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
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) is currently considered as questionable ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran tight end sat out of Wednesday's practice, but was able to get through a session on Thursday. He was limited on Friday and as a result will be tagged as questionable for this weekend. If healthy, Hill is a boom-or-bust TE2 otherwise Juwan Johnson figures to see more chances. Johnson is a desperation option in deep leagues if Hill is unable to play.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. The Vikings are calling him as day-to-day, but this is now the second week in a row that Addison has missed. It's uncertain when Addison will get back on the field after not practicing all week. In his absence, Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor will be the primary passing options for this offense. Jefferson is a must-start while Nailor is worth a look in deep leagues after a 54-yard performance in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is cleared to play ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. The superstar wideout was limited in practice on Wednesday with a quad injury, but he guaranteed on Thursday that he'd suit up this weekend. It looks like Jefferson was right, as he doesn't carry an injury designation into this game. He'll continue to be the focal point on offense with Jordan Addison (ankle) ruled out for this game. Jefferson finished with 133 yards and a touchdown last week, so fantasy managers can continue counting on him as an elite fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie wideout played through a knee issue last week, but Odunze appears to be fine now. He's set for an increased workload with fellow wideout Keenan Allen (heel) ruled out for this game. Odunze has three receptions for 44 yards through two games. The Bears can't seem to move the ball right now, which makes Odunze a tough fantasy play. He should be considered a shaky flex option for Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 29-year-old did not have much involvement last week, kicking just one short field goal and converting two extra points. Better days are ahead for the Eagles kicker and it could start this week against New Orleans. The Saints have held opponents out of the end zone well through two weeks, but have allowed five field goals, tied for 11th-most in the league through two weeks. Fantasy managers can continue to roll out Elliott with confidence in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran wideout will now miss his second game in a row due to a lingering heel issue. This is obviously frustrating for fantasy managers as the 32-year-old had plenty of hype surrounding him to begin the season. His absence should mean an increased workload for both Rome Odunze and DeAndre Carter. Both players are sneaking their way onto the fantasy radar with the Bears shorthanded on offense.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt won't be available for the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. This doesn't come as much of a surprise after Hunt was signed by the team earlier this week. Hunt was a free agent until this point, so he'll need some time to get ready for football. In the meantime, Carson Steele figures to get increased chances as well as Samaje Perine. Keaontay Ingram was signed from the practice squad to the active roster, so he figures to be serve as extra depth. Fantasy managers are probably best off avoiding this situation for the moment, but Steele is probably the best of the trio for Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 29-year-old was not heavily involved last week but saw usage during the team's final drive and has the chance to see more targets in Week 3 with A.J. Brown (hamstring) likely out for another game. The good news; Goedert played 97% of the snaps last week and is at the top of the league compared to others at the position in snaps played. He should have a safe floor this week against a Saints defense that ranks middle of the pack against the tight end position through two weeks. Unless you have an obviously better option, you can continue to roll with Goedert in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 25-year-old did a fine job filling in as the No. 1 receiving option last week against the Atlanta Falcons as A.J. Brown (hamstring) was out. Smith caught seven of 10 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in the contest and is in line for a similar target share this week against the Saints with Brown expected to miss once again. New Orleans' defense has been great through two weeks, but they are not unstoppable through the air. They have allowed the 14th-most passing yards this year and allowed CeeDee Lamb to gain 90 yards on just four receptions last week. Chunk plays are Smith's specialty, and he has the chance to have them in what should be a competitive game Sunday. Consider the Eagles' young receiver a top-tier WR2 with top-12 upside in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson will face off against the Saints in New Orleans in Week 3. The former Washington Commander had his chance to get more involved last week against Atlanta with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out but saw just one target and was outplayed by Britain Covey. That was also with Dotson on the field for 79% of the snaps. He has not clicked with quarterback Jalen Hurts just yet and should not be considered a fantasy option in any capacity this week against New Orleans, even with Brown expected to miss his second game in a row. He is better left on waivers in redraft leagues and on benches in dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) was seen practicing on Friday in the portion open to the media. White injured his groin in the Week 2 victory over the Detroit Lions and was able to put in limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. Unless he was a full participant in Friday's session, White could be listed as questionable heading into Sunday's contest against the visiting Denver Broncos, but all signs point to him being available to play. If the 25-year-old is active, he'll be looking for more production in a good matchup against the 0-2 Broncos after averaging just 2.0 yards per carry on 25 rushing attempts through the first two weeks of the season. White is lining up as an RB2 for fantasy managers against a Broncos run D that was pretty suspect last year. If White is limited at all, it would mean more work for backup Bucky Irving.