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 2
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Fantasy Preview: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 2
- Keenan Allen out, Rome Odunze in for Bears vs. Texans
- Rams star WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) exits vs. Cardinals
- Jets may have lost Jermaine Johnson II (Achilles) for season
- Vikings' Justin Jefferson, 49ers' Nick Bosa hurt on same play
- Week 2 SNF: Bears-Texans Preview, Props, Prediction
- Rams WR Puka Nacua could be out until Week 9
- Jaguars TE Evan Engram injured in warmups, out vs. Browns
- Eagles WR A.J. Brown downgraded to out vs. Falcons
- Saints CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) inactive vs. Cowboys
- Packers QB Jordan Love (knee) hopeful of Week 5 return
- Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase gets insurance policy on himself
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has no plans to retire
- Packers list QB Jordan Love as doubtful vs. Colts
- Bears place G Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) on injured reserve
- Eagles WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) not spotted at practice
- 49ers placing star RB Christian McCaffrey on IR
- Giants K Graham Gano (groin) added to injury report
- Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (knee) set to play vs. Rams
- 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey ruled out, could be headed to IR
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful for Chiefs
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Week 2 Sunday Night Football Prop Bets | Bears @ Texans
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Life: Big Fantasy Football Injury Updates
- Fantasy Life: Which WR Will Step Up in LA?
- Fantasy Life: Christian McCaffrey Injury Fallout: Risers, Fallers, and More
- Fantasy Life: A Fantasy Football Hollywood Horror
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was perfect in the team's Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints, converting all five of his kicks. He nailed four field goals from 52, 38, 48, and 40 yards, along with one extra point, accounting for 13 of the Cowboys' 19 points. Head coach Mike McCarthy has full confidence in Aubrey, consistently relying on him for long field goals. Aubrey is a perfect 8-for-8 on the season through two games. Despite the team's struggles, Aubrey was a bright spot and could continue to be one of the top-scoring kickers in fantasy football. The 29-year-old will look to remain perfect in Week 3's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker stepped into the starting lineup this week against the New Orleans Saints, replacing the injured Jake Ferguson (knee), who was ruled out with an MCL sprain. In his first start, Schoonmaker caught six passes for 43 yards, finishing third on the team in targets. While he didn't record a catch over 15 yards, he remained active and posted double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues. Ferguson is expected to return at some point, but until then, Schoonmaker is a solid option for managers needing tight end help. The 25-year-old can be used as a streamer against the Baltimore Ravens in deep-league formats if Ferguson remains out.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 19-of-28 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 24-17 loss to New York. He also rushed four times for 38 yards while losing a fumble in the defeat. Levis once again showed flashes of brilliance, but was doomed by inconsistent play and turnovers that lowered his fantasy numbers considerably. The constant pressure didn't help, but Levis accounted for three turnovers for the second consecutive week, which led to 10 points for the Jets. The QB did make some splash plays, including a 40-yard TD to Calvin Ridley, but struggled to connect with any other receiver in the game. Levis will have another tough test next Sunday with the Packers coming to town in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, adding a 10-yard rushing touchdown in a loss vs. the New York Jets. It was a monster afternoon for the sixth-year pro, who was able to get in the end zone twice while battling one of the toughest secondaries in the NFL. His 40-yard touchdown reception from Will Levis was a thing of beauty, as Ridley made an incredible grab with First-team All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner right on his back. The former Pro Bowler once again led the Titans in receiving as the clear cut top option in a not-so-great passing attack. Even with quarterback Will Levis' struggles, Ridley should be started in all formats on a weekly basis given his role in the offense. He will look to keep the momentum going against the Packers stiff defensive unit in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 17 times for 62 yards, also securing five passes on six targets for 40 yards in a 24-17 loss to New York. For the second straight week, Pollard was the clear lead back for this Titans offense, out-touching Tyjae Spears 22-8 in Week 2. Although Spears left the game late with an ankle injury, Pollard was still dominating the time on the field up to that point and was more effective when given the ball. He was also tied for the team lead in targets with six, proving he still has a role carved out for him in the passing game even with Spears' ability in that department. With how much this coaching staff seems to trust Pollard, he should be locked into lineups moving forward as a mid-tier RB2 with a tinge of upside. Up next is the Packers vulnerable run defense in a Week 3 home matchup.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught one pass for nine yards in a 24-17 loss to the Jets in Week 2. It was the second straight near-dud for the veteran receiver, who could not get anything going on a day that where his teammate Calvin Ridley scored over 20 fantasy points. It's possible that Hopkins is still a bit slow to come back from the MCL injury, but it's concerning to record only two targets in an offense that is struggling to move the bar through the air. Levis and Hopkins showed some great chemistry last season, but Ridley seems to have snatched the crown from him in the Titans pecking order. With not many yards to go around, this is not a good sign for his rest-of-season outlook. Hopkins will look to rebound in Week 3 vs. Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) left the Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals, and he was unable to return. After the game, Kupp was in a walking boot on his left leg.
