• March 29, 2024

2013 Fantasy Football: Draft Advice

LeSeanMcCoy25

Websites have been viewed and magazines purchased.  Hopefully your league commissioner has made you aware of your drafting position; allowing for mock drafts to be completed.  Fantasy football is back, and as your draft(s) approach whether pre or post Labor Day, the preparation starts now.  Compiling your top 200-300 players, sorting the names by positions, highlighting possible sleepers, and marking who will be busts is just the start. What it takes to not participate in your league, but being in a position to win the championship, is the “next” level of thinking and planning.  I’m going to share some tips that I use and strongly recommend when participating in either an online or live fantasy football draft.  I have constructed a top ten list of points of emphasis I strongly encourage you to put to use.  I also read comments that you post; therefore any questions you may have whether new to fantasy football or a veteran player, I’m here to answer.

 

1.  Do not waste a draft pick.  Whether it’s the timer running down for an on-line draft or all eyes in the room staring at you during your live draft, it can difficult to keep your cool and stick to your strategy especially in the later rounds.  My suggestion-Have an outline with you at the draft with all of the rounds/and 3-5 players you are targeting.  Whether a player falls to you, or is selected earlier then you anticipated.  When the names of the position players are third and fourth on the team’s depth chart; have a visual that is clear and concise, and you will stay calm because you have put the time in to select from the “options” on your round by round chart.

2.  Only draft one of the following position. (K, DEF/ST, TE).  My only exception pertaining to the 2013 season would be Gronkowski.  He is top 2 at his position when healthy, but is not looking likely to start the season with the Patriots; so a second tight-end is needed.

3. Don’t be a “homer” and don’t refuse to draft a player because he plays for a team you have nothing but complete disgust for.  Don’t overdraft because you own the jersey of an Eagles player; and don’t refuse to draft talent like Dez Bryant and Victor Cruz because they play on NFC East squad that make you sick to your stomach.  This is “fantasy football.”  There is a “winner’s sum” to be won and bragging rights for an entire year.  I will say this however.  When you are watching an Eagles vs. Giants or Eagles vs. Cowboys game, don’t be that Eagles fan who gets caught cheering for the opposing player because he is on your fantasy team.

4. Pay attention to what the other league members are doing.  If you are in a 10 team league and 9 quarterbacks have been selected, don’t panic and make the next selection a quarterback.   Add depth to your running back and receiver core, the chances that another owner is going to select their back-up QB before filling out the rest of their starting roster positions is highly unlikely.

5. Wait until week 5 before you start looking to make that first trade.  Some players and teams in the NFL get out of the gate much quicker than others.  Some of the most elite players in FF may be adjusting to a new offensive coordinator or returning from off-season surgery.  It’s all about making the playoffs.  Typically the regular season is 13 weeks, with the playoffs taking place weeks 14-16.  Even if you are 1-3 to start the season, don’t panic and propose a trade where you are sending three “good” players for one “great player.”

6.  Do not watch the NFL Red-Zone over your Philadelphia Eagles game because you want to check to see how your fantasy team is doing.  You want to look at your phone during commercials, half-time that’s fine. When you see a change in score for another game on the bottom of the screen during an Eagles game, don’t run to see if it was your starting quarterback or skilled player that registered the touchdown.  You are an Eagles fan “first” and fantasy player “second.”  Once you confuse the two, it’s hard to reverse the ill effect.

7.  The team you draft will not be the team you finish the year with.  Every owner truly feels they have the best team post-draft.  Injuries, trades, waiver wire pick-ups all change how your team looks throughout the season.

8. Names are merely a pattern of letters.  There are “sexy” names that as an owner you want on your weekly roster.  What matters in fantasy football is weekly/yearly production.  If you can look past the “sexy” factor and wait three rounds to draft a player who will accumulate 90% of the statistics of the “sexy” name, you have allowed yourself to stock up on other key positions, opening the door for future trades and depth when your starters go down with injury.

9. Draft your defense in the second to last round.  Draft your kicker in the last round.

10.  Treat yourself to a player.  Whether you select them 2-3 rounds earlier then what ADP experts are telling you, go with your gut.  It’s these types of pay-offs that separate the good and great fantasy football players.

