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Draft Day Movers and Shakers

Fri May 7 10:24am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Ryan is looking better and better


There were plenty of winners and losers this draft day, seeing their fantasy value either improve or take a hit. Below is the list of the biggest movers from draft day. These are guys that either are looking better for fantasy owners or a little worse. Adjust your rankings accordingly!

MOVING UP

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons. The Falcons used their first round pick on Kyle Pitts and also grabbed an offensive lineman (Jalen Mayfield) in the third round. There was speculation the Falcons could look to their quarterback of the future in the draft, but that didn’t happen. Instead, they built up the offense even more, which is great news for Ryan. Plus, they didn’t add a running back. Atlanta could really be a pass-first team with Ryan leading the way. His ceiling is really high this year with all these great options to work with in the passing game.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens. The Ravens added two receivers in the draft, including Rashod Bateman in the first round. Baltimore is surrounding Jackson with more talent, setting him up for more success in the passing game. Baltimore will be a run-first team but might air it out a little more because of additions in the draft and free agency to boost their receiver unit. This is great news for Jackson.

Mike Davis, RB, Falcons. As mentioned, the Falcons did not take a running back in the draft. They have to feel pretty good about Davis being their starter for the coming year. He has next to no competition for carries and should be the starter from day one. Davis had a big year as the starter for the Panthers last year, so don’t discount him to have more success in a starting role for the Falcons.

Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. The Chargers took a much needed offensive tackle with their first pick (Rashawn Slater), giving Herbert some top protection. Los Angeles also picked receiver Josh Palmer and tight end Tre’ McKitty in the third round of the draft. These are two more playmakers for Herbert to work with. The Chargers did a great job of doing all they can to get Herbert more help for the coming season.

Myles Gaskin, RB, Dolphins. There was speculation the Dolphins would find a new running back in the draft, but that didn’t happen. Gaskin sure looks like the guy in Miami this year. The Dolphins did draft a running back but it was in round seven. Gaskin has some real upside in a starting role in this offense. He could get a lot of work.

Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Saints. Smith has not lived up to his potential just yet but will get his chance this year. The Saints did not address their receiver position in the draft with an early pick, meaning Smith will get first shot to start opposite Michael Thomas.

Tevin Coleman, RB, Jets. The Jets did take a running back in the draft but it was Michael Carter in the fourth round. Carter is a good player but his size probably makes him a better fit as a change of pace guy or third-down back. This means Coleman should get first shot at the early-down work for the Jets. He should be moving up draft boards after this draft. Coleman is an injury risky but also has some potential in an expanded role.

Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles. There was some talk the Eagles could look at a quarterback in the draft but that wasn’t the case. Hurts is their guy for the coming season. And Philadelphia gave him some more weapons to work with, picking receiver Jaylen Waddle in the first and tight end Hunter Long in the third round. The Eagles still could use some receiver help, but getting Waddle is a good start. Hurts is going to be given the keys to this offense and has a high fantasy ceiling in a starting role.

GOING DOWN

Cam Newton, QB, Patriots. Newton is going to have a real battle on his hands to start this year. The Patriots picked Mac Jones in the first round of the draft. Jones seems an ideal fit for the Patriots offense. And with the way Newton faded down the stretch last year, you can expect New England to do all they can to get Jones ready to start from day one.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Broncos. Gordon did not have a bad first season with the Broncos but that didn’t prevent Denver from picking running back Javonte Williams in the second round. And the Broncos even traded up to get Williams, showing you how much they like him. Williams will challenge Gordon for carries and could even take over the starting job sooner than later.

Jared Goff, QB, Lions. The Lions did add arguably the top offensive lineman in the draft in Penei Sewell, but failing to invest in a receiver early in the draft doesn’t help Goff at all. The Lions are super thin at receiver and took just one in the draft, picking Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round. Goff might have a little more time to throw with Sewell around, but who the heck is he going to throw the ball to?

Derek Carr, QB, Raiders. The Raiders revamped the offensive line in the offseason and needed more help in the draft. They took offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood in the first round, but many thought that was a bit of a reach. The team didn’t add another offensive lineman and failed to take any skill positions offensively. Carr could have less time to throw this year and his receivers are in the bottom half of the NFL.

Darius Slayton, WR, Giants. Slayton might be the odd man out in New York after the draft. The Giants took Kadairus Toney in the first round. He probably is a more talented version of Slayton. He should be the No. 3 receiver with Sterling Shepard and Kenny Golladay manning the starting spots for the Giants.

Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers. The 49ers surprised some by adding another running back in the draft, picking Trey Sermon in the third round. Sermon is an ideal fit for coach Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking running scheme. Sermon has a good chance to play a big role from day one and cut into Mostert’s playing time. The addition of Sermon was not good for Mostert’s fantasy value.

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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Player Notes
J.J. McCarthy Apr 24 11:50pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

When asked by Rich Eisen if he has any idea on where he's going to end up in this week's NFL draft, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy hinted at the New York Giants, who currently own the No. 6 overall pick in the first round on Thursday night. "I have somewhat of an Idea, New York, #Giants, I've spent the most time with. They're a phenomenal staff," McCarthy said. The young QB's stock has been rising rapidly ever since his pro-day workout. Reports suggest the Giants and Vikings could be in a raise to trade up to select McCarthy, who is attractive because of his experience running a pro-style offense in college. With Daniel Jones (knee) coming off a torn ACL and with no guaranteed money owed to him beyond 2024, the G-Men have done their due diligence on QBs in this year's draft and feel like a lock to take one at some point this week.

From RotoBaller

Joe Thomas Apr 24 9:30pm ET
Joe Thomas

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer thinks Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt will either be taken by the Los Angeles Chargers or Tennessee Titans in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft. Alt has been compared to Joe Thomas, although Alt is a little bit bigger and longer. The son of an NFL lineman is still learning his position and won't turn 22 years old until after the Super Bowl. One veteran evaluator had Alt behind only Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. among the best players in this year's draft class. The Chargers hold the No. 5 overall pick on Thursday night, while the Titans sit at No. 7. Both teams could use an athletic tackle like Alt, with the Bolts looking to bolster their offensive line while transitioning to more of a run-first offense.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Apr 24 9:20pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos' connections to Oregon quarterback Bo Nix have persisted with the 2024 NFL draft just a day away on Thursday night. Nix is a player that teams could wait on until the second round, but the Broncos don't have a current second-round pick this year and are slated to select in the first round at No. 12. Their acquisition of former first-rounder Zach Wilson adds another layer to their QB situation heading into Thursday evening. The Broncos have done their homework on the QB draft class -- they hosted Washington's Michael Penix Jr. on a top-30 visit and watched Michigan's J.J. McCarthy work out -- and have discussed a potential trade up in the first round. However, they have plenty of other needs and have also talked about trading down. Right now, Jarrett Stidham and Wilson are slated to compete for the starting job in training camp.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Apr 24 9:10pm ET
Michael Penix Jr.

The Las Vegas Raiders are thought to be high on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and if the QB market starts drying up quickly in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft and they feel the need to trade up in order to avoid being shut out, the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 5 and the Tennessee Titans at No. 7 are two teams that people think are willing to trade down. The Raiders would love to be able to get up high enough to take LSU's Jayden Daniels to reunite him with head coach Antonio Pierce, but they know they might not be able to do that. The Raiders have talked with the Arizona Cardinals about what it would take to trade up to No. 4, but Vegas' interest in that pick would likely cool off significantly if Daniels is among the top three picks, as expected.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 24 9:00pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots ownership seems to have a strong preference to come out of the first round of this year's NFL draft with a quarterback, so moving back to, say, No. 11 with the Minnesota Vikings or No. 13 with the Las Vegas Raiders might be too far of a drop for the team to still ensure their ability to do that. But if they move back only three spots to No. 6 in a trade with the New York Giants, they could still be in position to pick a QB in the first round and add multiple extra premium picks. The Patriots gathered information on Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. in the pre-draft process in case they decide to trade down. The Pats appear to be high on him, but ESPN's Dan Graziano doesn't think he'll be in consideration if they stay at No. 3. Most pundits believe New England will take North Carolina's Drake Maye if they stick in the third spot.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Apr 24 8:50pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

The Athletic's Jeff Howe predicts that New York Giants will trade the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft and a 2025 second-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in order to move up to fourth overall to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Thursday night. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is eager to trade down for a second straight year. If LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye remain available at No. 4, the Minnesota Vikings or Las Vegas Raiders would probably become more aggressive in pursuing the fourth overall pick. "I think there's going to be a race to McCarthy between the Giants and Vikings," a coach said. McCarthy doesn't have the upside that the top three QBs in this class do, but rival executives cited concerns with Giants current QB Daniel Jones' (knee) health after tearing his ACL and dealing with a neck injury in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 24 8:40pm ET
Drake Maye

