Future Proof: Dynasty Value in the 2026 & 2027 Draft Classes

1. 🔥 Quick Hits — Free Agent Signings That Matter

Over the past week, there have been three major free agency moves that have shaken up many players’ fantasy value. So here's what you need to know.

• Aaron Rodgers → Steelers

  • Arron rodgers should be the Steelers’ starter this year (assuming he doesn’t get injured), so his fantasy value has certainly gone up. Other than that, it only affects the rest of the QBs, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Rodgers’ contract ends in 2026, and Rudolph could become the starter in 2026 as his contract ends in 2027. In 2027, the starter will be either Will Howard or a drafted QB in the 2026 or 2027 NFL draft.

  • Despite Rodgers being a starter, I don’t think he is a quality starter because of these scheme fit issues

    • The Steelers’ offense coordinator, Arthur Smith, uses play action commonly; however, Arron Rodgers is not a fan of this.

    • Also, Rodgers is known for liking more precise route runners as his lead WR, something DK Metcalf has struggled with

      • However, if Terry McLaurin was signed to the Steelers, that would help Rodgers because he is a much more consistent route runner.

• Nick Chubb → Texans

  • Nick Chubb is now a Texan and is set up to be their RB2. He is trying to return to his pre-injury form on his 1-year deal under head coach DeMeco Ryans

  • The Texans already have a solid RB1 in Joe Mixon, so Chubb’s role and how many snaps he will see are still unknown; however, teams like the Lions have successfully run a 2-back offense, sharing snaps between 2 good running backs, something we may see in Houston.

  • I do think Nick Chubb will be a solid flex option in deeper leagues if he receives enough snaps, and if Joe Mixon does get injured, he should be ready to step up as RB1.

• J.K. Dobbins → Broncos

  • A couple of days after the news of Nick Chubb signing, J.K. Dobbins also signed a 1-year deal. However, unlike Nick Chubb, he is entering a running back room that is being led by rookie RB RJ Harvey.

  • Dobbins may start the season as RB1 as they ease Harvey into NFL football, but Harvey should see the majority of snaps. Alternatively they could do a split backfield for a majority of the season like David Mongomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

  • Dobbins matters in fantasy depends on how many snaps he sees because he is a capable back, but can’t score without snaps. More of a wait-and-see, but certainly a good bench option to have.

2. 🧭 The Long Game — Why 2026 & 2027 Picks Matter Now

In dynasty, everyone loves to say “buy low.” But few actually apply it to the most reliable asset in the game: future draft picks.

While your league mates chase 2025 breakouts and training camp hype, savvy managers are quietly stacking 2026 and 2027 picks — before the market catches up. These picks don’t score points today, but they gain value passively, offer unmatched trade flexibility, and let you control the board when rookie fever peaks.

This is your window. Let’s break down why these picks are still undervalued — and how to use them to win both now and later.

3. 🔍 2026 Rookie Class — More Than You Think

While the dynasty community has been hyping the 2027 class for months, the 2026 crop is quietly building a strong identity — especially at running back and quarterback. It may not have the wide receiver ceiling of 2024 or 2027, but the top 6–8 prospects are legit difference-makers, and smart dynasty managers are buying in early while 2026 picks are still undervalued.

Here are the names you’ll want circled a year from now:

🧨 Top 5 Prospects:

1. Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)

📊 2024: 163 CAR, 1,125 YDS, 17 TDs, 6.9 YPC

💥 Game-breaking speed and 62 broken tackles last season

💼 Looks like a future three-down back with NFL-level burst and vision

2. Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)

📊 2024: 52 REC, 733 YDS, 4 TDs

🔍 Strong separator with early declare status

🧠 Played WR3 behind future NFL stars — ready to break out as WR1 in 2025

3. Nicholas Singleton (RB, Penn State)

📊 2024: 172 CAR, 1,099 YDS, 12 TDs | 41 REC, 375 YDS, 5 TDs

🚀 Explosive straight-line speed + vastly improved receiving work

💪 Profiles as a dual-threat bellcow with top-5 dynasty rookie Draft potential

4. Drew Allar (QB, Penn State)

📊 2024: 3,327 YDS, 24 TDs, 8 INT, 77.5 QBR

🎯 Big-armed passer with clean mechanics and deep-ball touch

🧠 Projected Round 1 NFL QB with tools to become a fantasy QB1

5. CJ Baxter (RB, Texas)

📊 2023: 659 YDS, 5 TDs (missed 2024 with injury)

👀 Patient, explosive runner with three-down potential

🔄 Set to be Texas’ RB1 in 2025 and rebound into Day 2 NFL territory

📋 Honorable Mentions

QBs: Nico Iamaleava (UCLA), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Cade Klubnik (Clemson)

RBs: Justice Haynes (Michigan)

WRs: Evan Stewart (Oregon), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), Jordan Tyson (ASU)

TEs: Oscar Delp (Georgia)

4. 📈 2027 Rookie Class — The Next 2024?

