Dynasty players have been looking forward to this weekend for weeks, months, maybe even years due to the talented class loaded with running backs and tight ends that should impact the way we build our teams.
With impact players entering the league, NFL veterans will feel the impact, some fearing for their respective jobs while others breathe a sigh of relief, at least for a few hours. Let’s take a look at some of the players who saw their dynasty value affected by the final day in Philadelphia.
Winners
Blake Bortles, QB JAX
The Jaguars not only failed to draft a quarterback to compete with Bortles but they added both Leonard Fournette on day one and Dede Westbrook in early round four, further surrounding him with weapons on offense. This is going to be a make or break year for Bortles but he’ll at least have a fighting chance to keep his job and prove he’s the quarterback of the present and future in Jacksonville.
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Ameer Abdullah, RB DET
The Lions failed to address the running back position in the draft, so it seems Abdullah will get one more chance to prove his worth in the Motor City. He has to be considered one of draft weekend’s biggest winners.
Mike Gillislee, James White, Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden, RBs NE
What!?! You mean to tell me the Pats didn’t trade up for Leonard Fournette and are leaving this as a simple five man battle for touches? Well, this will be easy to figure out.
Josh McCown, QB NYJ
You can lump Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg in here as well. The Jets didn’t draft a quarterback and McCown will indeed make starts this year. However, it’s hard to imagine him staying healthy for long and that means Petty and/or Hackenberg are going to make starts this year.
Matt Forte, RB NYJ
The Jets were linked to both Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette but didn’t get either. They only added Elijah McGuire late in the draft and he projects out as more of a committee back.
Kenneth Dixon and Terrance West, RBs BAL
The Ravens stood pat at the position and that’s going to give these two (and even Buck Allen) one more year to prove their worth.
Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman, WRs BAL
Much like the running backs in Baltimore, these two benefit from the Ravens going heavy on defense and addressing their offensive line this draft. It’s a bit of a surprise the Ravens didn’t add a few skill position players given their challenges on that side of the ball. Still, they had a lot of holes to fill everywhere.
Ryan Mathews, RB PHI
Mathews is always going to lose work to Darren Sproles but the Eagles only brought in Donnel Pumphrey to compete for touches. However, keep in mind the Eagles did bring in former Wisconsin star Corey Clement as an UDFA and that’s intriguing.
Terrance Williams, WR DAL
It seems like Williams has nine lives. The Cowboys drafted Ryan Switzer but he’s a player more in the mold of Cole Beasley than Williams. He’s hanging on for dear life as an average receiver and it’s surprising the Cowboys haven’t looked to get someone more dangerous opposite Dez Bryant.
Losers
Rob Kelley, RB WAS
Kelley made it through the first two days relatively unscathed but the Redskins took Samaje Perine in round four, opening the door for, at best, a competition at running back. Perine has the talent to overtake Kelley and even if he doesn’t win the job outright, Kelley is sure to lose carries to him this season.
Pharoh Cooper, WR LAR
The Rams decided to load up at receiver by adding Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. With Robert Woods already signed and Tavon Austin still sitting on a giant contract, players like Cooper and Mike Thomas are going to find it very difficult to develop and see the field any time soon.
Landry Jones, QB PIT
With Josh Dobbs now on the roster, Jones has likely found the end of the road with the Steelers and perhaps in the NFL.
Paul Perkins, RB NYG
While fourth round rookie Wayne Gallman doesn’t look to be the threat to his starting job like Perine is in Washington, his dynasty owners were surely hoping the Giants would have passed on taking any more running backs.
Josh Ferguson, RB IND
A hot name this time last year, Ferguson’s time with the Colts may be on life support now that they’ve added Marlon Mack. Frank Gore is aging and the Colts are certainly looking for their back of the future. It’s likely they address that in free agency or the draft next season but Mack will have a chance to show he’s worth a look – something Ferguson has certainly failed to do.
Virgil Green and AJ Derby, TEs DEN
The fall of Jake Butt was extreme and while he landed in a great spot, Green and Derby are now on notice. As soon as Butt can get fully healthy, he’s going to challenge for snaps. Remember, he was a first round prospect prior to his injury.
Charles Sims, RB TB
The addition of Jeremy McNichols throws a big wrench into the Tampa Bay backfield. Doug Martin is said to be healthy but he’s also suspended for the first part of the season. Meanwhile, the future roles of both Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims seem to be a little murkier now. McNichols has the talent to overtake Sims for the passing down role and could even challenge Martin.
Cardale Jones, QB BUF
Jones was looked upon as a long-term project by Buffalo but he’s now facing competition with Nathan Peterman in the fold. With Doug Whaley now fired in Buffalo, Jones is likely not going to be around long as the new regime takes hold. Peterman could challenge Tyrod Taylor in the future, but Taylor is a big winner in the draft as the Bills failed to land a bigger name. Jones is the player who has certainly lost value with the Peterman pick.
Christine Michael, RB GB
Ty Montgomery is said to still be the starter with the Packers. However, they added Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones and Devante Mays all on the final day of the draft. Michael will have many challengers for the backup job. It really wouldn’t be the NFL Draft without a Christine Michael or Jonathan Stewart reference, so it really feels complete now.
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Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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