The Athletic's Jeff Howe thinks No. 3 to the New England Patriots in Thursday night's NFL draft feels like the spot for North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, although a couple executives made a case for Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. Maye has prototypical size, arm strength and athletic ability, but there's genuine concern about his inconsistencies in 2023, and his tape shed light on some erratic throws and tendencies. He has a reputation as a high-character person with great leadership abilities. Maye would be the more traditional pick at No. 3 to the Pats, with McCarthy being viewed as more of a surprise. If Maye is still available at No. 3, one executive thinks the Minnesota Vikings "would move heaven and Earth" to try and move up to draft him. If Maye lands in New England, he could sit and learn behind veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Apr 24 8:30pm ET
Micah Parsons

The Dallas Cowboys officially picked up hybrid defensive end Micah Parsons' fifth-year option for the 2025 season on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the move. Parsons' salary is worth $21.32 million as a defensive end, which is the position at which he played the majority of his snaps in 2023. The 24-year-old former 12th overall pick in 2021 out of Penn State has been a beast rushing the passer so far in his first three NFL seasons. He's made the Pro Bowl in all three seasons and has a total of 213 tackles (142 solo), 40.5 sacks, 51 tackles for loss, 89 QB hits, eight passes defended, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) in 50 regular-season starts. Parsons had 64 tackles and a career-high 14 sacks in 2023 and will once again be a highly coveted pass-rusher in IDP fantasy formats this fall.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Apr 24 8:30pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Word around the league is that the Washington Commanders have advocates in their building for both LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels and North Carolina QB Drake Maye. However, almost everyone polled for The Athletic's story believed Daniels was destined for Washington with new general manager Adam Peters hot for Daniels. The belief from rival teams is that the Commanders had been leaning toward Maye much earlier in the pre-draft process, but Daniels has done enough to lock himself into the No. 2 pick. One executive from a team outside of the top 10 wouldn't rule out a brief Daniels slide, perhaps down to No. 4. Still, it's highly unlikely Daniels drops out of the top five. If he goes to D.C., he'll be favored to start from Day 1 in his rookie season.

From RotoBaller

Tarik Cohen Apr 24 8:20pm ET
Tarik Cohen

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (leg), offensive guard Austin Corbett (knee), pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney and running back Tarik Cohen (Achilles) have all been taking part in drills during voluntary offseason workouts this week. Meanwhile, offensive guard Chandler Zavala (knee) and linebackers D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps) Amare Barno (knee) weren't participating in drills. Thompson, who suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 last year against the New Orleans Saints, is the most notable name of this group. The 30-year-old should be ready to go for training camp and the preseason later this year as long as he doesn't suffer a setback before then. The former 25th overall pick in 2015 out of Washington recorded 100-plus combined tackles in each of his previous four seasons with Carolina before getting hurt in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Apr 24 8:10pm ET
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson has requested to be traded from the Bengals, according to a league source. Hendrickson is due to make $15 million in 2024 and is looking for more long-term security than the Bengals have been willing to offer. It remains to be seen if the 29-year-old's wish will be granted with the first round of the 2024 NFL draft coming on Thursday evening. The former third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2017 out of Florida Atlantic has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons with the Bengals. In 17 starts in 2023, he had a career-high 43 tackles (28 solo), a career-high 17.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 25 QB hits and three forced fumbles. Even if he heads to a new team for 2024, Hendrickson should still be in play as a weekly starting defensive lineman in IDP fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Apr 24 8:10pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

The Dallas Cowboys are currently meeting with free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott's representatives around the facility on Wednesday, a day before the start of the 2024 NFL draft, according to a source. There has been mutual interest from both sides in a reunion this offseason as the Cowboys look to bolster their running back position after losing Tony Pollard in free agency. As of right now, Dallas' RB room consists of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, Royce Freeman and Snoop Conner. The 28-year-old Elliott had 184 carries for 642 yards (career-low 3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding 51 catches for 313 yards and another two scores through the air in 17 games for the New England Patriots in 2023. At this point in his career, Zeke needs volume to be fantasy relevant, and that probably won't happen if he returns to Dallas.

