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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
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."

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

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Anthony Richardson Jun 7 11:20am ET
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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
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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.

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Elijah Mitchell Jun 7 11:20am ET
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According to The Athletic's David Lombardi, San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell is the team's clear No. 2 back behind All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Mitchell is an all-around back, but his health is the key. If training camp this summer yields a productive backfield logjam, Lombardi points out that the 49ers have previously traded Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson Jr. when they have an excess of depth at the position. As of right now, the 26-year-old Mitchell is the best handcuff option for fantasy managers that take McCaffrey first overall in fantasy drafts this fall. Mitchell has produced 4.7 yards per carry in his three years in the NFL in the Bay Area, but he's also played in just 27 games in a three-year span. If CMC misses time with an injury in 2024, Mitchell will become a hot commodity.

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Cooper Kupp Jun 7 11:20am ET
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (hamstring) was limited to just 12 games in 2023 after dealing with a hamstring injury during the summer and averaged just 61.4 yards per game, the second-lowest mark of his career. He finished with 737 yards and five touchdowns, the second-fewest totals since he entered the league in 2017. Kupp did have four 100-yard games, but it was clear that he was never fully healthy last year. But the 30-year-old says he's fully healthy in 2024 and it's the first time in a while he's felt 100% during the offseason program. Kupp should be able to rebound with better health this year, but he's also no longer a spring chicken and will have to deal with the emergence of fellow receiver Puka Nacua, who had a phenomenal rookie campaign. It's hard to imagine Kupp returning to peak form when led the league in catches (145), yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16) in 2021.

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Alec Pierce Jun 7 11:20am ET
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (foot) didn't take part in mandatory minicamp this week as a precaution after his foot was stepped on in practice last week. It's a minor injury for Pierce, who should be a full-go for training camp at the end of July. The 24-year-old wideout will be competing for the No. 3 job in Indy this year with rookie second-rounder Adonai Mitchell behind starters Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Cincinnati hasn't really been on the fantasy radar in standard 12-team leagues in his first two years in the NFL, catching a total of 73 passes for 1,107 yards and four touchdowns, although a healthy Anthony Richardson at quarterback could change that if Pierce beats out Mitchell for the No. 3 job in training camp and the preseason.

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Parker Washington Jun 7 11:20am ET
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Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that he won't leave Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington off any roster projections moving forward after he had a good offseason from what the media observed during offseason organized team activities. Washington only had 16 receptions on 21 targets for 132 yards and two touchdowns in nine games (one start) in his rookie campaign in 2023 after the Jaguars selected him in the sixth round out of Penn State. Most of Washington's production came after the team lost Christian Kirk to a season-ending injury in the second half of the year. He's a name to keep an eye on, but as long as Kirk, rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas and Gabe Davis stay healthy, it's hard to envision Washington having a role begin enough to warrant a roster spot in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

P.J. Walker Jun 7 11:20am ET
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Veteran quarterback P.J. Walker is signing with the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL.com. The 29-year-old spent last season with the Cleveland Browns, completing just 48.6% of his passes for 674 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions in six game appearances. Overall, the 2017 undrafted free agent has racked up 2,135 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, six interceptions, and 80 rushing yards in 21 career games with the Browns and Carolina Panthers. With Geno Smith and Sam Howell already on the Seattle roster, Walker is likely capped at being the team's QB3 this offseason. He could become the team's emergency third quarterback in the regular season.

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Gunner Olszewski Jun 7 11:20am ET
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New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (foot/ankle) left practice last week after suffering a foot and ankle injury, and head coach Brian Daboll told reporters he is likely out for the rest of OTAs. The 2019 undrafted free agent out of Bemidji State has caught just 15 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown in 65 games with the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Giants, but he was named a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2020 as a punt returner. The 27-year-old has returned 98 punts and scored two touchdowns as a returner, including a 94-yard return last season for the G-Men. Although an injury in OTAs is never ideal, he is expected to be ready for training camp later this summer.

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D.J. Reader Jun 7 11:20am ET
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Detroit Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader (quad) could miss the start of training camp later this summer due to the torn quad he suffered in Week 15 of last season, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The 29-year-old signed a two-year, $22 million contract to join the Lions this offseason after spending four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Clemson product has not been named to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team, he is viewed as one of the better run-stopping interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Through his first 106 NFL games with the Texans and Bengals, he has accumulated 277 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, eight pass deflections, and 32 run stuffs. Although it's not ideal to miss any training camp action, he should be ready for the start of the regular season.

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Adonai Mitchell Jun 7 11:20am ET
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The Indianapolis Colts signed 2024 second-round pick Adonai Mitchell to his rookie contract on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 21-year-old spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Georgia before transferring to Texas ahead of the 2023 season. While playing in an offense with Xavier Worthy, Ja'Tavion Sanders, and Jonathon Brooks, he racked up 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was rumored to be a potential first-round pick, but he ultimately fell to the No. 52 slot. In all likelihood, he'll be stuck behind Michael Pittman Jr. in the target pecking order, so he'll have to compete with Josh Downs for the WR2 role. The Colts are likely to have a low-volume passing offense in the first full year of Anthony Richardson at quarterback, so he has limited upside in traditional lineup fantasy leagues in Year 1.

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Nate Wiggins Jun 7 11:20am ET
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Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (undisclosed) is expected to participate in mandatory minicamp practices next week, but head coach John Harbaugh didn't commit to him being a full-go. Humphrey missed seven games last year while dealing with a calf injury, so the Ravens are likely to be extra cautious with the 27-year-old this offseason. Humphrey, a three-time Pro Bowler, has racked up 373 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 13 interceptions, and 76 pass deflections through his first 100 NFL games. He remains a starter for Baltimore heading into his eighth season with the team, but first-round rookie Nate Wiggins could eat into his or Brandon Stephens' snaps in 2024.

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Jalin Hyatt Jun 7 11:20am ET
Jalin Hyatt

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has made "tremendous improvement" in knowing what to do out of the huddle and pre-snap, according to head coach Brian Daboll. The 2023 third-round pick had a quiet year with the G-Men as a rookie after a monster final season at the University of Tennessee in 2022. While catching passes from Daniel Jones, Tommy Devito, and Tyrod Taylor, Hyatt caught just 23 passes for 373 yards. It's a good sign that Daboll noted his improvement, but it's tough to find a path toward fantasy upside in 2024. Jones remains the starter at quarterback, and No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers is expected to be the team's WR1 right away. That said, Hyatt can stretch the field and become a deep threat, making him an interesting late-round flier in best ball formats. He's narrowly on the fantasy radar in traditional "start 'em, sit 'em" leagues.

From RotoBaller