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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- Giants add QB Nathan Rourke
- Reinstated S C.J. Moore agrees to deal with Lions
- WR Tyler Boyd to sign 1-year deal with Titans
- Ex-Jags WR Zay Jones visits Cardinals
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow resumes throwing at offseason workouts
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling visiting Chargers
- Raiders sign free agent WR Jalen Guyton
- Panthers to sign RB Rashaad Penny
- Pats waive Nathan Rourke, down to four QBs
- RB Duke Johnson retires from NFL after 8 seasons
- Former Bears QB Bob Avellini dies at age 70
- J.J. Watt leaves door open (slightly) for potential return to Texans
- Seahawks sign first-round pick Byron Murphy II
- Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: 'No restrictions' at OTAs
- Former Giants TE Aaron Thomas dies at 86
- Michael Irvin out at NFL Network
- Bills sign Chase Claypool, Deion Jones, Dawuane Smoot
- Dolphins, Odell Beckham Jr. agree to 1-year deal
- Chargers add wide receiver DJ Chark
- Chiefs decline WR Kadarius Toney's 2025 option
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Update
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Mock Draft Review: Post-NFL Draft
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Expert Rookie Mock Draft – Post-NFL Draft
The Paur Report
Dynasty | The Titans have signed wide receiver Tyler Boyd. Dynasty Analysis: Amazingly, Boyd has already spend eight years in the league (all with the Bengals). Over the span of his career, he's posted 513 catches for exactly 6,000 yards with 31 touchdowns. The Titans were steadfast in their approach to improve their offense and have now added Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley and Boyd to a new-look team. The move will certainly have fantasy implications, most notably pushing Treylon Burks down one more spot in the pecking order. Boyd remains a low-ceiling player to have on a dynasty roster but he could have real short-term value should an injury (or a suspension) occur with Hopkins or Ridley.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is under investigation for allegedly hitting a photographer on Monday night in a Dallas club, according to WFAA.com. The 24-year-old is already facing eight felony charges stemming from a multi-vehicle crash in March. Needless to say, this is a situation worth monitoring, as the 2023 second-round pick is beginning to pile up character concerns. He was already expected to face a multi-game suspension from his previous off-field situation, so this development could put his 2024 campaign even more in jeopardy.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions signed veteran defensive lineman Kyle Peko on Tuesday, the team announced on X. Originally undrafted out of the class of 2016, Peko has spent time with the Denver Broncos (two stints), Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans (two stints), and Las Vegas Raiders. Overall, he has racked up 57 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, two passes defended, and 8.5 run stuffs in 42 games. With Alim McNeill and DJ Reader occupying starting roles on the interior, Peko is competing for a backup and rotational role.
From RotoBaller
Rookie quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa participated in rookie camp for the Seattle Seahawks last week, and he is accepting an invite to take part in the Arizona Cardinals rookie camp this week. Despite being the all-time passing leader in the Big Ten, Tagovailoa went undrafted and is looking to find a home where he can compete for a roster spot. The younger brother of Tua Tagovailoa posted 11,356 passing yards, 77 passing touchdowns, and 37 interceptions during his college career that included one season at Alabama and four years at Maryland. He'll have an uphill battle to become a starter in the NFL, but a backup role could be attainable for the Ewa Beach, Hawaii native.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks was recently listed as a potential trade candidate by NFL insider Ari Meirov, and after the team signed Tyler Boyd on Tuesday, it could be more likely. The 2022 first-round pick has hauled in just 49 passes for 665 yards and one touchdown in 22 games over the last two seasons. Former Titans general manager Jon Robinson traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the pick that Burks was selected with, along with a third-round pick. Needless to say, the trade has not aged well. Current general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan were not with the organization when Burks was picked, so a change of scenery could be in order. With DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Boyd projected to start in three-wide sets, Burks appears to be the odd man out. If he's dealt, it will likely be in exchange for a late-round pick in the 2025 or 2026 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants claimed quarterback Nathan Rourke off waivers on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 25-year-old began his professional career with the BC Lions of the CFL before getting an opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars in January of 2023. He spent roughly a year with the team before being released and claimed by the Patriots. New England cut ties with him on Monday, and he has already found a new home. The Ohio University product has not thrown a regular season pass, and he's likely going to serve as a training camp arm this offseason with the potential to compete with Tommy Devito for the QB3 job behind Daniel Jones and Drew Lock.