Let’s look at the best dynasty draft values in each round of a 12-team dynasty startup draft using the FantasyPros dynasty superflex rankings. Remember, this isn’t a mock draft, so I’m not building a balanced team. Instead, I am looking for the best value or most undervalued player in each round.
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings
Dynasty Draft Values in Each Round for Startup Drafts
While the fantasy football world is up to their neck in rookie drafts, now is the perfect time for a dynasty startup draft. One of the keys to building an elite team is finding the dynasty draft values in each round, coming away with the best option with each pick.
Round 1 – Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
Robinson is primed for a third-year breakout, possibly making him the clear-cut dynasty RB1 and top-five overall pick starting in 2026 startup drafts. Last year, he was the RB4, averaging 111 scrimmage yards and 18.3 half-point PPR fantasy points. Furthermore, the Falcons leaned on Robinson with Michael Penix Jr. under center, as he averaged 24.7 touches and 25.6 fantasy points per game during the rookie’s three starts.
Round 2 – Nico Collins (WR – HOU)
Unfortunately, Collins missed five games with a hamstring injury in 2024. Yet, the superstar finished as the WR7 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 14.7 fantasy points per outing, a higher average than Malik Nabers and CeeDee Lamb. He has averaged 14.7 fantasy points per game in back-to-back years with C.J. Stroud under center. Collins remains Houston’s unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver despite a pair of additions in the NFL Draft.
Round 3 – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – ARI)
Last year, Harrison fell well short of expectations. Many rushed to label him the WR4 in dynasty rankings. Unfortunately, he ended his rookie season as the WR29, averaging 9.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. While the former Ohio State star struggled, fantasy players should buy into his long-term outlook. Harrison ranked 12th among wide receivers in receiving touchdowns (eight) despite finishing 20th in targets (116). He has room to grow.
Round 4 – Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
The Bengals signed Tee Higgins to a massive extension this offseason, keeping him in Cincinnati with Joe Burrow through the best years of his career. Fantasy players must accept that the star wide receiver will miss time with injuries almost every season. However, he is an elite player when healthy. Last year, Higgins was the WR4 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 15.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per contest, only 0.1 fewer than Justin Jefferson.
Round 5 – Kenneth Walker III (RB – SEA)
Walker missed a career-high six games in 2024. Yet, he had arguably the best season of his career. The former Michigan State star averaged 14.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game and a 4.6% rushing touchdown rate, setting career highs in both categories. Furthermore, he should see even more work in the passing game under Klint Kubiak after totaling a career best 53 targets last year.
Round 6 – Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)
While Rashee Rice will limit Worthy’s fantasy upside, the former Texas star is the Chiefs’ most talented wide receiver. He finished his rookie season on fire, ranking as the WR10 from Week 15 through Week 17, averaging 10.3 targets and 17.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Worthy was unstoppable in the Super Bowl despite facing an elite defense, totaling 157 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 31.7 fantasy points.
Round 7 – Tyler Warren (TE – IND)
Unfortunately, Warren will likely struggle to produce for fantasy players as a rookie because of the Colts’ quarterback situation and wide receiver core. However, Anthony Richardson will take a massive step forward in 2025, or the team will find his replacement in 2026. Furthermore, Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. could be heading into their final season in Indianapolis. Fantasy players might have to wait a year, but Warren could be a massive steal in the seventh round.
Round 8 – Kaleb Johnson (RB – PIT)
Despite being a third-round pick in the NFL Draft, Johnson has massive long-term fantasy upside. He led the Big 10 in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdowns (21) last season despite Iowa lacking any meaningful passing game threat. Therefore, the rookie should have no trouble succeeding in Pittsburgh despite a lack of an appealing long-term option at quarterback on the roster.
Round 9 – Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF)
San Francisco traded away Deebo Samuel earlier this offseason and reportedly had talks about moving on from Brandon Aiyuk. Unfortunately, Pearsall’s rookie year got off to a rocky start because of a gunshot wound he suffered right before Week 1. However, the former Florida receiver looked like a star in the making to end the season, totaling 40.6 half-point PPR fantasy points over his final two contests.
