Post-Draft Risers
Tue May 10 12:28pm ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Mooney should get a lot of targets
With the NFL Draft completed, there are several impacts of what took place. But some can be because of what didn’t take place. Some players see their value increase because of what the team didn’t do during the draft. Others see their value increase because of what teams did do, like surrounding them with better talent. Either way, fantasy rankings were adjusted after the draft. Here are some players moving up our rankings because of what took place.
Cordarralle Patterson, RB, Falcons. The Falcons did draft Tyler Allgeier in the fifth round of this year’s draft, but he is a bit of a project that might not make a huge impact his rookie season. Atlanta also released Mike Davis recently, a guy that started much of last year. Patterson is the clear No. 1 back for Atlanta right now. He did stumble towards the end last year, but he is setup for plenty of touches once again. Patterson could be a big help to fantasy teams once again.
James Conner, RB, Cardinals. The Cardinals did use a late-round pick on a running back, but Conner has little competition for carries right now. Chase Edmonds really cut into his workload last year, but that shouldn’t be the case this season. Conner could even catch more passes in this explosive offense. Conner was a surprise last year, but that won’t be the case this season. He is setup for a ton of playing time in one of the best offenses in football.
Marquise Brown, WR, Cardinals. Brown was traded to Arizona right before the draft. He moves from one of the least productive passing offenses to one of the best. The Cardinals will be without No. 1 receiver DeAndre Hopkins for six games after he failed a drug test. This leaves Brown as the likely top option at receiver for Kyler Murray during that stretch. Brown is going to have the best numbers of his career and be a huge help to fantasy teams.
Drew Lock, QB, Seahawks. It was a bit of a surprise to see the Seahawks pass on quarterback in the draft. This leaves Lock and Geno Smith to compete for the starting job this year. Lock is a much more talented player, and the Seahawks seem to think he can play the part. He should be given first shot to start in an offense with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. If Lock can finally put it together, he could surprise. Maybe a new coaching staff and team will be just the thing to get Lock going. He certainly has the talent to produce in this league.
Darnell Mooney, WR, Bears. The Bears need playmakers at receiver for second-year quarterback Justin Fields, but didn’t really do much to help in that area this offseason and during the draft. Mooney is really the only top option. Mooney was targeted 140 times year and should exceed that number this season. He can take his game to an even higher level. The lack of weapons in the passing game is bad for Fields, but good for Mooney. He is going to get a huge workload.
Jared Goff, QB, Lions. The Lions added Jameson Williams in the draft. Many considered Williams the top receiver in the draft, but he fell a little because of his injury in college last year. Either way, the Lions added an elite receiver to go with Amon-Ra St. Brown and recently signed D.J. Chark. Add in a healthy D’Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson. Goff might not be an elite quarterback but proved with the Rams that he can help fantasy teams when given the weapons. He could be worth some spot starts for fantasy teams this year in an offense that is on the rise.
Daniel Jones, QB, Giants. The Giants added offensive line and receiver help for Jones during the draft. They didn’t pick up his fifth-year option but did a lot to help him have success this year. Plus, new coach Brian Daboll should be a huge plus for the development of Jones. If he is ever going put it all together, this is the year for Jones. He has playmakers at receiver and new offensive line blocking for him. At this point, we like taking a chance on him as a No. 2 for fantasy teams, especially if you have a solid starter ahead of him on your roster.
Zach Wilson, QB, Jets. The Jets just keep getting more and more help for Wilson. The team drafted both Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Some considered both these players the top players at their positions in this year’s draft. Wilson was wildly inconsistent last year, but is a year older with a lot more weapons to work with this year. He can take a bit step forward this year. Things are looking up for the second-year signal caller.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles. The Eagles made a big splash. It wasn’t in the draft but in a trade, acquiring A.J. Brown. He immediately becomes the No. 1 receiver for the Eagles and Hurts. He should help elevate Hurts’ game. Plus, Hurts has DeVonta Smith in year two at receiver and Dallas Goedert as the starting tight end. Hurts has a lot more weapons to work with this year and an elite receiver finally on his side. He could be a top-five fantasy quarterback in 2022.
