Draft Day Movers and Shakers
Fri May 7 10:24am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Ryan is looking better and better
There were plenty of winners and losers this draft day, seeing their fantasy value either improve or take a hit. Below is the list of the biggest movers from draft day. These are guys that either are looking better for fantasy owners or a little worse. Adjust your rankings accordingly!
MOVING UP
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons. The Falcons used their first round pick on Kyle Pitts and also grabbed an offensive lineman (Jalen Mayfield) in the third round. There was speculation the Falcons could look to their quarterback of the future in the draft, but that didn’t happen. Instead, they built up the offense even more, which is great news for Ryan. Plus, they didn’t add a running back. Atlanta could really be a pass-first team with Ryan leading the way. His ceiling is really high this year with all these great options to work with in the passing game.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens. The Ravens added two receivers in the draft, including Rashod Bateman in the first round. Baltimore is surrounding Jackson with more talent, setting him up for more success in the passing game. Baltimore will be a run-first team but might air it out a little more because of additions in the draft and free agency to boost their receiver unit. This is great news for Jackson.
Mike Davis, RB, Falcons. As mentioned, the Falcons did not take a running back in the draft. They have to feel pretty good about Davis being their starter for the coming year. He has next to no competition for carries and should be the starter from day one. Davis had a big year as the starter for the Panthers last year, so don’t discount him to have more success in a starting role for the Falcons.
Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. The Chargers took a much needed offensive tackle with their first pick (Rashawn Slater), giving Herbert some top protection. Los Angeles also picked receiver Josh Palmer and tight end Tre’ McKitty in the third round of the draft. These are two more playmakers for Herbert to work with. The Chargers did a great job of doing all they can to get Herbert more help for the coming season.
Myles Gaskin, RB, Dolphins. There was speculation the Dolphins would find a new running back in the draft, but that didn’t happen. Gaskin sure looks like the guy in Miami this year. The Dolphins did draft a running back but it was in round seven. Gaskin has some real upside in a starting role in this offense. He could get a lot of work.
Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Saints. Smith has not lived up to his potential just yet but will get his chance this year. The Saints did not address their receiver position in the draft with an early pick, meaning Smith will get first shot to start opposite Michael Thomas.
Tevin Coleman, RB, Jets. The Jets did take a running back in the draft but it was Michael Carter in the fourth round. Carter is a good player but his size probably makes him a better fit as a change of pace guy or third-down back. This means Coleman should get first shot at the early-down work for the Jets. He should be moving up draft boards after this draft. Coleman is an injury risky but also has some potential in an expanded role.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles. There was some talk the Eagles could look at a quarterback in the draft but that wasn’t the case. Hurts is their guy for the coming season. And Philadelphia gave him some more weapons to work with, picking receiver Jaylen Waddle in the first and tight end Hunter Long in the third round. The Eagles still could use some receiver help, but getting Waddle is a good start. Hurts is going to be given the keys to this offense and has a high fantasy ceiling in a starting role.
GOING DOWN
Cam Newton, QB, Patriots. Newton is going to have a real battle on his hands to start this year. The Patriots picked Mac Jones in the first round of the draft. Jones seems an ideal fit for the Patriots offense. And with the way Newton faded down the stretch last year, you can expect New England to do all they can to get Jones ready to start from day one.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Broncos. Gordon did not have a bad first season with the Broncos but that didn’t prevent Denver from picking running back Javonte Williams in the second round. And the Broncos even traded up to get Williams, showing you how much they like him. Williams will challenge Gordon for carries and could even take over the starting job sooner than later.
Jared Goff, QB, Lions. The Lions did add arguably the top offensive lineman in the draft in Penei Sewell, but failing to invest in a receiver early in the draft doesn’t help Goff at all. The Lions are super thin at receiver and took just one in the draft, picking Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round. Goff might have a little more time to throw with Sewell around, but who the heck is he going to throw the ball to?
Derek Carr, QB, Raiders. The Raiders revamped the offensive line in the offseason and needed more help in the draft. They took offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood in the first round, but many thought that was a bit of a reach. The team didn’t add another offensive lineman and failed to take any skill positions offensively. Carr could have less time to throw this year and his receivers are in the bottom half of the NFL.
Darius Slayton, WR, Giants. Slayton might be the odd man out in New York after the draft. The Giants took Kadairus Toney in the first round. He probably is a more talented version of Slayton. He should be the No. 3 receiver with Sterling Shepard and Kenny Golladay manning the starting spots for the Giants.
Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers. The 49ers surprised some by adding another running back in the draft, picking Trey Sermon in the third round. Sermon is an ideal fit for coach Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking running scheme. Sermon has a good chance to play a big role from day one and cut into Mostert’s playing time. The addition of Sermon was not good for Mostert’s fantasy value.
