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 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7
- 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (hip) could miss game vs. Chiefs
- Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) returns to practice
- Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) formally inactive vs. Broncos
- Bucs star WR Mike Evans (hamstring) misses practice
- Jets WR Mike Williams (personal reasons) misses second practice
- Giants star WR Malik Nabers clears concussion protocol
- Eagles DT Jalen Carter, CB Darius Slay miss practice
- Saints WR Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for season after surgery
- Browns plan to leave Cleveland, build domed stadium in suburbs
- Week 7 TNF: Broncos-Saints Preview, Props, Prediction
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) returns to practice
- Bucs owners double hurricane-relief donation to $2M
- Billionaire Tom Gores buys 27 percent of Chargers, ends sibling squabble
- Steelers' Justin Fields takes blame; OC hints at divide in pending QB call
- Bills bring in competition for struggling K Tyler Bass
- Chargers, Steelers, Saints inquire about WR Mike Williams
- Titans to grant S Jamal Adams' request for release
- New part-owner Tom Brady visits Raiders' facility
- Soaring NFL ratings suffer second straight dip in Week 6
- Vikings LB Blake Cashman (turf toe) expected out vs. Lions
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Injury Impact Week 7 | Brandon Ayiuk Done?
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Weekly Projections
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 7 | Make Way For Drake Maye
- Fantasy Life: Week 8 Early NFL Betting Lines: Grab Seahawks as Road 'Dogs
- Fantasy Life: Week 7 Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Marvin Harrison Jr. Is A Go
- Fantasy Life: Lots of Games To Attack In Week 7
- Fantasy Life: An Action-Packed Sunday Afternoon For Betting
- Fantasy Life: Week 7 Sunday Night Football Best Bets: Aaron Rodgers Takeoff
The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison reeled in 3-of-4 targets for 66 yards in the team's 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions. It was another modest outing for Addison, who has now caught three balls in each of his four contests this season. He somewhat saved his fantasy day in this one with a long reception of 51 yards that helped set up a Vikings field goal but was otherwise held in check by a formidable Lions defense. Third-year wideout Jalen Nailor racked up one more catch and target than the 22-year-old and out-gained him by 10 yards in the matchup -- the first time he's done so all season. While the USC product is a good WR in his own right, ceiling games will be challenging to come by while sharing the field with target-hog Justin Jefferson -- potentially even less so when tight end T.J. Hockenson enters the fold. Minnesota will travel to Los Angeles on a short week to take on the Rams on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins had a rough afternoon in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Hopkins missed his lone field goal and went 0-for-1 on extra points in the close loss to the Bengals. The veteran kicker has been mostly reliable for the Browns since joining the team before the 2023 season but he has now missed two field goals over his past two games. Overall, Hopkins has converted 10 of his 13 field-goal tries and all but two of his nine extra-point attempts. He will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 19 yards in the 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Worthy completed three catches on a team-leading eight targets in the contest. Worthy also had one carry for five yards in this contest. Despite the ball heading his way more than any other pass catcher, Worthy could not turn opportunity into a big game. Kansas City is trying to increase Worthy's usage, but it is up to the rookie receiver to step up to the plate. Thankfully, Worthy will have more favorable matchups moving forward since the Niners are one of the most well-rounded defensive units in the league. Worth and the Chiefs will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Despite the Raiders giving up the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, Worthy's involvement out of the backfield and designed plays should keep his usage high in the team's next matchup. Worthy is a high-upside flex play as long as you can stomach his low floor.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns defense performed well in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Cleveland allowed just 21 points while notching three sacks and holding the Bengals to just 223 yards of total offense in the contest. The Browns were led by Za'Darius Smith, who had one sack, and Shelby Harris, who also chipped in a sack. The Browns will face another tough test in Week 8 as they will face off against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo hauled in four passes for 50 yards on four targets in a 34-10 loss at Buffalo in Week 7. This marked the young tight end's best game of the season, having failed to top 16 receiving yards up to this point. His 26-yard reception in the first quarter set up Tennessee's only touchdown drive of the game, and he displayed solid chemistry with new starting quarterback Mason Rudolph on the afternoon. With how unreliable this Titans passing attack continues to be, Okonkwo is still not a great option moving forward, but there may be ample opportunity next week in Detroit with the Titans likely playing catch-up.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught six of his seven targets for 41 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Moore finished third on the team in targets and catches in the close loss to the Bengals. The veteran receiver's Week 7 performance goes down as one of his best games in what has been a rough season for him in 2024. Moore could continue to see a larger role in the Cleveland offense moving forward with Amari Cooper now a member of the Buffalo Bills. He will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught 7-of-8 targets for 81 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-29 loss to their division-rival Detroit Lions. It was another strong performance for the 25-year-old, who continues to be one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. Sunday marked his fourth-straight game with at least 81 yards and six catches, and he's scored a touchdown in all but one contest thus far in 2024. He could have had an even bigger game, but two of his catches went for no gain. The former LSU Tiger will get a quick turnaround in Week 8 when he and the Vikings head to SoFi Stadium for a road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams. He'll again be a top-flight WR play.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss had only 7 yards off six touches in Sunday's win over the Browns. He added three catches for 33 yards. It's clear Chase Brown is the preferred runner out of the backfield, resulting in another subpar showing for Moss. While he was considered a flex option heading into Week 7, fantasy managers should reconsider things for the Week 8 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught 10 of his 14 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. In his first game as one of the team's top targets after they traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week, Njoku came up big as he turned in his best game of the season. He led the Browns in targets and catches while finishing second on the team in receiving yards in the loss. Njoku can be trusted as a mid-range TE1 in fantasy moving forward as he should soak up plenty of targets in the offense. He will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had five catches for 55 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Browns. The former LSU Tiger was relatively quiet in Week 6 against the Giants. While Tee Higgins was more productive in this one, Chase still found the end zone for the sixth time in the Bengals' previous five contests. With Cincinnati picking up another win, the team will look to get to .500 with a win over the Eagles in Week 8. Fortunately for fantasy managers, the Eagles have struggled to stop opposing wideouts this season, making Chase one of the top fantasy options.