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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
Rashee Rice May 20 5:13pm ET
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will attend OTAs this week. Dynasty Analysis: It's never a good thing when we have a multitude of player updates for you in the off-season and virtually none of them revolve around football. Such has been the case with Rice, however, as he is currently facing what looks to be a potentially long suspension after a racing incident and most recently, a potential assault. Attending camp is good but he's nearly impossible to move in a dynasty league with a black cloud currently over his head. Rice will remain a hold as this whole thing unfolds over the next few weeks and months.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Parker Washington May 20 5:10pm ET
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is battling for a roster spot after the team brought in Brian Thomas Jr. Gabe Davis, and Devin Duvernay this offseason. Along with Christian Kirk, those three players are locks to make the final 53-man roster. Jacksonville began organized team activities on Monday, and Washington was a standout performer, according to John Shipley on the Jaguar Report. "Washington made several impressive grabs throughout the day in both individual and team drills, and he also showed off the quickness and explosiveness that makes his game stand out," Shipley wrote. "After (Christian) Kirk, he was probably the best overall performer in the receiver room on Monday." The 2023 sixth-round pick posted 16 receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie campaign, and his special teams ability could help his chances to secure his spot on the active roster. Although he won't begin the 2024 season on the fantasy radar, he could be worth stashing in extra-deep formats.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson May 20 5:00pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson signed a three-year contract to join the organization this offseason, and early reviews from Patriots beat writer Brian Hines are encouraging. "Antonio Gibson's speed was evident in the no-contact setting, as well as his wide receiver background," Hines wrote for PatsPulpit.com. "Gibson should have a role for himself in this offense." It's the first day of organized team activities, and fantasy managers shouldn't be too high on the former Washington Commander yet, but he has a path to fantasy relevance as a pass-catcher behind or alongside Rhamondre Stevenson. The 25-year-old played wideout in his college career at Memphis and posted 172 receptions for 1,283 yards and seven receiving touchdowns through his first 61 NFL games. He's a solid late-round flyer in PPR leagues, as veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye could utilize him as a checkdown option often given the lack of high-end pass-catchers on the New England roster. Gibson's 13 fumbles since entering the league rank third-most since 2020, but if he can clean that part of his game up, he should be worthwhile on fantasy rosters.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson May 20 4:40pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was not spotted at the team's facility for the start of organized team activities on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jefferson and the Vikings have reportedly been in discussions regarding a new contract for the superstar pass-catcher, and it would not be a surprise if he does not report until he inks a new deal. The 2020 first-round pick has three seasons of at least 1,400 receiving yards on his resume already, and he posted 1,074 yards in just 10 games last season. The 24-year-old holds the NFL record for the most receiving yards per game (98.3), so a hefty payday should be coming soon. Stud wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown signed deals this offseason that include an average salary of at least $30 million, and Jefferson is expected to become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history when he reaches a new agreement. 2024 will mark the first season he won't be catching any passes from Kirk Cousins, but his 192-yard performance in Week 18 with Nick Mullens at the helm proves he is quarterback-proof.

From RotoBaller

Jerod Mayo May 20 4:30pm ET
Jerod Mayo

New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (knee) is considered "month-to-month" with a knee injury, according to head coach Jerod Mayo. The 2022 first-round pick out of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga injured his left knee in the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. Strange has made 27 starts in his first two seasons with the organization, and his recovery from the injury will be key as the team breaks in rookie quarterback Drake Maye. With the season set to kick off in roughly 15 weeks, there will be further updates on his status as Week 1 approaches.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray May 20 4:20pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. will start at left tackle in 2024 after spending his rookie season on the right side, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Johnson was selected with the No. 6 overall pick out of Ohio State in the 2023 NFL Draft and started all 17 games in his debut campaign. Veteran D.J. Humphries occupied the left tackle spot in the desert for nine seasons, but he was released this offseason. Newly acquired veteran Jonah Williams will begin the season at right tackle. Protecting quarterback Kyler Murray and carving running lanes for James Conner and Trey Benson will be key priorities in 2024 for a potential ascending offense. Johnson Jr. will play a key part in that effort, and hopefully, he'll take a Year 2 leap after allowing eight sacks in 2023.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster May 20 3:00pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle, knee) said he was around 60 percent healthy this time last year from his knee injury and was never fully healthy in 2023. However, he said he's at 100 percent now after resting this offseason. It's nice to hear that the 27-year-old is feeling better this offseason, but his role is a bit up in the air in 2024 after the Patriots added Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round and Javon Baker in the fourth round of this year's NFL draft. New England also signed K.J. Osborn in free agency, giving Smith-Schuster much more competition in the first year without Bill Belichick in Boston. Smith-Schuster had only 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 games in his first year with the team in 2023. With Kendrick Bourne (knee) coming back from a torn ACL this year, Smith-Schuster's role is in question.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett May 20 2:30pm ET
Jacoby Brissett

At the New England Patriots' first organized team activity practice on Monday, quarterback Jacoby Brissett took the first repetitions at the position, followed by Bailey Zappe, rookie first-rounder Drake Maye and Joe Milton III. The Patriots took Maye third overall out of North Carolina in last month's NFL draft, but Maye won't be guaranteed the starting gig from Day 1 in his first NFL season this fall. The expectation is that Brissett and Maye will compete for the job in training camp this summer and the preseason, but the Patriots aren't going to rush Maye into the starting role under new head coach Jerod Mayo right away, even though the team has been impressed with the work that Maye has put in so far in trying to learn a new offense. In the bigger picture in 2024, it would be a mild surprise if Maye doesn't at least get some playing time at some point if he opens the year as a backup to Brissett.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne May 20 2:20pm ET
Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) will not be on the field this spring with the rest of the team, according to new head coach Jerod Mayo. It shouldn't come as a huge surprise after a torn right ACL forced Bourne to miss the final nine games of the 2023 season. The 28-year-old said that he expects to be full-go for the start of training camp this summer, though, but he's going to miss valuable time working with new quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and rookie first-rounder Drake Maye during organized team activities. As long as Bourne doesn't suffer a setback during training camp or the preseason, he should be ready for the Week 1 season opener. Bourne had a career-high 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns in his first year with the Pats in 2021 before regressing to 434 yards and one score in 16 games (two starts) in 2022.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa May 20 2:10pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is in the team's building on Monday for the start of organized team activities, according to a source. Tagovailoa is slated to become the next signal-caller to receive a big payday, but the two sides remain in negotiations this offseason. Despite nothing being finalized, the former first-rounder said he was planning on attending the team's offseason workouts. The 26-year-old reportedly has not been with the team as much this offseason as he has been in previous years, but it's a good sign that he's now with the team for OTAs and remains committed to Miami. It should go a long way to both sides eventually working something out on a long-term extension. If no extension is reached, Tagovailoa would play the 2024 season on his fifth-year option. Contract issues aside, he's a rising midrange QB1 after a career year in 2023 with one of the best 1-2 punches at receiver in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice May 20 2:10pm ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will be attending and participating in all activities during organized team activities, which start on Monday, according to a source. Rice won a Super Bowl ring in his rookie season in the NFL, but the ensuing offseason has gone terribly for the 24-year-old pass-catcher. Rice is likely facing a suspension in 2024 for his involvement in a multi-car crash in Dallas in late March that caused injury after he left the scene of the accident. He's facing charges for aggravated assault, collision involving serious bodily injury and collision involving injury. We don't know exactly how long Rice will be suspended in his second NFL season, but his fantasy stock is trending down the offseason after he became quarterback Patrick Mahomes' most trusted receiving target last year not named Travis Kelce.

From RotoBaller

David Johnson May 20 1:13pm ET
David Johnson

Dynasty | Free agent running back David Johnson is retiring from the NFL. Dynasty Analysis: Johnson had a monster 2016 season that featured more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and a whopping 20 touchdowns for the Cardinals but was never able to replicate that kind of production again. He spent some time with the Texans and Saints over the past few years but in the end, lasted just eight seasons in the league. Such is life in the NFL. If you still had Johnson on your roster, chances are you didn't win your league last season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jaylen Warren May 20 1:13pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Dynasty | Steelers running back Najee Harris has apparently changed his diet in order to improve his performance. Dynasty Analysis: Well, it can't hurt. Harris is now in a contract year after having his option declined and appears motivated to perform at a higher level as he seeks a lucrative second contract in the league in Pittsburgh or elsewhere. Harris was much better towards the end of last season but Jaylen Warren continues to push for carries and it's hard to believe this won't end up in a timeshare. Harris is best served as a RB2/Flex at the moment but he does have a runway to move up in the rankings should he finally reach his potential.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

