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Every August as the summer winds down, the anticipation of football season grows. The highs and the lows, pure joy coupled with pure agony are the stops on the fantasy football roller coaster every fall. It all begins with the most exciting day this side of the Superbowl, the day of the fantasy draft.
The draft can very well determine the course that your team will follow for the rest of the year. If you miss on a player in the early rounds and you could be spending the rest of the season desperately raiding the wavier wire for suitable fill-ins. Anyone who has played at least one season can relate and this conundrum can be avoided with a quality draft.
So how do you put together a “quality draft”? The answer depends on what you consider “quality.” My definition of quality is drafting players who hold more value than their draft positions. For example, if you draft a player in the fourth round who produces more fantasy points than a player drafted in the second at the same position, then you drafted a quality player.
The Strategy:
There are many strategies that can be used when drafting a fantasy football team. One is to load up on a key position (usually RB) and hope to either score enough points with that position or trade some of the depth for other key position players later.
Which ever strategy you use, a good draft is the foundation for sustained competitiveness over the course of a season.
To complete a quality draft you have to pay attention to trends in the league and do a little homework about the teams in the league. For example, the NFL has become much more pass oriented in the last few years. When teams pass the ball more often Quarterbacks, receivers, and receiving running backs become more valuable.
This alters the conventional draft wisdom of solely loading up on running backs in the early rounds. With the passing offenses of today, you can ill afford to “pass” up the chance to acquire a top flight QB in the early rounds along with the quality running backs.
If you do not pick up a top QB your team will fall behind when the season hits its stride and teams start to open up their passing games.
Although running backs are still the anchor for your team, a lack of WR depth can derail your championship hopes fast. The last couple of years I have been burned by terrible WR years, by Steve Smith (CAR) in 2009 and Marvin Harrison/Santana Moss in 2008. Because of the fickle nature of the WR position you want to hold out on drafting your WR’s until your league starts picking them up, and once they do make sure to grab a couple fast.
You do not stand a chance to make the playoffs without a certified primary target at WR. WR has always been a source of trouble for my drafts in the past and I believe it is one of the hardest positions to get consistent production from.
This year I hope to target Colston, Reggie Wayne or S. Smith (NYG) as a second tier primary target. You want to choose a WR who is not any lower than the second option in the passing game like a Reggie Wayne or Larry Fitzgerald.
Do not get fooled by false targets such as Santonio Holmes, Santana Moss, or any receiver on the Dolphins (incl. Brandon Marshall). Recievers will look good on paper but will disappoint you on a weekly basis due to their teams reliance on the run and shaky quarterback play.
My super sleeper QB picks of the draft (I know they had good years in 09, but they will take another step forward):
Joe Flacco, Jay Cutler, and Eli Manning and the deep sleeper….Alex Smith
So, as your draft progresses you want to make sure you fill your team with quality depth, especially at WR and RB. You also want to keep an eye on a QB as a bye week fill in and manage the rest of your teams bye week absences. The best bet is to look for the underrated backs or rookies poised to explode.
This year the list of under the radar RB’s include:
Arian Foster (HOU), Ahamd Bradshaw (NYG), Jahvid Best (DET), Beanie Wells (ARI), and Shonn Greene (NYJ).
As for the WRs set to explode on to the scene:
Michael Crabtree (SF), Pierre Garcon (IND), Jeremy Maclin (PHI), Johnny Knox (CHI), and possibly even Malcolm Floyd in the absence of Vincent Jackson.
I generally follow the following draft pattern to build a quality team:
QB/RB, RB/QB, RB, RB/WR, WR, TE/WR, TE,…the rest depth and Def.
It can be difficult to follow suit with a strategy when a draft is so dynamic and unpredictable, but keep your eye on the goal of building a quality team with consistent producers at multiple positions.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The NFL Preseason is rolling. That means that depth charts are changing and injuries are happening. We have updated our Wide Receiver Redraft Rankings and Average Draft Position (ADP) this week to help you get current on your fantasy football draft board.
