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
TFC Champion is Crowned
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner is expected to reset the cornerback market as the highest-paid player because the two-time All-Pro is arguably the league's best shutdown cornerback, sources told SNY's Connor Hughes. The Jets will also likely consider an extension for wide receiver Garrett Wilson soon, but sources agreed that Gardner's new deal is far simpler. Additionally, Hughes got the sense at this year's NFL Combine in Indianapolis that the new Jets regime of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are much more open to the idea of extending players after three years than former GM Joe Douglas was. Sources think that any extensions that Mougey and Glenn reward players with will be fair and to market value, assuming the organization has the financial means to pull it off. Gardner, the former fourth overall pick, had a career-low 49 tackles (36 solo), one sack and an interception in 15 starts in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin is not expected to return in 2025, according to SNY's Connor Hughes. Sources say the Jets are showing interest in free-agent tight ends, with Juwan Johnson being the top target. If the Jets choose to sign a cheaper player, they could look to someone like John Bates. The 29-year-old Conklin will soon become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will be free to sign with any NFL team, but it's unlikely the Jets will make much of an effort to retain him. The former fifth-rounder (157th overall) of the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 out of Central Michigan caught 51 of his 72 targets for 449 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in his third year with the Jets in 2024. In his three years in New York, he accumulated 170 receptions, 1,622 receiving yards and seven TDs in 50 games (43 starts). Conklin is unlikely to be much more than a backup TE wherever he lands in free agency.
From RotoBaller
SNY's Connor Hughes came away from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis without a sense that the New York Jets will be overly aggressive to trade up to first or second overall to take a quarterback. They have contacted the Tennessee Titans about the No. 1 overall pick, but those talks were described as "preliminary" and "checking in." The cost of moving up that high would be extremely high, and neither Miami's Cam Ward nor Colorado's Shedeur Sanders are slam-dunk franchise QB prospects. SNY learned that the Jets are more likely to dabble in the second-tier veteran QB market, according to sources. The Jets' plan is to pair Tyrod Taylor with another veteran QB and then draft another signal-caller on Day 2 (or trade up late in the first round). Potential veteran targets include Marcus Mariota, Justin Fields and Carson Wentz.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets are taking calls on star wide receiver Davante Adams and are open to trading him before the start of the new league year on March 12, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Given Adams' $38.2 million salary cap number for the 2025 season, it comes as no surprise. If the Jets can't find any takers for Adams, they are expected to release him. If the 32-year-old veteran becomes a free agent, he could follow quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to be cut by the Jets soon, for the third time in their careers. The Jets acquired Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders last October and the three-time All-Pro caught 67 of 114 targets for 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 starts. Although the Jets were a big disappointment and missed the playoffs, Adams had his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. His 2025 fantasy value will depend on where he ends up.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been traded to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Dynasty Analysis: Samuel was destined to be on the move for some time and now it's official. The price tag for Washington is more than palatable as a fifth-round pick seems more than reasonable. He'll slot in alongside Terry McLaurin to create a solid duo for star quarterback Jayden Daniels. As for Samuel's dynasty value, that's still tough to assess. There's no doubting his talent, but he's also three years removed from that magical 2021 season where he posted over 1,400 receiving yards and 365 rushing yards (both career highs). His allure as a WR1 has long since faded, but his status as a WR2 should be safe.
The Philadelphia Eagles' interest in trading for Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett is real, sources have told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. "Garrett could be this year's version of Saquon Barkley for Howie (Roseman)," one NFL general manager said. "He's an impact add and isn't a free-agent overpay. Howie's not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team." The only way to make it work for Philadelphia would be if they were to let key members of their Super Bowl-winning group walk, including linebacker Zack Baun. In addition to Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton headline the Eagles' free-agent class, and bringing them all back would prove difficult if they added Garrett, who could easily become the highest-paid defensive player in the league on his next contract.
Dynasty | The Rams have agreed to a restructured contract with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Dynasty Analysis: Matthew Stafford will be the starter for the Rams next season as he agreed to a restructured contract. This was always the expected outcome but Stafford was able to at least dip his toes into the market to see if there was something better out there for him. This is the first domino to fall in the a quarterback carousel that should feature Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold all possibly find new homes. Los Angeles won't be one of those. As for Stafford, he'll remain a low-end QB1 for at least next season as his career really is a year-to-year thing at this point.
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent RB Aaron Jones is a player the Vikings are interested in re-signing this offseason.
