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
The Baltimore Ravens have officially moved former quarterback Malik Cunningham to wide receiver this offseason after signing him off the New England Patriots' practice squad last December to reunite him with former college teammate Lamar Jackson. Last year, the Ravens cross-trained Cunningham as a QB, receiver and special teams contributor, and he played in one game, taking four snaps at receiver in the Week 18 regular season finale. At organized team activities this spring, the Ravens are immersing the 25-year-old at the receiver position, and the Ravens think he has transitioned well to wideout. Cunningham has the athleticism, but he still faces an uphill battle to stick at the position. If anything, he'll likely continue to be a special teams option for Baltimore in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dolphins have signed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to a contract extenstion. Dynasty Analysis: Waddle gets a contract worth $84.75 million with a whopping $76 million in guaranteed money. The deal also makes him the fourth-highest paid wide receiver in the league. It's a giant contract for a player who is currently the WR2 on his own team but it's clear Miami sees him as the long-term focal point of their passing offense. After three straight 1,000-yard seasons, 18 touchdowns, and 251 receptions, it's not hard to see why. Waddle is currently our WR12, and that could actually represent a bit of a "buy low" window at the moment.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (undisclosed) is reportedly working through an injury and wearing a non-contact jersey at OTAs. However, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports that his injury has not held him out of practice or slowed him down. That said, this should not be a concern for fantasy managers. "As was the case last week, Pearsall looked comfortable in the offense and caught several passes from Brock Purdy, including one at the sideline that Pearsall snagged in front of cornerback Isaac Yiadom, who had close coverage," Barrows wrote. The former Arizona State and Florida wideout was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in April's 2024 NFL Draft, and although he lands in a great offense, it's tough to find a path toward consistent production in 2024. As of now, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel remain on the roster, and the organization re-signed Jauan Jennings to a two-year extension on Wednesday. Pearsall is likely best served as a dynasty-league stash for rebuilding teams.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) did not participate in Thursday's OTA practice, but Joel A. Erickson of Indy Star said it was for precautionary reasons. Pittman banged knees with a defender last week and limped off the field, but he is expected to be "fine". The former second-round pick has posted at least 88 receptions, 925 yards, and four touchdowns over the last three seasons, but he'll face more target competition this year. The Colts selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs is expected to have an expanded role. All that said, Pittman should remain the WR1 for Anthony Richardson and post at least low-end WR2 numbers in his fifth NFL campaign.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is coming off arguably the greatest rookie season ever for a wideout. He posted 105 receptions for 1,468 yards and six touchdowns, and he set a rookie record for receiving yards in a postseason game (181). It's difficult to project a better season of production in Year 2, but Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said he has improved this offseason. "You can definitely see he's made strides. He's moving better. I know he feels more comfortable," LaFleur said. "He's in year two and that's what you expect from all the players, but you know that you're going to get it from Puka because he's just made of the right stuff." Nacua is being drafted as a mid-to-late first-round pick in PPR leagues, and if Cooper Kupp takes another step back, he could compete for an overall WR1 finish in fantasy football. Los Angeles did not add legitimate target competition in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker David Ojabo (knee) suffered a partially torn ACL in Week 3 of last season, but he is expected to be a full participant at some point in training camp later this summer. The 2022 second-round pick suffered a torn Achilles in the pre-draft process leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, or he likely would've been a first-rounder. Through two NFL seasons, he has accumulated seven total tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in just five games. Hopefully, he can stay healthy in 2024 and show what he can do as at least a situational pass-rusher.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants waived running back Gary Brightwell (undisclosed) with an injury designation on Thursday, according to NFL.com. The former 2021 sixth-round pick by the G-Men out of Arizona has remained on the roster over the last three seasons, but his time looks to be coming to an end. So far in his career, Brightwell has rushed 41 times for 164 yards and one touchdown and caught 11 passes for 92 yards in 37 games. He played 100 snaps on special teams last year. With Brightwell out of the building, Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. now have less competition for touches.