Here are some thoughts on some rankings movement and some possible sleepers to watch in preseason:
Santana Moss (#25 to #17) Things have been really quiet on the Santana Moss front other than the whole HGH thing. Here is the the thing; Donovan McNabb is looking good.
Santana Moss is still the No. 1 WR in Washington. This is a hook up waiting to happen. Moss has historically been up and down during fantasy seasons, but things are looking up with having the most talented QB he has ever played with tossing him the ball.
Johnny Knox (#40 to #36) Johnny Knox is often ignored while fantasy owners look at Devin Aromashodu as the possible breakout star at WR for the Bears. This is largely based on Aromashodu’s targets at the end of last season by Jay Cutler. There is a different offense in town now and Johnny Knox may just be the best suited for it.
Wide receivers coach Darryl Drake is calling all three of the WRs at the top of the depth chart starters. When it comes time for someone to separate himself from the pack, watch for Knox. He may be a steal at his current ADP.
Sleeper Alert! More late round guys that could pay off.
Laurent Robinson (#44) Aside from Steven Jackson, you are not likely to find any fantasy football superstars on the Rams. We could however, see a WR step up with all that attention given to Jackson. He should land as one fo the starting WRs for the Rams and might be worth a late pick for a team trying to play catch up a lot. Keep a close eye on his camp.
Harry Douglas (#50) With Michael Jenkins out with a shoulder injury, Douglas can make a case for the starting spot opposite Roddy White. Keep an eye on the depth chart, he may be worth throwing one of those last two picks at.
Here is how the Top 5 shake out with ADP. The highest and lowest pick used on them in mock drafts are included as well. Check out our Wide Receiver Redraft Rankings to view the Top 50 with ADP.
| Rank | Player | Bye | ADP | HIGH | LOW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Johnson, HOU | 7 | 1.06 | 1.02 | 1.11 |
| 2 | Randy Moss, NE | 5 | 1.09 | 1.03 | 2.07 |
| 3 | Larry Fitzgerald, ARI | 6 | 2.03 | 1.07 | 3.01 |
| 4 | Miles Austin, DAL | 4 | 2.03 | 1.08 | 3.05 |
| 5 | Roddy White, ATL | 8 | 2.07 | 1.09 |
3.03 |
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
With the preseason well underway, it’s time to take a moment to re-evaluate our rookie rankings for dynasty leagues.
With various injuries and breakout performers seemingly coming every day, much has changed in the past few weeks.
1. Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
He’s done nothing so far to make us believe anybody else is worthy of the top spot on the board.
2. Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
His injury was unfortunate, but not significant enough to move him down a dynasty draft board. His dominance in practice was obvious.
3. Jahvid Best, RB, DET
It’s apparent that Best is going to be a huge part of this offense. If he stays healthy, he could be a very good weapon for a long time.
4. CJ Spiller, RB, BUF
Spiller is going to get more reps here now that Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch are both hurt. His short term value has gone up significantly of late. There are still questions about just how he’ll be used long-term, though.
5. Sam Bradford, QB, STL
Bradford is doing everything right so far. His preseason debut wasn’t great, but he took a hit and got back up. That’s a victory in itself. He’s shown flashes of brilliance since signing his huge contract.
6. Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
He was arguably the hottest rookie going until his injury slowed him down. The Browns expect him back in the next couple of weeks. They also expect him to win the running back job outright.
7. Mike Williams, WR, TB
He’s easily the biggest riser in the class. The Bucs have already inserted him in the starting lineup and every outlet covering them says he has star potential. We tend to agree.
8. Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
He was just starting to show some ability in practice when his foot injury acted up on him. His short-term promise isn’t great, but he has major long-term upside.
9. Golden Tate, WR, SEA
Reports from the Emerald City have been glowing so far. Without too much competition in front of him, Tate should get some significant time as early as this season.
10. Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
He’s the big target the Bengals have been looking for what seems to be a decade. It wouldn’t be ridiculous to take him in the late first round of rookie drafts.
11. Dexter McCluster, WR, KC
It’s obvious that he’s a playmaker. It’s also obvious the Chiefs realize that.
12. Arrelious Benn, WR, TB
Benn is dropping in rookie drafts pretty quickly, but owners shouldn’t give up on him. He’s starting to come on as of late.
13. Brandon LaFell, WR, CAR
He was inserted into the starting lineup for the Panthers preseason opener and subsequently dropped a sure touchdown pass. He needs to work on his consistency, but the talent and opportunity is there.
14. Ben Tate, RB, HOU
The battle for the starting running back job in Houston is over after Tate’s season ending ankle injury. Dynasty owners should be disappointed, but a knee injury would have been worse for his long-term potential.
15. Anthony Dixon, RB, SF
Dixon’s preseason debut was great for his value. The retirement of Glen Coffee didn’t hurt, either.
16. Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
He’s a much better prospect than some may think. While Minnesota isn’t the best spot for him, it could have been worse.
17. Jimmy Clausen, QB, CAR
It’s hard not to watch Clausen and feel like he has the “it” factor.
18. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, PIT
It’s hard to say what’s more inconsistent with Dwyer when you look at his practice performance and his average draft position. They’re both all over the place.
19. James Starks, RB, GB
He may be placed on injured reserve, which would obviously dampen his short term prospects. However, Starks is a great long-term project in dynasty league circles.
20. Jordan Shipley, WR, CIN
Shipley is another fast riser on draft boards. If you’re in a PPR league, Shipley could be fantasy gold quickly.
21. Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
22. Eric Decker, WR, DEN
23. Tim Tebow, QB, DEN
24. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, PIT
25. Damian Williams, WR, TEN
26. Colt McCoy, QB, CLE
27. Mardy Gilyard, WR, STL
28. Joe McKnight, RB, NYJ
29. Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
30. Tony Moeaki, TE, KC
31. Armanti Edwards, WR, CAR
32. Taylor Price, WR, NE
33. Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
34. Deji Karim, RB, JAX
35. Andre Roberts, WR, ARI
36. Kerry Meier, WR, ATL
37. Charles Scott, RB, PHI
38. LeGarrette Blount, RB, TEN
39. Marcus Easley, WR, BUF
40. Carlton Mitchell, WR, CLE
For the complete set of strategic 2010 dynasty rankings, click below:
Strategic Quarterback Rankings
Strategic Running Back Rankings
Strategic Wide Receiver Rankings
Strategic Tight End Rankings
Strategic IDP Rankings
Article written by Ken Kelly
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Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The NFL preseason really gets cooking on Saturday night with seven games on the schedule. Dynasty league owners across the country are anticipating a night full of excitement and intrigue.
Many of the coveted rookies will be seeing their first live game action. Some of our favorite sleepers will be in uniform as well.
Here’s a rundown of players who dynasty league owners will be paying very close attention to.
Tampa Bay vs. Miami
Mike Williams, WR, TB
The hype machine is in fifth gear with Williams. After all the glowing reports from training camp, it’s time to see what he can produce on the field.
Kareem Huggins, RB, TB
Mike Williams hasn’t been the only story out of Bucs camp so far. Huggins is attempting to not only make the team, but carve out a role for himself as well.
His improbable journey continues on Saturday night.
Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA
He’ll take a break from the NBA talk to suit up for his new team. It would be great to see him build some quick rapport with Chad Henne.
Detroit vs. Pittsburgh
Jahvid Best, RB, DET
It seems Kevin Smith’s recovery is going better than expected. Best could make that a moot point with a huge preseason.
DeAndre Levy, LB, DET
Levy steps into the full-time middle linebacker role with a lot of IDP promise.
He looked hesitant at times last year, so it will be interesting to see how comfortable he looks now.
Dennis Dixon, QB, PIT
It seems Byron Leftwich has a significant advantage over Dixon in their quest to keep Ben Roethlisberger’s seat warm.
