Even though we’re in redraft season in the heart of the summer, that doesn’t mean we can’t consider value picks in dynasty startup drafts in fantasy football.
In this article, I’ll go round-by-round, identifying my favorite value picks for the first 10 rounds, based on average draft position (ADP). This will be based on FantasyPros’ expert consensus rankings (ECR) using full PPR scoring and Superflex formats.
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings
- Best Fantasy Football Tools
- Dynasty Rookie Mock Drafts
- Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Picks to Target
I’d be willing to pay up past ADP for each of these players.
Round 1: Caleb Williams (QB – CHI) | ECR: 7 (QB6)
Caleb Williams is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. He came into the league as an elite prospect. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance throughout his two-year career, especially last season with Ben Johnson calling plays. Now in Year 2 of this offense, there’s a good chance Williams can take his game to new heights. I see overall QB1 upside with an elite play-caller and strong supporting cast.
Round 2: Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV) | ECR: 18 (RB3)
Ashton Jeanty had a disappointing rookie campaign, but that was impacted by a dysfunctional coaching staff with Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly (who was fired after only 11 games). Now with Klint Kubiak calling plays, Jeanty is in an elite offensive scheme.
The Raiders upgraded their offensive line by signing center Tyler Linderbaum, plus they brought in a great offensive line coach in Rick Dennison. Jeanty is going to be a workhorse and start to live up to his pre-draft expectations.
Round 3: Brock Bowers (TE – LV) | ECR: 27 (TE1)
Brock Bowers could be in line for a record-setting season with Klint Kubiak calling plays in Vegas. It wouldn’t shock me to see him beat Travis Kelce‘s receiving yards record for tight ends, which is at 1,418 yards.
Everyone is looking for “the next Jaxon Smith-Njigba” when the answer isn’t a wide receiver — it’s Bowers. Expect Kubiak to put Bowers in great spots to succeed en route to a massive year. His value is only going to go up from here.
Round 4: DeVonta Smith (WR – PHI) | ECR: 46 (WR19)
DeVonta Smith is undervalued because he’s entering his age-28 season, but this could be a spot where he has a career year. With A.J. Brown dealt to the Patriots, Smith is now the unquestioned No. 1 WR in the Eagles’ offense.
Expect this team to have a much better passing game with Sean Mannion calling plays. Former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was an absolute disaster. There’s a good chance that Smith’s value will increase following this upcoming season.
Round 5: Jaylen Waddle (WR – DEN) | ECR: 58 (WR25)
Jaylen Waddle showed that he can be an alpha wideout in Tyreek Hill‘s absence with Tua Tagovailoa under center. During that stretch last year, which was from Weeks 5-15, Waddle ranked first in air yard share and eighth in yards per route run (YPRR).
Now dealt to the Broncos, expect Waddle to immediately emerge as Bo Nix‘s new top target. Despite this, we’re getting him in the fifth round, which feels like a major value as he heads into his age-28 season.
Round 6: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – ARI) | ECR: 64 (WR27)
Marvin Harrison Jr. came into the NFL as one of the most touted wide receiver prospects in recent memory. Don’t you remember being eager to have the 1.01 that year so you can take Harrison?
Despite a slow start to his career, Harrison is still only 24 years old. Going from Drew Petzing to Mike LaFleur as play-caller should help Harrison have a career year in 2026. His value is at a rock-bottom price right now, making him worth a look.
Round 7: Javonte Williams (RB – DAL) | ECR: 82 (RB20)
Javonte Williams shot up in value after a terrific debut season in Dallas, but he’s still undervalued because he’s a workhorse in an elite offense. There’s a good chance Williams can be even better in Year 2, especially with defensive improvements likely turning the Cowboys into contenders.
That means more positive game scripts where Williams can pound the rock while the Cowboys hold a lead. He’s a great value pick.
Round 8: Daniel Jones (QB – IND) | ECR: 94 (QB27)
Daniel Jones showed last year that he’s the perfect fit in Shane Steichen’s offense. He was absolutely dominant before playing through a fractured fibula. Since he’s recovering from a torn Achilles, Jones comes at a rock-bottom price.
While we need to temper expectations, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t buy in at this low cost. There’s a chance that Jones has found a home in Indianapolis, making him worth a look as a late QB2 or QB3.
Round 9: David Montgomery (RB – HOU) | ECR: 109 (RB26)
David Montgomery struggled last season, but so did the entire Lions’ offense. The Texans traded for him, signaling their intentions that:
- They wanted to upgrade their running game, which had Woody Marks miscast as a bell-cow back.
- Montgomery was their preferred target.
Expect heavy usage on a team with an elite defense that could turn the Texans into Super Bowl contenders. That means positive game scripts for Montgomery to rack up yardage.
Round 10: Travis Hunter (WR – JAX) | ECR: 127 (WR55)
This time last year, Travis Hunter was considered extremely intriguing. But after a season-ending LCL tear, Hunter looks like he’s fourth in the pecking order behind Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers.
That has created a buying opportunity. Hunter is a dual-threat player who has the talent to be an elite wide receiver. Don’t let a disappointing rookie campaign that ended prematurely due to injury push you off Hunter at such a cheap cost.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSS | YouTube