The time has arrived. My annual dynasty league draft begins Saturday afternoon, August 1. Now, to set the stage, this is our fifth season competing in this league. I finished second, fourth (twice) and last year I placed third overall in the 12-person league. Heading into the draft I did not hold a first round draft pick (I used it last year when I swapped into the top five to draft Jaxson Dart (quarterback New York Giants). As we drew closer to the draft, I knew that if I wanted to become a champion, I needed to shake things up and find a way into the first round. Mission accomplished.

It started off with a blockbuster where I sent over Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to the person with the second overall pick in exchange for that pick. A few minutes later I sent over Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers in exchange for the third overall pick, next year’s second round pick and Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. My phone continued to ring and more offers flooded in. Including very intriguing offers. I accepted a third trade that landed me the fourth pick, the 2026 sixth pick, a 2027 first round pick and a 2027 second round pick for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

So long story short, I acquired multiple first round picks, future picks and other assets for many key players on my roster. Why would I do this? Well, typically this would not be the way I would handle business. I would traditionally keep my roster and hope for the best. However, I am going into this year focused on the future. So, what to do with these picks? I am not sure who the first overall pick will be. I believe it will be either Jeremiyah Love (Arizona Cardinals running back) or Fernando Mendoza (Raiders quarterback). Either way this will improve my team greatly based on team needs. With the third pick I am taking Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon. I am aware that this is considered a stretch. He is the third ranked wide receiver behind Jordyn Tyson (New Orleans Saints) and Carnell Tate (Tennessee Titans). However, I love the upside of Lemon (and longevity) of his situation. I trust the Eagles offense more than the other two teams and based off what I saw Lemon do in college I am excited for the young man.

These decisions are not easy and should never be made lightly. Do not ever trade just to trade. Make sure it makes sense for you and your needs. If it makes your team better (long term) then it is the best move for you. I made these moves to address need. I lost a lot of heavy hitters but I will be using my draft picks to address my biggest needs (quarterback, running back and added depth to my wide receiver room). I cannot wait for the draft and knowing that I control the first round, makes it even better. Wish me luck.