How Do You Use Draft Dominator During a Draft (1 Viewer)

[solorca]

Are there any tips for how you guys use Draft Dominator for your drafts every year? Last season was my first year on the site, and I took the data from Projections Dominator and moved it to DD, then I updated my ADP list (since the one listed isn't PPR). I then took the player pool and imported it to an excel file and created my own cheatsheets. It was a lot of work, but the DD program is so large, I felt like it would be odd to have it up on my computer screen with everyone around.

Do you guys just bring it along and not worry about it?

 

[rizzler]

If you go to the Applications forum you'll read plenty on how to use it.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

Yeah, I just use it during the draft. For me personally, I use it primarily for tracking the draft, and not so much for advising the draft, so I'm not really concerned about anyone seeing it. It's not often that I take the player DD recommends, so it wouldn't do anyone much good to "spy" on the DD while I had it open.

I love that at any point in the draft, at a glance I can see what everyone else's roster needs are, for example. Or, I can see who I'm playing week 7, and how many players they've already drafted with byes in week 7 (useful if I'm trying to decide between two players, one of whom is on bye week 7, for example). In the old days I'd try to keep track of that kind of stuff by hand and it was really a pita. I think that's really where its true value as a draft tool is.

 

[zed2283]

I used DD for the first time in my least important league last year as a test. I was calling in from another location, so no one was aware that I was using it. For the most part DD and I agreed on who I should draft in the early rounds so it served as a nice double-check. One player DD kept telling me to draft and I kept passing over was L.McCoy. I wish I would have listened.

Obviously, an entire football season includes in-season roster management, but the commish recently sent out a summary of last year's draft and my drafted team scored the most in the league, 11% more than the next closest team.

 

[rizzler]

I used DD in a "low money" league last season as a test as well.. I wouldnt dare use it literally in my big money one... i trust myself above all else.

But, the gripe I had with the program was its INSISTENCE on draftin rb after rb after rb, to which after the first 4 rnds, I had 4rbs...

We start 2, and have an open flex for wr/rb.. SO ya, I get why RBs are important, but I feel it neglected some WRs and possibly even QBs that I DEFINITELY would have taken as opposed to another RB. And 4 rbs in a row just doesnt seem right to me, in any format.

Anyways, it's a great tool. But I won't let it draft for me.

 

[solorca]

I do not use DD to tell me who to pick, but it is a very useful tool in determining who is available and their relative strength. I typically draft based on need if the value is close, and DD doesn't always take that into account correctly. I used DD to pretty much control my draft the first time I used it, and while FBG's "rank my team" site said that I was a virtual lock to make the playoffs, I had to claw my way in through free agent pickups. When I look back at who I selected early (Miles Austin, Greg Jennings, Jahvid Best, Hines Ward, CJ Spiller, Heath Miller, Eli Manning were my 3-9 picks...some good stuff mixed in, but mostly busts) it's amazing that I managed to get the team in the playoffs at all.

My main question was simply how to use the app when you are in a group of other people. It's a very large program that looks quite odd when compared to the magazines and other random things people use.

 

[rizzler]

My main question was simply how to use the app when you are in a group of other people. It's a very large program that looks quite odd when compared to the magazines and other random things people use.

The program is as large as you make it... Close the window you dont want/need. For instance I only have "Player pool" "team stats" and if you want it, "best value pick" windows openI also have everything shrunk down so it only takes up half my screen. a magazine is basically the same dimensions as many laptops so it's not "bigger"... bulkier, sure... But who cares, you're there to win your draft. Bring a trailer full of #### if need be!

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

My main question was simply how to use the app when you are in a group of other people. It's a very large program that looks quite odd when compared to the magazines and other random things people use.

Are you embarrassed to bring a laptop? Or are you ok with using a laptop, but think DD is too "large"? Not sure what you're asking here.

 

[zed2283]

Tell tell them it's a program that tracks the draft/teams. Or that it's a spreadsheet.

 

[rizzler]

Tell tell them it's a program that tracks the draft/teams. Or that it's a spreadsheet.

