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
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin), cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) will all be out for the Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday. A groin injury forced Highsmith from the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers early. The 27-year-old isn't expected to need surgery on his groin, but he could very well miss multiple weeks due to his injury. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will obviously need to move Highsmith to their benches and go with a backup option at defensive line in Week 4 and possibly beyond. With Highsmith out this weekend, Nick Herbig will have a bigger pass-rushing role for a strong Steelers defense opposite All-Pro T.J. Watt. Through three games, Highsmith has 11 tackles (six solo), a sack and one pass breakup.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (arm) was in a sling on Monday, but head coach Mike Tomlin said it's not a concern. "Naj will be ready to rock and roll," Tomlin said. Harris will probably be on this week's injury report and could be limited in some practices, but it sounds like the Steelers fully expect him to suit up this Sunday for a Week 4 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren (knee) needed an MRI exam on his knee after the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and is looking iffy to play early this week, so Harris could be in line for a bigger workload against Indy. Harris injured his right arm against LA but never left the game and finished with 23 total touches. Even if Warren is given the green light to play on Sunday, the 26-year-old Harris should be in line for heavy volume.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Teresa Varley writes that running back Jaylen Warren's (knee) status appears to be in question for the Week 4 contest on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Warren apparently injured his knee in the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and had an MRI exam on Monday. It's unclear what Warren's MRI results were, but there appears to be a very real chance that he won't play this weekend, which could lead to an even bigger workload in the backfield for Najee Harris. We should have a better idea of the 25-year-old Warren's status for Week 4 once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday, but Warren is expected to be limited to start the week. He hasn't been a viable RB3/flex play through the first three weeks in 2024, seeing 14 carries for 54 yards and catching all five of his targets for 28 yards.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that the team is in the same place with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) health-wise heading into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, and the veteran signal-caller will likely be limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. "As we walk into the building tomorrow, I want Justin Fields singularly focused on starting for us," Tomlin said. Wilson was named the starter under center at the start of training camp but aggravated a calf issue before the season-opener, and Fields has taken over and led Pittsburgh to a surprising 3-0 start. While Fields hasn't been amazing, he's done enough to hold off the recovering Wilson. The 25-year-old has completed 73.3% of his passes for 518 yards, two TDs and one pick while carrying the ball 28 times for 90 yards and another TD. Fields will be a high-end QB2 in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers are placing wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday due to the right-hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, according to a source. There is no timetable on Thielen, but he's expected back sooner than later. Thielen will now be required to miss at least four games, so the earliest he could return would be in Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers that held onto Thielen after a rough first two weeks. The 34-year-old veteran had three catches for 40 yards and his first touchdown of the year in Week 3, though, with quarterback Andy Dalton taking over for the struggling Bryce Young. Thielen isn't a must-stash by any means while he's out, and while he's sidelined, Diontae Johnson, rookie Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo will all see a boost in targets.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that the team isn't concerned about wide receiver Justin Jefferson's hand injury or his availability for the Week 4 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packer at Lambeau Field. Jefferson jammed one of the fingers on his right hand in the Week 3 win over the Houston Texans, but it didn't slow him down one bit, as the 25-year-old All-Pro wideout caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown on the day on his six targets. X-rays after the game showed no fractures in his finger, so he'll be good to go this weekend, although he might be listed on the team's injury report. Jefferson was one of the first receivers off the board in the first round of fantasy drafts for a reason and he already leads the league with three touchdowns through three weeks while catching 14 of his 21 targets for a healthy 273 yards.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown caught three passes for 29 yards on three targets in the team's win over Cincinnati on Monday night. The former Cowboys wide receiver was involved mostly in the short passing game for Jayden Daniels. Terry McLaurin was by far the most productive Washington wide receiver in this game but Brown did have a role to play on the outside. With Luke McCaffrey as the slot receiver, Brown could become more involved as the outside receiver opposite McLaurin. But Daniels looks to run often and there aren't a ton of opportunities for receivers to make big plays in this offense. It's best to leave Brown on the fantasy waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had four catches for 47 yards on five targets in the team's Monday night loss to Washington. Gesicki did not find the end zone but was decently productive as the team's third-leading receiver behind Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas. Gesicki has always been a big red-zone threat so a lot of his value is dependent on him scoring touchdowns, which is not uncommon for fantasy tight ends. Backup tight end Erick All, Jr., caught all four of his targets, which cut into Gesicki's production a bit in this one. The veteran tight end, however, should be a threat week-to-week to find the end zone and remains on the fantasy radar at the position although he is not a weekly starter.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown rushed seven times for 62 yards to lead the team in rushing in a loss to Washington on Monday night. Brown was out-carried 12-7 by starter Zack Moss but was the more efficient runner on Monday night. Moss got the 1-yard TD at the end of the game and was more effective in the receiving game. Brown did catch two passes for seven yards on three targets. The 8.9 yards per carry is a positive sign for the second-year back as he looks to establish more of a role for himself. The Bengals are going to use both Moss and Brown so Brown's production figures to fluctuate game-to-game. Brown is a great handcuff and has some standalone value but he is not yet a fantasy starter in most weeks.