If 2026 is the value play, then 2027 is the hype train — and this time, the hype might be justified. The top-end talent in this class is absolutely loaded, especially at wide receiver and quarterback. Several of these prospects were elite producers as true freshmen and are already being talked about as top-10 NFL picks in two years.

If you're stashing 2027 1sts now, you're doing it right. Here's why:

🔥 Top 5 Prospects:

1. Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State)

📊 2024: 76 REC, 1,315 YDS, 15 TDs

🧠 The full package: route running, contested catch, size (6'3", 215)

🏆 Think Julio Jones x Jamar Chase — the early favorite for 1.01 in all formats

2. Arch Manning (QB, Texas)

📊 2024: 61 CMP, 939 YDS, 9 TDs, 2 INTs

🔁 Mobile with elite pocket awareness, plus big-time arm talent

🚀 Has the tools to be a fantasy QB1 if he stays for 2027 — think Caleb Williams with pedigree

3. Ryan Williams (WR, Alabama)

📊 2024: 48 REC, 865 YDS, 8 TDs

⚡ Electric speed, elite separation, YAC monster

🧬 Looks like Devonta Smith with more burst — a top-10 NFL pick waiting to happen

4. DJ Lagway (QB, Florida)

📊 2024: 115 CMP, 1,915 YDS, 12 TDs, 9 INTs

🏃‍♂️ Dual-threat beast at 6'3", 225 lbs

💥 Big plays through the air and on the ground — true dual-threat QB profile

5. Cam Coleman (WR, Auburn)

📊 2024: 37 REC, 598 YDS, 8 TDs

🔀 Blends traits of Smith and Williams: sticky hands, sharp routes, explosive after the catch

📈 WR3 in this class with WR1 upside if his 2025 season takes a leap

🧠 Honorable Mentions

• QBs: Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), Julian Sayin (Ohio State)

• RBs: Nate Frazier (Georgia), Isaac Brown (Louisville)

• WRs: Ryan Wingo (Texas), TJ Moore (Clemson), Bryant Wesco Jr. (Clemson)

• TEs: Austin Simmons (Washington)

5. 💸 Trade Targets — How to Buy 2026 & 2027 Picks

Whether you’re rebuilding or reloading, the smartest dynasty teams aren’t just drafting players — they’re buying picks before the boom. Here’s how to approach trading for 2026 and 2027 picks based on current value ranges, market psychology, and timing.

🎯 2026 Firsts — Still a Bargain (For Now)

Despite a quietly strong top-6, 2026 picks are trading like “bridge year” assets. Here’s how they’re currently valued and what you might trade to get them:

🧠 Pro Tip: 2026 picks are undervalued now but will gain traction once the 2025 draft ends. Stack mid 1sts now, especially if you're betting on upside prospects like Baxter, Tate, and Allar.

🚀 2027 Firsts — Already Pricey, Still Worth It

The 2027 class (Smith, Williams, Lagway) has real “2024 energy,” and savvy managers aren’t letting go of these picks lightly. But there are still ways in.

🧠 Pro Tip: Try flipping 2025 picks or packaging bench depth (a WR3 + a 2026 2nd) to sneak into 2027 without overpaying. Even 2027 2nds could turn into WR2+ assets in this class.

6. 💭 The Final Fumble

It’s easy to fall in love with the next breakout player. But the sharpest dynasty moves aren’t made on hype — they’re made on timeline control.

2026 picks are undervalued. 2027 picks are hard to find. But both offer what most dynasty rosters lack: long-term flexibility and low-risk leverage. Whether you’re rebuilding or just sharpening your bench, stacking future picks now gives you more shots at elite talent — and more power when the trade deadline hits.

Don’t just play for the next waiver win. Play for the next class.

Because fantasy windows close fast — but smart picks extend your dynasty.