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
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney delivered a standout performance in the Falcons' win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Mooney recorded 88 receiving yards on three catches, including a 41-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Kirk Cousins. He shared the team lead in targets with Drake London and led the team in receiving yards. Mooney added receptions of 21 and 26 yards on consecutive plays during Atlanta's game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, setting up the decisive touchdown by London. After a disappointing season with the Chicago Bears, where he managed just 414 receiving yards and one touchdown, Mooney is making significant strides with his new team and quarterback. His growing chemistry with Cousins suggests a promising future, and he enters Week 3's matchup against the Chiefs with solid momentum. He is a viable flex option in deeper leagues moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London delivered a standout performance in the team's narrow victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. London finished the game with 54 yards on six receptions, including the crucial game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Before the Falcons' decisive drive, London had managed only four catches for 42 yards. With the Eagles adding a 28-yard field goal to take a six-point lead, the Falcons faced a critical situation with just 1:39 left on the clock. Atlanta orchestrated a drive from their own 30-yard line to the Eagles' end zone, thanks to quarterback Kirk Cousins completing 4-of-5 passes. London contributed with a five-yard reception to set up a first-and-goal at the seven-yard line, and he secured the game-tying touchdown with a 7-yard catch from Cousins. Although London and Cousins are still building their chemistry, Monday's performance marked a significant improvement from Week 1. London is expected to see ample opportunities in the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Chiefs, where the Falcons will likely need to stay aggressive in the passing game to keep up with Patrick Mahomes.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had an impressive performance in the Falcons' narrow win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson was a key contributor, carrying the ball 14 times for 97 yards, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. He also added 25 yards on four receptions. In the first half, Robinson was particularly effective, rushing for 72 yards on 10 carries against the formidable Eagles front seven. He was then slowed down more by the Eagles defense in the second half. Robinson has seen a big workload so far in 2024, even as backfield mate Tyler Allgeier saw only five fewer carries Monday. Robinson is set to play a significant role in the Week 3 Sunday night game against the defending champion Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins led a thrilling comeback to secure a 22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Cousins completed 20 of 29 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns. While the offense struggled in the first half, Cousins found his rhythm in the third quarter, connecting with receiver Darnell Mooney for a 41-yard touchdown to give the Falcons a 15-10 lead. Although the Eagles briefly retook the lead with a Jalen Hurts touchdown and a late field goal, Cousins orchestrated a decisive drive in the final 1:39. Starting from their own 30-yard line, Cousins completed 4 of 5 passes, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown pass to Drake London to tie the game. Cousins will look to build on this performance when the Falcons face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. With his current form, Cousins remains a matchup-dependent fringe QB1.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Rams Head Coach Sean McVay announced Cooper Kupp will be out for an extended period of time following an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's game. Dynasty Analysis: He also said Kupp is a candidate for injured reserve. This has all the looks of a high ankle sprain for Kupp, who is quickly garnering a reputation for ankle ailments. It seems as if him going on IR may be a foregone conclusion and dynasty managers shouldn't be counting on him for the next month or longer. This is a major short-term blow to Kupp's value as he honestly looked like he could make a run at being the overall WR1 yet again this season. Instead, his dynasty value is going to start sinking again as the veteran seemingly can't stay healthy at this point in his career. Kupp remains a hold in dynasty leagues but the quick "sell" window just shut.
Dynasty | The Panthers have benched quarterback Bryce Young. Dynasty Analysis: Andy Dalton will start this week's game and possibly beyond. Young has been an abject disaster through the first two games, throwing for just 245 total yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. His QBR is 8.9, dead last in the NFL by a country mile. The Panthers paid through the nose to acquire him (a deal that ended up being wide receiver DJ Moore and this year's #1 pick, Caleb Williams). This is likely a short-term benching for Young to get right, but it also could be the beginning of the end for his short tenure. This is life in the NFL but if the Panthers throw in the towel after 18 games, this trade could go down as one of the worst in NFL history, considering the entire franchise will have to hit reset yet again. Young's dynasty value is on life support.
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (quad) is considered day to day with a quad contusion, head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Monday, Sept. 16.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Nico Collins had eight catches for 135 yards and a touchdown in Houston's win against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: There seems to be little doubt who is the top target in this offense after two weeks. Collins now has 18 targets and 252 receiving yards through two games. His yardage total is tops in the NFL and his targets rank him seventh overall. In other words, the Texans may have talented players like Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, but this passing offense is seemingly going through Collins. He's a WR1 moving forward.
