10 Things To Think About On Draft Day
10 Things To Think About On Draft Day
Draft Day has arrived, the long awaited day when your team will take its form. This is an important day because many leagues are won on this day. With that in mind, here are some things that should be kept in mind on arguable the best day of the year.
1. Gain Insight
Leagues are won and lost on information gathered in the off season. Before even making your way to the draft, try to find out as much as you can about what your opponents are going to do at the draft. Try not to be caught off guard. Sometimes it happens, but asking questions beforehand will help to prevent such an occurrence.
2. Arrive Early
Try to be one of the first ones to arrive at the draft. Getting to the draft early allows you to get the housekeeping issues (entrance fee, etc.) out of the way so that they do not become a distraction as you begin to draft. Being one of the first to get to the draft allows you to pick the place where you want to sit. Positioning yourself near a perennial winner can prove very useful if you need some information, and he is willing to give it up.
Sitting on the end of the table so that you have extra room and not bumping elbows with anyone else can prove useful, as in sitting in the most comfortable chair, which could put you at ease and clear minded when it is your turn to draft.
3. Bring Extra Writing Instruments
Having extra pens, pencils or highlighters on hand can help in a couple of ways. First. pens always run out of ink at the worst time, and you don’t want to be caught behind enemy lines without any ammunition. Having an extra pen or two will alleviate the problem of having to rely on another owner for help.
Second, if another owner finds himself in the predicament of being without a writing implement, you can offer one of your extras as an offer of generosity. You never know where that could lead. Someone who does not forget the good deed might be inclined to make a trade at some point in the future when you need something from his squad.
4. Be Wary Of Female Distractions
I say female because most fantasy participants are guys. This also works in reverse for you female players. Turn cell phones off, and try not even bring the cell phone into the draft room. If you use a laptop computer, do not check e-mail, or set up an alternate e-mail address which deals directly with your fantasy league. You need to keep distractions at a minimum.
If you are draft at a location which provides table service, ask for a waiter rather than a waitress. Female servers always ask questions about what is going on, as is their inquisitive nature. Male servers will most likely know what is happening and will leave your table alone except to bring refreshments.
If you are in a league that has a female participant, stay clear of her. Women who like sports are an attraction to all sports loving guys, and naturally a distraction when it comes to drafting a quality squad. Steer clear of females during the draft, as there will be plenty of time for socialization after the business of the draft has taken place.
5. Drink Responsibly
It goes without saying that the head makes better decisions when it is not clouded with alcoholic beverages. Not drinking at all or drinking moderately with breaks of non alcoholic beverages will certainly add to better decision making, both at the draft table, and in life. Also, if you have had too much to drink at the draft, don’t be afraid to ask one of your opponents for a ride home. Everyone wants you around next season.
6. Keep Track Of Everything
Write down what each team is doing with their picks. Look for patterns. Some guys will draft running backs first, some wide receivers or quarterbacks. Knowing what each team has done in the past will make it easier for you to predict what your opponent will do and could shape the way you draft a player. For example, if most teams have drafted a kicker and you are deciding between a third wide receiver and a kicker, you might be inclined to grab that wideout and leave the kicker for the next round, since you can be reasonably sure that the kicker you want will be there next round.
7. Draft For Value
Have an idea on what every player is worth to you. When it comes down to your turn, look for a guy who is high on your draft list, even if it is not the position that you are planning on drafting. The guy that you draft could be a sleeper or have good trade value later in the season. Beware however, the player who appears as though he is so high on your draft list, that appears to have been overlooked by every other team. That player could be injured, retired, cut, or something else that would decrease his value dramatically. Do your homework, but look for steals in the draft.
8. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For A Trade
The team you draft is very rarely the team that you end with, so trade for value as much as possible. Trades are fun parts of fantasy football, and a necessary part of a winning team. The more successful teams make the better trades, which is an obvious statement. Every player has a price, and if you don’t ask, you’ll never know if you have the ability to pay that price. If possible, try to find the rookie fantasy player with a gem or two on his team. He might not know the value of his players, thereby giving you a distinct advantage. Don’t be discouraged when someone drafts a player that you want. Simply ask him for a trade and try and get him with something of value from your squad.
9. Speak Cautiously
As much as you like the sound of your voice, not everyone appreciates what you have to say. Don’t offer up too much information, as you might be giving your opponent an insight to your draft strategy, thereby causing you to lose out on a player that you were coveting. Of course, if you feel the need to talk, you can try to be deceitful. Letting others know about “the” player might prove to be a benefit to you. Your opponent might grab the guy who you have no intention of drafting, leaving your player on the draft board.
Trash talking is also a necessary part of draft day, but use that tactic sparingly. Words spoken in jest might not be taken that way to the receiver. Never trash talk against your allies, as they will be the ones to defend you when you become the object of other’s scorn. Remember, though, these guys are in it for fun as well, and most of the time are your friends, so friendships need not be severed over some draft day trash talking.
10. Trust Your Gut Feeling
As the draft progresses to the middle rounds, you will often times find yourself with a number of players who have similar ratings. This is where your preparation and homework will come into play. For some reason, be it something you read or heard, you will probably be drawn to one or two players from that group. Trust your feelings and go with that player. If you decision is based upon sound research, you will probably not be disappointed in your choice.
Remember these 10 principles when you are drafting. Keep them with you in your folder, and attempt to put as many of them into play as possible. It should make your draft day experience a much more lucrative endeavor.
Posted by joe at March 8, 2005 10:14 PM
