While every draft class brings excitement, this year’s group stands out for its handful of elite offensive prospects headlining the class and a noticeable drop-off in immediate fantasy impact beyond the early selections. For dynasty managers, first-round draft capital remains one of the strongest indicators of long-term opportunity—but not all picks are created equal. Landing spots, positional value, and projected usage will ultimately determine whether these rookies become foundational assets or trade chips.
This article will focus on the key Day 3 selections of the NFL Draft from a dynasty perspective, helping you navigate the early stages of rookie valuation with a clear strategy to determine who to draft, who to try to trade away and/or trade up for, and who to avoid drafting in each round. Please note that all content will be focused on the 12-team SF TE premium formats.
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Who To Keep (Draft)
Jonah Coleman | Denver Broncos | Keep
The NFL Draft did not provide favorable draft capital to running backs other than Jeremiyah Love or Jadarian Price. However, I am not ready to give up yet on Jonah Coleman, as he was my RB2 in this draft class. Coleman enters training camp as the likely RB3 in Denver behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, but I can see that role expanding with Dobbins’ injury history, and Sean Payton’s usage of multiple running back sets throughout his time in the NFL.
Demond Claiborne | Minnesota Vikings | Keep
Another one of “my guys” during the predraft process was Demond Claiborne. If you haven’t read my rookie profile on Claiborne, please do so here. I was impressed with Claiborne’s patience, which I viewed as near the top of the class. Claiborne displays good contact balance and change of direction, allowing him to run with an out-of-control style while remaining elusive in the open field. Claiborne landed in a very interesting spot in Minnesota with often-injured Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. If I were looking to trade back into the third round of rookie drafts, Claiborne would be a target of mine.
Justin Joly | Denver Broncos | Keep
Justin Joly was drafted in the 5th round of the NFL Draft, which is not a desirable range for potential success. However, he did land in a good spot with the Denver Broncos. Joly possesses above-average hands with only a 4.3% drop rate, but he does have some issues with his blocking, which could be a reason Joly fell in the NFL Draft. Given his later draft capital, you are able to scoop him up in the late third to early fourth round of your rookie drafts. With Evan Engram being a free agent after 2026, Joly could emerge as a starter by 2027.
Nicholas Singleton | Tennessee Titans | Keep
Nicholas Singleton is an ultimate ceiling play. After being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 5th round of the NFL Draft, Singleton has a chance to take over the backfield as he lands in a good situation with Tony Pollard in the last year of his deal, and Tajae Spears often battling injuries.
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Who to Trade
Cade Klubnik | New York Jets | Trade Away
While I am not optimistic about Cade Klubnik’s long-term NFL success, I can flip him to a QB-needy team for a 2027 draft pick if he gets an opportunity to start games for the Jets, which is more than likely with Geno Smith as the Week 1 starter. Currently, you can get Klubnik in the 4th round of your rookie drafts, which is where I drafted him in our Dynasty Nerds App League, which you can follow here.
Mike Washington Jr. | Las Vegas Raiders | Trade Away
Another one of “my guys” going into the draft, Mike Washington, was a victim of a terrible landing spot in Las Vegas, where he will be the backup to Ashton Jeanty. However, having the Jeanty handcuff could be a valuable trade piece once the season begins, and you can flip this rookie pick into a valuable 2027 draft pick or possibly a proven player to help your team. I consider Washington an asset that will net me a positive return on my investment.
Kaytron Allen | Washington Commanders| Trade For
The Washington Commanders were one of the ideal landing spots for a rookie running back. They may have found a steal in the 6th Round with their selection of Kaytron Allen. Allen left Penn State as the program’s all-time rushing leader with 4,180 yards. I have seen Allen drafted as an early second-round pick as well as seen him fall into the late third of rookie drafts. If Allen is still on the board in the third round of your rookie drafts, I would be actively sending offers to jump into the round to select him.
CJ Daniels | Los Angeles Rams | Trade For
CJ Daniels has been one of my favorite picks to trade back into the fourth round of rookie drafts to acquire. Daniels is a talented player with incredible hands, capable of highlight-reel catches. The Rams have a history of finding later-round players and turning them into stars in their offense. Daniels could land as the Rams WR3 and expand into a larger role, given Davante Adams’ age.
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Who To Cut (Avoid)
Bryce Lance | New Orleans Saints| Cut (Avoid)
This is not an indictment of Bryce Lance, the player, but more of his current mid-3rd round rookie ADP. Lance has elite 4.34 speed and is a big target at 6’3”, but still needs a lot of development in his game. I hate to draw the weak same school comparison, but I see a lot of Christian Watson in his game. If Lance is one of “your guys,” then taking him in the third round makes sense, but for me, I would rather use my third-round pick elsewhere.
Josh Cuevas | Baltimore Ravens | Cut (Avoid)
With Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar leaving the Baltimore Ravens during free agency, I can see the interest in finding the heir apparent to Mark Andrews. However, Josh Cuevas will not have that type of role as he was drafted for his blocking ability.
Jam Miller | New England Patriots | Cut (Avoid)
Jam Miller was my RB16 out of 18 running backs that I scouted. At 5’10” 209 lbs, Miller possesses the frame to handle an NFL workload and displays good ball security. My concerns with Miller were with his pass protection and his actual game speed, where I feel he lacked burst. Miller’s best chance to make the roster will be on special teams, but that will also be a challenge as he will battle with 2025 UDFA Lan Larison. At best, Miller should be a waiver wire add to stash on your taxi squad.
Bauer Sharp | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Cut (Avoid)
The path for targets is incredibly crowded for the Tampa Bay 6th Round rookie tight end. I view Bauer Sharp as a developmental tight end that will contribute for Tampa Bay more on special teams than for your actual fantasy team.
Review
Thanks for reading, Nerds. Make sure you check out the other two articles in the series, where I highlight the top prospects from Day 1 and Day 2 of the NFL Draft!
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