Training camps are opening across the country. Absurdly, the preseason starts on Thursday. I’m sure you knew all of this already, because if you interact with anyone in the United States, you’ve already been asked if you are playing fantasy football this year. I’m not any expert on fantasy football, but I do have some ideals when it comes to drafting players, and in the paragraphs below, please find the Rhino and Compass fantasy football draft philosophy.
Quarterbacks:
It used to be that I would suggest a running quarterback would be the top bet, because rushing yards always counted more than throwing. Mike Vick, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson all fit this category, and it seemed like more were cropping up. Now, Newton is practically the only real mobile threat under center in the game.
It used to be that I would suggest a running quarterback would be the top bet, because rushing yards always counted more than throwing. Mike Vick, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson all fit this category, and it seemed like more were cropping up. Now, Newton is practically the only real mobile threat under center in the game.
Now I would say just get a healthy veteran. UIt’s the most stable way to go, and it’s one of the rare positions where players actually get significantly better as they get older. Don’t waste time getting a QB early, but getting QBs in back to back rounds in like the 6th or 7th isn’t a terrible idea.
Running BacksHave you ever heard anyone say that they won their fantasy league despite not having a great running back? No? Because that doesn’t happen. The core of any championship team is a good ground game.
With that in mind, you almost certainly should draft a running back in the first round, unless there is something extremely compelling available, or the best running backs are already gone. The best running backs, I should say, excepting a few vital rules.
Rule #1 – The shelf life of a running back is short. Don’t draft a running back in the first round that is older than about 28, because they are pretty much at the back end of their career by that point. The second is don’t draft a running back that’s already had a major knee injury.
After you draft your star back in the first round, consider another in the 2nd round, so long as they follow the first two rules, and really consider it if they are good receivers. Other than that? Wait until later in the draft and load up on rookies and second year players. That’s where the value is, and those are the guys that will break out and win your league for you.
Wide ReceiversThe modern game is vertical, and as you might imagine, wide receivers are becoming increasingly important. Make sure that you hit the early and middle rounds hard. Veterans aren’t a bad idea here. Round 2, unless there is a great RB option, should be dedicated to WRs. Maybe even 3 and 4, possibly 5.
The type of receiver should depend on what league you are in. Is it PPR? Then possession receivers, especially a QB favorite, are your best options. Not PPR? Then go for the home run hitters that will be streaking downfield on every possession. Well, do that with the first pick, then grab the other variety a little later on.
The type of receiver should depend on what league you are in. Is it PPR? Then possession receivers, especially a QB favorite, are your best options. Not PPR? Then go for the home run hitters that will be streaking downfield on every possession. Well, do that with the first pick, then grab the other variety a little later on.
This is an area where I would lean towards veteran receivers, but maybe get young depth late in the draft. You aren’t going to find break outs among the veterans that have been playing for years, and you aren’t going to win by being conservative. Draft some young guys late.
Tight EndsThis is very important: there are two good tight ends, and then everyone else. Don’t be afraid to draft Gronk or Travis Kelce in the first round, because the drop between TE 1 and 2 and the rest of the league is much greater than at any other position. Drafting one of those two guys early gives you the most positional value, really of any player in the draft.
When you are looking in the 10th or 11th round, you can see if the Jimmy Graham’s of the world are available, but you will get much better bang for your buck by looking for tight ends of bad quarterbacks. Tight ends are their security blankets, and can rack up catches and yards as a result.
Defense
Did you know that if you play the defense that plays the worst offense every week, rather than the best defense, you will end up with the most points? Don't waste a high pick on a defense. Wait until the very end, and then take the Saints who are playing the Bucs in week 1.
Did you know that if you play the defense that plays the worst offense every week, rather than the best defense, you will end up with the most points? Don't waste a high pick on a defense. Wait until the very end, and then take the Saints who are playing the Bucs in week 1.
Kicker
Just take whoever Yahoo has as the first available kicker. Or find one with a bye week as late in the year as you can find so you only have to change him once during the season.
Just take whoever Yahoo has as the first available kicker. Or find one with a bye week as late in the year as you can find so you only have to change him once during the season.
All right, that's all you need, I think. At the very least, if you don't win your league, you can blame me.
