Flip Your 2026 Picks: Dynasty Moves That Win Titles

Kevin dives into current 2026 pick value!

One of the core principles I preach in dynasty is staying “draft active.” That means stockpiling picks, playing the board, and always having the ammo to move around during rookie drafts. It’s a long-game approach that keeps you flexible and opportunistic year-round. But here’s the thing draft capital doesn’t score points, and sometimes the best move is pulling the trigger before the draft even gets here.

Right now is one of those windows. If you’re a contender in an active league, it’s a great time to move off of 2026 picks for win-now production. That class is still too far away to hold much real weight in trade talks, yet managers are already starting to project it as premium currency. If you’ve got pieces to move, there are deals to be made—and this is when you capitalize.

Our work here shows that the 2026 class is still very much a work in progress. While there will always be breakout talent, the early outlook is underwhelming, especially at wide receiver. The quarterback position could elevate the class, but that’s far from a guarantee. If both Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers return to school, this class could take a massive hit at the top, leaving it thin across the board.

And remember, nothing’s stopping you from jumping back in. You’ve got all of 2025 to re-acquire draft capital if you want to reload. In this article, we’ll break down what different tiers of 2026 picks are worth right now, from early to late 1sts and even 2nds, and how you can convert them into title-chasing assets.

Section 1: Early 2026 Picks (1.01–1.04)

Current Value:
These are your premium chips, your top-tier dynasty currency. An early 2026 first might not be a sure thing yet, but if you or your league mates project it to land in that 1.01–1.04 range, you're holding one of the most valuable assets in the game. This is the goldmine you want when it comes to making power moves. And when you’re trading away this kind of capital, the target should be simple: go get players you believe will outperform any prospect projected to go in that slot. Proven assets with draft capital and production profiles should always be prioritized over lottery tickets. This is how you maximize leverage without mortgaging your future.

Win-Now Target Ideas:
QB: Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy
RB: Breece Hall, De’Von Achane
WR: A.J. Brown, Marvin Harrison Jr.
TE: Sam LaPorta

Strategy Tip:
These are realistic player targets currently being valued around early 2026 firsts, and all of them can give your roster a ceiling boost this season. Kyler and McCarthy are Konami-code quarterbacks being valued outside the top 12 at the position right now, but with top-eight upside. There’s risk, sure, but they’re the kind of ceiling swings that win titles. Breece Hall’s value may have taken a hit, but if you believe in a bounce-back, he’s the clear RB1 of the 2026 class. Achane, on the other hand, is more of a floor player. He’s consistently productive when healthy and remains one of the most efficient backs in the league. A.J. Brown is a plug-and-play WR1 in a top-five offense and still somehow undervalued in some circles. Marvin Harrison Jr. remains one of the most insulated dynasty assets and just saw a significant value win with his landing spot. Sam LaPorta is a savvy buy for contenders after an average 2024 season.

Dynasty Trades Involving Those Players:

• Bryce Young + 2026 1st FOR Kyler Murray + 2026 2nd

• Trevor Lawrence + 2026 1st FOR Hollywood Brown + Kyler Murray

• J.J. McCarthy FOR 2026 1st

• J.J. McCarthy + Brian Thomas Jr. FOR Joe Burrow + 2026 1st

• Breece Hall FOR DJ Moore + 2026 1st

• Breece Hall + 2026 2nd FOR Keon Coleman + 2026 1st

• A.J. Brown FOR Xavier Worthy + 2026 1st

• A.J. Brown FOR 2.02 + 2026 1st

• Marvin Harrison Jr. FOR Chase Brown + 2026 1st

• Marvin Harrison Jr. FOR Derrick Henry + 2026 1st

• Sam LaPorta FOR 2026 1st + 2.09

• Sam LaPorta + Jordan Addison FOR Bucky Irving + 2026 1st

Ready to crush your rookie draft? The 2025 Rookie Guide is live and packed with everything you need:

✅ Dynasty Draft Strategy
✅ Pick-by-Pick Analysis & Rankings
✅ 80+ In-Depth Scouting Reports
✅ 2026 & 2027 Big Boards
✅ Analytical Index & Position Overviews

Join the movement. Get it through Substack, Patreon, or as a one-time standalone purchase.

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Section 2: Mid 2026 Picks (1.05–1.08)