Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)

by Kacey Kasem

Published On: April 30th, 2025

Get ready to dominate with this dynasty startup draft strategy guide, here to lead you to optimal roster construction, from Kacey Kasem.

Joining a brand new dynasty fantasy football league is one of a fantasy manager’s most exciting experiences. You’re building a team that you hope will compete not just this year but for years to come.

I participated in my first dynasty league with other managers who had never played in a dynasty league. Let’s just say, I don’t think there were any trades in that startup draft. We had no idea what we were doing, and honestly, that was part of the fun — figuring it out as we went made diving into dynasty even better.

Drafting a dynasty team takes a different mindset than redraft leagues. You are constantly trying to balance chasing wins now with setting yourself up for the long run. Whether trying to win it all right away or building a powerhouse for the future, having a smart draft strategy going into your startup is essential. And believe me, you aren’t going to get it perfect on your first attempt. This guide will walk you through all you need to know to dominate your startup draft — from prepping before you pick to making sure you leave with a team you can be proud of for years to come.

Check out Richard Sickels’ Complete Guide to Fantasy Football Terms

Dynasty Startup Draft — Strategy Guide

Pre-Draft Prepping

League Settings

Before you start your dynasty draft, go to your fantasy football platform of choice to check out your league settings. You can find these settings under sections like League Settings or League Rules. Contact the commissioner if you have an issue finding your league’s settings.

Always double-check your league settings, even if you think you know what they are. Tiny differences, like 6-point vs 4-point passing TDs, can change your draft strategy.

Player Value

Player value depends a lot on league settings. If your dynasty league is Superflex, where you can start two quarterbacks, managers tend to value the QB position more than in 1QB leagues. You’ll witness QBs being selected earlier in these leagues than they would in 1QB. Tight ends get a boost if you’re in a TE premium league (1.5 PPR is the standard).

Understanding roster size is essential in dynasty leagues, as bigger rosters mean deeper drafts. You can take shots on more stash players if you have a deep draft.

Taxi Squad & Injured Reserve

Your dynasty league may utilize a taxi squad, a special bench area usually reserved for rookies or second-year players, where you can place them without using a full active roster spot. Taxi squads are great for rebuilding or holding onto prospects without using up valuable bench spots.

Check to see if your league implements Injured Reserve (IR) spots. IR lets the fantasy manager move injured players off the active roster. The more IR spots available in your league, the more players you can hold onto when encountering hiccups in the season.

Age Considerations

Before entering your dynasty draft, note that age is a factor. Running backs find themselves peaking earlier than the other positions. Wide receivers can experience their breakouts between the ages of 24 and 29. You’ll find that quarterbacks and tight ends can peak later in their careers, and sometimes, these players play into their mid-30s. Keep age in mind so you don’t end up overpaying for players just before they decline.

Mock Drafts

Mock drafts can be helpful, especially for those who have never done a dynasty startup. Mock drafting can help prepare you for different draft scenarios. You can see how players are valued, try different starts to your draft (WR-WR vs. QB-QB), and practice pivoting when your top targets are sniped. Mock drafts are great for determining where you feel comfortable reaching for “your guys.” They also give you insight into when positional runs will happen.

Overall Mindset

Building for Value vs. Production

If you’re drafting players you believe will hold their dynasty value (or even increase it), you want to build for value. These players might not score fantasy points right off the bat, but you’re focusing on upside. You’ll want to take shots on youth and future trade value. A veteran player may outscore the younger guys in Year 1, but his long-term value isn’t there.

If you’re building for production, you’re looking for players who can help you win now. You’ll draft these players despite their age or declining dynasty value. In this build type, you want to win it all in Year 1. Focusing on players like Derrick Henry and Travis Kelce would be a play here, as they’re both still productive but in the back half of their careers.

Ideally, you want to find that sweet spot where your team has the flexibility to win sooner rather than later, while not being built for just one season. An example would be drafting CeeDee Lamb (26) over Davante Adams (32). Lamb will ultimately give you more years than Adams, although both players were top 12 WRs in PPR leagues last season.

Staying Flexible

Don’t stress after a pick or two. Avoid locking yourself into a plan that early in the draft. If you start off going WR-WR, you don’t have to go all in on youth. You can still grab productive running backs as they fall.