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (knee) underwent a precautionary knee scope for an injury he suffered last week, according to NFL.com. Although it's not ideal for the rookie Notre Dame product to get banged up early in his career, the injury is not serious, and he is expected to be ready for training camp later this summer. Following Estime's final season in college which included 1,483 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns, some viewed him as a top running back in the 2024 class. However, his 4.71 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine likely led to him falling to Day 3. Either way, he could carve out a role in Sean Payton's offense right away as a short-yardage and goal-line back behind Javonte Williams.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Eric Gray saw a lot of run with the first-team offense during organized team activities on Thursday, leading the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard to put Gray as the team's RB2 behind starter Devin Singletary. In addition, the Giants waived/injured Gary Brightwell, a sixth-round pick in 2021 by the previous regime, on Thursday. The G-Men are facing life without Saquon Barkley in 2024. Singletary is likely to lead this backfield, but he's never been a workhorse back in the NFL and will certainly cede backfield touches in his first year in the Big Apple. Gray was a fifth-rounder in 2023 and had only 23 touches for 70 yards on 65 offensive snaps a year ago. Given the lack of competition behind Gray, he's a good bet to see a significant boost in touches in Year 2. He'll be a handcuff option for Singletary owners in deeper fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback Tim Boyle (finger) was back on the practice field at organized team activities on Thursday after missing time last week after getting stitches for a finger cut while taking a snap. Boyle will be competing for a roster spot this offseason and in training camp this summer. He's currently listed as the No. 4 QB on the Texans' depth chart behind C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills and veteran Case Keenum. It will be an uphill battle for the 29-year-old former undrafted free agent. Boyle has already served as a backup option for five different teams since entering the NFL with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. In his five years in the league, Boyle has completed only 62.3% of his 183 pass attempts for 934 yards, four touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 20 games (five starts). He's not anywhere near the fantasy radar in any format.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos are expecting to see growth from wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. as he heads into his second year in the league. "You're going to see a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2," head coach Sean Payton said. Mims, the team's second-round pick (63rd overall) in 2023 out of Oklahoma, averaged a healthy 17.1 yards per catch in his first NFL season last year but caught just 22 passes on 33 targets for 377 yards and only one touchdown in 16 games (seven starts). The 22-year-old didn't get all that many opportunities to get into a rhythm in his rookie campaign but showed potential as a deep threat down the field from time to time. His fantasy stock immediately got a boost when the team traded Jerry Jeudy to the Browns in the offseason, but he'll still have to show improvement in Year 2 in order to see playing time alongside Josh Reynolds, Tim Patrick and rookie Troy Franklin.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers second-year tight end Darnell Washington got put into a box as a blocking tight end as a rookie in 2023 and rarely had opportunities to showcase his potential as a pass-catching mismatch, catching just seven of 10 targets for 61 yards. But 6-foot-7, 265-pound monster of a tight end said there's a "strong possibility" he'll become more of a receiving threat in new offensive coordinator's tight end-friendly system. The 22-year-old is an intriguing mismatch if sent out on routes, but as long as Pat Freiermuth remains healthy as the team's top pass-catching TE, it's going to be hard for Washington to stand out in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds could find himself in a substantial role in the Broncos' offense in his first year with the team after signing a two-year, $9 million deal in March. Reynolds comes from Detroit, where head coach Dan Campbell previously worked under current Broncos head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans. Payton is seeking more production all across the offense in 2024 and is embracing the idea that it could come from anywhere. "He's long; he has strong hands. Another veteran receiver," Payton said of Reynolds. Courtland Sutton is the unquestioned top wideout in Denver, but Reynolds will be competing for a starting role with the rehabbing Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims Jr. and rookie fourth-rounder Troy Franklin. With questions at QB, though, Reynolds will most likely go undrafted in standard 12-team fantasy leagues this fall.