Or just tell them to mind their own damn business.You can't "cheat" in a draft... doesn't matter what you use. Aids like DD serve a 99% greater purpose as a tracker than as a "decision maker".

 

[SCT]

I don't. Because I own a MAC. I find it baffling/frustrating that FBG's still hasn't made a MAC version.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

I don't. Because I own a MAC. I find it baffling/frustrating that FBG's still hasn't made a MAC version.

They have.

 

[CentralPA]

Used DD first time this year and I loved it. I may have times picked the top guy available when I wasn't to sure how to get (got heckled for being cheat sheet pick guy, another one of my friends had DD running as well). But all in all it gives you vast amounts of info and keeps it organized. I'll be using it here on in.

 

[rick6668]

Yeah, I just use it during the draft. For me personally, I use it primarily for tracking the draft, and not so much for advising the draft, so I'm not really concerned about anyone seeing it. It's not often that I take the player DD recommends, so it wouldn't do anyone much good to "spy" on the DD while I had it open.

I love that at any point in the draft, at a glance I can see what everyone else's roster needs are, for example. Or, I can see who I'm playing week 7, and how many players they've already drafted with byes in week 7 (useful if I'm trying to decide between two players, one of whom is on bye week 7, for example). In the old days I'd try to keep track of that kind of stuff by hand and it was really a pita. I think that's really where its true value as a draft tool is.

I find it extremely useful especially if you are close to the end/beginning of the round. Example pick 3 or pick 10 in a 12 team draft. In round 6 let's say you've picked up a QB, 2RB, 2WR and a TE. It's your pick at 6.10 There are picks 6.11, 6.12, 7.01, 7.02 to go before you pick again at 7.03. You can use the DD to review those teams rosters. If they both have 4RB's already and only 1 WR, you may want to hold off drafting a RB with this pick and take the WR you want. That WR will not be available after the next 4 picks but the RB will very likely be there. Being able to monitor other teams rosters is very valuable. Especially if you waited on a QB as well.

 

[Chaka]

I keep these windows open during the draft:

Draft Status

Player Pool

Best Value Pick

Team Stats

Team Data

Ultimately I think the Team Stats window is the most important for helping you strategically during the draft. Being able to see how many players at each position have been taken at any given time allows you to predict position runs before they happen. This feature has helped me start numerous runs over the years instead of chasing them.

I have been using the DD for years and I customize the heck out of it to fit my league tendencies. Instead of predicting yardage, TDs, receptions etc. I use my historical league data for projections. For example I know that in my league the #1 RB typically finishes with 272 points on the season (#2 - 231 points, #3 - 225 points etc.). I have this data for every player in my league (easy with MFL and basic Excel knowledge) no need for tweaking tons of projections with this method. I also have historical draft data for my league so I can configure my VBD baselines to emulate my league tendencies (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). This is a lot of work to set up initially but after you set it up once it is pretty much a 30 minute cut & paste project in subsequent seasons.

We also use the DD to project the draft board on the big screen television (dual screen mode).

Honestly you can customize the DD as much or as little as you want but it is a very robust program and is worth exploring. I can't imagine drafting without it.

 

[Chaka]

Yeah, I just use it during the draft. For me personally, I use it primarily for tracking the draft, and not so much for advising the draft, so I'm not really concerned about anyone seeing it. It's not often that I take the player DD recommends, so it wouldn't do anyone much good to "spy" on the DD while I had it open.

I love that at any point in the draft, at a glance I can see what everyone else's roster needs are, for example. Or, I can see who I'm playing week 7, and how many players they've already drafted with byes in week 7 (useful if I'm trying to decide between two players, one of whom is on bye week 7, for example). In the old days I'd try to keep track of that kind of stuff by hand and it was really a pita. I think that's really where its true value as a draft tool is.