You can stay flexible during the draft by taking the best player available. Even if you don’t have a need at the position, letting value come to you can be key. Don’t force a strict order, such as drafting RB-RB-WR. You might need to pivot based on how your league mates draft. If quarterbacks fly off the board, you might need to grab a QB earlier than expected. Don’t go in with a rigid plan. Adapt as the draft happens and keep your league mates on their toes.

Startup Draft Approaches

Win-Now Strategy

If you’re drafting to compete for the trophy in Year 1, you’re employing the win-now strategy. With this draft strategy, managers prioritize proven producers over guys with breakout potential. Even though these players might be older and have a shorter shelf life in fantasy, they can be vital in helping you win it all the first year.

With this strategy, you’re okay with giving up future value if you can win it all right away. Players to consider drafting if going this route include Travis Kelce, Mike Evans, and Alvin Kamara.

Productive Struggle Strategy

If you’re drafting with the understanding that you might lose early on but dominate in the long term, the productive struggle strategy is up your alley. You’ll prioritize younger players, future draft picks, and guys with breakout potential. Punting in Year 1, or just being middle of the pack, is okay with you if that means you’ll have an unstoppable team in future years.

This route means selecting players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Malik Nabers. These are all talented and fantasy-worthy players, but they’re all in positions right now where they could boom or bust on the weekly. You aren’t tanking; you’re setting yourself up for future dominance. It might be a slow build, but it will be worth it.

Hybrid Approach

If you’re looking for a balanced strategy, you’ll want to draft young core players for long-term success while mixing in reliable veterans who will help you stay competitive. Your season could start strong if you draft this way. If it doesn’t go as planned, you can easily pivot and rebuild your roster quickly.

If you’re going this route, grab players like Brian Thomas Jr., Bijan Robinson, and Justin Jefferson and blend them with players like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford for their short-term floor.

Best Player Available (BPA) vs Team Need Drafting

Best player available means you’re taking the most valuable player on the board, regardless of your team’s needs. You want to get value first, then trade for needs later. An example of this is if you already have 2 QBs, but Caleb Williams fell. You select Williams despite needing a wide receiver.

Based on your current roster construction, you might also draft to fill holes in your roster. If you’re drafting this way, you’re trying to build a balanced starting lineup as you go along. You’re not waiting to trade and fix your roster after the draft. You’re trying to set yourself up for success on Day 1.

You could use a mix of both strategies, drafting BPA early when you can build value, and then taking team needs in the later rounds. Remember, you don’t need a plan set in stone as you draft. Create your own hybrid drafting strategies and have fun with it.

Position-Specific Tips

Quarterbacks

In Superflex formats, you’ll want to prioritize the quarterback position early. Superflex leagues allow you to start two quarterbacks weekly, so good quarterbacks become extremely valuable. Locking in on at least one reliable quarterback early is key, as you risk starting a backup-level player or spending a ton in a trade.

Quarterback runs have become the norm in dynasty leagues, especially with the growth of Superflex leagues. In the moment, it is hard to determine whether you want to react or pay a premium later. Quarterback scarcity changes everything.

Running Backs

Dynasty managers have learned over the years that running backs can fall off a cliff hard. Often, you get two to four elite years followed by little production. It happened with many highly valued RBs (Todd Gurley, David Johnson).

Their dynasty value tanks once injuries and workload catch up to a player. It is dangerous to build your entire startup draft around aging running backs. And remember, a 25-year-old wideout could have five years of WR1 upside ahead of him, while a 25-year-old running back could be aging out of the NFL.

Wide Receivers

Focusing on building your core around elite young wide receivers is ideal, as WRs tend to have longer shelf lives than RBs. Wide receivers retain their dynasty values better than running backs and can be elite into their late 20s and early 30s.

Wide receivers’ value doesn’t crash as fast as RBs. Players such as Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and CeeDee Lamb can be dynasty cornerstones that keep your team competitive for years. Look for those young top receivers and draft away.

Tight Ends

Some dynasty leagues are tight end premium, and if this is the case for you, you could prioritize an elite tight end early. Giving a bonus to the position means a top tight end could outscore WR2s and RB2s easily. Tight end is typically very top-heavy, meaning there are a few elite TEs, but then there is a considerable drop-off.

In leagues that do not implement tight end premium, waiting on tight end can be vital if you miss out on one of the few elite guys. You’re better off drafting a WR2 instead of forcing Mike Gesicki into your TE slot because you need to fill the position.