Fantasy Spin: We'll watch Kupp's practice status during the week before making a determination for Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. If he cannot go, it appears Demarcus Robinson would be the No. 1 wideout, with Tyler Johnson as the No. 2, and Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington as the others. Stay tuned.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott struggled in the home opener, throwing two interceptions in a blowout 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Prescott went 27-for-39 with 293 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while rushing for 12 yards on two attempts. The Cowboys seemed to have plenty of momentum heading into Week 2 after Prescott agreed to a lucrative contract extension, and the team secured a win over the Cleveland Browns. However, Prescott looked completely out of sync, throwing two first-half interceptions and getting sacked three times. While it's still too early to overreact, Prescott has a good chance to bounce back next week against the Rams, who just surrendered 266 yards and three passing touchdowns to the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) had a solid outing in Sunday's narrow win over the Bengals. Pacheco ran the ball 19 times, amassing 90 yards. He added five catches for 21 yards. However, the 25-year-old suffered an ankle injury late in the contest, with head coach Andy Reid stating the back would undergo further testing. Without question, Pacheco is featured in nearly every fantasy lineup imaginable. But he'll likely appear on the injury report heading into the Week 3, Sunday Night Football showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. If Pacheco can't suit up for that one, Carson Steele, who had seven touches for 24 yards, could be the preferred runner, with Samaje Perine potentially handling most of the pass-catching duties out of the backfield.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews posted four receptions for 51 yards on five targets in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fantasy Spin: It still wasn't a giant stat line which we've come to expect from the TE1, but he is rounding into form after being nearly invisible in Week 1. Andrews is making his way back from a major injury, and he should be just fine as he settles into the season. The Ravens travel to meet the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Agholor had one catch for 13 yards on three targets in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb scored his first touchdown of the season with an electrifying 65-yard reception in Sunday's 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. After signing a lucrative contract extension, the All-Pro was out to prove his worth, finishing the game with four receptions for 90 yards and a score. Lamb remained the focal point of the Cowboys' offense, seeing seven targets, the second-most on the team behind Jalen Tolbert's nine. He'll have a great opportunity next week against the Los Angeles Rams, who just gave up 41 points to the Arizona Cardinals. Lamb remains a must-start in all fantasy football lineups.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) won't play against the visiting Chicago Bears on Sunday night. He didn't practice on Friday because of a hamstring injury, so fantasy managers already assumed he wouldn't be available for Week 2. However, with Joe Mixon coming off a 30-carry, 159-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Week 1 win over the Colts, Pierce wasn't expected to be a featured offensive option anyway. With Pierce out, Mixon should see another healthy workload, with Dare Ogunbowale and Cam Akers backing him up.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson completed 21-of-34 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while adding five runs for 45 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Well, Jackson isn't going to run for 100 yards every week, and this game looked more like a traditional game, as Derrick Henry led the run game. The Ravens will look to rebound in Week 3 on the road against the Dallas Cowboys.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry rushed 18 times for 84 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while posting a 12-yard reception on his only target.
Fantasy Spin: That's two games and two touchdowns for Henry. He was much more productive, from a yardage perspective, in this one, too. He might not necessarily be a bona fide RB1 week in and week out, but he remains a fantasy must-start in all formats. He'll look to keep up the scoring ways in Week 3 at Dallas.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy posted three solo tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith was good for a game-high 11 total stops with four solo tackles and a pass defensed in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey posted 10 total stops, including eight solo tackles, with a tackle for loss and a pass defensed with an interception in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (foot) exited Sunday's blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Puka Nacua (knee) is sidelined for the foreseeable future, so Kupp was projected to have a big game. However, he had just four grabs for 37 yards before exiting the contest with a foot injury. Unfortunately, Kupp was observed in a boot after the contest, so his health ahead of the Week 3 meeting with the 49ers will be on the minds of fantasy managers. If the wideout isn't out there for that one, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson will do their best to fill the void on the offensive end. Kyren Williams would also presumably see more work than the 12 carries he had in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah rushed twice for one yard in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, while posting two receptions for one yard on two targets.
From TheHuddle
