As the NFL Draft dust settles and rookie minicamps begin, May becomes a decisive month in the dynasty fantasy football calendar. It’s a unique window where savvy managers can set themselves apart by digesting draft results, evaluating depth charts, targeting trade opportunities, and reacting to early reports from team OTAs (organized team activities). With the foundation of NFL rosters largely set, it’s time to sharpen your edge before the competition catches up. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what you should focus on in May to build a true contender in your dynasty league.
This is the last article in my "Dominate The Dynasty Schedule Series, and the other articles can be found here:
Post-Draft Priorities: Reacting With Purpose
The NFL Draft is one of the most seismic events of the fantasy calendar, especially for dynasty managers. May is all about interpreting those results and positioning your roster accordingly. Here’s how to stay ahead:
1. Evaluate Draft Capital Impact
Draft capital is king when it comes to projecting opportunity. First- and second-round picks typically get early chances to contribute, while Day 3 picks face steeper paths. Ask yourself:
- Which rookies landed in favorable depth chart situations?
- Are any veterans suddenly facing competition?
- Did any team fail to address a key position, signaling confidence in an incumbent?
For example, if a team didn’t draft a wide receiver despite pre-draft speculation, that’s a green light for an existing player’s stock to rise.
2. Identify “Losers” of the Draft
Every draft boosts some players and buries others. Now’s the time to identify veterans whose roles may be reduced. Players who drop in value often become undervalued trade targets or outright roster cuts, depending on league size and format.
- Target fantasy managers are still overvaluing veterans, clearly displaced by new rookies.
- Conversely, consider selling hyped rookies at peak value if they landed in crowded depth charts.
Dynasty Trading: Market Timing Is Everything
The best dynasty managers know when to buy low and sell high, and May offers a perfect environment for both.
1. Trade for Overlooked Veterans
Post-draft hype tends to inflate the value of rookies while deflating proven players. Take advantage by acquiring productive veterans who are now being overshadowed.
- Target players entering contract years or those who benefit from offensive continuity.
- Look for buy-low opportunities on guys coming off injury-shortened seasons who now face less competition.
2. Sell Rookies at Peak Hype
It’s tempting to fall in love with your rookie draft picks. However, in many cases, May is their highest value window.
- Use social media buzz, OTA reports, and landing spot hype to your advantage.
- Consider selling rookie WRs and RBs who face long-term paths to relevance.
Dynasty football is a long game, but taking advantage of short-term volatility is how contenders are built.
Roster Construction: Build for Depth and Upside
May is a great time to assess your roster holistically and make strategic adds, drops, and trades.
1. Emphasize Positional Scarcity
Quarterbacks and tight ends tend to be the thinnest positions in dynasty formats. If you don’t have depth at these spots, now’s the time to:
- Trade for a reliable veteran QB in superflex leagues.
- Add backup tight ends with athletic upside and potential for more involvement.
2. Target Handcuffs and Backup RBs
With rookie contracts locked in and depth charts clarified, you can now make educated stabs at handcuff running backs. These players often win leagues when injuries strike:
- Identify clear No. 2 backs in high-powered offenses.
- Prioritize RBs behind aging or injury-prone starters.
Rookie Minicamps and OTA Reports: What Matters in May
This time of year, NFL teams begin their offseason programs, including rookie minicamps and OTAs. While much of this is install work, savvy dynasty managers know how to mine value from early reports.
1. Track Early Rookie Impressions
- Are any rookies getting first-team reps?
- Are there glowing reports from coaches or beat writers?
- Is there chemistry building between QBs and new weapons?
This is the time when depth charts begin to form. Even in non-padded practices, positive buzz can impact dynasty trade value — and help you identify sleepers.
2. Monitor Injury News and Recoveries
Players returning from injury or working through rehab often make headlines during OTAs. Use this to your advantage:
- Buy low on players who are ahead of schedule.
- Watch for surprise setbacks — and pivot to add their backups if needed.
Preparing for Rookie Drafts and Supplemental Drafts
If your dynasty league hasn't held its rookie draft yet, May is your last chance to prepare with an information edge.
1. Create Tiered Rankings, Not Just Lists
Forget static rankings — tiers help you trade up or down depending on how the board falls. Make sure you:
- Group players by expected production windows.
- Separate high-floor contributors from long-term projects.
2. Consider Trading Picks
If the value flattens in the middle rounds, don’t be afraid to trade your picks for future capital or veteran help. Remember:
- Rookie fever fades by the fall.
- Future first-round picks increase in value by midseason.
Scouting Practice Squad and Deep Bench Talent
Dynasty leagues are won at the margins, and May is a great time to dig deep.
1. Look for Year 2 Breakout Candidates
Rookies often struggle to produce immediately. Some of the best values come from players entering Year 2:
- WRs and TEs often make their biggest leap in year two.
- RBs buried on depth charts in year one could emerge with time and injuries.
Use May to stash talent before it flashes.
2. Practice Squad Promotions
Teams may hint at internal promotion plans during OTAs. Keep an eye out for:
- WRs and RBs are seeing expanded roles in early drills.
- Coaches praising development and physical improvements.
Add now before the hype hits.
Dynasty Strategy Adjustments Based on NFL Trends
Don’t ignore macro trends. NFL strategies evolve, and May is a great time to recalibrate.
1. Offensive Systems and Playcaller Changes
New head coaches and offensive coordinators were hired months ago, but May is when systems start coming together. Study:
- Historical tendencies of playcallers (e.g., pass/run ratios).
- Scheme fits for your dynasty assets.
2. Scheme-Based Breakouts
A player stuck in the wrong scheme last year might shine in a new one.
- WRs in motion-heavy or play-action offenses can explode.
- Dual-threat QBs with simplified reads may take the next step.
May isn’t just a slow month between the NFL Draft and training camp — it’s a massive opportunity for dynasty fantasy football managers. From interpreting draft fallout and capitalizing on trade value to tracking OTA news and targeting breakout candidates, everything you do in May sets the tone for the rest of the offseason. Stay aggressive, stay informed, and keep your league on notice. The most dominant dynasty teams are built in the margins, and May is where those margins can grow wide.