From RotoBaller

Jim Harbaugh Apr 24 5:00pm ET
Jim Harbaugh

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to undergo a rebuilding phase following the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh and the departures of longtime offensive weapons Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. L.A. has been rumored to be a top landing spot for Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison or LSU wideout Malik Nabers, but Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report suggests they are likely to pick an offensive tackle if they stay at pick No. 5. Notre Dame's Joe Alt is expected to be the first player at the position off the board. Alt has been mocked to the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 7 for much of the offseason, so the Chargers picking the 2023 first-team All-American would shake things up drastically. The Chargers have a lot of options with teams potentially trying to move up for a quarterback, so they are one of the key teams to monitor in the first round on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 24 4:40pm ET
Drake Maye

The New York Giants are in an interesting predicament at the quarterback spot. The organization signed Daniel Jones (knee) to a four-year, $160 million deal last offseason, but he didn't play well in 2023, and he is coming off a torn ACL. There has been plenty of buzz surrounding New York selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that they could pass on a quarterback if North Carolina's Drake Maye isn't available at pick No. 6. "Most teams believe if Maye is off the board, the Giants' most likely scenario is to go wide receiver to land a player who can help an offense that was last in the league in yards after the catch in 2023," Russini wrote. If the reports are true, look for New York to target LSU's Malik Nabers in that draft slot. That said, Washington's Rome Odunze is likely in consideration as well.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Apr 24 4:30pm ET
Michael Penix Jr.

University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has seemingly been rising draft boards this offseason, and NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that he could enter the discussion to be one of the first four quarterbacks off the board. "It's been assumed the top four QBs are Williams, Daniels, Maye, and McCarthy," Russini wrote "But don't be surprised if Penix enters the discussion come Thursday." Penix, who will be 24 years old during his rookie season, had a monster two-year stretch with Washington after four injury-riddled campaigns at Indiana. In 2022 and 2023, combined, the lefty posted 9,544 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. He ran between a 4.51 and 4.57 forty-yard dash at the Huskies' Pro Day, so his 226 career rushing yards might not demonstrate his full rushing ability.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Apr 24 4:20pm ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a monster 2023 season, throwing for 4,575 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He led Detroit to the No. 3 seed in the NFC and the organization won two playoff games in a single postseason for the first time since 1957. On Wednesday, the team signed Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell to high-dollar four-year contract extensions, but Goff is reportedly not close to agreeing to a new long-term deal. According to Adam Schefter, no new deal is "imminent" as of now. This will be an interesting development to watch play out, as the former Los Angeles Rams No. 1 overall pick is entering the final year of his contract in the Motor City and could become a free agent next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Apr 24 4:13pm ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Dynasty | The Lions have signed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The contract is basically a four-year, $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed, the most ever for a wide receiver in NFL history. It's a huge haul for St. Brown, who has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NFL. After his 119/1,515/10 season last year, the Lions were going to either pay him or risk losing him after his rookie deal expired. They've clearly chosen to build around him and he should be firmly cemented as a WR1 in dynasty moving forward. St. Brown is an easy target for any team looking for a premier centerpiece to their dynasty team as the best could truly be yet to come.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Russell Wilson Apr 24 4:13pm ET
Russell Wilson

Dynasty | The Steelers are not expected to pick up the fifth-year option on the contract of Justin Fields. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't much of a surprise as the Steelers would be on the hook for $25 million in his fifth year and don't even know if they want him as their long-term starter at this point. Pittsburgh is likely going to go into the season with Russell Wilson as their starter but also quietly evaluating Fields to be a possible successor. We'll see what happens but Fields looks like a player who could be a sneaky buy in the next few months leading up to the season as his ADP has tanked.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Justin Jefferson Apr 24 4:13pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty | The Bengals are picking up the fifth year option on the contract of Ja'Marr Chase. Dynasty Analysis: Consider this a placeholder as Cincinnati now needs to prepare to make Chase the highest paid receiver in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown has set the market with a four-year, $120 million extension ($77 million guaranteed), so the Bengals are going to need to assemble a few armored cars here soon. Chase and Justin Jefferson should both be set to sign historic deals and while the option being picked up buys the Bengals one more season, dynasty managers shouldn't worry about him hitting free agency any time soon. Chase remains a bona fide candidate for the top overall selection in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

J.J. McCarthy Apr 24 3:00pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning recently talked with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and said the Broncos are interested in him with the 2024 NFL draft beginning on Thursday night. "I know Denver is very interested in him and it sounded like a place he'd love to come to but it's a little bit out of his control," Manning told Denver Sports over the air. McCarthy played in a pro-style offense at Michigan and led the Wolverines to the national championship earlier this year. He wasn't allowed to throw the ball that much in college, but he really impressed at his pro day and has been rising up draft boards ever since. McCarthy is a candidate to go in the first five picks on Thursday night, although it seems unlikely that Denver has the ammunition to pull off a trade up into the top five this year to select McCarthy, especially after trading for Zach Wilson on Tuesday.

From RotoBaller