Miles Sanders, RB, Eagles. It was a little bit of a surprise but the Eagles did nothing during the draft at the running back spot. This leaves Sanders as the clear No. 1 back. Kenneth Gainwell showed potential last year, but looks the part of a third-down back more than anything. Sanders should get the early-down work and likely the goal-line carries in an offense that could be very good. Sanders hasn’t had that huge season just yet, but this could be the year. And for his current price tag (79.6 ADP), he is worth the risk to find out.
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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- Chargers add wide receiver DJ Chark
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The Paur Report
New York Jets rookie quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round last week, won't take part in offseason workouts but should be cleared for training camp at the end of July, according to head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets took the Florida State star as a developmental prospect who can learn behind Aaron Rodgers and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor. Travis suffered a gruesome, season-ending ankle injury on Nov. 18 and required surgery. He rode a stationary bike on Friday during part of practice. "He's a tremendously talented young man and extremely gifted, especially athletically. He's got a lot of work to do for sure, especially with tying his lower half to his arm and all that good stuff, but he's a gifted athlete," Saleh said. Travis threw for 8,643 yards and 65 touchdowns while finishing his career with 17 straight wins for the Seminoles.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Miami Dolphins have signed wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Beckham has been flirting with the Dolphins for weeks and now it's official. It's a one-year deal worth $3 million with incentives that can push its max value to $8.25 million. The incentives are likely going to be very tough for OBJ to meet with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle around. Still, it's another fresh start for Beckham, who hasn't had a 1,000-yard season 2019. He's still a hold in dynasty leagues but expecting a late-career renaissance seems to be asking a little too much at this point.
The New York Jets traded up to the first pick of the third round (No. 65) in the 2024 NFL Draft to select former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. In a recent media availability, Jets general manager Joe Douglas touted the rookie's run-after-catch skills and believes he's a great fit alongside Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. "He really excels with the ball in his hands. When guys are really good at running after catch in college, it usually translates well in the pros," Douglas said. "If a guy has the ability to make people miss it's because they're really an elusive high-level athlete and if they're wired to compete. Our coaches are going to use that skill to turn him into an elite route runner." Needless to say, the team has high expectations for the 22-year-old -- and for good reason. In his final two collegiate campaigns, he caught 180 passes for 2,277 yards and 22 touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Deion Jones and defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot on Friday, according to NFL.com. The team moved on from several veterans on both sides of the ball this offseason, so Jones and Smoot could compete for playing time in 2024. Jones, a former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2017, but he hasn't lived up to his breakout campaign. In 109 games with the Falcons, Browns, and Panthers, he has racked up 731 tackles, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions. Smoot, a former Jaguars third-round pick, spent the first seven seasons of his career with Jacksonville and compiled 23.5 sacks through his first 99 games.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that there will be no restrictions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) when Phase 3 of the offseason begins in two weeks, which consists of 10 organized team activity practices. "Once phase three hits, we're not anticipating any restrictions from what we can and can't do with him," Saleh said. Meanwhile, rookie QB Jordan Travis (ankle), is expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a devastating injury in November. The 40-year-old Rodgers is coming off a torn left Achilles that he suffered on the first offensive series of the season in 2023. The odds are against him returning to his MVP form with the Jets, but he's not lacking for offensive weapons around him if he can stay healthy in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who worked as the team's No. 4 wideout in his second season in 2023, is expected to have a bigger role in 2024 alongside CeeDee Lamb and veteran Brandin Cooks. Tolbert essentially split offensive snaps with Michael Gallup last year, but Gallup is now in Las Vegas. In 17 regular-season games (six starts) last year, Tolbert caught 22 of his 36 targets for 268 yards and two touchdowns after recording just two receptions in his rookie campaign in 2022. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of South Alabama won't necessarily be worth drafting in standard-sized fantasy leagues this fall, but if Lamb or Cooks go down with an injury at any point, Tolbert would become a popular waiver-wire pickup.