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.
- Man who killed ex-Saints DE Will Smith gets 25 years
- Caleb Williams already favored to win Offensive ROY
- Commanders to retire Darrell Green's No. 28
- Bears lay out controversial $5B stadium proposal
- Giants GM open to all 'possible scenarios' at No. 6
- Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson requests trade
- Cowboys exercise fifth-year option on DE Micah Parsons
- Saints OL James Hurst retires after 10 years in NFL
- LSU QB Jayden Daniels ready for anything on draft night
- Ravens WR Rashod Bateman agrees to 3-year extension
- Steelers rework LB Alex Highsmith's deal, clear $7M
- Bengals exercise 5th-year option on WR Ja'Marr Chase
- Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown gets $120M extension
- Free agent Xavien Howard cleared for FB activities
- Steelers won't pick up QB Justin Fields' option
- Broncos pick up 5th-year option on Pro Bowl CB Patrick Surtain II
- From Rice to Harrison, bloodlines run deep in 2024 NFL Draft
- Cowboys commit to Dak Prescott, 'all in' on youth movement
- Bears GM Ryan Poles feigns suspense around No. 1 pick: 'Tune in Thursday'
- NFL reinstates Eagles' Isaiah Rodgers after gambling ban
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Draft Updates – Live Chat
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Mock Draft – Post-Free Agency Edition
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Draft Big Board
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie WR Tiered Rankings
The Paur Report
The Kansas City Chiefs have really been working to see if they can move up from No. 32 in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft. The belief around the league is that the Chiefs moving up from No. 32 would be for one of the speed wide receivers in this talented draft class at the position. It makes sense given the fact that the Chiefs are expecting second-year wideout Rashee Rice to be suspended for multiple games in 2024 after his involvement in a car accident that involved injuries. Even with Rice in the fold, KC has the need to bolster their receiving corps behind Rice and aging tight end Travis Kelce. If the Chiefs do pull off a trade up in the latter portion of the first round, they could be targeting Texas receiver Xavier Worthy.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars are calling around in an effort to move up in the first round of Thursday's NFL draft, and teams taking their calls believe they are on the hunt for a specific pass-catcher, according to a source. Even though the Jaguars signed wideout Gabe Davis in free agency this offseason, it appears the Jags are looking to make a splash early in the first round this year for another weapon for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville currently holds the No. 17 overall pick. If they were to trade into the top 10, players such as Washington receiver Rome Odunze, LSU receiver Malik Nabers, and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers could all be options as they look for extra pass-catchers after they lost Calvin Ridley in free agency. Stay tuned.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jeff Darlington reports that the Minnesota Vikings are very tense with the first round of the 2024 NFL draft just hours away from starting on Thursday night as they look to trade up to No. 3 with the New England Patriots in an effort to take a quarterback of the future. The Vikings currently sit at the No. 11 pick and were unable to re-sign quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason. The player that has fascinated them throughout the pre-draft process has been North Carolina QB Drake Maye, but there is serious competition for the No. 3 pick, including the Patriots themselves. If Minnesota can't get Maye at No. 3, they'd likely need to jump the Giants at No. 6 in order to get Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy. If they whiff on Maye and McCarthy, Washington's Michael Penix Jr. could be the fallback option for the Vikes.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers have been in trade rumors regarding star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk all offseason, but NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports the team has also talked with teams about trading fellow star wideout Deebo Samuel. Russini said one of the teams the 49ers have talked with currently holds a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, so a blockbuster deal could be in the works. Aiyuk is reportedly asking for more money than the 49ers are willing to give him, while Samuel has been in the trade rumor circles for multiple seasons. With high-priced assets like George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner on the roster, the organization will have to make moves in order to re-sign quarterback Brock Purdy in the near future. If one of the wideouts is traded, they should retain plenty of fantasy value with their new team.
