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 Starts/Sits: Week 6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was seemingly unstoppable on the field during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The veteran wideout had taken a backseat to Mike Evans lately, but had another breakout performance this weekend. Godwin hauled in 11-of-13 targets for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Godwin has been a consistent option all season long with five receptions or more in every game. He has also posted 53 receiving yards or more in all six games. The move back to the slot as done a tremendous amount of good to Godwin's game. He'll be a WR1 for next week's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving made his first career start during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The rookie back did a nice job in place of lead back Rachaad White (foot) on Sunday. He rushed 14 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in the win. He was outshined by fellow back Sean Tucker who rushed for 136 yards with two scores. Despite that, Irving has made a strong push to be the full-time starter, but White and Tucker should both remain in the mix. Irving continues to impress on a weekly basis and should be in the RB2 conversation for next week's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was the odd man out from the big production in the Packers' 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Kraft, who had been the overall TE1 the last two weeks in fantasy football, was kept to a relatively quiet day, bringing in just two receptions on four targets for 13 yards. He also added a rushing attempt for two yards as he watched Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed score receiving touchdowns from quarterback Jordan Love, who had four touchdown throws on the day. With the returning weapons back in the lineup for the Packers, it was possible that the targets would be spread out once again and that's exactly what happened as 10 Packers notched at least one target. Even after a quiet game from Kraft, he's still a low-end TE1 option when the Packers stay home to face the Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker shocked everybody with his incredible performance on the ground during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The Bucs decided to split up the running back role on Sunday with Rachaad White (toe) being inactive. Both backs played well, but Tucker was nearly unstoppable on the field. He rushed 14 times for 136 yards and a touchdown in the win. He also added three receptions for 56 yards and an additional score through the air. Tucker was fairly unknown coming into this game, but will now be one of the most popular adds on the waiver wire. It's unclear if White will be back next week, but regardless he has struggled on the ground. Tucker has earned his way into the rotation, but Bucky Irving isn't going away anytime soon. Tucker is worth adding for fantasy managers in desperate need of help, but it's unlikely he tops this performance anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed led the Packers with six targets and put a touchdown on the board as the Packers handled the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 in Week 6. Reed scored the first points of the game with five-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love. In the first half, Reed hurt his ankle, was deemed questionable to return but came back into the game. Reed caught all six of his targets for 28 yards plus a score and had a rushing attempt for no gain. While Reed didn't have an extraordinary day on the stat sheet, he saved his day with that first-quarter touchdown and should have a better day when the Packers host the Houston Texans in Week 7. Consider Reed a low-end WR1 for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) didn't return to Sunday's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals. After the game, the wideout reported that while he was in pain, he just had issues moving it after the injury. Fortunately, he classified himself as "day to day" with a "sprain," adding he's "going to be good" for the Week 7 matchup versus the Houston Texans. Of course, fantasy managers will monitor his condition throughout the week. But if he can't suit up, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs will likely split the leftover targets from Jordan Love.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a rollercoaster of a game during Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints. Mayfield marched down the field on tossed a touchdown to Chris Godwin on the opening drive. The Bucs returned a fumble for a touchdown and Mayfield led his team to a field goal on the next drive. After that, Mayfield threw three interceptions on the next four drives. He settled down in the second half and picked apart the Saints defense to help salvage his fantasy value. Mayfield completed 24-of-36 passing attempts for 325 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions in the win. It wasn't a pretty game for Mayfield, but he still gave fantasy managers a solid outing. He'll need to clean it up for the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Mayfield should remain in the QB1 conversation for that one.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) was questionable on the injury report this week but played, led the Packers in receiving yards, and added a touchdown reception as the Packers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13. Watson reeled in three receptions on four targets for a team-leading 68 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter where Watson dusted his defender and quarterback Jordan Love put the ball on him for an easy touchdown. Watson has a lot of competition for targets and the production falls to different players each week. Because of that, that puts Watson into low-end flex territory for fantasy managers as the Packers host the Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns D/ST turned in a solid effort in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Cleveland notched one sack and got a 50-yard touchdown return from Rodney McLeod Jr. on a blocked field goal. The Browns were solid against a good Eagles offense, holding them to two touchdowns and two field goals in the close loss. The Browns were led by McLeod, who in addition to scoring the team's only touchdown, notched eight solo tackles