Dynasty | The Dolphins have signed quarterback Tyler Huntley off the Ravens practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Huntley has bounced around the league a bit after failing to really impress during his short starting stints with the Ravens in place of Lamar Jackson. Still, he gives Miami another veteran presence behind Skylar Thompson while we await the return of Tua Tagovailoa. He doesn't belong on rosters at the moment.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington looked to be settled in as the fifth or sixth option to start the season. Now, Whittington might find himself with an every week role. The Rams are expected to be without both Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) for multiple games. That being said, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Tutu Atwell figure to be the starters heading into Week 3. Whittington figures to be the primary backup receiver and should see some action as well. He hauled in both his targets for 22 yards in the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The sixth-round rookie isn't a must-start option, but could be worth holding in deep leagues or dynasty formats with the Rams shorthanded.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell entered the season as depth, but now could be a starter heading into Week 3. The Rams are without Puka Nacua (knee) and fellow wideout Cooper Kupp (ankle) is expected to miss an extended period of time. That being said, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Atwell figure to be the starting wideouts against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. On Sunday, Atwell hauled in three of his four targets for 48 yards in the loss. He doesn't have great fantasy value but could be a deep league option for fantasy managers in desperate need of help at wide receiver.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints QB Taysom Hill (chest) checked out fine after suffering a chest injury in Week 2, per source on Monday, Sept. 16.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele is expected to have an increased role in the offense going forward. This news comes after fellow back Isiah Pacheco (leg) suffered a significant injury during the Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs are expected to be without Pacheco for at least a month or two. Head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that Steele needs to step it up in the absence of Pacheco. The rookie back rushed seven times for 24 yards in Week 2. The Chiefs have faith in the long term potential of the 21-year-old back. However, Steele is unlikely to be the only back in the mix as Samaje Perine and Clyde Edwards-Helaire should also be in the mix. It's also worth noting that the Chiefs are reportedly interested in free-agent back Kareem Hunt. Despite that, Steele remains a top waiver wire addition for RB-needy fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo and OT Alaric Jackson had their two-game suspensions lifted on Monday, Sept. 16.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) appears to be making progress in his recovery process. The rookie wideout is only a few weeks removed from being shot during a robbery attempt. Despite that, Pearsall has started training again as he prepares to get back on the football field. This is great news as Pearsall could be back on the field as early as Week 5. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has stated that Pearsall remains week-to-week. The expectation is that Pearsall could be immediately utilized once he's cleared to play football again. The 49ers are going to be without wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) for at least a couple of weeks. His absence means an increased usage for Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and probably tight end George Kittle. Pearsall should be in the mix as well, but remains out until at least Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions LB Alex Anzalone (concussion) is day-to-day after suffering a concussion but 'felt pretty good today,' head coach Dan Campbell said on Monday, Sept. 16.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (leg) is dealing with an unspecified lower leg, soft-tissue injury but is expected to be fine, head coach Dan Campbell said on Monday, Sept. 16.
Fantasy Spin: It didn't look good for St. Brown during the game, but it appears he's not dealing with anything serious. St. Brown is one of the toughest players in the NFL and should be viewed as likely to suit up in Week 3. He's a locked-in WR1.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) told ESPN's Lisa Salters that he expects to miss a couple of weeks due to the hamstring injury that he suffered in practice last Friday. Brown was ruled out of the Monday night contest against the visiting Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 and could also end up missing the Week 3 showdown in New Orleans against the 2-0 Saints. With Brown out, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson will be Philly's top two receivers, with tight ends Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra also seeing more targets from quarterback Jalen Hurts in the passing game. We'll have a better idea of Brown's status for Week 3 when the Eagles return to practice on Wednesday, but fantasy managers should already be looking for a replacement. Browns is a must-start, high-end WR1 when healthy. He caught five of 10 targets for 119 yards and a TD in the Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent PK Tanner Brown (Rams), PK Randy Bullock (Giants), PK Zane Gonzalez (49ers) and PK Riley Patterson (Commanders) worked out for the New York Giants Monday, Sept. 16.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) will undergo surgery in the middle of this week on the fractured fibula that he suffered in the Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and he's expected to miss at least six weeks, according to sources. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that a six- to eight-week timetable is probably a best-case scenario, so the Chiefs will eventually place him on Injured Reserve, which will put him out for at least four games. If doctors find more ligament/tendon damage in Pacheco's leg when they open him up, it could be a longer road back for one of the best young RBs in the NFL. Fantasy managers obviously will want to stash Pacheco everywhere, while rookie Carson Steele immediately becomes one of the top waiver-wire targets this week. Samaje Perine should have an elevated role in KC's backfield as well and is worth a look in deep PPR formats with Pacheco injured.
From RotoBaller
