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
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) is set to return to practice on Monday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. This is great news considering Pearsall has been sidelined throughout the preseason due to a lingering shoulder issue. However, there is still plenty of time for Pearsall to get ready to play before the season opener. The saga of Brandon Aiyuk is still ongoing, which makes Pearsall's value difficult to determine. He's unlikely to have great fantasy value right away, but is worth a look in deep leagues. Pearsall has a bright future, so he's worth the investment in dynasty formats or keeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) is uncertain to be available for the season opener, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Downs has been sidelined since he suffered a high-ankle sprain in early August. The 23-year-old appears to be making progress, but he still has more work to do before being ready to play. The absence of Downs is a blow to this offense considering he registered 68 receptions for 772 yards in 17 games last season. If he misses time, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell would both see a boost in targets and fantasy value early in the season.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos defensive back Damarri Mathis (ankle) was removed early during Sunday's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Mathis had to be carted off the field after suffering what looked to be a bad ankle injury during Sunday's game. The assumption is that the Broncos will have Mathis undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. At the moment, it's uncertain if Mathis will be ready to play in the regular season opener. That being said, Riley Moss would likely be the next man up to start alongside Patrick Surtain, assuming Mathis misses time. The absence of Mathis would certainly be a hit to the Broncos secondary.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth (groin) didn't suit up during Sunday's preseason contest against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie kicker has been dealing with an ongoing groin issue since Friday. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the team wanted to play it safe and hold Smyth out of this game. In his absence, Blake Grupe handled the kicking duties during the preseason finale. He connected on both his field goal attempts and made all three of his extra point attempts as well. It remains to be seen which kicker the team decides to ride with into the regular season. Grupe is probably the favorite after making 30-of-37 field goal attempts and all 40 extra point attempts during his rookie season with the Saints in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Damiere Byrd has been released by the organization on Sunday. The veteran latched onto the Bills in August after being cut by the Washington Commanders. Byrd spent most of his 2023 campaign on the practice squad with the Atlanta Falcons. He caught his lone pass of the preseason for 20 yards during Saturday's game. His best year came with the New England Patriots in 2020 when he caught 47 passes for 604 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. Since then, Byrd hasn't done anything noteworthy, so now he'll look to catch on elsewhere as depth.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dolphins have released quarterback Mike White. Dynasty Analysis: White was signed to a two-year contract worth $8 million last season but has seemingly lost the backup job to Skylar Thompson this off-season. He had some nice moments with the Jets in the past but obviously didn't do enough to comfort the Dolphins in the event Tua Tagovailoa was to get injured again. He'll hit the free agent pool and likely resurface as a backup somewhere but the shine is clearly off White and he doesn't belong on dynasty rosters at the moment.
Dynasty | The Dolphins have released quarterback Mike White, paving the way for Skylar Thompson to be the backup quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: This is interesting as White was signed to a two-year contract worth $8 million last season. Thompson outplayed him in training camp and Miami obviously feels better about Thompson under center should Tua Tagovailoa suffer an injury or miss time. Thompson isn't an option in conventional dynasty leagues but would be worth a look in very deep 2QB formats.
Dynasty | The Jaguars have released wide receiver Denzel Mims. Dynasty Analysis: The former Jets second round pick was trying to carve out a roster spot but it wasn't meant to be in Jacksonville. Still just 25, Mims could latch on elsewhere but this is a bad sign for his career. After failing to impress with the Jets over three seasons and in short time with the Lions and Steelers as well, Mims is looking for his fourth team in less than a year. He's well off the dynasty radar at this point and has no business on a dynasty roster.
Dynasty | Browns wide receiver Jamari Thrash caught 4-of-6 targets for 73 yards and a touchdown in Cleveland's final preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed sign of hope for anyone who drafted Thrash late in initial dynasty rookie drafts as we hadn't heard much from him this off-season. Unfortunately, it may be a little too late as the Browns could have their depth chart relatively settled. If Thrash can crack the final roster, he's a good candidate for a deep league roster spot.
Dynasty | Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 12-of-20 passes for 114 yards with a touchdown and an interception, adding 93 rushing yards in the Lions final preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: Hooker really hasn't been impressive this off-season after missing all of 2023 rehabbing his injury. At this point, it looks like he's lost the backup job to Nate Sudfeld and his roster spot is in jeopardy. Hooker's status will be one to watch in the coming weeks as he'd likely latch on somewhere but getting released would be a bad sign for his future dynasty prospects.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't concerned about the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm). He didn't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus the Seattle Seahawks. However, Stefanski downplayed any speculation regarding Watson's "arm soreness," stating he feels "great" about the signal-caller's health. In addition, Stefanski expects Watson to participate fully in upcoming practices, although he's already comfortable with the amount of work his quarterback has put in this offseason. While the coach isn't concerned, the same can't be said for fantasy managers, considering Watson's limited time on the field in the last few seasons. But the Browns open the season in a few weeks against the Cowboys, so many questions will get answered.
