The Value of 3rd- and 4th-Round Rookie Dynasty Picks
I started playing dynasty fantasy football five years ago as a fresh newbie. On top of that, I entered the Superflex coliseum—an up-and-coming format in the fantasy world. I learned the hard way during those first few years by not investing properly in the quarterback position and failing to create a well-rounded QB stable.
As the season went on and my team started sinking like the Titanic, I found myself in the water surrounded by fantasy sharks. Every day brought a flood of confusing trade offers, and I was never quite sure if they were fair—or if I was falling for the old “banana in the tailpipe” trick.
So, I reached out to a close friend with experience in the dynasty world. He helped me navigate those offers and even helped me craft new ones to send out. The most important thing I learned—something that didn’t seem like a big deal at the time—was how valuable 3rd- and 4th-round rookie picks can be when you’re in a rebuild.
My friend explained that most contenders picking apart your roster for their championship run don’t value those later picks. They’re often willing to toss them in to get a deal done, even when it looks like the trade is already in your favor.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of 3rd- and 4th-round 2025 rookie picks who have already earned roles with their teams—and we’re only halfway through the season.
3rd Round Picks
- Elic Ayomanor – Titans WR
- Dylan Sampson – Browns RB
- Jaylin Noel – Texans WR
- Harold Fannin – Browns TE
4th Round Picks
- Ollie Gordon – Dolphins RB
- Brashard Smith – Chiefs RB
- Tory Horton – Seahawks WR
- Isaac TeSlaa – Lions WR
- Woody Marks – Texans RB
- Kyle Monangai – Bears RB
- Oronde Gadsden – Chargers TE
Not too bad, right? Will all these players become long-term staples on your dynasty roster? Maybe not—but it’s a solid start. If you managed to acquire any of these players, you should be pumped.
So, what did I learn? I learned to stack as many of these late-round rookie picks as possible—especially as throw-ins when trade negotiations heat up and the buyer really wants to close the deal. Those little extras can quietly build the foundation of your next great dynasty team.
– Scott Fitzgerald
Sudden Death Fantasy Sports
