Well, it’s that time of year again – time to get into the thick of it and do our NFL fantasy draft. Every year, I look forward to it. It’s when the competitive juices start flowing and my skills to pick the best players for my team start to really come into play. My friends and I spend hours on end putting together what we think will be the best possible lineup, and every time it can be incredibly nerve-racking... and exciting!
Let me tell you, doing an NFL fantasy draft is something else, and if you’ve ever drafted, you know what I’m talking about. It’s like a game-within-a-game! There’s so much strategy and it can be tough deciding who you should go for, and who you should leave until later or even drop altogether. This is why it’s vital that you put together a good plan of action, and execute it with confidence.
One important basic step that you should do before you even start drafting is to look at the big picture. Get an extended look at the entire league of players, and have an eye out for who will go high in the draft. Just as you want a team of the best players, you should also try to fill the gaps and be aware of the underlying teams. Having a good sense of the big picture also helps you to make more informed decisions during your draft.
It’s also a good idea to identify any break-out players which you could potentially draft early and who could often give the most bang for your buck if they have a good season. With the many new rookies coming up every year, they may rank low in the season fantasy rankings but can often end up being genuine break-out players and surprise you if they can maximise their potential. I usually look through the preseason news and reports to have a good sense of who might surprise us all and take the league by storm.
When it’s actually time to draft, the key is to pick your players not only according to their rankings but also their team and their schedule. This is where the real strategy comes in and you can truly outsmart the competition. Is the top player you are selecting playing against the best team in their division? Will their schedule be a tough one? These are very important questions to answer.
Draft day is an exciting roller coaster, you’ve just got to strap in and hold on for the ride. There’s nothing else quite like it! Just make sure that you’re researching, planning well and drafting with confidence – it’ll all be worth it when you have a good team of players and can now sit back and watch them compete.
Now, maybe you already have some veterans in your team and you’re looking to give them some back up. Think about the positions you want to upgrade, and keep an eye out for new talent on the up. You also want to look for an advantage in trading, so if you can pick up a rookie that you think may have the potential to be great, by all means, pick them!
When you are drafting, you don’t want to stick to the rankings too rigidly and just go for what’s top of the list. You want to know why it says those particular players are top of the list, but also be aware of the context. Suddenly, rank twenty might end up being a better choice than rank five depending on what your overall team, schedule and division looks like.
Don’t forget, NFL fantasy draft is also all about having fun and enjoying yourself! Everything might look serious, but it really shouldn’t be. So grab some snacks, grab a beer, put your phone in do not disturb mode and have some good ol’ drafting fun!
Another important thing to keep in mind is that there’s no need to rush when you are doing your NFL fantasy draft. You’ve got plenty of time to make more informed decision and think about the bigger picture. Go for the top players sure, but also consider team dynamics, fit and the future of the players. Take all these things into consideration, and you can have a great draft.
Don’t forget that if you’re really stuck, you can also look for feedback from other people. Most of us have friends who play the same fantasy leagues who can provide valuable advice. Take the time to get some valuable insights from them, and you can really benefit from it.
Also, remember that you don’t have to pick a perfect team during the draft. Sure, the goal is to have the best team you can, but that doesn’t mean you have to get everything right during the draft. During the draft, you can take chances, try some surprises and even mix it up a bit with some spectacular picks – the key is to be bold and confident with your decisions. Sometimes, simply taking a risk can lead to something amazing!
When it’s all said and done, my biggest NFL fantasy draft tip is just to have fun. This is a game, and it’s all about learning, growing and enjoying the ups and downs of the journey. I always take a few deep breaths, remember why I love the game and make sure my drafting decisions reflect this. That way, I’m sure to stay focused and ready for whatever surprises I may find during the draft.