From RotoBaller
The Rams released running back Boston Scott on Sunday. The 29-year-old veteran spent his entire career in Philadelphia before trying to earn a spot on the Rams' roster. In 73 games with the Eagles, he totaled 1,295 yards and 16 touchdowns off 302 carries, adding 71 receptions for 566 yards and a score. With that said, Scott is well respected around the National Football League. While that could mean he'll find work soon, he's got a long way to go before earning a spot on fantasy rosters.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts cut wide receiver Greg Ward on Sunday. The 29-year-old spent his entire career in Philadelphia, appearing in 40 games and amassing 768 yards off 88 catches. He also had 10 touchdowns, including six during the 2020-21 campaign. Ward signed with the Colts during the offseason. However, While things didn't work out in Indy, he may find work in the near future. With that said, he's not worth adding in any fantasy format, including dynasty setups.
From RotoBaller
The Dolphins cut quarterback Mike White on Sunday. He signed a deal with Miami last offseason and served as Tua Tagovailoa's backup in 2023-24. However, with Skylar Thompson earning the job, White will now look for a new employer. The veteran signal-caller was drafted in 2018. Since then, he's appeared in 14 games for the Jets and Dolphins, throwing for 2,219 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, adding 19 carries for negative yardage and a score. Although White could find another team heading into Week 1, his fantasy value can't get much lower, and that's not expected to change anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys have talked "a lot" over the last 10 days. Pelissero added that the wideout isn't looking to be the highest-paid receiver in the league. However, it appears Lamb may be in line to make just under what Justin Jefferson will earn on his new contract, which still is more than most. Without question, time is ticking, considering the regular season commences in a few weeks. Yet, Pelissero indicated he is "optimistic" the situation might be nearing an end, resulting in Lamb ending his holdout. With that in mind, fantasy managers will feel more comfortable drafting the 25-year-old once he signs on the dotted line. But he remains a first-round fantasy option regardless.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets rookie fifth-round running back Isaiah Davis, who is a jack of all trades in the backfield, is the leading candidate for the RB3 role to open up his first year in the NFL. Davis could also land a job as a kick returner on special teams. Breece Hall will be the team's workhorse starting running back in 2024, with rookie Braelon Allen earning the backup change-of-pace role. The 22-year-old Davis is merely a stash candidate in deep dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues this year. He was a workhorse back in his time at South Dakota State and has enough size and power to be intriguing as an early-down back if he ever sees significant playing time down the road. With Davis looking primed for the RB3 role to begin the year, it means that Israel Abanikanda will open the season as the team's RB4.
From RotoBaller
The 2024 season will be a "redshirt" year for New York Jets rookie fifth-round quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who is rehabbing from a devastating ankle injury that cut his college career short. The former Florida State star is expected to begin the 2024 regular season on one of the injury lists. The 24-year-old signal-caller hasn't played at all in training camp or the preseason and will merely be trying to work his way back onto the practice field during his first season in the NFL with the Jets. New York is not going to rush Travis' rehabilitation after he started camp on the Non-Football Injury list. Gang Green will open the regular season in a few weeks with Aaron Rodgers as the starter, with Tyrod Taylor serving as his primary backup.
From RotoBaller
ESPN New York's Rich Cimini writes that New York Jets rookie fourth-round running back Braelon Allen has easily been the most impressive rookie in training camp and is locked in as the RB2 behind starter Breece Hall heading into his first NFL season. The 235-pound bruising back will spell Hall and contribute as a short-yardage back in 2024. The 20-year-old was never really utilized much as a pass-catcher in college at Wisconsin, but he's also impressed with his hands this summer with the Jets. Allen relies more on his size and power as a RB instead of speed and agility. His stock is definitely on the rise in dynasty/keeper leagues, but because Hall is expected to be utilized so much (if healthy), it's hard to imagine Allen having any standalone fantasy value unless Hall misses time with an injury. In single-year leagues, Allen is merely a deep-league handcuff option, at best.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons rookie sixth-round wide receiver Casey Washington is already looking like a real value pick for the Falcons, as he's made some of the team's best catches in training camp and is in contention for Atlanta's fourth wide receiver role after the loss of Rondale Moore to a season-ending injury. Washington is competing with the likes of Chris Blair and KhaDarel Hodge for the No. 4 role behind Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III. The Falcons' offense is much more attractive to fantasy managers now that head coach Arthur Smith is gone and quarterback Kirk Cousins is leading the show. The 23-year-old had 49 catches for 670 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at Illinois last year. For now with just a depth role in Atlanta, Washington is one to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase took part in practice on Sunday despite not having secured a new long-term contract extension from the team. It is the first time that Chase has practiced with the team at training camp this summer. The 2024 regular season starts for Cincy two weeks from this Sunday -- on Sept. 8 against the New England Patriots -- so Chase is running out of time to get up to speed in the offense. It remains to be seen if Chase and the Bengals will be able to work something out on an extension before the regular season kicks off in early September, but either way, the 24-year-old should be viewed as a top-five fantasy pass-catcher with quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) back and fully healthy. Chase has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three years in the NFL and has gone over 1,000 yards receiving all three years.
From RotoBaller