From RotoBaller
Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham has seemingly been a rising prospect as the 2024 NFL draft approaches, and NFL draft expert Todd McShay suggested he could be the first offensive lineman off the board on Thursday. Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt has been the popular choice to take that honor, but McShay believes the Los Angeles Chargers could draft Latham over Alt with the No. 5 overall pick. Latham played right tackle for the Crimson Tide, making him a perfect fit on the other side of stud left tackle Rashawn Slater. Los Angeles has been one of the trickiest teams to predict during this draft cycle, and new head coach Jim Harbaugh could choose to go an unconventional route.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts hold the No. 15 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reports the team has done a ton of pre-draft work on the wide receiver position, and they are interested in Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. The organization is likely trying to surround quarterback Anthony Richardson with as much pass-catching talent as possible, so upgrading his pass-catchers behind Michael Pittman Jr. makes sense. Youngsters Alec Pierce and Josh Downs have shown flashes of upside, but they are far from stud wideouts based on their early-career results. The Colts might be able to land LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr. with the No. 15 selection, but they could also look to trade up for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze. Additionally, the team has not had a tight end reach the 400-yard mark since 2019, so the upside of Bowers could be intriguing.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears are expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but they are willing to trade down from the No. 9 overall selection, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Chicago only has four total picks in this year's draft, so moving down to acquire more selections makes plenty of sense. The team has been linked to Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner, and UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu if they stay put, but the options become plentiful if they decide to move down the board. QB-needy teams like the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders could be potential trade partners. Quarterbacks Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy could still be available at that spot.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings secured an additional first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft via a trade with the Houston Texans in March. The organization held the No. 11 overall pick after finishing 7-10 in 2023, and they sent a bundle of picks to acquire the No. 23 overall selection from Houston (via Cleveland Browns). Many believe the Vikings are trying to use their two picks to move into the range to select a quarterback, and NFL insider Peter Schrager projects the Titans to be that trade partner. Tennessee holds the No. 7 selection, which could put the Vikings in range to pick Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Schrager has the Vikings making that pick and the Titans landing Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt at pick 11. There are likely multiple avenues Minnesota can take if the speculation is current, but Tennessee could be willing to trade down since they do not have a third-round selection.
From RotoBaller
It's no secret that the Buffalo Bills need to add some wide receivers in this year's NFL draft after trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and losing Gabe Davis in free agency this offseason. At No. 28 overall in the first round of Thursday night's draft, the Bills would seem to be set to take a pass-catcher. However, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero thinks the draft class' depth at the receiver position could lead the Bills to wait perhaps until the second round to take a receiver, potentially adding a defensive player in the first round instead. As Buffalo's depth chart stands right now, their top three receivers are Khalil Shakir, Justin Shorter and veteran Curtis Samuel. Even if the team adds a few wideouts in this year's draft, tight end Dalton Kincaid could be Buffalo's leading receiver in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams, who haven't picked in the first round since 2016, are calling up to try to get into the top 10 of the first round of this year's NFL draft on Thursday evening, according to sources. The Rams currently sit at pick No. 19, so it would take a lot to pull off a move into the top 10 this year. It's unclear who they might be eyeing if they were to pull it off, but the best bet would be to select Georgia pass-catching tight end Brock Bowers, who has been projected to go at 10th overall to the New York Jets in a lot of mock drafts. The Rams have also been rumored to be looking for a successor to aging quarterback Matthew Stafford, but it's unlikely they pull off a move all the way into the top five to take one of the high-end signal-callers in this year's draft. A defensive tackle is also on their draft wish list.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos are a contender to select a quarterback and potentially make a move in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft, even after trading for quarterback Zach Wilson earlier this week. Denver sits at No. 12 overall, but NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reiterated that he thinks the Broncos could trade down within the first round. They likely don't have enough draft capital to move into the top-four picks to take a high-end QB, so instead, they could move down to take a pass-rusher or even Oregon QB Bo Nix. The Broncos have been linked to Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy as well, but McCarthy's draft stock has been soaring in the lead-up to the draft, which means the Broncos would likely have to trade into the top five to get him. As of right now, Wilson is set to compete with Jarrett Stidham for the starting job under center in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have been trying to trade up to No. 3 overall with the New England Patriots in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft, with the belief being that they want to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, according to multiple league sources. The prevailing thought is that it's a long shot to happen, though, but the Patriots are listening to all calls. The Giants and Vikings appear to be the most aggressive teams that are trying to trade into the top five in order to take a QB of the future in this year's draft. The Patriots have been open to trading down, but so far they've reportedly not received any serious enough offers, and they are also looking for a QB of their own after trading away Mac Jones this offseason. Most pundits are expecting New England to stand pat and take Maye if LSU's Jayden Daniels goes to the Commanders at No. 2.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders are declining the fifth-year contract option of linebacker Jamin Davis, according to a source. It's been heading this way for on and off-field reasons. The plan in 2024 is to have the athletically gifted Davis become a "hybrid" defender, which should translate to less pass coverage and more attempts to rush the quarterback. Davis played his rookie season in 2021 at Mike linebacker before moving to the off-ball role in the team's 4-2-5 base defense. According to Pro Football Focus, he tied for the highest yards per catch allowed (12.1) last year and ranked fourth-worst in average depth of target (5.5) because of his limited coverage instincts. The 25-year-old former 19th overall pick out of Kentucky has just seven sacks in his three seasons, but he could be more productive in that category if he's rushing the passer more in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Bengals are picking up the fifth year option on the contract of Ja'Marr Chase. Dynasty Analysis: Consider this a placeholder as Cincinnati now needs to prepare to make Chase the highest paid receiver in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown has set the market with a four-year, $120 million extension ($77 million guaranteed), so the Bengals are going to need to assemble a few armored cars here soon. Chase and Justin Jefferson should both be set to sign historic deals and while the option being picked up buys the Bengals one more season, dynasty managers shouldn't worry about him hitting free agency any time soon. Chase remains a bona fide candidate for the top overall selection in dynasty leagues.