Trading in Dynasty Startup Drafts

Trading in dynasty startup drafts can initially seem scary, but you’ll be obsessed once you get the hang of it. Startup drafts are the cheapest time to pounce on future rookie picks and elite players. No team has team needs yet, so it’s easier to get trades done because of this.

You might have heard people talk about trading down early in startup drafts. Often, these managers are looking to collect extra startup picks or future rookie picks by moving back a few spots. An example would be trading your 1.05 for the 1.10 and the 2.10. You’ll still get a stud in the first round and have a shot at a good player in the second.

A manager in win-now mode may be willing to move rookie picks for a veteran star. Moving a future 2nd for a proven WR in Round 8-10 could be a move here. The win-now side gets the proven WR, hoping he’s enough to get them that championship. The manager building for the future gets a future rookie who could be a key building block.

Do not overpay to make a trade. This is a common mistake to avoid and something I struggled with in my second-ever dynasty startup draft. I didn’t know how to value draft picks. Thus, I got fleeced… a lot. It’s a learning process, though, and I haven’t made that mistake since. Check out Optimus Fantasy Dynasty Rankings to see how players should be valued in dynasty drafts.

Final Advice

Be ready to pivot based on value. There is no one way to go into a draft. Remember not to panic when your targets get sniped. If a positional run starts, don’t overreact. Trust your board and trust your gut. And pay attention to how your league mates are building their teams. Sometimes, the best advantage you can have is reading the room better than anyone else.

Dynasty startup drafts set the foundation for everything that comes after. Stay flexible, draft smart, trust your instincts — and, most importantly, enjoy the process of building something special.

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

Get ready to dominate with this dynasty startup draft strategy guide, here to lead you to optimal roster construction, from Kacey Kasem.

Joining a brand new dynasty fantasy football league is one of a fantasy manager’s most exciting experiences. You’re building a team that you hope will compete not just this year but for years to come.

I participated in my first dynasty league with other managers who had never played in a dynasty league. Let’s just say, I don’t think there were any trades in that startup draft. We had no idea what we were doing, and honestly, that was part of the fun — figuring it out as we went made diving into dynasty even better.

Drafting a dynasty team takes a different mindset than redraft leagues. You are constantly trying to balance chasing wins now with setting yourself up for the long run. Whether trying to win it all right away or building a powerhouse for the future, having a smart draft strategy going into your startup is essential. And believe me, you aren’t going to get it perfect on your first attempt. This guide will walk you through all you need to know to dominate your startup draft — from prepping before you pick to making sure you leave with a team you can be proud of for years to come.

Check out Richard Sickels’ Complete Guide to Fantasy Football Terms

Dynasty Startup Draft — Strategy Guide

Pre-Draft Prepping

League Settings

Before you start your dynasty draft, go to your fantasy football platform of choice to check out your league settings. You can find these settings under sections like League Settings or League Rules. Contact the commissioner if you have an issue finding your league’s settings.

Always double-check your league settings, even if you think you know what they are. Tiny differences, like 6-point vs 4-point passing TDs, can change your draft strategy.

Player Value

Player value depends a lot on league settings. If your dynasty league is Superflex, where you can start two quarterbacks, managers tend to value the QB position more than in 1QB leagues. You’ll witness QBs being selected earlier in these leagues than they would in 1QB. Tight ends get a boost if you’re in a TE premium league (1.5 PPR is the standard).

Understanding roster size is essential in dynasty leagues, as bigger rosters mean deeper drafts. You can take shots on more stash players if you have a deep draft.

Taxi Squad & Injured Reserve

Your dynasty league may utilize a taxi squad, a special bench area usually reserved for rookies or second-year players, where you can place them without using a full active roster spot. Taxi squads are great for rebuilding or holding onto prospects without using up valuable bench spots.

Check to see if your league implements Injured Reserve (IR) spots. IR lets the fantasy manager move injured players off the active roster. The more IR spots available in your league, the more players you can hold onto when encountering hiccups in the season.

Age Considerations

Before entering your dynasty draft, note that age is a factor. Running backs find themselves peaking earlier than the other positions. Wide receivers can experience their breakouts between the ages of 24 and 29. You’ll find that quarterbacks and tight ends can peak later in their careers, and sometimes, these players play into their mid-30s. Keep age in mind so you don’t end up overpaying for players just before they decline.