From RotoBaller
Darren Waller's expected retirement could open the door for Daniel Bellinger to become the New York Giants' No. 1 tight end in 2024 like he was as a rookie. Bellinger's receiving opportunities were limited by Waller's presence last year, but the addition of veteran blocking tight ends this offseason should allow Bellinger to be featured more as a receiver in his third season in the league. The 23-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of San Diego State has caught 55 of his 63 targets for 523 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the G-Men. If Waller hangs up his cleats as things seem to be trending, Bellinger could be a decent under-the-radar TE2 target in deeper fantasy leagues this fall.
From RotoBaller
Unsurprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't pick up the fifth-year option on new quarterback Mac Jones, who the team acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots this offseason. Jones was New England's first-round pick in 2021 but failed to make an impact as their starter under center. He went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021 but was merely a replacement player. Jones started all 42 games that he played for the Patriots, but the team went 4-13 in 2023 and Jones found himself on the bench for the final six games. The 25-year-old from Alabama regressed in each of his three seasons in Boston, but it didn't help that the Patriots were constantly bringing in new offensive coaches during his time there. Now in Jacksonville, Jones will operate as the clear backup to Trevor Lawrence in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken in this year's draft with the second overall pick, has the experience and ability to give him a chance to start immediately in his first season in 2024, according to multiple sources. "When that time comes, when he's ready, then that's when we'll do it. But there's no timeline on that," head coach Dan Quinn said. If Daniels doesn't start right away, the Commanders would go with Marcus Mariota. Both Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have said they want to rely on a strong defense and run game to reduce the burden on the rookie QB. The addition of veteran players like tight end Zach Ertz and running Austin Ekeler should lessen the need for Daniels to be the leader of the offense right away. Numerous NFL coaches think Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme will be good for Daniels, and while he has tons of long-term potential, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Eric Gray has a clear path to a bigger role in New York's backfield in his second season in the league now that Saquon Barkley is no longer in town. The Giants signed Devin Singletary to be their No. 1 back, but he's never been the top dog and there will be room for carries for other backs now that Barkley is out of the picture. The Giants haven't signed any other veterans and didn't take a RB in the draft until selecting Purdue's Tyrone Tracy in the fifth round, which is the same spot Gray was taken in 2023. The 24-year-old had 23 touches for 70 yards in 13 games as a rookie last year, but his production should go up considerably in 2024 as long as he stays healthy. Gray won't necessarily be a draft target in standard 12-team leagues, but he'll surely be a waiver-wire target if Singletary misses time with an injury.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills signed former Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday. Even with the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, Claypool could face an uphill battle to crack the top three in Buffalo after the addition of rookie Keon Coleman with the first pick of the second round of this year's draft. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Steelers in 2020 out of Notre Dame had a career-low eight receptions on 21 targets for 77 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (two starts) with the Bears and Miami Dolphins in 2023. Claypool could connect on some deep plays down the field with quarterback Josh Allen in 2024, but unless injuries open up a starting spot for Claypool, he's a long shot for consistent fantasy production.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chargers have signed wide receiver DJ Chark,. Dynasty Analysis: Chark brings a lot of experience to the Los Angeles receiving corps but we haven't seen much from him in terms of production since 2019. After stints in Jacksonville, Detroit, and Carolina, Chark will now join his fourth team in four years, still looking to rekindle that magic. While this is clearly a "wait and see" kind of moment for Chark, it should put him back on the map now that he's paired with Justin Herbert in a new-look Chargers offense.
Dynasty | The Steelers have declined the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris. Dynasty Analysis: Harris will now be in a contract year in 2024 as he attempts to re-establish himself as a starting caliber running back in the NFL. He will again likely be deployed in a committee with Jaylen Warren and look to impress Pittsburgh or another team as he searches for a lucrative second NFL contract. He'll need to be more effective than he was last season to do so but he showed some flashes late in the season after the Steelers threatened to move Warren to the "1A" part of the committee. Regardless, Harris remains a hold in dynasty leagues as we see just what he may have to give now that he's in a contract year.
Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills have signed wide receiver Chase Claypool. Dynasty Analysis: Claypool flamed out in Pittsburgh and was even worse in his time with the Bears and Dolphins over the past two seasons. Still, we know he has talent and this is a pretty good development in dynasty circles, at least putting him back on the map. While he's far from a trade target, this could make him a decent waiver wire pickup in the hopes he can rekindle his career with Josh Allen and a depth chart pretty void of talent.
The Miami Dolphins are signing veteran free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million, according to Tom Pelissero. The three-time Pro Bowler has been linked to Miami for much of the offseason, and he finally found his home for the 2024 season on Friday. While this is an exciting signing for the former superstar, fantasy football expectations should be tempered. The 31-year-old has not reached the 600-yard mark in a single season since 2019, and he will now compete with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for targets. He's a nice depth boost for Mike McDaniel's offense, but he is nothing more than a late-round flyer in 2024 fantasy drafts. Despite playing in 14 games for the Ravens last year, he caught just 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the WR63 in PPR leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers declined the fifth-year option for cornerback Eric Stokes on Thursday, according to a source. The 29th overall pick in 2021 out of Georgia, Stokes played well in his rookie season but has battled injuries the last two years. He will now be slated for free agency next spring and can make a case for a big payday if he can stay healthy in 2024. The 25-year-old played in 16 games (14 starts) as a rookie in 2021 and had a career-high 55 tackles (43 solo), an interception and 14 passes defended. However, he's played in just 12 games (11 starts) since then and has 26 solo tackles in that time. Stokes played in just three games last season. Despite his injuries the last two years, he's expected to be a starting cornerback for Green Bay in 2024 if he's healthy.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans plan to decline the fifth-year option on cornerback Caleb Farley (back), according to a source. It was the expected move for the Titans after Farley played in just 12 games (two starts) since 2021. The former 22nd overall pick in 2021 out of Virginia Tech will now hit the free-agent market after the 2024 season. Farley missed all of the 2023 campaign due to a back injury and has a total of 14 tackles (13 solo) and one pass defended in his 12 games with the Titans in 2021 and 2022. The 25-year-old defensive back will be trying to stay on the field in 2024 with Tennessee and be productive in what is now his walk year before hitting the open market next spring.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chark reportedly visited with the Chargers prior to last week's NFL Draft. He could play a key role in Los Angeles after the team parted with both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Right now, their current depth chart is headlined by Chark, Quentin Johnston, and Joshua Palmer, as well as up-and-coming rookies Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice. Chark spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, catching 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns over the course of 15 games. While the Chargers lack a true alpha receiver at the moment, they have plenty of raw talent at the position, which could make it difficult for Chark to carve out a role. For now, fantasy managers should monitor his performance throughout training camp before they consider selecting him in drafts later this summer.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore "will be relied on to provide more consistency" throughout the 2024 season, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Notably, the Falcons are expected to deploy numerous three-receiver sets, leaving room for both Mooney and Moore to contribute alongside Drake London. Mooney, a Tulane product, tallied 2,593 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over his first four pro seasons. His best season came in 2021 when he racked up 1,055 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. If Mooney can return to his 2021 form, he'll be the Falcons' No. 2 wide receiver and a low-end FLEX option in fantasy football. Moore also flashed potential in Arizona prior to his trade from the Cardinals to the Falcons. Over his first three pro seasons, Moore has 1,201 receiving yards, 249 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. He, too, could become a fringe fantasy WR3 in the right situation.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs have declined their fifth-year option on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. By doing so, the Chiefs will opt against bringing Toney back for $14.345 million in 2025. Instead, he'll finish out his rookie contract in Kansas City this season before hitting free agency next March. Toney had a fifth-year option due to his status as a former first-round pick. He has been a massive disappointment since the Giants selected him in the 2021 NFL Draft. Toney totaled 760 receiving yards, 119 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns through his first three seasons, and he also struggled to stay healthy, playing in just 12 games for the Giants and 20 for the Chiefs. He remains an inferior receiver to Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy, leaving Toney on waivers in most redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