Dixon could make the Steeler brass start to think twice.
Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
If the hype machine is in fifth gear regarding Mike Williams, it’s in hyperspace over Wallace.
Anything less than 500 yards and seven touchdowns on Saturday night would seemingly be a disappointment.
Cleveland vs. Green Bay
Colt McCoy, QB, CLE
The reps have been tough to come by for McCoy as of late. It’s going to be fun to see if he passes his first test.
Quinn Porter, RB, GB
You may have never heard of him, but you likely will soon. Porter has been a serious surprise at Packer camp and the cheeseheads are anxious to see him in game action.
Minnesota vs. St. Louis
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
The fate of an entire franchise is in your hands. Good luck!
Rams fans should just be happy to see him get hit and get back up since he’s missed significant time the last two times he’s been tackled.
You can imagine Bradford is just itching to get that first hit out of the way and start to develop some chemistry with his new team.
Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
With Chester Taylor out of the way, it’s up to Toby Gerhart and Albert Young to fight it out for the right to back up Adrian Peterson.
Gerhart is better than many may think.
Houston vs. Arizona
Ben Tate, Steve Slaton, and Arian Foster, RBs, HOU
The most anticipated position battle in all of fantasy starts tomorrow night. You can bet every one of these guys is just chomping at the bit.
Matt Leinart, QB, ARI
He’s been inconsistent at camp so far. The leash won’t be that long, so Leinart could use a good series or two to build some confidence.
Stephen Williams, WR, ARI
If you were to make a list of camp surprises, Williams would be near the top.
This undrafted rookie from Toledo has a lot of good players to pass in order to make the team, but he seems to be climbing that ladder pretty quickly.
Chicago vs. San Diego
Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
The consensus No. 1 pick in rookie drafts finally hits the field on Saturday night. Replacing a legend won’t be easy, but Mathews has serious talent.
Johnny Knox, WR, CHI
Word is he’s beating out Devin Aromashodu and Devin Hester for the top spot on the depth chart.
Let’s see what Mike Martz may have in store for the speedster.
Tennessee vs. Seattle
Justin Forsett, RB, SEA
This game could have set up as the LenDale White preseason revenge game, but that didn’t quite work out.
Forsett will have his first opportunity to show Pete Carroll he can handle the responsibility of being the No. 1 running back.
Mike Williams, WR, SEA
Yep, it’s that Mike Williams. He’s making his mark in camp and is turning doubters into believers. He needs a big preseason to guarantee himself a spot on the roster.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, TEN
Javon Ringer has a leg up on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind some guy named Chris Johnson. Don’t forget about Blount, though.
He’s looked great so far and is said to be making a push to not only make the team, but put some subsequent pressure on Ringer as well.
Jared Cook, TE, TEN
It’s about time we saw that potential flash again with Cook. Dynasty league owners are growing impatient.
With so many games on Saturday night, it’s going to be very busy night of player evaluation in dynasty circles.
For the complete set of strategic 2010 dynasty rankings, click below:
Strategic Quarterback Rankings
Strategic Running Back Rankings
Strategic Wide Receiver Rankings
Strategic Tight End Rankings
Strategic IDP Rankings
Article written by Ken Kelly
DynastyLeagueFootball.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The NFL preseason really gets cooking on Saturday night with seven games on the schedule. Dynasty league owners across the country are anticipating a night full of excitement and intrigue.
Many of the coveted rookies will be seeing their first live game action. Some of our favorite sleepers will be in uniform as well.
Here’s a rundown of players who dynasty league owners will be paying very close attention to.
Tampa Bay vs. Miami
Mike Williams, WR, TB
The hype machine is in fifth gear with Williams. After all the glowing reports from training camp, it’s time to see what he can produce on the field.
Kareem Huggins, RB, TB
Mike Williams hasn’t been the only story out of Bucs camp so far. Huggins is attempting to not only make the team, but carve out a role for himself as well.