When asked by Rich Eisen if he has any idea on where he's going to end up in this week's NFL draft, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy hinted at the New York Giants, who currently own the No. 6 overall pick in the first round on Thursday night. "I have somewhat of an Idea, New York, #Giants, I've spent the most time with. They're a phenomenal staff," McCarthy said. The young QB's stock has been rising rapidly ever since his pro-day workout. Reports suggest the Giants and Vikings could be in a raise to trade up to select McCarthy, who is attractive because of his experience running a pro-style offense in college. With Daniel Jones (knee) coming off a torn ACL and with no guaranteed money owed to him beyond 2024, the G-Men have done their due diligence on QBs in this year's draft and feel like a lock to take one at some point this week.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos' connections to Oregon quarterback Bo Nix have persisted with the 2024 NFL draft just a day away on Thursday night. Nix is a player that teams could wait on until the second round, but the Broncos don't have a current second-round pick this year and are slated to select in the first round at No. 12. Their acquisition of former first-rounder Zach Wilson adds another layer to their QB situation heading into Thursday evening. The Broncos have done their homework on the QB draft class -- they hosted Washington's Michael Penix Jr. on a top-30 visit and watched Michigan's J.J. McCarthy work out -- and have discussed a potential trade up in the first round. However, they have plenty of other needs and have also talked about trading down. Right now, Jarrett Stidham and Wilson are slated to compete for the starting job in training camp.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders are thought to be high on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and if the QB market starts drying up quickly in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft and they feel the need to trade up in order to avoid being shut out, the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 5 and the Tennessee Titans at No. 7 are two teams that people think are willing to trade down. The Raiders would love to be able to get up high enough to take LSU's Jayden Daniels to reunite him with head coach Antonio Pierce, but they know they might not be able to do that. The Raiders have talked with the Arizona Cardinals about what it would take to trade up to No. 4, but Vegas' interest in that pick would likely cool off significantly if Daniels is among the top three picks, as expected.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots ownership seems to have a strong preference to come out of the first round of this year's NFL draft with a quarterback, so moving back to, say, No. 11 with the Minnesota Vikings or No. 13 with the Las Vegas Raiders might be too far of a drop for the team to still ensure their ability to do that. But if they move back only three spots to No. 6 in a trade with the New York Giants, they could still be in position to pick a QB in the first round and add multiple extra premium picks. The Patriots gathered information on Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. in the pre-draft process in case they decide to trade down. The Pats appear to be high on him, but ESPN's Dan Graziano doesn't think he'll be in consideration if they stay at No. 3. Most pundits believe New England will take North Carolina's Drake Maye if they stick in the third spot.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Jeff Howe predicts that New York Giants will trade the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft and a 2025 second-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in order to move up to fourth overall to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Thursday night. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is eager to trade down for a second straight year. If LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye remain available at No. 4, the Minnesota Vikings or Las Vegas Raiders would probably become more aggressive in pursuing the fourth overall pick. "I think there's going to be a race to McCarthy between the Giants and Vikings," a coach said. McCarthy doesn't have the upside that the top three QBs in this class do, but rival executives cited concerns with Giants current QB Daniel Jones' (knee) health after tearing his ACL and dealing with a neck injury in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Jeff Howe thinks No. 3 to the New England Patriots in Thursday night's NFL draft feels like the spot for North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, although a couple executives made a case for Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. Maye has prototypical size, arm strength and athletic ability, but there's genuine concern about his inconsistencies in 2023, and his tape shed light on some erratic throws and tendencies. He has a reputation as a high-character person with great leadership abilities. Maye would be the more traditional pick at No. 3 to the Pats, with McCarthy being viewed as more of a surprise. If Maye is still available at No. 3, one executive thinks the Minnesota Vikings "would move heaven and Earth" to try and move up to draft him. If Maye lands in New England, he could sit and learn behind veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2024.
From RotoBaller