Mock Drafts

Mock drafts can be helpful, especially for those who have never done a dynasty startup. Mock drafting can help prepare you for different draft scenarios. You can see how players are valued, try different starts to your draft (WR-WR vs. QB-QB), and practice pivoting when your top targets are sniped. Mock drafts are great for determining where you feel comfortable reaching for “your guys.” They also give you insight into when positional runs will happen.

Overall Mindset

Building for Value vs. Production

If you’re drafting players you believe will hold their dynasty value (or even increase it), you want to build for value. These players might not score fantasy points right off the bat, but you’re focusing on upside. You’ll want to take shots on youth and future trade value. A veteran player may outscore the younger guys in Year 1, but his long-term value isn’t there.

If you’re building for production, you’re looking for players who can help you win now. You’ll draft these players despite their age or declining dynasty value. In this build type, you want to win it all in Year 1. Focusing on players like Derrick Henry and Travis Kelce would be a play here, as they’re both still productive but in the back half of their careers.

Ideally, you want to find that sweet spot where your team has the flexibility to win sooner rather than later, while not being built for just one season. An example would be drafting CeeDee Lamb (26) over Davante Adams (32). Lamb will ultimately give you more years than Adams, although both players were top 12 WRs in PPR leagues last season.

Staying Flexible

Don’t stress after a pick or two. Avoid locking yourself into a plan that early in the draft. If you start off going WR-WR, you don’t have to go all in on youth. You can still grab productive running backs as they fall.

You can stay flexible during the draft by taking the best player available. Even if you don’t have a need at the position, letting value come to you can be key. Don’t force a strict order, such as drafting RB-RB-WR. You might need to pivot based on how your league mates draft. If quarterbacks fly off the board, you might need to grab a QB earlier than expected. Don’t go in with a rigid plan. Adapt as the draft happens and keep your league mates on their toes.

Startup Draft Approaches

Win-Now Strategy

If you’re drafting to compete for the trophy in Year 1, you’re employing the win-now strategy. With this draft strategy, managers prioritize proven producers over guys with breakout potential. Even though these players might be older and have a shorter shelf life in fantasy, they can be vital in helping you win it all the first year.

With this strategy, you’re okay with giving up future value if you can win it all right away. Players to consider drafting if going this route include Travis Kelce, Mike Evans, and Alvin Kamara.

Productive Struggle Strategy

If you’re drafting with the understanding that you might lose early on but dominate in the long term, the productive struggle strategy is up your alley. You’ll prioritize younger players, future draft picks, and guys with breakout potential. Punting in Year 1, or just being middle of the pack, is okay with you if that means you’ll have an unstoppable team in future years.

This route means selecting players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Malik Nabers. These are all talented and fantasy-worthy players, but they’re all in positions right now where they could boom or bust on the weekly. You aren’t tanking; you’re setting yourself up for future dominance. It might be a slow build, but it will be worth it.

Hybrid Approach

If you’re looking for a balanced strategy, you’ll want to draft young core players for long-term success while mixing in reliable veterans who will help you stay competitive. Your season could start strong if you draft this way. If it doesn’t go as planned, you can easily pivot and rebuild your roster quickly.

If you’re going this route, grab players like Brian Thomas Jr., Bijan Robinson, and Justin Jefferson and blend them with players like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford for their short-term floor.

Best Player Available (BPA) vs Team Need Drafting

Best player available means you’re taking the most valuable player on the board, regardless of your team’s needs. You want to get value first, then trade for needs later. An example of this is if you already have 2 QBs, but Caleb Williams fell. You select Williams despite needing a wide receiver.

Based on your current roster construction, you might also draft to fill holes in your roster. If you’re drafting this way, you’re trying to build a balanced starting lineup as you go along. You’re not waiting to trade and fix your roster after the draft. You’re trying to set yourself up for success on Day 1.

You could use a mix of both strategies, drafting BPA early when you can build value, and then taking team needs in the later rounds. Remember, you don’t need a plan set in stone as you draft. Create your own hybrid drafting strategies and have fun with it.

Position-Specific Tips

Quarterbacks

In Superflex formats, you’ll want to prioritize the quarterback position early. Superflex leagues allow you to start two quarterbacks weekly, so good quarterbacks become extremely valuable. Locking in on at least one reliable quarterback early is key, as you risk starting a backup-level player or spending a ton in a trade.

Quarterback runs have become the norm in dynasty leagues, especially with the growth of Superflex leagues. In the moment, it is hard to determine whether you want to react or pay a premium later. Quarterback scarcity changes everything.