Jeff Kolsky

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seansyh
seansyh
August 13, 2013 1:32 pm

Disagree with waiting until the second to last round to draft a defense. If you can snag 49ers or Seattle’s D at a reasonable spot then don’t hesitate

Pipolo87
Pipolo87
August 13, 2013 2:17 pm

So i am in a PPR League and i have the 4th overall pick suggestions who would you go with? Also keep in Mind it is a snake format this is my 4th yr playing and even though i know how its played i would like other peoples insight an how they may want to go and i will more then accept your Mock Drafts.

Thanks

paulman
paulman
August 13, 2013 2:33 pm
Reply to  Pipolo87

I am not familiar with “Snake Format”
but with the 4th PIck — You definitely need a Player who is a consistent Producer of POints on a Weely Basis
A big time play making WR who not only gets a lot of Receptions but also TD’s (Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Julio Jones, V Cruz or even a Dez Bryant)
A consistent Top QB (P Manning, T Brady, D Brees, A Rodgers always put up consistent #’s)
A Top Flight RB (A Peterson, A Foster and then everyone else is too risky)

mhenski
mhenski
August 13, 2013 4:28 pm
Reply to  Pipolo87

Pip I have the 3 pick and I’m praying Doug Martin is there he was insane last year and without the best guard in the nfl Carl nicks. I expect huge thins from him. I rank the top 3 ap, Doug then foster while most have their top 3 as ap, foster then doug if any of those 3 fall to you take them. At 4 I would watch shady McCoy closely the next 2 preseason games as he could be insane this year.. Others to consider at 4 would be ray rice and Charles.

On the way back take jimmy graham period if he is there. If he isn’t I’d be looking at Dez , or Aj green and if they’re gone a rb2

paulman
paulman
August 13, 2013 2:25 pm

My Sleeprer Picks for Fantasy Football

QB – TB Bucs J Freeman and Chiefs Alex Smith
RB – Falcons Steve Jackon (maybe not a lot of Yards, but lots of TD’s)
Scat Back – Jonathon Franklin (Packers) and Dexter McCluster (Chiefs)
TE – Seahawks (Z Miller) Panthers (G Olson) Dolphins (D Keller)
49ers (Vance McDonald) & Colts (D Allen)
WR’s – Browns (G Little) Packers (R Cobb) Vikings (G Jennings) Patriots (A Dobson) Bears (A Jeffrey) Titans (K Wright) Texans (D Hopkins)
Kickers – Blair Walsh (Vikings), David Akers (Lions), Matt Bryant (Falcons)
& Alex Henerey (Eagles)

Defense’s – Cleveland Browns, SL Rams, Redskins, & Dolphins

Special Teams – KC Chiefs, Vikings & Bronco’s

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
August 13, 2013 2:44 pm
Reply to  paulman

Think that Cobb is not a sleeper this year. Probably the #1 in GB. And Akers might not even win that job from Kickalicious.

Pipolo87
Pipolo87
August 13, 2013 2:35 pm

This league Has Flex but thanks again for the ideas. Snake is Going from 1-12 and then the second round going from 12-1 so the 12 double dip and the 1s double dip

Pipolo87
Pipolo87
August 13, 2013 2:40 pm

Thanks Paulman

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
August 13, 2013 2:43 pm

I disagree with Pman on this one. I would take one of the top RBs at 4 even if PPR:

Top 5 are AP, Foster, Rice, Martin, Charles

When it gets back around to you again at 21, you can get someone like Dez Bryant or Roddy White if you wanna go with WR. Or you can probably get a top qb there too. And then another WR or RB at 28.

Depending on keepers of course.

paulman
paulman
August 13, 2013 3:36 pm
Reply to  bugsyhawk

I overlooed RB Martin of the Bucs who will have a big Year and lot of Touches,receptions, etc,etc..
I think Ray Rice will see more carries go to 2nd Year RB Bernard Pierce so I think his workload decreases as will his Stat’s for the Ravens
Jamaal Charles I would be a little hesitant to use that high of a pick on since Coach AR will be his Head Coach and there will be games that AR forgets to use his best weapon as he did wth McCOy the last couple of Seasons..
Reggie Bush should be a solid pick as a Scat Back with Rushing and Receiving Yards and even some Special Teams work for the Lions who have no real RB threats on their Roster..
Patriots RB LeGarret Blound won’t see a lot of rushes, but probably a real Red-Zone threat and get his share of TD’s
A nice Combo RB is Bears Forte who gets a lot of Carries and also a lot of Receptions too ..