Round 10 – Calvin Ridley (WR – TEN)
Ridley’s long-term fantasy outlook isn’t great by any measure. However, the veteran wide receiver should have a solid 2024 season, giving fantasy players the chance to draft and trade him for future capital. The Titans improved their quarterback situation by drafting Cam Ward. Furthermore, they have no other meaningful pass catchers on the roster. Last year, Ridley averaged 9.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite playing with an awful quarterback.
Round 11 – Jauan Jennings (WR – SF)
The 49ers will have a decision to make next offseason. They can keep Brandon Aiyuk and let Jennings walk in free agency. The other option is to trade Aiyuk and sign Jennings to a long-term extension. Last year, the veteran stepped up as the team’s top wide receiver, averaging a career high 7.5 targets and 11.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Fantasy players should like his long-term outlook, whether he stays in San Francisco or gets paid in free agency.
Round 12 – Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO)
Unfortunately, things are ugly right now in New Orleans. However, Shaheed likely won’t be back with the Saints in 2026. The team has to sign Chris Olave to a long-term deal, and Shaheed is heading into the final year of his contract. More importantly, he was the WR30 on a points-per-game basis last year, averaging 11 half-point PPR fantasy points per outing before suffering a season-ending injury.
Round 13 – Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ)
Taylor shouldn’t be available this late in startup dynasty drafts, especially after landing with the Jets in the NFL Draft. The former LSU star was the third tight end selected. Furthermore, he is one of the youngest players in the draft class. Taylor should have a fantasy-relevant rookie season, as New York lacks any significant weapons in the passing game besides Garrett Wilson.
Round 14 – Marvin Mims Jr. (WR – DEN)
Last year, the Broncos’ offense became a fantasy-friendly unit with Bo Nix under center. While many believed Denver would have made a splashy addition at the wide receiver position this offseason, the team didn’t because of Mims. He averaged 6.5 receptions for 77 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 22.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the final two weeks, making several big-time plays on offense.
Round 15 – Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL)
While Blue was a Day 3 NFL Draft pick, the rookie landed in an excellent fantasy situation. Last year, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ranked in the bottom 16 among 70 running backs with at least 55 rushing attempts in yards per attempt. Furthermore, both veterans averaged 2.51 or fewer rushing yards per attempt last season. While it might be too early to call him the next De’Von Achane, Blue could have a similar rookie year with two ineffective veteran running backs ahead of him on the depth chart.
Round 16 – Cole Kmet (TE – CHI)
Unfortunately, Kmet’s 2025 fantasy value took a massive hit when the Bears drafted Colston Loveland. Furthermore, the rookie likely means the veteran won’t be with the team past the upcoming season. However, Kmet is a talented tight end who will earn a significant starting contract with another team once cut. He averaged a career-high 1.76 half-point PPR fantasy points per target last year.
Round 17 – Terrance Ferguson (TE – LAR)
Ferguson didn’t have eye-popping numbers at Oregon, totaling fewer than 44 receptions and 600 receiving yards every year. Yet, he put up outstanding numbers at the NFL Combine, leading all tight ends in the 40-yard dash (4.63 seconds) and vertical jump (39 inches). More importantly, Ferguson landed in Sean McVay’s fantasy-friendly offense. He could be a popular second-year breakout in 2026 when Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson will likely no longer be on the roster.
Round 18 – Roman Wilson (WR – PIT)
Injuries ruined Wilson’s rookie year, as the former Michigan star only played in one contest, seeing zero targets. However, he was a massive winner from the Steelers trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year pro is the team’s second-best wide receiver and faces little competition for snaps and targets. Don’t be surprised if Wilson has a breakout sophomore season.
Round 19 – Xavier Restrepo (WR – TEN)
While Restrepo went undrafted, don’t be surprised when he makes the Titans’ final roster. Cam Ward lobbied for Tennessee to sign his former Miami teammate. He was productive in college with Ward under center, leading the ACC with 1,127 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 69 receptions last season. Meanwhile, Calvin Ridley is the only meaningful wide receiver on the roster. Therefore, Restrepo could quickly become the No. 2 option in the passing game.
Round 20 – Michael Mayer (TE – LV)
Unfortunately, Mayer has never gotten a fair chance to shine with the Raiders. He spent his rookie season catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell while fighting for targets behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Last year, Las Vegas drafted Brock Bowers, killing Mayer’s chance of breaking out in 2024. However, the former second-round NFL Draft pick will eventually find a new home, finally giving him a chance to turn into a fantasy star.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