Running Backs

Dynasty managers have learned over the years that running backs can fall off a cliff hard. Often, you get two to four elite years followed by little production. It happened with many highly valued RBs (Todd Gurley, David Johnson).

Their dynasty value tanks once injuries and workload catch up to a player. It is dangerous to build your entire startup draft around aging running backs. And remember, a 25-year-old wideout could have five years of WR1 upside ahead of him, while a 25-year-old running back could be aging out of the NFL.

Wide Receivers

Focusing on building your core around elite young wide receivers is ideal, as WRs tend to have longer shelf lives than RBs. Wide receivers retain their dynasty values better than running backs and can be elite into their late 20s and early 30s.

Wide receivers’ value doesn’t crash as fast as RBs. Players such as Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and CeeDee Lamb can be dynasty cornerstones that keep your team competitive for years. Look for those young top receivers and draft away.

Tight Ends

Some dynasty leagues are tight end premium, and if this is the case for you, you could prioritize an elite tight end early. Giving a bonus to the position means a top tight end could outscore WR2s and RB2s easily. Tight end is typically very top-heavy, meaning there are a few elite TEs, but then there is a considerable drop-off.

In leagues that do not implement tight end premium, waiting on tight end can be vital if you miss out on one of the few elite guys. You’re better off drafting a WR2 instead of forcing Mike Gesicki into your TE slot because you need to fill the position.

Trading in Dynasty Startup Drafts

Trading in dynasty startup drafts can initially seem scary, but you’ll be obsessed once you get the hang of it. Startup drafts are the cheapest time to pounce on future rookie picks and elite players. No team has team needs yet, so it’s easier to get trades done because of this.

You might have heard people talk about trading down early in startup drafts. Often, these managers are looking to collect extra startup picks or future rookie picks by moving back a few spots. An example would be trading your 1.05 for the 1.10 and the 2.10. You’ll still get a stud in the first round and have a shot at a good player in the second.

A manager in win-now mode may be willing to move rookie picks for a veteran star. Moving a future 2nd for a proven WR in Round 8-10 could be a move here. The win-now side gets the proven WR, hoping he’s enough to get them that championship. The manager building for the future gets a future rookie who could be a key building block.

Do not overpay to make a trade. This is a common mistake to avoid and something I struggled with in my second-ever dynasty startup draft. I didn’t know how to value draft picks. Thus, I got fleeced… a lot. It’s a learning process, though, and I haven’t made that mistake since. Check out Optimus Fantasy Dynasty Rankings to see how players should be valued in dynasty drafts.

Final Advice

Be ready to pivot based on value. There is no one way to go into a draft. Remember not to panic when your targets get sniped. If a positional run starts, don’t overreact. Trust your board and trust your gut. And pay attention to how your league mates are building their teams. Sometimes, the best advantage you can have is reading the room better than anyone else.

Dynasty startup drafts set the foundation for everything that comes after. Stay flexible, draft smart, trust your instincts — and, most importantly, enjoy the process of building something special.

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

Get ready to dominate with this dynasty startup draft strategy guide, here to lead you to optimal roster construction, from Kacey Kasem.

Joining a brand new dynasty fantasy football league is one of a fantasy manager’s most exciting experiences. You’re building a team that you hope will compete not just this year but for years to come.

I participated in my first dynasty league with other managers who had never played in a dynasty league. Let’s just say, I don’t think there were any trades in that startup draft. We had no idea what we were doing, and honestly, that was part of the fun — figuring it out as we went made diving into dynasty even better.

Drafting a dynasty team takes a different mindset than redraft leagues. You are constantly trying to balance chasing wins now with setting yourself up for the long run. Whether trying to win it all right away or building a powerhouse for the future, having a smart draft strategy going into your startup is essential. And believe me, you aren’t going to get it perfect on your first attempt. This guide will walk you through all you need to know to dominate your startup draft — from prepping before you pick to making sure you leave with a team you can be proud of for years to come.

Check out Richard Sickels’ Complete Guide to Fantasy Football Terms

Dynasty Startup Draft — Strategy Guide

Pre-Draft Prepping

League Settings

Before you start your dynasty draft, go to your fantasy football platform of choice to check out your league settings. You can find these settings under sections like League Settings or League Rules. Contact the commissioner if you have an issue finding your league’s settings.

Always double-check your league settings, even if you think you know what they are. Tiny differences, like 6-point vs 4-point passing TDs, can change your draft strategy.