PCrow
PCrow
August 13, 2013 2:44 pm

One thing I don’t do is draft anyone in the NFC East, unless they play for the Eagles. I get pissed off when watching an Eagles game and someone in the room cheers when Cruz/Bryant gets a TD against the Eagles because they are on his fantasy team.

Luckily I play in a salary cap league, so I can avoid getting stuck with NFCeast players.

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
August 13, 2013 3:54 pm
Reply to  PCrow

Exactly i dont play my fantasy llayers against my team so that cancels out nfc east players due to the fact that we play them twice.

Pipolo87
Pipolo87
August 13, 2013 2:47 pm

thanks bugsyhawk and prcrow

Phantastic_Phour
Phantastic_Phour
August 13, 2013 3:52 pm

how would yall judge my team? i dont love it but cant complain either.
QB: Stafford
RB: Spiller
RB:Forte
WR: AJ Green
WR: Fitz
FLEX: Chris Ivory
TE: Antonio Gates
D: Ravens
K: Justin Tucker
Bench:
Jordy Nelson
Greg Jennings
Shane Vereen
Mike Williams
Alshon Jeffery
Bryce Brown
EJ Manuel

Also I have another draft tomorrow and would appreicate feedback about players you love/hate. My sleepers are: Chris Ivory, Vincent Brown, A Dobson, Alshon Jeffery, Alex Smith, EJ Mauel, Daryl Richardson, C Palmer, Bowe, chris givens. once again, feedback is appreicated

paulman
paulman
August 13, 2013 4:16 pm

Pretty Good Team Phantastic Phour
QB,RB & WR Positions are all Strong

I don’t like TE Gates who is at the end of the road with too many injuries that have slowed him down.. There are a ton of good TE’s out there
Defenseively, theRavens will be missing their heart & sould in Ray Lewis and big Turnover Creator in Ed Reed and see them dropping to the middle of the pack statiscally..
Chris Ivory could be a nice pick and should get a heavy workload over the offensively challenged NY Jets

A second Tier QB who could put up some big #’s this year is Carson Palmer who will have WR’s Fitz,Floyd, A Roberts and emerging TE
Rob Housler and dependable TE Jeff King.. If RB Mendenhall and or RB Ryan Willams can establlish a legitimate Rushing attack, their Offense may end up surprising some Teams..

Phantastic_Phour
Phantastic_Phour
August 13, 2013 5:14 pm
Reply to  paulman

I got antonio gates pretty late and i dont particulary value TE’s that highly. I also read some reports saying that gates is in the best shape of his life so I thought why not risk it. I got the ravens D 2nd to last round because I usually pick up defenses based on match ups which I find successful. I decided this year to go after running backs early and often because last year I got killed because I had no good RBs. Thanks for the feedback

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
August 13, 2013 3:52 pm

So on one post you right this is “fantasy football” and dont hesitate to grab a player from a team you hate…..then in a later post you write you are an “eagles fan first”. Completely hypocritical if you ask me.

Pipolo87
Pipolo87
August 13, 2013 4:17 pm

@ Phantastic_Phour i like your picks pretty solid overall. C. Palmer i feel is a sleeper as well as givens Manuel and Dobson the rest not to crazy i also would look in the mid rounds at R. Bush he will probably best be a Flex type of player again depending on the league your playing in. Jimmy Graham, D. Brees E. Manning ( Backup purposes) Vincent brown may do wonders as 2 of the Chargers players are hurt. But chargers may rely on the Run.

Also depends if your next league is Snake style example being 1-12-12-1 etc. D i say sleepers are Rams possibly Dolphins also Cardinals. Seahawks.Cleveland Browns. Bengals

paulman
paulman
August 13, 2013 4:43 pm

Another Sleeper Pick at RB is Redksins Alfred Morris
I have the sense that RGIII will be out a little longer than Shanahan and RGIII Camp’s are stating publicly and we all know how Shanhan will ride a horse until it’s broken as he has done in the past with RB’s back in his Bronco days..
I think Morris may carry the load the first 3-4 weeks of the Season and even when RGIII returns, this may be more of a ball-control opffense that runs the ball, utilizes TE’s Fred Davis & L Paulsen more than slinging the ball down the field to Garcon and running a lot of Read-OPtions..
With QB Cousins, they will be more of a running team,screens,safe slants, & bubble routes with the emphasis on RB Morris to carry the load …

Watching the Eagles tape from last week, QB Cousins may not pass 15 Times versus this Eagles Defense if he were to play Week #1 in place of RGIII… I can see RB Morris with 30 Carries versus the Eagle with Ray Helu having anoth 12-15 if the Eagles don’t sure up their front 7 over the next couple of weeks..