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions are re-signing safety C.J. Moore to a one-year deal, according to NFL.com. The 28-year-old was suspended all of last season for violating the league's gambling policy, but he was recently reinstated and gets another chance with Detroit. Originally undrafted out of the class of 2019, Moore has played in 56 regular season games (all for Detroit). He's racked up 48 total tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and two pass deflections through his first five years in the league. Assuming he makes the 53-man roster, he'll primarily serve as a special-teamer and backup option to starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Chad Graff believes the New England Patriots will be content cutting both wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton this year after they added rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker with two of their first five draft picks this year. The team would have to eat more than $9 million in dead money if they decide to cut Smith-Schuster. Thornton is the only true speedster in the receiver room, but the former second-rounder in 2022 out of Baylor has been a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons. In 22 total games (12 starts), the 23-year-old has just 35 receptions on 68 targets for 338 yards and two touchdowns. Right now, Kendrick Bourne, Polk, Demario Douglas, Baker, K.J. Osborn and Jalen Reagor figure to be on the final roster at the position.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints took former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler in the fifth round, mainly because two teams that were very high on him -- the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos -- drafted QBs in the top 12 this year. Despite his drop in this year's NFL draft, Rattler is not perceived as 138 picks worse than Bo Nix, as some evaluators had Rattler awfully close to the same tier as Nix, who went 12th overall to Denver. One team source had zero issues with the perceived image concerns facing Rattler, who appearance in the documentary "QB1" during his high school career didn't portray his personality in the best light. Going into his first NFL season in New Orleans, Rattler is facing an uphill battle to win the No. 2 job from Jake Haener in training camp this summer.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette, who was taken with the final pick in the first round of this year's NFL draft after the Panthers traded up, has drawn comparisons from scouts to Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, mainly because of his 6-foot-3, 227-pound frame. "Not quite the athlete Metcalf is but he's got some game-breaking ability like that, and he can do a little more with versatility as a runner and pass-catcher," an NFL personnel evaluator said. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young could certainly use some more playmakers like that after a disastrous rookie season. The 23-year-old Legette is probably going to struggle to produce consistently for fantasy managers in single-year leagues in 2024, especially after Carolina also added wideout Diontae Johnson in free agency this offseason.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world in this year's NFL draft when they took quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at eighth overall despite just signing Kirk Cousins to a big deal in free agency in the offseason. Word spread a week before the draft that the Falcons loved Penix, to the extent that he ranked as high as No. 2 overall at the QB position. The team's brass flew to Seattle to watch Penix throw for a few hours in a private setting on April 5. According to sources, owner Arthur Blank fully endorsed long-term stability at the position. Cousins is 35 years old and coming off a torn Achilles last year, so Penix will give them that long-term stability at the position that Blank was seeking. Atlanta was criticized for the pick since they had plenty of other needs, but they could look smart years down the line when they transition Penix into the starting role.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) said that he's mostly recovered from the shoulder injury that he suffered in his rookie season in 2023. "That's in the past. I'm ready for right now," Gonzalez said. However, he's unsure what his participation will be like for organized team activities this offseason. The 21-year-old was the 17th overall pick in 2023 out of Oregon but only played in four games last year before his first year in the NFL was cut short due a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required surgery. He's likely to be limited in offseason workouts and possibly even for the start of training camp, but barring a setback, it sounds like he'll be ready for the start of the 2024 campaign. It's great news for New England's secondary.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders took Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton on Day 2 of this year's NFL draft, giving the team three talented tackles in Newton and Pro Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. A few league executives are now wondering if Washington will ever consider trade offers for Allen, who is due $15.4 million in 2024 and $16.5 million next year, both figures below market for high-end tackles. Sources believe the Commanders will either need to rework Allen's contract eventually or decide whether they will entertain trade offers, which they have so far rebuffed in the past. For now, head coach Dan Quinn can concoct a plan to get all three defensive tackles on the field. The 29-year-old Allen finished last year with 53 tackles (30 solo), 5.5 sacks and a pass defended in 16 games. Because of his struggles last year defending the run, perhaps he's moved outside more after the addition of Newton.