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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Draft Day Winners and Losers

Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Player Notes
BJ Thompson Jun 8 11:30am ET
BJ Thompson

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman BJ Thompson is in stable condition after suffering cardiac arrest during Thursday's practice. The 25-year-old was taken to the hospital by ambulance on Thursday morning. He was unconscious for an extended period, but Chiefs head trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters on Friday that he is now alert, awake, and recovering well. It's a scary development, but it sounds like his condition is improving and he will be okay. The 2023 fifth-round pick appeared in one game for Kansas City last season, racking up two tackles in the late-season win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Dante Fowler Jun 8 11:30am ET
Dante Fowler

Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis hasn't had the impact the organization hoped for when he was selected with the No. 19 pick of the 2021 NFL draft out of Kentucky. He's appeared in 45 games over the last three seasons, collecting 269 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, six pass deflections, and 21.5 run stuffs. However, new head coach Dan Quinn is likely to start Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner on the inside in 2024, so Davis is getting the chance to earn playing time on the edge. "We're trying to really push him specifically on the versatility. So you'll see him working some with the defensive line, you'll see him working with [pass rush specialist] Ryan Kerrigan on the side, and we're adding parts to his game that maybe we didn't use and we're certainly trying to explore that." Davis is a talented player with physical tools, so there's a chance he could become a solid rotational pass rusher in what should be a much improved Washington defense this season. For now, Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, and Clelin Ferrell are likely the top three edge rushers on the depth chart. Heading into a contract year, Davis will have to show some upside to become an attractive free agent for the 2025 offseason.

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Robert Tonyan Jun 8 11:30am ET
Robert Tonyan

Minnesota Vikings tight end Robert Tonyan is building chemistry with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy at OTAs, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. The 30-year-old signed a one-year, $1.23 million deal to join the team this offseason, and he could compete for snaps while T.J. Hockenson (knee) works his way back from a late-season ACL tear. Tonyan spent five seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one year with the Chicago Bears and racked up 148 receptions for 1,549 yards and 17 touchdowns in 85 games. He led all tight ends with 11 touchdowns in 2020. Although his one season of fantasy upside looks to be an outlier and a result of playing with Aaron Rodgers, he should be slightly on the fantasy radar in deep tight-end premium leagues. He figured to compete with Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and K'Neal Harry (recently moved to tight end) for early-season reps. Whoever earns the temporary TE1 job will likely have limited upside catching passes from Sam Darnold or McCarthy in 2024.

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Jalen Nailor Jun 8 11:30am ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (illness) was absent from practice this week due to an illness, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. It's unfortunate timing since the 25-year-old impressed in OTAs earlier this offseason, but absences have been a common theme. The 2022 sixth-round pick was limited to just six games last season with lower-body injuries and a concussion. Through his first 21 NFL games, he has hauled in just 12 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown. It'd be a surprise if he's on the fantasy football radar this year, as he's firmly behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the depth chart. He'll have to beat out Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield to start in three-wide sets, and even if he does, he'll have limited upside in an offense led by rookie J.J. McCarthy or veteran Sam Darnold.

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Brian Thomas Jr. Jun 8 11:30am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. agreed to and signed his rookie deal on Friday, the team announced on X. The LSU product was selected with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after posting 68 receptions for 1,177 yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns (led nation) in his final collegiate season. With Jacksonville losing Calvin Ridley this offseason, they're expecting the 21-year-old to eventually develop into a No. 1 wide receiver for Trevor Lawrence. While wideout Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram are likely to be Lawrence's preferred targets early in the 2024 campaign, Thomas Jr. could become a solid weekly flex option later in the season. He should be able to fend off Gabe Davis if he lives up to his status as a first-round pick.

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Jeremy Ruckert Jun 8 11:30am ET
Jeremy Ruckert

New York Jets tight ends Jeremy Ruckert and Kenny Yeboah caught a combined 18 passes for 179 yards and no touchdowns last season, but Jets reporter Robby Sabo expects them both to be "heavily involved" in the offense behind starter Tyler Conklin. "The reason they sent Uzomah packing and did not add to the TE room is due to the Jets' comfort with both players," Sabo wrote. While Conklin should be the clear target leader at the position, Ruckert or Yeboah could earn targets early in the season while Mike Williams (knee) recovers from his early-season ACL tear and rookie Malachi Corley gets comfortable in the offense. While neither player is worth drafting in most formats, they've been impressive at OTAs and should be monitored in deep tight-end premium setups.

