Draft Day Movers and Shakers

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

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.

Draft Day Movers and Shakers

The Paur Report