Player Value

Player value depends a lot on league settings. If your dynasty league is Superflex, where you can start two quarterbacks, managers tend to value the QB position more than in 1QB leagues. You’ll witness QBs being selected earlier in these leagues than they would in 1QB. Tight ends get a boost if you’re in a TE premium league (1.5 PPR is the standard).

Understanding roster size is essential in dynasty leagues, as bigger rosters mean deeper drafts. You can take shots on more stash players if you have a deep draft.

Taxi Squad & Injured Reserve

Your dynasty league may utilize a taxi squad, a special bench area usually reserved for rookies or second-year players, where you can place them without using a full active roster spot. Taxi squads are great for rebuilding or holding onto prospects without using up valuable bench spots.

Check to see if your league implements Injured Reserve (IR) spots. IR lets the fantasy manager move injured players off the active roster. The more IR spots available in your league, the more players you can hold onto when encountering hiccups in the season.

Age Considerations

Before entering your dynasty draft, note that age is a factor. Running backs find themselves peaking earlier than the other positions. Wide receivers can experience their breakouts between the ages of 24 and 29. You’ll find that quarterbacks and tight ends can peak later in their careers, and sometimes, these players play into their mid-30s. Keep age in mind so you don’t end up overpaying for players just before they decline.

Mock Drafts

Mock drafts can be helpful, especially for those who have never done a dynasty startup. Mock drafting can help prepare you for different draft scenarios. You can see how players are valued, try different starts to your draft (WR-WR vs. QB-QB), and practice pivoting when your top targets are sniped. Mock drafts are great for determining where you feel comfortable reaching for “your guys.” They also give you insight into when positional runs will happen.

Overall Mindset

Building for Value vs. Production

If you’re drafting players you believe will hold their dynasty value (or even increase it), you want to build for value. These players might not score fantasy points right off the bat, but you’re focusing on upside. You’ll want to take shots on youth and future trade value. A veteran player may outscore the younger guys in Year 1, but his long-term value isn’t there.

If you’re building for production, you’re looking for players who can help you win now. You’ll draft these players despite their age or declining dynasty value. In this build type, you want to win it all in Year 1. Focusing on players like Derrick Henry and Travis Kelce would be a play here, as they’re both still productive but in the back half of their careers.

Ideally, you want to find that sweet spot where your team has the flexibility to win sooner rather than later, while not being built for just one season. An example would be drafting CeeDee Lamb (26) over Davante Adams (32). Lamb will ultimately give you more years than Adams, although both players were top 12 WRs in PPR leagues last season.

Staying Flexible

Don’t stress after a pick or two. Avoid locking yourself into a plan that early in the draft. If you start off going WR-WR, you don’t have to go all in on youth. You can still grab productive running backs as they fall.

You can stay flexible during the draft by taking the best player available. Even if you don’t have a need at the position, letting value come to you can be key. Don’t force a strict order, such as drafting RB-RB-WR. You might need to pivot based on how your league mates draft. If quarterbacks fly off the board, you might need to grab a QB earlier than expected. Don’t go in with a rigid plan. Adapt as the draft happens and keep your league mates on their toes.

Startup Draft Approaches

Win-Now Strategy

If you’re drafting to compete for the trophy in Year 1, you’re employing the win-now strategy. With this draft strategy, managers prioritize proven producers over guys with breakout potential. Even though these players might be older and have a shorter shelf life in fantasy, they can be vital in helping you win it all the first year.

With this strategy, you’re okay with giving up future value if you can win it all right away. Players to consider drafting if going this route include Travis Kelce, Mike Evans, and Alvin Kamara.

Productive Struggle Strategy

If you’re drafting with the understanding that you might lose early on but dominate in the long term, the productive struggle strategy is up your alley. You’ll prioritize younger players, future draft picks, and guys with breakout potential. Punting in Year 1, or just being middle of the pack, is okay with you if that means you’ll have an unstoppable team in future years.

This route means selecting players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Malik Nabers. These are all talented and fantasy-worthy players, but they’re all in positions right now where they could boom or bust on the weekly. You aren’t tanking; you’re setting yourself up for future dominance. It might be a slow build, but it will be worth it.

Hybrid Approach

If you’re looking for a balanced strategy, you’ll want to draft young core players for long-term success while mixing in reliable veterans who will help you stay competitive. Your season could start strong if you draft this way. If it doesn’t go as planned, you can easily pivot and rebuild your roster quickly.