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Will Shipley Jun 8 11:30am ET
Will Shipley

Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back Will Shipley was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft despite the team already having Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell on the roster. The Eagles weren't pegged as a team that could take a running back before the last few rounds, but the Clemson product was clearly on the radar. According to Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks, the 21-year-old is flashing as a receiver and could take reps from Gainwell in 2024. Shipley caught 85 passes for 602 yards and two touchdowns in three seasons as a Tiger, so his success as a pass-catcher in practice is not much of a surprise. He could be a high-end fantasy football handcuff in a great offense, especially since Barkley has missed eight games over the last three seasons and is entering his age-27 season this year.

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Grant Calcaterra Jun 8 11:30am ET
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra is the current favorite to be the primary backup to Dallas Goedert, according to Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks. The 25-year-old has been behind Jack Stoll on the depth chart since entering the league in 2022 as a sixth-round pick, but Stoll is now with the New York Giants. Calcaterra will compete with Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and the newly-acquired C.J. Uzomah for reps in 12-personnel. While the third-year pro won't have much fantasy upside as long as Goedert stays healthy, it's worth noting offense coordinator Kellen Moore has often incorporated a second tight end in his offenses. With Moore running the Chargers offense in 2023, backup tight end Donald Parham Jr. caught 27 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns. Backup tight ends such as Jake Ferguson (2022) and Blake Jarwin (2019-2021) were active in the red zone during Moore's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Calcaterra, who has nine receptions in 30 career games, won't start the season on the fantasy radar, but he could become a top waiver-wire option during the 2024 campaign if Goedert misses any time.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Laube Jun 8 11:30am ET
Dylan Laube

Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube has been receiving high praise from the team's general manager Tom Telesco. The 24-year-old joined the Raiders this offseason after playing his college career at New Hampshire. Laube has a strong ability to catch passes, but has impressed the organization on special teams as well. The Raiders don't have a ton of depth with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison as the only two legitimate options in front of him. Laube could work his way into the mix, but fantasy managers shouldn't get too eager on draft day.

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Bucky Irving Jun 8 11:30am ET
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving recently received praise from the team's offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The organization seems excited about Irving's speed and his ability to make people miss in space. The fourth-round pick should work his way into the mix early given the Bucs lack of depth at the position. Irving could be an interesting change-of-pace option for the Bucs this season. Rachaad White remains the lead back, but having someone like Irving on the roster should help ease White's workload.

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Jalen Hurts Jun 8 10:00am ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said that "95 percent" of the offense being installed for the 2024 season is new under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore after the team's 1-6 finish last year. Head coach Nick Sirianni said Moore had previously described the offense as a hybrid scheme that incorporates concepts from Sirianni's and Moore's previous systems. The players are still adjusting to the new details, as the timing between Hurts and his playmakers has been hit or miss during offseason workouts. One noticeable change is the jump in motion plays after the Eagles were last in pre-snap motion in 2023. It's possible Hurts and the Eagles offense is still adjusting to Moore's play-calling early on in 2024, but it will be interesting to see how much everything changes. Regardless of the new offense, Hurts is a top-flight QB1 in fantasy in a loaded offense.

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Malik Nabers Jun 8 10:00am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft, has a chance to be very special right away in his first year in the league in 2024. "He's got a chance to be that elite No. 1. A true 'X' receiver with run-after-the-catch ability," an unnamed executive said. However, the same executive said he also needs to "develop into a more nuanced route-runner." And his extreme competitiveness could lead to "some level of frustration exhibited in an obvious manner" if the Giants aren't winning. A Giants offensive assistant drew a parallel between Nabers and former wideout Odell Beckham Jr. "Nabers could be like Odell early. Throw him a hitch or a slant and he's gone. He's got that type of talent." It's unclear if Nabers can top OBJ's 91-1,305-12 line in 12 games as a rookie, but he's the team's unquestioned No. 1 wideout in his rookie campaign.

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Theo Johnson Jun 8 10:00am ET
Theo Johnson

If New York Giants tight end Darren Waller retires, as he's expected to do this offseason, rookie fourth-round tight end Theo Johnson will have a major opportunity for playing time. The G-Men have veterans who will log snaps in blocking roles, but Johnson should rival Daniel Bellinger for the most targets at the position in 2024. However, Johnson needs significant development for his production to match his athletic profile, and his production will most likely be inconsistent. "I don't think he's a dynamic athlete, but he's a good height/weight/speed prospect," an unnamed executive said. "He's just solid. Probably a solid No. 2 in the NFL, and they got him in the fourth round."