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
August 13, 2013 5:47 pm

My advice is stack up on RB’s with the first 2 rounds. A few notable duos are

Doug Martin
Matt Forte

Adrian Peterson
Steven Jackson

Ray Rice
Steven Ridley

Marshawn Lynch
Demarrco Murray

Whereas if you go in the direction of a QB and RB through the first 2 rounds

Arron Rogers
Matt Forte

Drew Brees
Chris Johnson

Tom Brady
Frank Gore

Now to better make you understand my point is Colin Keapernick is a guy that can be found in the 4th round in most fantasy drafts. Lets take 2 from the groups I mentioned above.

Adrian Peterson
Steven Jackson

and

Drew Bress
Chris Johnson

By selecting Adrian Peterson and Steven Jackson with you 1st 2 picks you can add in a 3rd rounder such as Dez Bryant now your team is looking like

Colin Kaepernick
Adrian Peterson
Steven Jackson
Dez Bryant.

Which is as elite as it gets and by far the most value. Think RB’s with your first 2 picks and it goes a long way.

pdiddy
pdiddy
August 13, 2013 7:39 pm

Look no disrespect to anybody on here, everybody run their teams differently. But the hell with that if Dez Bryant is there at a decent pick, I am taking him.

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
August 13, 2013 11:17 pm
Reply to  Jeff Kolsky

Jeff do you have any openings in your league? or would you consider opening up a league for your viewers to join?

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
August 14, 2013 9:04 am
Reply to  Jeff Kolsky

I would be interested in that.

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
August 13, 2013 11:22 pm

I remember picking Alfred Morris up in my league before he was announced as the week 1 starter. I looked at my phone with out noticing he started and saw this guy (Alfred Morris) on my bench scoring in double digits! im like wtf yo?

I find it very satisfying to find those diamond in the rough guys. Which brings me to my next point is diamonds in the rough…

Remember this name Kembrell Thompkins. I really see him replacing Arron Hernandez’s production even though he plays a different position. I think the rookie catches over 65 balls for over 800 yards and 8 TD’s posting very good WR2 numbers.

paulman
paulman
August 14, 2013 11:00 am
Reply to  Jeff Kolsky

Patirots are a master of spreading the ball out
For 1 week, they will run the ball and use Vereen & Blount,
next week they will pitch Amendola as the main target,
then the next week it will be Dobson, then Thompkins..
Belecheck & Daniels probably do the best job in the NFL year after year coming up with completely different games plans featuring many of their skills player and mix it up week to week that opposing Defense’s have a hell of a time keeping up on who will be the featured Player (s), Expect Gronk back by Week #6 as he will start the Season on the PUP list.. The Strength of the Pats Offense is their OL which typically gets overlooked year after year..
They probably will end up with 5-6 players with 40-50 Receptions each with 3-4 TD’s each, but no big time Stat’s for any one Player so I would be careful on selecting some of their Players this Season

kylehaith1
kylehaith1
August 14, 2013 5:22 pm

I had the 10 th pick in a 10 team league, I drafted rogers, then Brees. Everyone was pissed, but I couldn’t believe the offers that I got for either one of those guys

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
August 14, 2013 6:03 pm
Reply to  kylehaith1

LOL to me thats a bit of a troll move but very funny none the less.

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
August 14, 2013 8:44 pm
Reply to  Jeff Kolsky

Last year I was in a league where you could start 2 QB’s it made no sense what so ever. I finished in 3rd place.

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
August 14, 2013 6:11 pm

Rob Gronkowski – 790 yards 11 TD’s
Arron Hernandez – 483 yards 5 TD’s.
Wes Welker – 1,354 yards 6 TD’s

Its unrealistic to think that Danny Amendola (who is replacing Wes Welker) will rally 2,627 yards and 22 TD’s (all the above mentioned totals) Someone is going to benefit from those totals mentioned above. Kembrell Tompkins the undrafted rookie has been one of the best standouts in the Patriots training camp. The first preseason game Brady targeted Tompkins the most out of any WR. Those are stats that just hits me smack dead in the face that makes want this guy. If he falls under the radar of your draft pick him up.