and also broke up a pass. The Browns defense will have another tough task on hand in Week 7 as they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs found the end zone twice in the Packers' 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. After a Week 5 where Doubs was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, Doubs put up a three-catch, 49-yard effort on four targets plus two touchdown catches from quarterback Jordan Love in Week 6. Doubs' first score came in the second quarter with a 10-yard snag on the sideline where he dove to get the ball across the goal line. The second touchdown came on a pressured blitz where Love throw a pass on his back foot and Doubs adjusted to make the catch and get across the goal line. With the Packers staying home and hosting the Houston Texans in Week 7, consider Doubs a flex option for fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught five of his seven targets for 31 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Njoku has dealt with ankle and knee injuries this season but he ultimately suited up while leading the team in targets and catches in the close loss to Philly. The Browns haven't gotten much out of any of their receivers this season so the opportunity for Njoku to become a big part of the Cleveland offense is there. Njoku will look to keep it going in Week 7 when he heads back home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made three of his four field goals and added an extra point in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Hopkins hit field goals from 43, 49, and 31 yards out while missing from 52 yards out in the close loss. The veteran kicker has been a reliable source of points for the Browns in 2024, hitting 10 of his 12 field-goal tries and adding seven extra points. Hopkins will look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert went 3-for-4 on attempts and 2-for-2 on extra points in their Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Seibert converted on his first 50+ yard attempt as a Commander from 55 yards out. Seibert's only miss was from 52 yards out, as the kick was blocked. The 27-year-old journeyman has missed only one field goal attempt since moving to the DMV in Week 2. Given how productive the Commanders offense has been, Seibert is worth adding in all formats, as he should have another productive afternoon next weekend, facing the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He initially exited early in the first quarter and did not return. At the time of his departure, he had registered one pass defended. Surtain has been dominant so far this year, so his absence is bad news for Denver in this week's divisional battle with the Chargers. Tremon Smith and Levi Wallace should see additional opportunities for the remainder of Week 6 and until Surtain can return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Upon returning from a hamstring injury, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce had his best game in more than a year during a 41-21 victory at New England, finishing with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. The third-year back also added one catch for one yard, but compiled most of his fantasy points on a 54-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Sunday marked the Florida product's highest rushing total since going for 81 yards in Week 4 of the 2023 season. Running back Joe Mixon is still the clear top option in Houston, so Pierce's usage with a big lead against a bad team could be an aberration. Houston will take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, the young pass-catcher had caught two passes for 14 yards. Josh Palmer and Ladd McConkey should see additional opportunities with Johnston sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels went 24-for-35 with 269 yards and two scores in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He added 22 yards on six rushing attempts and did not throw an interception. This was a season-high passing total for the former second-overall pick, but he could not win his fifth-straight game. Daniels found his top wideout, Terry McLaurin, for two scores in the red zone. Fantasy managers should continue to start Daniels in all formats as he takes on the Carolina Panthers next weekend, who have allowed the 25th-most points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler had a poor showing on the ground as he ran for only 21 yards on nine carries in Week 6. Ekeler was pushed to the top of the depth chart with Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) inactive but did not produce a high rushing total. Fortunately, Ekeler salvaged his fantasy day in the receiving game as he caught four passes (off of five targets) for 47 yards. Even as the lead back, Ekeler showcased his value in PPR formats but remains a tough player to trust in standard leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to view the 29-year-old as a low-end flex player in PPR leagues heading into Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love accounted for all four touchdowns as the Packers handily defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 in Week 6. Love tossed four touchdowns and was 22-of-32 for 258 yards while adding 13 rushing yards on the ground. Love got the scoring started with a five-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed in the first quarter, and then got the returning Romeo Doubs involved with a 10-yard touchdown. With a 44-yard strike to Christian Watson and a second touchdown to Doubs in the third quarter, Love was on the money with his wide receivers all day and fantasy managers had to be smiling. With Love's quality outing, there's no doubt that he should be considered anything other than a must-start fantasy option as the Packers stay home to host the incoming Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught six of his seven targets for 53 yards and two scores in their Week 6 loss. McLaurin had a modest day from a yardage standpoint but made an impact in the red zone as he caught both a seven and a six-yard pass for scores. After getting off to a slow start to the season, the Ohio State product has now eclipsed double-digit PPR points in every game since Week 3 and has emerged as a solid WR2. McLaurin should remain locked into all lineups heading into Week 7, as he faces a Carolina defense that has surrendered the 26th-most points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
