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
Updating a previous report, free-agent CB Parry Nickerson (Dolphins) signed a one-year contract worth $1.125 million with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, June 7.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent OG Pat Elflein (Cardinals), C Corey Luciano (49ers), OG Ilm Manning (Panthers) and DE Takkarist McKinley (Cowboys) are participating the in New York Jets minicamp this week on a tryout basis. Undrafted free-agent DE Jeremy Lewis (Eastern Carolina) is also trying out for the Jets.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton said he wants to stay with the Broncos for his entire career but is not ruling out the possibility of holding out of training camp depending on his contract situation.
Fantasy Spin: Sutton skipped the voluntary workouts because of his contract, so fantasy players will need to monitor the situation leading up to training camp. He will be a starter if he remains with the Broncos but may not be a strong fantasy option.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford is participating in the minicamp this week and is expected to report to training camp on time, according to head coach Sean McVay.
Fantasy Spin: Stafford is looking for a new contract but has decided not to skip any workouts and is on track to report for camp on time as well. He will have a terrific receiver duo to work with again this season but probably will be a No. 2 quarterback in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills LB Matt Milano (leg) will participate in individual drills during the minicamp this week and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent WR Russell Gage Jr. (Buccaneers), DT Camron Peterson (Ravens), undrafted free-agent OT Cameron Wire (Tulane), LB Jordan Smith (Chiefs) and S Roderic Teamer (Raiders) tried out for the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, June 11.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce told reporters on Tuesday, June 11, that he 'really cannot put a timeframe on (retirement)' intends to 'keep going until the wheels fall off,' according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic.
Fantasy Spin: Kelce also noted that he loves coming to work every single day, so it is possible - albeit unlikely - that the soon-to-be 35-year-old could play past next season. At any rate, Kelce is still playing at a high level and probably locked into 70-plus catches every year as long as Patrick Mahomes stays healthy. Kelce may never repeat his 2022 season, but he is unquestionably an elite TE1 option again this season.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (personal) is not expected to participate in mandatory minicamp this week. While the absence is considered unexcused and Rodgers will be subject to fines due to not being present, the absence is one that Rodgers stated was 'important to him' and head coach Robert Saleh knew about 'a while ago'.
From TheHuddle
Veteran free-agent wide receiver Robbie Chosen is participating in the Seattle Seahawks minicamp this week on a tryout basis, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 31-year-old spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and caught four passes for 126 yards and one touchdown in nine games. Overall, Chosen has hauled in 379 receptions for 5,082 yards and 30 touchdowns in 120 games with the Dolphins, Cardinals, Panthers, and Jets. While Chosen still seems to have game-breaking speed, he hasn't been able to stick on a roster as a key contributor since his 53-catch season in 2021. With DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the Seattle wide receiver room, it would be a surprise if he entered the fantasy football radar, even if he does make the Week 1 active roster. For now, he can be safely ignored in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Two-time All-Pro return man and wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. will take part in the New York Jets' minicamp this week on a tryout basis, according to a source. Grant is attempting to make a comeback of sorts after missing each of the last two years due to injury. He suffered a torn Achilles in training camp in 2022 and a season-ending knee injury in the preseason last year while with the Cleveland Browns. Grant was an All-Pro return man in 2021, though, with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, and he could give the Jets some veteran experience on special teams in 2024 if they sign him. The former sixth-round pick of the Dolphins in 2016 out of Texas Tech has never made much of an impact on offense in his seven NFL campaigns, posting a career-high 36 receptions in 2020 for 373 yards and only one touchdown in 14 games (four starts).
From RotoBaller
Now that tight end Darren Waller officially announced his retirement over the weekend, New York Giants tight ends Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson are set to compete for primary pass-catching duties at the position in 2024. Johnson was a fourth-rounder this year, while Bellinger was a fourth-round selection in 2022. But tight ends are physical, but Bellinger has the clear experience edge, having caught 55 of 63 targets for 523 yards and two touchdowns in 29 games in his first two NFL seasons. However, Bellinger's production has left a lot to be desired in fantasy in terms of upside, leaving the door open for Johnson to impress and earn more work as his rookie campaign rolls on this fall. In a suspect Giants offense with a quarterback coming off a torn ACL last year, neither Bellinger nor Johnson represent anything more than a low-end TE2 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton has impressed head coach Matt LaFleur during offseason workouts, with LaFleur praising Melton's speed, run-blocking abilities, consistency and work ethic. Melton's speed was referred to as an "elite trait" that helped him go from the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad in 2023, to the Packers' practice squad, to going over 100 yards rushing in a Week 17 win. The 25-year-old also received 39 offensive snaps, including a 19-yard touchdown reception, in two postseason games. Melton had 16 catches on 24 targets for 218 yards and one touchdown in five regular-season games for Green Bay, but for now he's a bit buried on the receiver depth chart behind Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. He'll be left to the waiver wire in most fantasy drafts, but he's a name to watch if the Packers suffer an injury or two at the position in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed head coach Mike Tomlin to an undisclosed three-year contract extension on Monday that takes him through the 2027 season, according to the team. The 52-year-old said in January that he expected to get an extension this offseason after some people were starting to question his future with the organization. Under Tomlin for the last 17 years, the Steelers have never had a losing season, which is already an NFL record. Tomlin has a 173-100-2 regular-season record and is 8-10 in the playoffs as the Steelers' head coach. This year, he'll have an interest situation to navigate at quarterback with veteran Russell Wilson and former first-rounder Justin Fields potentially creating some QB controversy.