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman caught eight of his 12 targets for 81 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. In his first game as a starter after the Browns traded away Amari Cooper, Tillman led the Browns in receiving yardage while finishing second in targets and catches in the close loss to the Bengals. The Week 7 performance easily goes down as the best of Tillman's two-year career. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should be checking the waiver wire this week to see if Tillman is still floating around out there as he could be Cleveland's No. 1 receiver for the remainder of the season. He will be worth a look as a flex against a leaky Baltimore Ravens pass defense in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught one of his five targets for 18 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Jeudy appeared to be in line for a larger role with Amari Cooper traded to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week but he instead remained an afterthought in the Cleveland offense while Cedric Tillman caught eight balls for 81 yards. Jeudy has shown flashes with the Browns this year but he will be tough to trust in fantasy going forward, even with a plus matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on tap in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman had one catch for 17 yards, two carries for 38 yards, and a touchdown in the 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Hardman did not command many targets, but he capitalized on his opportunities with a score on the ground. With fellow wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster sidelined with a hamstring injury in this contest, Hardman had more opportunities to get involved. This matchup marked his second game back from injury, and Hardman's role will likely increase as the season goes on and he gets healthier. Hardman is familiar with Mahomes and the offense, so it shouldn't be long before we see more involvement from him. The Chiefs will take on the Raiders in Week 8. The Raiders are not a cakewalk matchup for wide receivers since they rank ninth in fantasy points allowed, but Kansas City gets their playmakers involved in unique ways, so Hardman could see some volume. Despite scoring in this week's contest, Hardman's role in the offense is undetermined, and he should be viewed as a desperation flex play until we get more information about his usage.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown ran for 44 yards off 15 carries in the win over the Browns on Sunday. He added two catches for nine yards. The 24-year-old scored in each of his last three appearances. While he cooled off in this one, he still outperformed teammate Zack Moss, who didn't have a quality afternoon. It appears Brown will continue to lead the backfield, keeping him a starting fantasy option for Week 8 against the Eagles, but the continued presence of Moss in this backfield will cap Brown's fantasy upside.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins caught four of his eight targets for 82 yards in Sunday's win over the Browns. He also scored a touchdown, finding the end zone off a 25-yard throw from Joe Burrow in the third quarter. The wideout has looked great since returning from the hamstring injury that kept him off the field for the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign. But he's looked even better of late, scoring three times in the Bengals' previous three contests. Fantasy managers should keep him rolling for Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston completed five of his 11 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Winston opened the game as the Browns' emergency quarterback but was pressed into service after both Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson got injured in the contest. Watson suffered what is believed to be a season-ending Achilles injury, while Thompson-Robinson's finger injury is not considered serious. It remains to be seen whether it will be Winston or DTR under center when the Browns take on the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 8 but both quarterbacks should be added in superflex and two-quarterback formats this week as Watson's season appears to be over.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd caught five passes on as many targets for 43 yards in a 34-10 loss to the Bills on Sunday. On a day in which the downfield passing attack was stymied by Buffalo, Boyd was a reliable short area target for new starting quarterback Mason Rudolph. The Titans ability to stretch the field is next to none, and if Rudolph continues to start for Tennessee, he may have to rely on quick-hitter throws to Boyd in an attempt to move the ball downfield. The longtime Bengal will still be behind Ridley and Hopkins in the receiving pecking order (as long as the latter is in Nashville), but he is trending up heading into a tough matchup with the Detroit Lions next week.
From RotoBaller
Per head coach Kyle Shanahan, the San Francisco 49ers hope to get wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) back for their Week 8 home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. San Fran had a rough go on Sunday in their 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, losing wideouts Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) in the first half. While Samuel was sick coming into this one, he'll have a good chance of being able to suit up next Sunday so long as the illness does not linger. Aiyuk, on the other hand, is feared to have suffered a torn ACL via initial reports. It isn't yet confirmed, but he'd be a long shot to suit up in Week 8 regardless. With the 49ers wide receiver corps suddenly depleted, Jacob Cowing, Ricky Pearsall, Chris Conley, and Ronnie Bell are the only active wideouts without a designation.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had four catches for 17 yards on five targets in the win against the San Francisco 49ers. Kelce had the second-most targets among Chiefs pass catchers in this contest but could not eclipse 20 receiving yards or find the endzone. After the departure of Rashee Rice from the wide receiver corps, Kelce was vacuuming up targets across the middle of the field, but the Niners tried to eliminate him. Kelce should be the favorite to lead the team in targets every week moving forward, which should be the case in Week 8. The Chiefs take on the Las Vegas Raiders on the road next week. Kelce saw seven targets in each game against the Raiders last season, so he is one of the safest bets for volume at the tight end position. Fantasy managers should continue to view Kelce as a TE1 despite the poor showing this week.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb carried the ball 11 times for 22 yards and a touchdown while adding a 10-yard catch in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Chubb was playing for the first time since he tore his ACL in Week 2 of the 2023 season and received a thunderous ovation from the home crowd before the game. The veteran tailback did not disappoint as he punched in a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Cleveland went away from him in the second half as they went very pass-heavy, giving Chubb just one carry after halftime. The veteran running back should see his workload ramp up in the coming weeks as he works his way back into game shape. He will be an RB3 heading into Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
