AFC fantasy winners/losers

By: Josh Frey-Sam

James Cook owners are still smiling ear to ear.

The Buffalo Bills were thought to be a team that could select a running back in the first three rounds of last month’s draft.

Had that come to fruition, all signs would’ve pointed to this season being Cook’s last in Orchard Park.

They didn’t draft a running back, and didn’t even take an offensive player until the 5th round.

That should give Cook, who is a free agent after this season and seeking a lucrative contract, a little assurance that the Bills are committed to him being their back of the present and potentially the future.

Had Buffalo spent a high pick on a running back (Cook’s eventual replacement), it would’ve been safe to assume his workload would be affected this season.

Thanfully, that won’t be the case, making Cook an easy winner out of the draft.

Not all players and fantasy owners were left smiling, however. Some are sweating, while others have already hit the panic button and begun to offload players.

Here are some other winners and losers from the AFC:

Lamar Jackson (BAL), winner: You could say this entire offseason has been a win for the two-time MVP. He’s received a couple of new weapons in DeAndre Hopkins, who I believe is a perfect fit in Baltimore, and sixth-round pick LaJontay Wester. The Ravens have also retained a trusted weapon in tight end Mark Andrews, who was rumoured to be on the trade block during draft week. The best of all was the upgrade his offensive line received in the form of third-round pick Emery Jones Jr., who could start out of camp.

Joe Burrow (CIN), winner: You could almost call Joe Burrow a loser if the Bengals’ defensive draft picks end up making an impact early on. I’m not worried about that offence’s opportunity to put up points, though. Though the Bengals skipped on drafting an offensive lineman in the first two rounds, they went to it in the third and fifth rounds by selecting Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers, respectively. Getting Tee Higgins locked up before the draft was also a W.

Cedric Tillman (CLE), winner: We’ll be talking a lot differently about the second-year receiver come August than we would’ve had the Browns drafted Travis Hunter. Despite questions at QB, this now becomes a potentially huge breakout season for Tillman. Diontae Johnson is the only notable addition to that WR room this offseason.

Jaleel McGlaughlin/Audric Estime (DEN), loser(s): You probably could’ve guessed this one. The Broncos’ RB duo from a year ago were losers before the draft even began, as head coach Sean Payton did not hide his feelings about the need to upgrade the room. Enter second-round pick RJ Harvey, who is not the clear-cut leader to start Week 1.

CJ Stroud (HOU), winner: Weapons and protection. Stroud was really only asking for the latter entering the draft, but he received both. The Texans went shopping at Iowa State twice, landing receiver Jayden Higgins — whose been compared to Nico Collins — in the second round and receiver Jaylin Noel in the third. Those selections sandwiched offensive tackle Aireonte Ersery, who went in the second.

Joe Mixon (HOU), winner: I have to admit, I’m already a smidge lower on Mixon entering his age-29 season, but the Texans obviously have faith in the veteran after leaving the RB room alone until they drafted Wood Marks in the 4th round. I still think this might be Mixon’s last in Houston, but the Texans are hoping it’s a good one.

Indianapolis Colts WR room, losers: Without a legitimate quarterback, this feels a lot like it’ll be the Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Warren show.

Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX), winner: The Jags just added a unicorn to take the attention away from BTJ, who remains the No. 1 option in this offence. CeeDee Lamb is punching the air.

Isiah Pacheco (KC), winner: The Chiefs were absolutely a candidate to draft an RB, and the fact that they didn’t would signal they still trust Pacheco to shoulder the load.

Ashton Jeanty (LVR), winner: He was going to be the guy wherever he went, but the team and situation couldn’t have lined up better for Jeanty.

Najee Harris (LAC), loser: This one hurts me. I was so high on Harris, only for it to last a few weeks. Who knows what his workload looks like with Omarion Hampton in the building?

Jaylen Wright (MIA), loser: Wright’s stock as a handcuff took a hit with the Fins drafting Ollie Gordon II.

Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), loser: The Pats spent a second-round pick on a more talented player. Stevenson’s role could be very limited this season.

Justin Fields (NYJ), winner: The Jets’ offensive line is complete, and the team added a weapon in second-round TE Mason Taylor. Fields could be an intriguing sleeper this season.

George Pickens/DK Metcalf (PIT), losers: This could still change if Aaron Rodgers is signed, but with the Steelers failing to address QB — outside of Will Howard in the sixth round — the outlook for these two appears bleak.

 Calvin Ridley (TEN), winner: Yes, he’s 30, but Ridley is the clear No. 1 in this offence and finally has someone to throw him the ball. He could be a rock-solid WR2 this season.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh