Tips for Drafting

Fantasy Football championships are not won during your draft. It just doesn't happen that way. The effort put into your teams and luck is what helps you win. All you can do is try to put yourself into the right situation each week to win. That all starts with the draft. Like I said before , you cant't win your title at the draft, but you could severely hurt your chances. I'm going to outline my steps when approaching draft season. The draft is a way to gain a slight advantage over your opponents, the trick is maneuvering around it.   

1) Don't Panic: Usually during drafts, the commissioner sets a timer for the time each player has to draft. Highlight some guys in that round you would be willing to draft so you won't be scrambling when your on the clock.

2) Prepare: Bring up all necessary depth charts and injury reports before the draft begins. 

3) Mock Drafts: I have found these very useful when preparing for my upcoming drafts. It will give you an idea where certain players are being pick and what you can expect during draft day. I wouldn't take this as your go to guide however, due to the fluctuation in picks throughout different leagues. There is a ton of value to find in the draft, and mocks help you visualize that. 

4) Know your leaguemates: This gives you an inside edge during the draft. By knowing your opponents tendencies, you are able to guess what they will do and act accordingly. For example, you have pick 8 in your draft and we are in round 9. Both teams in picks 9 and 10 already have their QB and one of your targets are still available. By knowing both teams generally don't pick a second QB this early, you can decide to take a skill position that round instead, and wait for the next round to take that very same QB. 

5) Do not come to a draft and strictly follow a strategy: Some teams come in knowing they want to go RB heavy and snag a QB early in the draft. I normally don't recommend spending a high draft pick on a QB, this is just an example. Drafts get crazy, players fall out of their normal ADP and quickly become a value. I have always been keen on value based drafting. I look at getting the best players available rather than worrying on roster construction early on.  

6) Don't be a slave to ADP: I would be willing to take a guy a round earlier than he normally goes to ensure I have him on my team. These players are likely "your guys". If you believe in a player and their potential, I see no reason on why to pass them up in hopes you can get them the following round. Go get your guys. 

7) Don't bite into position runs: If 7 RB go in a row I don't see the reason on why you should add onto the run. There are likely other players who are now available who most likely aren't at this spot. Would you rather have the 15th RB drafted or the 8th WR on the board. I believe at times there is more of a value taking the higher ranked player than panicking and joining on the position run. 

8) Wait on QB: I know the Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield fans most likely won't take this advice, but I am staying away. There is a ton of value later on in the draft. Looking at a points per game basis, the difference between the QB4 last year and the QB15 was only 2.9 points. You will be able to get similar production by waiting a little longer on QB or even streaming the position throughout the year. 

9) Get your defense and kicker in the last 2 rounds. Don't be that person: It seems to never fail in every draft someone ends up drafting their defense in like the 8th round which is insane to me. Defenses are played best when you stream matchups. You more than likely won't own the same defense all year so why waste a pick on getting one early. It is the same with kickers. If you are looking for some solid defenses at the very end of the draft go ahead and get either the Cowboys or the Patriot. Both teams have very favorable matchups the first few weeks of the year. 

10) Know your league settings before you draft: This might be one of the most important tips out there. Everyone's scoring is different and it can effect the way you should draft. If your league isn't PPR, pass catching backs don't add much more value than guys like Derrick Henry. Always see how points are scored in your league as well as the layout of your roster. Some leagues only have 1 RB instead of the standard 2 or have multiple flex spots. Pay attention to the rules.