6. Know how to approach QBs, TEs and defenses: Younger fantasy players may be tempted to take a quarterback too early because it is perceived to be the most important position in real football. But in fantasy leagues where you only need to start one QB, it’s best to wait to address the position in the sixth through ninth rounds. Most leagues will require players to start a combination of five or more RBs and WRs when considering the tackle positions, so you’ll need to focus on those areas of your starting lineup first. You don’t need to draft the best QBs to end up with a good starter. Kyler Murray has an overall ADP of 64.2, and Dak Prescott is at 76.0. Tom Brady is at 85.2. If you don’t find a top-5 TE in the first 45 picks, Dalton Schultz (65.2) and Dallas Goedert (84.0) are two of the quality starters available later. As for defenses, keep in mind that most of us air them every week. So instead of drafting the best defense for the season, pick the unit with the strongest matchups early in the season because most of us are likely to switch defenses often based on matchups.
7. Seahawks wide receivers could also be value targets: As Drew Lock and Geno Smith compete for the Seahawks’ starting QB job, there should be a noticeable transition for DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. But both are proven wide receivers who can still provide good production as fantasy starters. Metcalf is the 18th wide receiver off the board in early drafts, and he certainly has the upside to surpass that early ADP. Tyler Lockett could prove to be even more of a value play at an ADP of 86.8. He will be a very important target in the Seahawks passing game in terms of grabbing keys and keeping the chains moving. If either Metcalf or Lockett slip too far in your drafts, take advantage of the other’s potential hesitation.
8. Don’t get caught up in analyzing the schedule: When you’re drafting, don’t look ahead to Weeks 15 through 17 for perceived playoff advantages, because so much will change between now and then in fantasy football and the NFL. Your roster will be reworked frequently throughout the season, and many players’ views will change significantly. Also, don’t overemphasize the good weeks because you’ll always be changing the roster throughout the season. Additionally, remember that most schedule analysis to determine who has better matchups is often based heavily on the previous year.
9. Be bold and unique: After studying for draft day, if you find a certain player more attractive than ADPs or group opinion indicates, be aggressive and take him earlier than some others. Taking such an approach to good players can lead to winning a league. You don’t have to listen to what others in the league have to say. Be sure and trust the research. Taking a player above where he is expected to be selected can also guarantee you move him. If you believe Noah Fant will have a better season, then draft him as a top 12 tight end instead of targeting him as a top 16 prospect according to the latest ADPs.
10. Don’t be a homer: We’ve made good cases for drafting the Seahawks’ top RBs and WRs as value types, and Fant should definitely be on your radar as a top-tier fantasy TE2. But you should always take the player that best fits your needs at any point in the draft, over fan favorites, whether they’re from the Seahawks or another team. Rooting for players will not increase their fantasy performances. Cheering against them won’t stop them from putting up stats either, so don’t avoid players from teams you root for. Being a fan and managing a fantasy team are separate endeavors. It’s also possible to hope for a Seahawks win while also getting a fantasy win.
11. The draft is just the beginning: Drafting a fantasy team is just the first step on the road to a potential fantasy championship. Don’t get too attached to the full roster that has been drafted, as it will change a lot over the course of the season. Injuries, waiver moves and trades will also change the weekly outlook of the roster throughout the season. When reviewing the draft board, don’t go too far up or down. The roster is the foundation of the team, but how it is managed throughout the season is what truly determines fantasy success.
12. Always compete: It’s Pete Carroll’s mantra, and it should be applied throughout the fantasy football season. Maintain a competitive edge by studying more than your opponents before draft day. Join mock drafts regularly and review drafts from experts online to see what they do. Stay on top of NFL player news every day. Get advice from fantasy experts and ask questions. I’m always available on Twitter @scotteTheKing.
