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
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) finished Thursday's NFC East clash with the Cowboys by amassing 12 receptions (15 targets) for 115 yards. The rookie had a stellar showing in the Week 3 meeting with the Cleveland Browns, so expectations were high. While Nabers delivered as advertised, he suffered a concussion late in the fourth quarter. It's certainly not the news fantasy managers want to hear. Fortunately, the Giants have extra time before the Week 5 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. However, if Nabers isn't available, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton will be the favorites to pick up the slack.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills defense/special teams, one of the best units in fantasy football through three weeks, draws one of the worst matchups of the Week 4 slate. The Baltimore Ravens average the most yards per game in the NFL. Behind Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they also average the second-most rush yards per game. With a lack of pass attempts, there are fewer opportunities for the Bills to add sacks and interceptions to their totals. Jackson has only been sacked three times, tied for the second-fewest among quarterbacks who have started all three games. Fantasy managers should look for a better defensive matchup on the waiver wire to start in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Fresh off his first career touchdown, Ray Davis enters Week 4 as one of the best running back bench stashes across the league. The Bills are committed to a dedicated rushing attack, leaning on James Cook early in games as they build their leads. Davis spells Cook on early downs, while Ty Johnson enters the game on third downs. Consecutive blowouts have boosted Davis' opportunities. He's averaging eight carries per game over the last two contests. In Buffalo's one close game (Week 1), he was handed the rock just three times. Should Cook suffer an injury, Davis would be a plug-and-play option. For now, keep the rookie at the end of fantasy football benches.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Garrett missed practice to open the week, but was a limited during Thursday's session. It sounds like the superstar pass rusher plans to play through his injuries. This might be something the teams needs to maintenance throughout the season and give Garrett rest days. They can't afford for Garrett to miss any games. Garrett has six tackles and two sacks through the first three games of the season. His absence would be a huge blow to this defensive unit.
From RotoBaller
Khalil Shakir has emerged as the top wide receiver in the Buffalo offense, so where does that leave Keon Coleman? The rookie caught his first professional touchdown against the Jaguars in Week 3, but that was his only catch of the game. The coaching staff held Coleman out of the first quarter due to showing up late for meetings. Then came a blowout, which brought the rookie back to the bench. Therefore, the route participation number isn't as concerning as it might seem, but there's still a big group clamoring for targets. Despite the plus matchup against the Ravens, Coleman needs to remain on fantasy football benches until he sees a steady, reliable target share.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel was brought to Buffalo to potentially be one of the top passing-game options for Josh Allen. Through three weeks, he's played exactly 27% of snaps in every contest. On the season, Samuel has seven targets and six receptions for 40 yards. He also has one rush for no gain. Khalil Shakir is blossoming in the slot and the Bills like the blocking ability Mack Hollins brings on the outside. Without regular usage in the offense, Samuel isn't considered a good fantasy football option against the Baltimore Ravens. To take it a step further, he doesn't need to be rostered in standard-sized redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was back on the practice field on Thursday. This is a welcoming sight as this was Njoku's first practice since September 6. It still remains unclear if Njoku will suit up for the Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Friday's practice session should go a long way to determining whether or not Njoku plays. There's a chance that Njoku is on a snap count considering he hasn't played since Week 1. If healthy, Njoku should be a low-end TE1 against a Raiders defense that has struggled to slow down the tight end this season.
From RotoBaller
Week 4 may be the Dalton Kincaid breakout game fantasy managers have been waiting for. The Buffalo Bills tight end has only registered eight catches for 85 yards and one touchdown through three games. Blowouts took him off the field early in the last two games, but that may not be the case on Sunday night. The Ravens should score enough to keep pace with the Bills. Plus, the Ravens are the best rush defense in the league and have allowed the second-most receptions and yards to tight ends this season. Fire up Kincaid as a TE1 in fantasy football lineups this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has yet to miss on any of his 14 targets in 2024 and is cementing his status as the team's go-to option at wide receiver. In Week 4, Shakir draws a Baltimore secondary that is the worst defense against the pass through three games. CeeDee Lamb is the only opposing WR1 who didn't top 100 yards against the Ravens. Rashee Rice and Davante Adams each hit triple digits. While Shakir doesn't go downfield as much, he's set for a safe PPR floor against this shaky secondary. With what projects to be a more competitive game than we've seen from Buffalo in the last couple of weeks, Shakir is at worst a flex in lineups.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It seems that Addison is on track to play in Week 4 after getting in back-to-back limited practice designations. Addison hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. It wouldn't be shocking to see Addison on a snap count during his first game back. If active this weekend, Addison should be a low-end WR3 at worst. The Vikings are limited on offensive weapons and Addison was playing well before the injury, so he should be a solid WR2 once he's back to full health.