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy reiterated on Thursday at organized team activities that he's "definitely" seen significant progress from backup quarterback Trey Lance. "Now starting to get the timing with the routes. He's close to being a master of the system. He has a really high understanding. He just needs as many reps as he can," McCarthy said. Despite the Cowboys unsurprisingly declining Lance's fifth-year option this offseason, they have liked what they've seen from the former first-round pick (third overall) heading into his second season with the team. The 24-year-old signal-caller has lost most of his dynasty/keeper appeal at this point after not playing a single snap for Dallas in 2023 while sitting behind Dak Prescott. Unless Prescott misses time with an injury that forces Lance into the fold in 2024, he'll be off the redraft radar.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze (hamstring) was seen on the field taking part in organized team activities on Thursday, and he showed off his contested-catch abilities. The Bears took precaution in holding Odunze out of previous OTA sessions last week, but the 21-year-old Washington Husky alumni is now back on the field as he prepares for his first season in the NFL. The ninth overall pick in last month's NFL draft has a bright future ahead of him and can pretty much do anything on the football field as a receiver, but fantasy managers in single-year redraft leagues may want to pump the brakes on his value in 2024 as long as both DJ Moore and Keenan Allen stay healthy in front of him in Chicago's receiver pecking order. But in the long term, Odunze may have the highest ceiling of any rookie wideout while being paired with QB Caleb Williams, the first overall pick.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton was back at organized team activities on Thursday after saying that the team added incentives to his contract to appease him. Slayton was staying away from voluntary OTAs this offseason as he angled for a new contract extension from the team, but the 27-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2019 out of Auburn is now back with the team. Despite the addition of rookie pass-catcher Malik Nabers in the first round of this year's NFL draft, Slayton still figures to be in line for a starting role in New York's offense in 2024 after recording a career-high 770 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 50 receptions in 17 games (13 starts) a year ago. However, Slayton's fantasy ceiling and floor will be volatile, especially since both Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson figure to be asked to take on more in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is signing a three-year contract extension worth up to $84.75 million that includes $76 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The $28.25 million average salary ranks fourth among NFL wideouts, trailing only A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill. Since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2021 out of Alabama, Waddle has hauled in 251 of his 361 targets for 3,385 yards and 18 touchdowns. He's caught at least 72 passes and racked up 1,000-plus yards in each of his first three campaigns. Although he is the clear No. 2 wide receiver in Miami behind Hill, he remains a strong fantasy football asset with WR1 upside in an explosive passing offense. Last season marked his first year without a WR1 finish, but he should bounce back after setting career lows on catches, yards, and touchdowns. He's a screaming value at his low-end WR2 price tag in early fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (head) was photographed participating in OTAs on Thursday, according to the Marietta Daily Journal. The pass-catching back came on strong late in his rookie campaign last year, but he's still expected to face firm competition in the form of Javonte Williams and Audric Estime, to name a couple. Adding extra faces to this backfield complicates the matter and drops McLaughlin to a depth role, making him a reasonable target at his ADP of 163. Fantasy managers will find extra solace in the fact that he's healthy and ready to go for the season.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (hamstring) continues to make progress and could return to the field for contact and action next week. "Hopefully next week we'll get him out there when we go full speed," head coach Matt LaFleur explained to the media. The former Raiders star inked a deal with Green Bay over the offseason, and his extreme versatility makes him an appealing pick. As long as he gets healthy once again, he could push to be a low-end RB1 in fantasy leagues. Regardless of his exact finish, he should have several opportunities to feast within a competent Jordan Love-run team.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars intend to get running back Tank Bigsby more involved next season, according to Demetrius Harvey of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union. Bigsby was a rookie last year, and while he did earn some opportunities, he was clearly the backup option to Travis Etienne Jr. Sure, Etienne will remain the Jaguars' undeniable top back in 2024, but the expectation is that Bigsby will be more involved. "We've talked about this too as a staff and myself, making sure Tank [Bigsby] gets opportunities to get out there and take some of the pounding off of Travis," explained head coach Doug Pederson. While this new report might not be enough to put Bigsby on the radar in typical 12-team redraft leagues, he's still worth monitoring as the season gets underway. A slow start or injury from Etienne could put Bigsby in a favorable role.
From RotoBaller