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Jun 8 10:00am ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie fifth-round running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. will compete with 2023 fifth-rounder Eric Gray this year for the No. 2 role behind reliable veteran Devin Singletary. Tracy will likely rotate in relief of Singletary, at least initially, but there is more opportunity in New York's backfield now that Saquon Barkley isn't in town. His biggest contributions in his first year in the NFL could come as a returner. The 24-year-old was a two-year starter at Purdue and has clear pass-catching abilities after spending four seasons as a receiver at Iowa. Tracy is going to need to improve as a pure runner, though, if he's going to see enough volume in the NFL to matter to fantasy managers. For now, he's just one to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues as a multi-dimensional threat as a rusher, receiver, and special-teamer.

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Devin Singletary Jun 8 10:00am ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll praised new running back Devin Singletary regarding his knowledge of the offense heading into his first year with the team. "Devin's been a productive back when he was with me at Buffalo. He knows our system inside and out," Daboll said. Singletary signed a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the G-Men in free agency and is the clear lead back in New York now that Saquon Barkley is no longer around. The 26-year-old is familiar with Daboll's offensive concepts from their time together in Buffalo, but Singletary has never really operated as a true workhorse back, so fantasy managers should expect him to get plenty of help from Eric Gray and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Behind an offensive line that was atrocious in 2023 and with a quarterback coming off an ACL tear, Singletary is no sure thing, making him more of an RB3/flex target in drafts.

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J.J. McCarthy Jun 8 10:00am ET
J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings are taking it slow with rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy in offseason workouts to help him develop confidence. The Vikings want to allow him to try throws, make mistakes and learn. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and his staff think that's the best path to long-term success. Unsurprisingly, McCarthy was inconsistent in organized team activities this week, although Thursday's session was easily his best. The young signal-caller is practicing new concepts, throwing to new receivers and is using new footwork, so growing pains are to be expected. Veteran QB Sam Darnold has taken all of the first-team repetitions at OTAs and has shown good chemistry with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. All signs are pointing to Darnold starting the year under center, making McCarthy more of a dynasty/keeper league asset in 2024.

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Sam Darnold Jun 8 10:00am ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has looked calm, confident and prepared at the team's mandatory minicamp this week for what is likely to be another starting opportunity for him in the NFL to start the 2024 season. Darnold's consistency has stood out all week, and he's shown good chemistry with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He also took every first-team repetition over rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, who is being eased in while learning new concepts. "This is the best team he's been on. This is the best system for him. He's hopefully going to find the ceiling of his play this season for us," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said. The 27-year-old former first-rounder is going to need to play well to hold off McCarthy in 2024, but if he's the starter, Darnold will have QB2 appeal in superflex leagues given the talent that he's working with on offense.

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Ty Chandler Jun 8 10:00am ET
Ty Chandler

The Athletic's Alec Lewis points out that Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is turning heads at mandatory minicamp this week, and that fans should keep an eye on him heading into the 2024 season. "I see us as having a one-two punch at running back (alongside Aaron Jones)," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said, "almost like they have in Detroit. I don't know if that's what's happening on the offensive side, but I know that we have two true No. 1 running backs. I'd buy stock in Ty Chandler if I could." Aaron Jones is the starter in Minnesota's backfield, but the 26-year-old Chandler should have an increased role off the bench after he started the last four games in 2023 and was very productive. Jones' history with injuries makes Chandler a very enticing handcuff pick in fantasy drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jun 7 11:20am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Thursday that second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is dealing with some soreness in his surgically-repaired right shoulder. Steichen inferred that it wasn't a big deal, though, saying that Richardson could play in a game if needed. The 22-year-old made it through only four games in his rookie campaign in 2023 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, but the former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of Florida has been fully cleared this offseason and will be ready to go for the start of the regular season this fall. It's not out of the ordinary for a player in Richardson's situation to have some normal soreness during his recovery. Richardson is going to need to improve as a passer, but his elite rushing ability and physicality make give him high-end QB1 upside going into Year 2.

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Sterling Shepard Jun 7 11:20am ET
Sterling Shepard

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms with veteran free-agent wide receiver Sterling Shepard on an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, according to a source. After eight seasons with the New York Giants after he was drafted in the second round in 2016 out of Oklahoma, Shepard will reunite with former Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher played in 15 games (two starts) in 2023, but he was on the field for a combined 10 games in 2021 and 2022 due to serious injuries, which have sapped his fantasy value heading into 2024. He caught 10 of his 22 targets in a limited role with New York last year for just 57 yards and a touchdown. With better health, Shepard could find himself with a bigger role, but he'll merely be competing for a depth role behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Trey Palmer.

From RotoBaller