If you’re going this route, grab players like Brian Thomas Jr., Bijan Robinson, and Justin Jefferson and blend them with players like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford for their short-term floor.

Best Player Available (BPA) vs Team Need Drafting

Best player available means you’re taking the most valuable player on the board, regardless of your team’s needs. You want to get value first, then trade for needs later. An example of this is if you already have 2 QBs, but Caleb Williams fell. You select Williams despite needing a wide receiver.

Based on your current roster construction, you might also draft to fill holes in your roster. If you’re drafting this way, you’re trying to build a balanced starting lineup as you go along. You’re not waiting to trade and fix your roster after the draft. You’re trying to set yourself up for success on Day 1.

You could use a mix of both strategies, drafting BPA early when you can build value, and then taking team needs in the later rounds. Remember, you don’t need a plan set in stone as you draft. Create your own hybrid drafting strategies and have fun with it.

Position-Specific Tips

Quarterbacks

In Superflex formats, you’ll want to prioritize the quarterback position early. Superflex leagues allow you to start two quarterbacks weekly, so good quarterbacks become extremely valuable. Locking in on at least one reliable quarterback early is key, as you risk starting a backup-level player or spending a ton in a trade.

Quarterback runs have become the norm in dynasty leagues, especially with the growth of Superflex leagues. In the moment, it is hard to determine whether you want to react or pay a premium later. Quarterback scarcity changes everything.

Running Backs

Dynasty managers have learned over the years that running backs can fall off a cliff hard. Often, you get two to four elite years followed by little production. It happened with many highly valued RBs (Todd Gurley, David Johnson).

Their dynasty value tanks once injuries and workload catch up to a player. It is dangerous to build your entire startup draft around aging running backs. And remember, a 25-year-old wideout could have five years of WR1 upside ahead of him, while a 25-year-old running back could be aging out of the NFL.

Wide Receivers

Focusing on building your core around elite young wide receivers is ideal, as WRs tend to have longer shelf lives than RBs. Wide receivers retain their dynasty values better than running backs and can be elite into their late 20s and early 30s.

Wide receivers’ value doesn’t crash as fast as RBs. Players such as Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and CeeDee Lamb can be dynasty cornerstones that keep your team competitive for years. Look for those young top receivers and draft away.

Tight Ends

Some dynasty leagues are tight end premium, and if this is the case for you, you could prioritize an elite tight end early. Giving a bonus to the position means a top tight end could outscore WR2s and RB2s easily. Tight end is typically very top-heavy, meaning there are a few elite TEs, but then there is a considerable drop-off.

In leagues that do not implement tight end premium, waiting on tight end can be vital if you miss out on one of the few elite guys. You’re better off drafting a WR2 instead of forcing Mike Gesicki into your TE slot because you need to fill the position.

Trading in Dynasty Startup Drafts

Trading in dynasty startup drafts can initially seem scary, but you’ll be obsessed once you get the hang of it. Startup drafts are the cheapest time to pounce on future rookie picks and elite players. No team has team needs yet, so it’s easier to get trades done because of this.

You might have heard people talk about trading down early in startup drafts. Often, these managers are looking to collect extra startup picks or future rookie picks by moving back a few spots. An example would be trading your 1.05 for the 1.10 and the 2.10. You’ll still get a stud in the first round and have a shot at a good player in the second.

A manager in win-now mode may be willing to move rookie picks for a veteran star. Moving a future 2nd for a proven WR in Round 8-10 could be a move here. The win-now side gets the proven WR, hoping he’s enough to get them that championship. The manager building for the future gets a future rookie who could be a key building block.

Do not overpay to make a trade. This is a common mistake to avoid and something I struggled with in my second-ever dynasty startup draft. I didn’t know how to value draft picks. Thus, I got fleeced… a lot. It’s a learning process, though, and I haven’t made that mistake since. Check out Optimus Fantasy Dynasty Rankings to see how players should be valued in dynasty drafts.

Final Advice

Be ready to pivot based on value. There is no one way to go into a draft. Remember not to panic when your targets get sniped. If a positional run starts, don’t overreact. Trust your board and trust your gut. And pay attention to how your league mates are building their teams. Sometimes, the best advantage you can have is reading the room better than anyone else.

Dynasty startup drafts set the foundation for everything that comes after. Stay flexible, draft smart, trust your instincts — and, most importantly, enjoy the process of building something special.

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

By Published On: April 30th, 2025

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