From RotoBaller
Veteran cornerback Steven Nelson officially announced his retirement from professional football over the weekend after helping the Houston Texans made the playoffs last year, when he was second in interceptions (four) and pass deflections (12) on the team. Nelson had an interception returned for a touchdown in the wild-card win over the Cleveland Browns. The 31-year-old was originally a third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 and he spent four seasons with the Chiefs before inking a three-year, $25 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played two seasons in Pittsburgh and then signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. The former Oregon State defensive back finishes his NFL career with 13 interceptions, 78 passes defended and 456 tackles.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson told reporters on Monday he thinks he's "pretty close" to signing a contract extension with the organization. This could be good news for dynasty fantasy managers with the 26-year-old on their rosters, especially after a down year in 2023. The former fourth-round pick entered last year's campaign as the clear starting running back for the first time in his career, but he was limited to just 12 games due to injury. Overall, he tallied 156 rushes for 619 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 38 receptions (51 targets) for 238 yards. If New England re-signs him before Week 1, it'll likely mean he's further ahead of Antonio Gibson on the depth chart than many realize. Gibson, who has shown promise in his career but has failed to produce over the last few seasons, could eat into his receiving workload, but Stevenson remains the RB1 as things stand. The New England offense will likely be one of the worst units in the NFL, so his upside is likely capped in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (undisclosed) was a limited participant in Monday's offseason practice, according to Patriots reporter Mike Kadlick. It's unclear why the rookie isn't practicing in full, but he is not wearing gloves or getting the ball thrown to him in drills. For now, this shouldn't be much of a concern, but it's a situation worth monitoring. The 2024 fourth-round pick enters his rookie season with a chance to compete for snaps and targets right away. The New England wideout room consisting of Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk, Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn, and Tyquan Thornton is one of the worst units in the NFL, so the 2023 First-Team All-Big-12 selection and 1,100-yard receiver could make a fantasy impact in 2024. That said, the ceiling of the entire offense will likely be limited under veteran Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson finished his rookie campaign with 38 receptions (58 targets) for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last year. It wasn't a great showing, but the Stanford product posted three games of at least 75 receiving yards and netted a respectable 14.9 yards per reception. Franchise quarterback Kyler Murray is expected big things from Wilson in his sophomore season. "He's one of those guys -- if I call him at 3:00 a.m., he's there," Murray said. "I fully expect Mike to go off this year for sure." Head coach Jonathan Gannon echoed Murray's statements, saying Wilson is "fast and explosive." Although it's a great sign that his quarterback and head coach believe in him, expectations should be tempered. In all likelihood, he'll operate as the No. 3 option in the passing game behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. Either way, he figures to be an intriguing late-round flier and best ball option.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson signed a one-year, $1.29 million contract to join the organization this offseason, and Mark Kaboly of the Athletic said he looks like the team's No. 2 wide receiver after OTAs. After moving on from Diontae Johnson, third-year wideout George Pickens is the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver, but the depth chart behind him is weak on paper. Rookie Roman Wilson and veterans Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins, and Scotty Miller are also likely to compete for targets behind Pickens, but Jefferson could have more fantasy football value than expected. The former second-round pick out of Florida has tallied 113 receptions for 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns in 61 games with the Rams and Atlanta Falcons. The Pittsburgh offense is tough to navigate for fantasy football in 2024, especially since many expect Russell Wilson to eventually be benched for Justin Fields. Ultimately, fantasy managers in shallow setups should likely opt to focus on acquiring Pickens or tight end Pat Freiermuth and the Steelers' running back tandem of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the offense will likely remain a run-heavy attack.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth enjoyed immediate success when he entered the NFL as a second-round pick out of Penn State in 2021. As a rookie, he caught 60 of his 79 targets for 467 yards and seven touchdowns. In Year 2, he hauled in 63 passes for 732 yards and two scores and looked the part of an emerging high-floor fantasy tight end. Unfortunately, he was limited to just 12 games in 2023 and tallied just 308 yards and two touchdowns. However, with Russell Wilson at quarterback and Arthur Smith running the Pittsburgh offense, he could be headed toward a bounce-back campaign in 2024. Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly said Freiermuth was not only targeted heavily in OTAs, but he has looked like a "legitimate playmaker," and the team might extend his contract before Week 1. The Atlanta Falcons ranked among the top five teams in total tight end targets in two of Smith's three seasons as head coach, and in his final season as the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator in 2020, they ranked seventh in total tight end targets. Given the weak group of wide receivers behind George Pickens, it would not be a surprise if Freiermuth is the No. 2 option in the revamped passing game. He could be a solid value pick at his mid-range TE2 cost in early fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
