2009 Drafting Tips:

July 8, 2009

The King's Fantasy Football Drafting Tips 2009 keeps it simple and keeps it real!

--Drafting Tips--

1. Draft a top 6 quarterback.  See "Going Young" Draft Strategy.
2. Draft a top 4 tight end.  See "Going Young" Draft Strategy.
3. Draft 1 kicker.  Fill in during bye weeks with a free agent.  This will save you a spot for solidifying your flex position and allow you to take a shot at a wide receiver or running back.
4. Draft 1 defense.  Same reason as 1 kicker.
5. Do not draft a kicker or a defense until at least 4 rounds left in the draft.
6. Try to be the last one to take a kicker and defense.
7. Unless you get a 5th tier or higher backup tight end (as found on my cheat sheet) then do not take one.  It is just not worth it and will waste a roster spot. 
8. If you don't get a top 4 tight end, then try and be the last one to take one.
9. Focus on getting good solid value in the middle rounds of the draft, go after young running backs.
10. Use a tier based system to manage your draft (also found on my cheat sheet).
11. Do not get caught up in runs on positions.  When runs happen they present perfect opportunities to get a player of higher value from another position.
12. Start runs if possible.
13. Get a solid starting line-up of QB, WR, RB and TE (whatever your starting line-up requirements are) and then look to solidify your flex position with more RB and WR.
14. Draft a solid back up quarterback.  This will save you from having to draft 2 back ups hoping that one of them pans out.
15. Be wary of running backs that share time.  Avoid this situation if you can.
16. Stay young, do not draft the old worn out veteran BNB's (Big Name Busts) as seen on my Bust list.
17. Be prepared:
    • Review Mock Drafts to see where players are going.  Use Average Draft Positions.
    • Map out who you want by round.  If all goes well, you take your picks as planned.
    • Review the injury reports before draft day.
    • Use Strength of Schedules during your playoff period to determine between two players.
    • Keep in tune to www.fflking.com for the King's latest cheat sheet.
    • Be organized so you are not fumbling through a pile of papers.
18. Watch bye weeks.  Taking two quarterbacks with the same bye week may not be wise. 
19. Do not draft a player in hopes of trading him later.  Who knows if you will be able to trade him and who knows if you will get the value you deserve if you do.
20. When looking at last year's stats, use average yards/catches/touchdowns per game played.  Do not exclude a player from your list just because he was hurt last year.
21. Know your league's rules and scoring system.  In some leagues quarterback touchdowns are 6 points, others 4 points.  This is a big difference.
22. Try not to take players from horrible teams.  The team will wear off on your dud.
23. Contrary to popular belief, if it is warranted, then take guys from your favorite team.  Fantasy Football is meant to be fun.
24. Go with your gut.

For more of the King's Fantasy Football Drafting Tips & Strategies look in "Draft Strategy."

 Tod "FFLKING" Brooks