Fantasy Spin: Jones rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards this past season and probably will receive most of the work at running back if he stays with the Vikings. He can be at least a No. 3 running back in all fantasy leagues next season.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent WR Chris Godwin is a player the New England Patriots are interested in this offseason but members of the organization do not believe he is leaving the Buccaneers, sources told The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin likely will receive interest from several teams if he hits the free-agent market, but the Buccaneers seem to be the leading candidate for Godwin. He will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues next season.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent WR Demarcus Robinson indicated that he wants to re-sign with the Rams this offseason.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams has been made available to teams in a trade, and Jets are receiving calls about Adams, according to sources. Adams is expected to be released if they are not able to find a trade.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should monitor the situation to see if a team decides to acquire Adams or if teams will wait until he hits the free-agent market. He is still a productive receiver and will be a starter no matter where he plays. Adams likely will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues in 2025.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions impending free-agent CB Carlton Davis likely will receive interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars during free agency, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.
From TheHuddle
Both ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler are expecting the Carolina Panthers to be aggressive this offseason in pursuing upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, and they will have plenty of salary cap space in which to work from. The Panthers could be in on the top free-agent safeties in Jevon Holland and Camryn Bynum, among others and also might be willing to spend big on Eagles free-agent defensive tackle Milton Williams. As they look to add edge-rushing depth, Chase Young will be one of the more intriguing options on the free-agent market. In house, Fowler writes that the Panthers want to sign star cornerback Jaycee Horn to an extension before the cornerback market blows up. Carolina could surely use the help on the defensive side of the ball, as they allowed the most points per game (31.4) and the most total yards per game (404.5) in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Both ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler write that the Cleveland Browns continue to insist they aren't open to trading All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett under any circumstances. And even if the Browns were open to trading him, they'd likely wait until after June 1, as a trade would jump Garrett's 2025 salary cap number from $19.7 million to a dead-money hit of $36.2 million. Waiting until after June 1 would allow Cleveland to spread that charge out over two seasons. It's looking like the Browns won't seriously entertain trading the 29-year-old until they're convinced he'd be willing to miss regular-season games in 2025. Fowler writes that he thinks the Browns are very dug in and willing to wait Garrett out. If the Browns get serious about trading him, the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be two of the most aggressive suitors.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals impending free-agent TE Mike Gesicki is a priority for the Bengals to re-sign this offseason, according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin.
Fantasy Spin: Gesicki posted 665 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season and was targeted at least five times in eight games this past season. He will be part of one of the better offenses in the NFL if he stays with the Bengals and could be a low-end No. 1 tight end in some leagues.
From TheHuddle
Names on the Indianapolis Colts' radar as they look to bring in competition for quarterback Anthony Richardson include Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Jacoby Brissett, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Jones' name has come up more than once in regards to the Colts this offseason. Indianapolis hasn't given up on Richardson as their starter under center moving forward, but it will also be telling how they approach free agency at the position. Veteran Joe Flacco served as the backup to Richardson last year and even started six games in 2024, but it remains to be seen if the Colts will re-sign him. Jones, a former first-rounder, was a bust for the New York Giants and was cut last year after throwing for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 games. With Sam Darnold potentially leaving the Vikings, Minnesota could look to re-sign Jones as insurance for J.J. McCarthy (knee).
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) does not want to put a timetable on his return from his hamstring injury but indicated that he will be ready for the 2025 season.
Fantasy Spin: Prescott does not need to do much during offseason workouts and should have plenty of time to be ready for training camp. He is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy and probably will be a No. 1 fantasy quarterback in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent DE DeMarcus Lawrence said he would like to re-sign with the Cowboys this offseason but the decision is up to the team.
From TheHuddle
The sense that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has gotten is that quarterback Justin Fields has an edge over veteran Russell Wilson in the Pittsburgh Steelers' free-agent QB pecking order this offseason. Fowler goes on to write that there is sentiment for Fields in the building, and both sides would be open to a return. However, the team isn't ruling out Wilson, and they still have another week before deciding how to move forward in free agency. Even if the Steelers don't bring Fields back, he'll have options on the open market. The New York Jets are expected to gauge his market, and he could also be a nice fit for the Las Vegas Raiders. Although Wilson gave the Steelers more offensive upside when he took over under center in 2024, Fields is a more dynamic athlete at this point and is younger. The 25-year-old went 4-2 with 1,106 passing yards, five TDs and a pick in his six starts while also running for 289 yards and five TDs.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) is expected to be on the Cleveland Browns' radar this offseason, according to people that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has talked to. Because the Browns still owe injured quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) $92 million over the next two years, they will understandably consider cost when it comes to the QB market. They are also fully expected to stay in the No. 2 spot in the upcoming NFL draft and take a signal-caller. Cleveland could also be interested in Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins if he becomes available, but the Falcons might not just outright cut him. Fowler also mentions Carson Wentz as a possible target for the Browns. Jones, 27, completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,070 yards, eight TDs and seven interceptions in 10 games before being released by the Giants in 2024. He then latched on with the Vikings but didn't see any action. With Sam Darnold likely to walk in free agency, don't rule out the Vikings re-signing Jones as insurance for former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (knee).
From RotoBaller