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans are signing veteran free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The former Cincinnati Bengal visited Tennessee last week and will now reunite with his former offensive coordinator and new Titans head coach Brian Callahan. While Boyd's fantasy value with Tennessee is likely capped by DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, this is a promising addition for quarterback Will Levis. The Titans are signaling a shift toward a more pass-happy approach following the departure of Derrick Henry and the moves the franchise has made this offseason. 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks is now the odd man out, and there's a chance he could be traded after two disappointing seasons to begin his career. The 29-year-old Boyd has hauled in 437 passes for 5,172 yards and 28 receiving touchdowns over his last six seasons and is viewed as one of the better slot receivers in the NFL.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Philadelphia Eagles signed UDFA running back Kendall Milton. Dynasty Analysis: Despite being productve at Georgia, Milton fell all the way out fo the draft, likely because of a perceived lack of versatility. He'll now look to make the Eagles roster as an UDFA. It's a decent landing spot for him as Philadelphia is historically one of the teams that likes to keep a large stable of runners. Still, Milton is a long shot for dynasty value moving forward and should simply be kept track of for now.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler has an uphill climb to earn backup duties to veteran Derek Carr in his rookie season, which is why Jake Haener currently looks to be the favorite to be second on the QB depth chart out of training camp this summer. At the very least, though, Rattler is going to be in competition for the No. 2 spot with Haener. There are other veterans on the roster as well in Kellen Mond and Nathan Peterman, and Taysom Hill can't be ruled out for getting some work under center in camp, either. Rattler's growth could be tied to how quickly he can learn the offensive lingo and installs. Haener had a leg up last year since he ran a version of the Saints' offense at the Senior Bowl the previous season. Rattler might have to sit on the bench for a few years, so he's only worth drafting in dynasty/keeper leagues this fall.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Carolina Panthers are signing running back Rashaad Penny. Dynasty Analysis: Penny is going to compete with rookie Jonathon Brooks, Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear for a roster spot this Summer as nothing here should be looked at as guaranteed. Penny has had his moments in the league, including a stretch in Seattle where he was the best fantasy football player in the world for about a month. Unfortunately, injuries have always held him back and he wasn't really even able to sniff the field last year in Philadelphia. Penny's value has dropped all the way down to "watch list," but he'd certainly be roster worthy should he make the team this Fall.
Dynasty | The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran wide receiver Jalen Guyton. Dynasty Analysis: The long-time Charger has had his moments over his five-year career but never really put things together consistently in Los Angeles. He'll compete with the likes of Tre Tucker and DJ Turner for a roster spot but he looks buried behind Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and the newly signed Michael Gallup. As the Stormtroopers would say, "Move along."
The New England Patriots informed quarterback Nathan Rourke that he is being waived on Monday, according to sources. The move thins the team's quarterback room to four -- veteran Jacoby Brissett, rookie third overall pick Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe and rookie Joe Milton III. The move shouldn't come as a surprise after the Patriots selected two quarterbacks in this year's NFL draft. The 25-year-old Rourke has never appeared in an NFL game, although he did make 11 starts in 2021 and 2022 with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. Rourke will now look for another opportunity elsewhere as a depth option at the position with another NFL team.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) got glowing reviews while throwing at Monday's offseason workout. Burrow has been throwing during the offseason as he recovers from his injured right wrist, but Monday was the first day of Phase 2 of the team's offseason program. "He didn't miss a beat. Whatever he did in the offseason worked," receiver Kwamie Lassiter said. Burrow went through everything new QBs coach Brad Kragthorpe asked of him during the one-hour workout, which included footwork drills around obstacles. "I think he looked as quick and as athletic as I've seen him look," Kragthorpe said. "He looked like the Joe Burrow we're used to seeing. I didn't see any difference. I thought the ball came out of his hand well. Confidently. I'm happy where he's at."
From RotoBaller