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 27-year-old saw his usage increase last week with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out and outproduced Jahan Dotson. Covey had six grabs with only 32% of snaps played, while Dotson saw one target with 79% of snaps played. While it was nice to see the primarily special team player get some run last week, it is tough to trust anyone outside of DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert against the Saints' defense in Week 3 for fantasy purposes. Managers should keep an eye on Covey in dynasty formats, but he is best left on the waiver wire or bench in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has picked up right where he left off at the end of 2023. Currently ranked as the fourth-best tight end in fantasy, McBride is poised to remain a top option as the season progresses. He has emerged as Kyler Murray's go-to security blanket, leading all Cardinals in targets with 15, which is also third among all tight ends through two weeks. While McBride's Week 2 touchdown came via a fumble recovery, his involvement in the offense remains strong. In Week 3, the Cardinals face the Lions in what should be a favorable matchup for McBride. With Detroit's elite pass rush generating quick pressure, Murray will likely check down to McBride frequently to counter the rush. Additionally, he will be matched up against Lions safety Brian Branch, giving him a significant size advantage. Expect the Cardinals to lean heavily on McBride again, making him a strong candidate to finish as the top tight end in fantasy this week. He's a must-start in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is questionable for the Week 3 contest against the visiting Green Bay Packers, but he's expected to be ready to roll on Sunday. Spears didn't practice on Wednesday before returning as a limited participant in Thursday's session, putting him on track to play this weekend. The 23-year-old could have a smaller role in a backfield tandem with Tony Pollard against Green Bay, though, which will make Spears a riskier RB3/flex play in deeper fantasy leagues. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz continues to say that the team prefers to have an even timeshare split in their backfield with Pollard and Spears. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 season, Spears has been the No. 2 behind Pollard, playing 45% of the snaps in Week 1 and 33% in Week 2. He has only 10 carries for 41 yards and has caught six passes for 22 yards.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will take on the Saints in New Orleans in Week 3. The 27-year-old was a focal point of the offense again last week against the Atlanta Falcons, especially with A.J. Brown (hamstring) inactive. Barkley put up 116 yards of total offense and was a top-12 RB in most fantasy formats, but did have a costly drop at the end of the game that gave the Falcons the chance to come back and win the game. He will look to make up for that mistake against a Saints defense that has allowed the second-fewest yards on the ground through two weeks. However, they have played the tandems of Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders in Week 1 and old man Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle in Week 2. None of these players come close to the caliber of the back that Barkley is, so there is no reason to consider the Eagles' workhorse back as anything but an RB1 in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
It's looking like Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) is going to miss a second straight game after he wasn't seen on the practice field on Friday. Although Addison's ankle injury isn't believed to be too serious, the Vikings are playing it smart with the second-year wideout. The 22-year-old was inactive for the Week 2 win over the San Francisco 49ers and doesn't look likely to suit up this Sunday in a showdown against the 2-0 Houston Texans. The Vikings have yet to release their final Friday injury report or rule Addison out officially, though. Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is also banged up but fully expects to play against Houston. If Addison is ruled out for the second straight week, popular waiver-wire pickup Jalen Nailor will operate as the WR2 for the Vikes again and could be used as a flex play in deeper fantasy leagues this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is practicing on Friday for the third straight day, although USA Today's Ryan Wood says that he'll surely be limited. However, the fact that Love has practiced all week means he's given himself a realistic chance to return in Week 3 on the road against the Tennessee Titans. Love sprained his MCL in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and missed the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old will likely be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, so fantasy managers will probably have to check back on Sunday morning to see if he's actually active before officially throwing him back into their starting lineups. Love has looked good moving around in practice this week, but it's fair to wonder if his mobility will be compromised if he returns this Sunday after missing just one week.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) and running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) have both been ruled out for the Week 3 contest this Sunday in Tennessee against the Titans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier this week that it was unlikely that Njoku would return this weekend after spraining his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Fantasy managers will need to keep the 28-year-old on their benches for at least another week. Jordan Akins caught his only target for a 10-yard gain in last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers should be able to find better TE2 streamers in Week 3. Strong pulled his hammy against the Jaguars and missed practice all week. With the 25-year-old sidelined, D'Onta Foreman could have a bigger role again as the change-of-pace back behind starter Jerome Ford.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will go on the road to take on the red-hot New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 26-year-old failed to secure a win for the Eagles last week against the Atlanta Falcons, but had a solid performance on the field without his top weapon A.J. Brown (hamstring), and finally started to run the ball like the player who was challenging for an MVP a few years ago. Brown has not been ruled out, but has not practiced all week and is expected to miss his second game in a row. With that said, because of Hurts' ability to run the ball, he remains a top-tier fantasy option against a Saints defense that has racked up five turnovers and has allowed just one passing touchdown through the first two weeks of the season.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins will face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in a Week 3 road matchup. Miami's defense has been decent through two weeks regarding yardage allowed -- letting up the fifth-fewest yards through the air (278) and the fourth-fewest total yards in the league (514). However, they're allowing the fifteenth-most yards per play (5.4) and have racked up just one takeaway through two weeks. There was some sleeper appeal here when the team was projected to lead in games. Those scenarios may be more challenging to come by, though, with quarterback Skylar Thompson under center and Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve. Fantasy managers can safely avoid the Dolphins' DST this week, as they're RotoBaller's DEF25.
From RotoBaller