David Johnson May 19 9:00pm ET
David Johnson

Running back David Johnson officially announced his retirement on Sunday. The 32-year-old was taken in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played for three teams, suiting up for the Cardinals, Texans, and Saints. However, Johnson's most productive years were in Arizona, where he had his best season in 2016 by rushing for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns off 293 carries and adding 80 catches for 879 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries didn't allow him to recapture the same magic from the 2016 season, although he still had a productive career, ending with 4,071 rushing yards, 2,805 receiving yards, and 57 total touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

David Johnson May 19 2:13pm ET
David Johnson

Free-agent RB David Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday, May 19.

From TheHuddle

Carl Granderson May 19 2:00pm ET
Carl Granderson

New Orleans Saints All-Pro pass-rusher Cameron Jordan thinks the offseason addition of former first-round defensive end Chase Young "is going to be great for our defense." "We already got Carl Granderson, who's stellar these last couple of years. I think with growth him being on the opposite side when he gets the right health, physically. He's going to be another piece we can add on," Jordan said. Young was traded from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers on Halloween last year before signing a one-year deal with the Saints in free agency this offseason. The 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year had neck surgery this offseason but is expected to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. If the 25-year-old Young can get back to his rookie-year form, the Saints pass rush could be very dangerous this year.

From RotoBaller

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo May 19 1:40pm ET
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (pectoral) is eyeing at least 10 sacks in 2024 after recording 4.5 sacks and a career-high 12 tackles for loss in 14 games in his first season with the Browns last year before getting hurt. He joined the Browns on a three-year, $22 million maximum-value deal last year. Okoronkwo suffered a torn pectoral but didn't need surgery and said he's "100 percent ready to go." The 29-year-old won a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams and has 109 tackles (74 solo), 14 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, 32 QB hits, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 64 games (eight starts) in his five years in the NFL. The Rams took him in the fifth round in 2018 out of Oklahoma. He's been more productive the last two years with the Texans and Browns, combining for 9.5 sacks in 31 games (eight starts).

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers May 19 1:30pm ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, who is heading into his second year in the NFL, is excited to work with rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who the Raiders selected in the first round this year. Bowers fell to the Raiders at No. 13 overall. "He's fast. He's got great hands. He can block. He can do it all. I feel like we can both do it all," Mayer said. Mayer wasn't all that involved in the Raiders' offense in his rookie campaign, catching just 27 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games played. Given Bowers' pedigree, Mayer figures to be the No. 2 TE in 2024, even in 12 personnel, which the Raiders ran just 14.2% of the time last year. Unless Bowers misses time due to an injury in his first year in the league, Mayer is going to have a hard time standing out for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Horton May 19 1:20pm ET
Dylan Horton

Houston Texans defensive end Dylan Horton posted a video of himself on Thursday ringing the bell, signaling his last radiation treatment after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Horton took a leave of absence from the team on Nov. 22 of last year, citing a "personal matter." He learned on Dec. 1 that he had Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. It put an end to Horton's rookie season in the NFL in 2023, but he issued a statement in March that he was in remission and was trending in a positive direction with hopes of eventually returning to play for Houston. Horton was a fourth-round pick last year out of TCU. In his 10 games played for the Texans last year before learning of his cancer diagnosis, Horton had 13 tackles (one for loss) and two QB hits.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell May 19 1:10pm ET
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (leg) has made a speedy recovery from a gunshot wound, and his trainer Delfonte Diamond posted videos of him running routes and performing drills at the University of Houston on Saturday. Dell suffered a flesh wound in a mass Florida shooting, with the bullet piercing the back of his leg and going through the front of his leg, according to sources. The 24-year-old looked explosive on Saturday and appears to be full go as the offseason continues on. Despite Dell looking good, Diamond said he thinks head coach DeMeco Ryans and team officials will hold Dell out for the most part this offseason until training camp at the end of July. After catching 47 passes (75 targets) for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games (eight starts) in his rookie season in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury, Dell's fantasy arrow is firmly pointing upward.

From RotoBaller