has played a secondary role to running back Trey Sermon during that span. Despite being out-touched by Sermon, Goodson has been the much more efficient back, averaging 5.9 yards per carry over the last two games. Goodson may see an increased role given his recent success, but the split with Sermon heavily limits his ceiling. Both backs will have a favorable matchup against Miami's defense allowing the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Goodson can be viewed as an RB3 in Sunday's matchup.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has finally picked up some steam after posting a finish in TE2 territory in Week 5, then a TE1-level finish in Week 6. Andrews received nine targets over the last two games and turned them into seven receptions, 121 yards, and one touchdown. The difficult part of starting Andrews in fantasy lineups is that there's no way to tell which tight end on the Ravens will get targets, if any. On top of that, Tampa Bay is right in the middle of the pack against tight ends, giving up 8.0 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. Andrews could be started in a pinch, but it will be a risky decision.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert was included in Ian Rapport's list of "players whose names are generating interest in trade discussions." The 26-year-old has spent his entire career in Chicago, where he has had some solid showings. However, he's having the worst season of his career, amassing only eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. The Bears currently deploy D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson out of the backfield, leaving little room for Herbert to get involved. While he's not worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues, his stock could rise significantly moving ahead if he gets moved, so the situation is worth monitoring.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders has drawn interest from teams throughout the National Football League. While Rapoport didn't specify who inquired about the availability of the 27-year-old, he included him in a list of "names generating interest in trade discussions." Sanders signed with Carolina in the offseason but hasn't done much to benefit fantasy managers, amassing 98 yards and a touchdown off 30 carries, adding 11 catches for 71 yards. With Chuba Hubbard playing better than expected, along with the impending debut of Jonathon Brooks (knee), Sanders' days in Carolina may be coming to an end. For now, he's not worth starting in any fantasy format moving ahead.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has picked up some serious momentum over the past couple of weeks. In the last two games, Flowers has 21 targets, 16 receptions, and 243 yards. He's only found the end zone once so far this year but he has a big chance to score again in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing receiver groups with 31.0 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. With how dynamic the Buccaneers' offense has been, this game could be primed for a shootout, and Flowers should be Lamar Jackson's number-one target again.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell grabbed just two passes for nine yards in the team's Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Mitchell has moved out of a full-time role in the offense since the return of Josh Downs, but he has still seen production in his limited snaps. That being said, every Colts starting WR is questionable for their Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, which would likely put Mitchell into a starting role should any of them miss tomorrow's game. If either Michael Pittman Jr. (back), Josh Downs (toe), or Alec Pierce (shoulder) are a no-go on Sunday, Mitchell does become a viable option. He will face a tougher Miami secondary that's allowed the second most fantasy points to receivers but can be viewed as a WR4 option if any previously listed starters are inactive.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remains at RB1 this season in half-PPR and standard formats. The veteran has returned to his dominant ways this year as he leads the league in rushing yards, 20+ yard runs, and rushing touchdowns. In Week 7, the Ravens take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have scored points with ease for most of this season. This game may turn into a shootout, but Henry should still see plenty of opportunities at the beginning of the game at least. Enough to keep him at RB1 level this week and make him a must-start.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end fantasy quarterback start for Week 7. The Cardinals will host the Los Angeles Chargers in a pivotal game on Monday night. The Cardinals' offense is coming off a sloppy outing in Green Bay. However, Murray still had a decent game, completing 22-of-32 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals' offense has been streaky this season, and if they can find some consistency, they could have real fantasy upside. Cardinals wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson (ankle) appear to be playing, so the Cardinals' playmakers should be at full strength. The Chargers' defense ranks sixth against quarterbacks in fantasy, presenting a tough matchup. Murray's rushing upside still makes him a likely starter and a low-end QB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, "several teams," specifically the Steelers and Chargers, have inquired about the availability of New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal). The wideout spent his entire career with the Chargers before signing with the Jets this offseason. However, he's struggled in 2024-25, accumulating only 10 catches for 145 yards. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams in a blockbuster deal, there's a good chance Williams could be moved elsewhere ahead of the trade deadline. If that happens, he may benefit from a change of scenery, so fantasy managers should contemplate holding on to him for now, considering brighter days may be on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "a select group of NFL teams" have contacted the Jets regarding the availability of wide receiver Garrett Wilson. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams, there are many who believe Wilson's days with the Jets are over. However, there hasn't been any indication suggesting the team would make a move, considering he's one of the league's most promising young receivers. Although Wilson was expected to have a breakout year in 2024-25, that hasn't happened. But in all fairness, he hasn't been horrible, amassing 41 catches for 399 yards and three touchdowns. It remains to be seen if Wilson and Adams can co-exist, so the situation is worth monitoring moving ahead. For now, the 24-year-old remains a must-start for Sunday Night's meeting with the Steelers.
From RotoBaller
