NFL fantasy football news and player signals for Monday, May 4, 2026

David Njoku is departing the Cleveland Browns. Bob Harris uses Njoku as a comparison point for evaluating tight end prospects, noting that Njoku's primary usage pattern was as a straight-line route runner rather than a full-fledged technician.

BYU tight end drafted 248th overall by Cleveland Browns in 2026. Bob Harris evaluates him as a potential dynasty league free-agent pickup with significant upside contingent on playing weight. If he maintains college weight of 250–255 lbs, Harris ranks him second only to Sam Rauch as a blocker in the class and notes he can catch, run routes, and generate skill after the catch. Harris projects him as a middle-class or potentially better version of David Njoku if deployed as a technician rather than a straight-line route runner. Harris notes pre-draft enthusiasm diminished after learning he weighed 235 pounds at a workout, suggesting weight loss from his college-listed 245 pounds may have contributed to his late-round slide and raises durability/strength concerns. Harris states: "I'm definitely keeping my eye on Ryan."

Pavia signed a 3-year deal with Baltimore with no guaranteed money, structured as a consequence of off-field concerns but signaling team confidence in his talent. Matt Waldman rates him as one of the top five quarterbacks in the 2026 class outside of off-field issues, making him a potential value as a backup/future starter if he "behaves himself."

Brooks offers significant contingent upside in best-ball formats at RB47 (round 11 ADP). Pre-injury at Texas, he was the best back in his class, rivaling Bijan Robinson with better contact balance, speed, quickness, and excellent vision. The buy case is his elite pre-injury profile; the sell case is two years without game action and uncertainty vs. Chuba Hubbard. Bob Harris emphasizes he has "tons of upside" and "all the ability" to outperform his price. In best ball, his upside if he wins the job outright justifies the ADP given the contingent upside and depth of RBs drafted ahead of him. Harris frames investing cheap shares in Brooks as "a good path to potential success," noting the Panthers' emphasis on "violent" running backs aligns with Brooks' profile.

Wilson showed fantastic production when given opportunities in Green Bay last year and will be a factor in Seattle, likely staying that way throughout the season. He is a good all-around running back. The Packers chose Chris Brooks over Wilson, possibly for financial reasons, with the separation between them being minimal. In Seattle, Wilson will likely operate in a committee with J'Darien Price leading the way, but Wilson should get enough touches to have fantasy value.

Antonio Williams is a very good fantasy asset, not overrated. He projects as at least the wide receiver three on the Lions and will likely be the second or third most productive receiver on the team. Comps include Randall Cobb and Jayden Reed—a long-time scout noted Cobb as the player he was reminded of when watching Williams. If the Lions run a Detroit-style offense (similar to their recent scheme), Williams could play an enhanced Jayden Reed or Amon-Ra St. Brown type of role, potentially making him a high target-count player. He has a shot to start off like Terry McLaurin in his new offense.

Matt Waldman is 'totally on the DeAndre Hopkins train' and says he saw nothing last year to dissuade him from thinking Hopkins can still play. Hopkins looked like his usual dominant self early in the season and is excellent in the slot, which is his best possible fit. Waldman argues Hopkins can still win at the catch point against tight coverage and operate against zone coverage. Placing him in Cincinnati's third receiver role would be 'absolutely magical,' as the slot role is ideal because getting separation on the outside might be tougher for him than before.

Matt Waldman says 'f--k it' on Jeudy as Cleveland's bell cow receiver despite GM Andrew Berry's public assurance, citing Jeudy's track record of inconsistent production and susceptibility to outside motivation. Waldman notes Jeudy's tendency to be talented but underperform or coast after strong seasons, and suspects Berry's statement is motivational rather than factual. With Jameis Winston at QB, Waldman expects target distribution to spread around rather than concentrate on one receiver like it did with Michael Thomas in New Orleans, so Jeudy could have a good year but won't rebound to his prior production levels.

Mitchell was released by the Patriots this week after stints with San Francisco and Kansas City; his release suggests either durability concerns or that New England feels confident in their other running back options, opening depth chart opportunity for Miles Montgomery.

Elijah Mitchell's release by the Patriots this week opens depth chart opportunity for Miles Montgomery. Mitchell's release suggests either durability concerns or that New England feels confident in their other running back options. Montgomery likely moves from running back six to running back five on the depth chart, gaining more reps and one less body to compete with, though the team could still add another back.

Bob Harris argues that the rationale to 'buy into' Drew Allar because Penn State limited him is flawed; if Penn State didn't use him to his capability, that suggests he's even less ready for the NFL, not more. Matt Waldman doesn't have a strong or even bad grade for him—the grade is that poor. Waldman expects Will Howard to start before Drew Allar and cautions that even if Allar has a good first few games, historical examples like Will Levis and Marcus Mariota show that early performance doesn't make a career; he needs 18–30 games to demonstrate his actual NFL ability. Harris advises most fantasy owners to avoid him in drafts unless they are trade-savvy GMs confident in a sell-high window, as early playing time for rookie QBs typically leads to rushed deployment and worse outcomes.

Ranked 101st in Evan Silva's top 150 rankings at Establish the Run.

Great athlete who had some big games last year; can play the slot or outside and is a nice bench stash with upside to become a fantasy starter.

Locked in as the Cowboys' number three receiver in one of the pass heaviest offenses in the league; can play slot or outside and could become a fantasy starter if something happens to CD Lamb or George Pickens.

Recently quoted as saying he feels near 100% and will be ready for training camp after repeated ACL tears; was a really talented guy coming out of college.

Still a fantastic value in all formats despite the Dolphins' uncertain overall performance; as long as he's on the field, he'll rush for a ton of yards.

Could lead all quarterbacks in rushing yards this year running off the edges behind elite offensive tackles; could average 50+ rushing yards per game for an 800+ yard rushing season.

Dolphins have built around him with the most gargantuan offensive tackle duo in the league (Patrick Paul 6'8, 331 lbs; Kaden Proctor 6'7, 352 lbs), signaling they've pushed their chips in on him in year one.

Analyst drafted a ton of him last year and plans to draft a ton of him again this year; loves him and expects positive touchdown regression.

Had 86 catches and over 200 yards last year; if he scores 8-9 touchdowns (vs. his historical 5, 4, 5 in first three seasons), he'll be a smash wherever he goes.

Offseason winner who ended last year really well; with new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and no draft/free agency additions to hurt his target share, he could have a really big year.

Had a top 15 scoring season a couple years back in Kansas City, showing that the Chiefs can produce elite running back fantasy value.

Could end up getting an 18-19 point per game season with a pretty safe floor given the Chiefs' historical lack of good running backs and Andy Reid's running back whisperer history.

Has 77 catches over the last two seasons, addressing the pre-draft knock that he didn't catch passes well; this receiving ability is really big in the Chiefs offense.

Going top 15 overall in early baseball drafts and mid-round in early redraft leagues; analyst feels very good about him as a top 20 pick in a great Chiefs situation.

Considered a really great target this year with the improved Chargers offense under Mike McDaniel.

Expected to be back for week one after missing time, which will strengthen the Chargers offensive line.