From RotoBaller
A competitive football game is preventing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen from delivering all-time fantasy football performances. Even in the blowout win in Week 3 that took him off the field in the fourth quarter, Allen still scored four touchdowns and finished as the QB1. That's the second time in three weeks he's accomplished that feat. The Baltimore Ravens should present a tougher test than Miami and Jacksonville, at least on offense. The Ravens are allowing the most passing yards in the league this season. Lamar Jackson and the rest of the Ravens' offense should score enough to make Allen keep his foot on the gas. Allen has a great chance to finish as the QB1 for the third time this season and should be started across the board.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, the current RB6 in fantasy football, draws his toughest test yet of the 2024 season. The Baltimore Ravens allow a league-low 50 rushing yards per game, 21 yards fewer than the next team on the list. The Raiders and Cowboys' subpar rushing attacks brought the average down, but the Ravens limited Isiah Pacheco to three yards per carry in Week 1. While the Ravens are stout against the run, they allow the eighth-most receptions to running backs, an area where Cook can thrive. As hot as the Buffalo offense is, it's impossible to shy away from Josh Allen, Cook, and the other big names on the Bills. Start Cook as a low-end RB1 in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) remained limited participants during Thursday's practice session. This is back-to-back days that these two have been limited, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned. Neither injury is considered serious and these are more considered maintenance days for the veteran receivers. Evans has taken a backseat to Godwin over the last few weeks. However, both players are solid fantasy options heading into the Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. If one of them does miss sit, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, and Rachaad White would likely see bigger workloads as receiving options.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) remained absent from Thursday's practice. Ugh, this is not a good sign heading into this weekend's games. Engram has now missed back-to-back practices this week and hasn't played since Week 1. There's a chance that Engram practices on Friday and does end up playing against the Houston Texans. If not, Brenton Strange will be in line for a larger workload. He hauled in two receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown last week. He has recorded 77 yards over the last two games, but remains more of a deep league option.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice. The veteran wideout has now been limited for two straight days. That is actually good news as it seems like Allen is on track to return in Week 4. He hasn't played since Week 1 due to a lingering heel issue. However, he saw 11 targets during the season opener. He figures to be a focal point of this offense once he's able to play again. Fantasy managers can go ahead and consider Allen a WR3, assuming he's able to suit up in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant was finally involved in Week 3. After catching three total passes in Weeks 1 and 2, Fant caught six passes for 60 yards in Week 3. He actually has 13 targets on the year which is solid for a tight end. Given the state of the tight end position in fantasy, the athleticism of Fant makes him an intriguing stash. If he can get anywhere close to his Week 3 output in Week 4, then Fant may be worth starting moving forward. However, outside of DK Metcalf, the Seahawks' pass catchers have been inconsistent. It remains to be seen how new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will fully deploy his talented group of skill players.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has a chance for a solid fantasy outing on Monday against the Detroit Lions. The Lions are 18th against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2024. Their secondary has struggled to contain opposing wide receivers all season. The Lions are allowing 216.7 passing yards per game in 2024 and only 76.7 rushing yards per game. They are the definition of a pass funnel. Smith has been solid in 2024. His two interceptions in Week 3 were a result of fluky plays that were not necessarily Smith's fault. He is starting to round back into his 2022 form after a disappointing 2023 season. This is a great game for Smith to fully hit his stride. There should be plenty of points to go around as two talented offenses clash. If you need a start in Week 4 then you could do a lot worse than Smith.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is a risky play in Week 4. The Seahawks will face the No. 1 defense against opposing running backs when they visit the Detroit Lions. To make matters worse for Charbonnet, fellow running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) has a chance to play in this game after returning to practice this week. If Walker plays, then Charbonnet should be benched in all fantasy leagues. Even if the Seahawks ease Walker in, there is not enough to go around against such a good run defense. If Walker is out, Charbonnet may have flex value. However, the Lions have been successful in shutting down James Conner. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Kyren Williams in 2024. Keep a close eye on the injury report for Walker given that this is a Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf is on a quest to score in his third straight game. Metcalf has logged at least 104 yards and a touchdown in each of the last two games. He has been a stud in fantasy and currently sits as the WR7. While Metcalf has been a huge red zone target in recent years, it is encouraging to see him scoring long touchdowns this season. He has scored from 71 yards and 56 yards in the last two games. He is facing a Lions defense in Week 4 that is 31st in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers and No. 1 in fantasy points allowed to running backs. As such, the Seahawks will have to throw to generate offense in this game. There is nothing about this matchup that should scare you in Week 4. Metcalf has a chance to deliver high-end WR1 value yet again.
From RotoBaller
A report earlier on Thursday suggested that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) could miss two more months after visiting with a specialist in Germany this week. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said later in the day that "we'll probably turn it up here in the next couple of weeks... we'll start testing it out here sooner rather than later." The earliest that McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be before the Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks since he was placed on Injured Reserve before Week 2. Whenever the Niners designate CMC to return from IR, he'll then have three weeks to return to action. An exact timeline for the 28-year-old's return is unclear, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect it to happen in Week 6. In the meantime, Jordan Mason will continue operating as the lead back and will have RB1 upside in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