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel did not factor heavily into the Bills Week 3 offensive output against Jacksonville. The Bills put up 47 points but Samuel had three catches for 22 yards and one rush for no gain. Josh Allen and the Bills spread the ball around in this one and Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Dalton Kincaid, and Ty Johnson each caught a touchdown pass and James Cook and Ray Davis scored rushing TDs. Samuel hasn't found a consistent piece of the Bills offensive pie yet this season after coming over from Washington in the offseason. With so many offensive weapons, it's hard to see Samuel making a big fantasy impact this season.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis saw six targets against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night but could only turn those into two catches for 18 yards. Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas, Jr., saw most of the targets for the Jaguars as they were routed by the Bills in Buffalo. Davis was unable to get loose against his former team in this one. Even at his most productive in Buffalo, Davis was a boom-or-bust fantasy option. The big-play threat has yet to break free for a long catch from Trevor Lawrence this season. With Kirk and Thomas ahead of him on the receiving pecking order and tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) likely to take targets away from him upon his return, Davis is best left on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught five of nine targets in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The rookie first-round receiver had a solid outing despite the blowout and looks like a high upside fantasy option in the future for patient fantasy managers. The Jaguars offense has struggled through three weeks, but BTJ has been solid despite that. In Week 1, BTJ caught a touchdown, in Week 2, he had 94 yards receiving, and in Week 3, he had his most targets and receptions so far. If the LSU product can put it all together, he could be in for a big game very soon. Given his baseline talent level, despite being a part of a rough offense, the rookie receiver should continue to serve as a high upside flex option going forward. BTJ and the Jaguars offense faces yet another tough defense in the Houston Texans in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets signed free-agent S Jalen Mills to the practice squad Monday, Jan. 23, according to a source.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk was the team's best performer in an otherwise rough night in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Jaguars put up a stinker on Monday Night Football, but fantasy managers who kept faith in Kirk should be happy with an eight catch, 79 yard performance, especially in PPR leagues. That led the team in both categories, a drastic turn from his two catches for 29 yards in the first two games. Despite the good performance, it will still be hard to trust Kirk going forward giving how bad the Jaguars offense has looked so far. The matchups will also not get any easier over the next few weeks, so expectations should remain low for Kirk and the Jaguars offense. However, the former Arizona Cardinal could maintain a WR3 level in PPR leagues if he continues to earn targets. Kirk will look to build on this bounce back performance in Week 4 against the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. was solid despite game script being against him in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Etienne Jr. didn't get a touchdown this week for the first time this season, but he put up a solid 68 yards rushing on 11 attempts as well as 17 yards on four receptions. The Clemson product has maintained an RB2 level so far this season, as given the Jaguars offense is struggling, his upside is limited. The Jaguars have faced three good defenses so far, but either way, the offense has not looked good at all. Etienne Jr. has been one of the few bright spots of the offense, and if it can manage to get going anytime soon, he may be in for a big game. For now, the 25-year-old back will struggle to stand out in fantasy, but will maintain a solid floor heading into a Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange only caught two passes, but one was for the team's only touchdown in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 17 yards receiving, catching two of his five targets. Taking over for Evan Engram once again, Strange was a little quieter from a yards perspective compared to last week, but the touchdown gave him a respectable fantasy output. The second-year tight end will likely move back to his original role of clear backup to Engram once the starter returns from injury, but for now, Strange is a solid starting option for teams in desperate need of tight end help, which seems to be most fantasy managers so far this season. As with most tight ends, Strange has a low floor but enough of a ceiling where he is a startable option as long as Engram is out. He will look to catch another touchdown in a Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets brought in free-agents S Akeem Dent, LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams, WR Brandon Smith, LB Jaylon Smith, LB Charlie Thomas and S Jeremy Tyler for workouts Monday, Sept. 23.
From TheHuddle
Head coach Sean McDermott revealed that Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was benched for the first quarter due to punctuality issues. "This will serve as a learning opportunity for him," McDermott stated after the game. "It was a matter of being on time. He understands his responsibility to his teammates. We've addressed it, we support him, and now we move forward. I thought he played well tonight." Coleman made an impact after entering the game in the second quarter, scoring his first career touchdown and helping the Bills secure a decisive 47-10 victory. The 24-yard touchdown was his only target of the evening. Coleman participated in 19 out of 60 offensive snaps, which amounts to just 31.66%. However, heading into Week 3, he led all Bills wide receivers with 83 offensive snaps, outpacing the next closest receiver, Mack Hollins, by 16. Coleman also topped the team in routes run and was second in targets before his benching. With the Bills' offense performing at a high level, Coleman could be a solid flex option in favorable matchupsprovided he arrives on time, of course.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence put up yet another underwhelming performance in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 178 passing yards, completing 21 of his 38 passing attempts. He threw one touchdown and one interception. The Jaguars offense just hasn't worked so far this season, and Lawrence has not looked great throughout. This is his second game with less than 200 yards passing, and he only has two touchdowns in three games. Even the potential rushing upside he has added during his career just hasn't materialized this season. The former number one pick is a player that can be dropped at this point in most leagues. His early schedule has been tough, but he isn't providing enough of a floor to be trusted at all to start in fantasy lineups. Lawrence has yet another tough road matchup in Week 4 when he faces the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 21-of-23 passes for 254 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 39 rushing yards and another touchdown in a road win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Uhh, what? Daniels set the rookie record for completion percentage in a game and looked calm, cool, and collected in the process. If there were any doubts about his transition to the NFL, they were answered tonight as Daniels routinely made play after play on the road against a team absolutely desperate for a win. Daniels looks like the player we thought Anthony Richardson could be last year and has the looks of a long-term QB1 already. The buying window has closed.