His improbable journey continues on Saturday night.
Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA
He’ll take a break from the NBA talk to suit up for his new team. It would be great to see him build some quick rapport with Chad Henne.
Detroit vs. Pittsburgh
Jahvid Best, RB, DET
It seems Kevin Smith’s recovery is going better than expected. Best could make that a moot point with a huge preseason.
DeAndre Levy, LB, DET
Levy steps into the full-time middle linebacker role with a lot of IDP promise.
He looked hesitant at times last year, so it will be interesting to see how comfortable he looks now.
Dennis Dixon, QB, PIT
It seems Byron Leftwich has a significant advantage over Dixon in their quest to keep Ben Roethlisberger’s seat warm.
Dixon could make the Steeler brass start to think twice.
Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
If the hype machine is in fifth gear regarding Mike Williams, it’s in hyperspace over Wallace.
Anything less than 500 yards and seven touchdowns on Saturday night would seemingly be a disappointment.
Cleveland vs. Green Bay
Colt McCoy, QB, CLE
The reps have been tough to come by for McCoy as of late. It’s going to be fun to see if he passes his first test.
Quinn Porter, RB, GB
You may have never heard of him, but you likely will soon. Porter has been a serious surprise at Packer camp and the cheeseheads are anxious to see him in game action.
Minnesota vs. St. Louis
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
The fate of an entire franchise is in your hands. Good luck!
Rams fans should just be happy to see him get hit and get back up since he’s missed significant time the last two times he’s been tackled.
You can imagine Bradford is just itching to get that first hit out of the way and start to develop some chemistry with his new team.
Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
With Chester Taylor out of the way, it’s up to Toby Gerhart and Albert Young to fight it out for the right to back up Adrian Peterson.
Gerhart is better than many may think.
Houston vs. Arizona
Ben Tate, Steve Slaton, and Arian Foster, RBs, HOU
The most anticipated position battle in all of fantasy starts tomorrow night. You can bet every one of these guys is just chomping at the bit.
Matt Leinart, QB, ARI
He’s been inconsistent at camp so far. The leash won’t be that long, so Leinart could use a good series or two to build some confidence.
Stephen Williams, WR, ARI
If you were to make a list of camp surprises, Williams would be near the top.
This undrafted rookie from Toledo has a lot of good players to pass in order to make the team, but he seems to be climbing that ladder pretty quickly.
Chicago vs. San Diego
Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
The consensus No. 1 pick in rookie drafts finally hits the field on Saturday night. Replacing a legend won’t be easy, but Mathews has serious talent.
Johnny Knox, WR, CHI
Word is he’s beating out Devin Aromashodu and Devin Hester for the top spot on the depth chart.
Let’s see what Mike Martz may have in store for the speedster.
Tennessee vs. Seattle
Justin Forsett, RB, SEA
This game could have set up as the LenDale White preseason revenge game, but that didn’t quite work out.
Forsett will have his first opportunity to show Pete Carroll he can handle the responsibility of being the No. 1 running back.
Mike Williams, WR, SEA
Yep, it’s that Mike Williams. He’s making his mark in camp and is turning doubters into believers. He needs a big preseason to guarantee himself a spot on the roster.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, TEN
Javon Ringer has a leg up on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind some guy named Chris Johnson. Don’t forget about Blount, though.
He’s looked great so far and is said to be making a push to not only make the team, but put some subsequent pressure on Ringer as well.
Jared Cook, TE, TEN
It’s about time we saw that potential flash again with Cook. Dynasty league owners are growing impatient.
With so many games on Saturday night, it’s going to be very busy night of player evaluation in dynasty circles.
For the complete set of strategic 2010 dynasty rankings, click below:
Strategic Quarterback Rankings
Strategic Running Back Rankings
Strategic Wide Receiver Rankings
Strategic Tight End Rankings
Strategic IDP Rankings
Article written by Ken Kelly
DynastyLeagueFootball.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