I find it extremely useful especially if you are close to the end/beginning of the round. Example pick 3 or pick 10 in a 12 team draft. In round 6 let's say you've picked up a QB, 2RB, 2WR and a TE. It's your pick at 6.10 There are picks 6.11, 6.12, 7.01, 7.02 to go before you pick again at 7.03. You can use the DD to review those teams rosters. If they both have 4RB's already and only 1 WR, you may want to hold off drafting a RB with this pick and take the WR you want. That WR will not be available after the next 4 picks but the RB will very likely be there. Being able to monitor other teams rosters is very valuable. Especially if you waited on a QB as well.

another great way the DD helps with strategy during the draft.

 

[SCT]

I don't. Because I own a MAC. I find it baffling/frustrating that FBG's still hasn't made a MAC version.

 

[solorca]

Ultimately I think the Team Stats window is the most important for helping you strategically during the draft. Being able to see how many players at each position have been taken at any given time allows you to predict position runs before they happen. This feature has helped me start numerous runs over the years instead of chasing them.

You've just sold me on using it this year. I have never even thought about the benefit of doing that, as I've typically tried to track it myself (usually with very little luck).

 

[eoMMan]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.

I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

I don't. Because I own a MAC. I find it baffling/frustrating that FBG's still hasn't made a MAC version.

They have.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

You can use the "guidance" as much or as little as you want. As I said earlier, I don't really use the DD for advice, I just use it to keep track of the draft as it happens. Immensely useful just for that reason. You can also do all your own research, import all of your own projections, customize your own baselines, enter your own player notes, etc.

 

[rizzler]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

why would you waste your time keeping track of how many players of each position are gone when the program has it infront of you at all times?Noone KNOWS where a player will be taken, etc etc... Using the DD to make your team is where I have a problem, that onus should be on you. As for keeping tabs, predicting runs etc... DD is clutch

 

[SCT]

I don't. Because I own a MAC. I find it baffling/frustrating that FBG's still hasn't made a MAC version.

They have.

Oh. My. God.My bad, I guess I didn't scroll down far enough under tools links or something.

THANKS

 

[kylechoffman]

I have used it for every non dynasty draft for the past few years, especially now that all of those leagues are on ESPN. I find it useful for a lot of reasons:

[*]1 - Keep track of all team rosters. This is very useful if you pick close to the tail end of a round and can plan your pick based on what you think the other teams will take.

[*]2 - Find value when players are dropping. DD points out value as we all know and this has proven to be very useful vs a magazine.

[*]3 - As stated, we use ESPN and their rankings differ entirely from other sites. A lot of our owners tend to draft based on ESPN recommendations so if I am targeting a few players in a specific round and I know espn ranks one of them very low, I can change my pick and hope that player drops to me in the next round.

[*]4 - Knowing what is available based on my rankings - espn or other sites are sometimes hard to navigate to find your player so having something you can step through as the drafgt unfolds is useful

 

[Chaka]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

I'm not sure what you mean. I don't see how using a VBD means that you are doing more research. Personally I configure my player projections in a VBD (see my post above) and import them into the DD.

 

[eoMMan]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

I'm not sure what you mean. I don't see how using a VBD means that you are doing more research. Personally I configure my player projections in a VBD (see my post above) and import them into the DD.

That's cool. I was mostly talking about using FBG projections with the DD and having them basically run your draft.

 

[Chaka]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

I'm not sure what you mean. I don't see how using a VBD means that you are doing more research. Personally I configure my player projections in a VBD (see my post above) and import them into the DD.

That's cool. I was mostly talking about using FBG projections with the DD and having them basically run your draft.

I am sure there are plenty of people who choose to use the DD as a glorified magazine. I actually like it when other guys in my league have the DD because I know they just use the given projections which gives me insight into how they value players.

 

[eoMMan]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

I'm not sure what you mean. I don't see how using a VBD means that you are doing more research. Personally I configure my player projections in a VBD (see my post above) and import them into the DD.

That's cool. I was mostly talking about using FBG projections with the DD and having them basically run your draft.

I am sure there are plenty of people who choose to use the DD as a glorified magazine. I actually like it when other guys in my league have the DD because I know they just use the given projections which gives me insight into how they value players.

I hear ya. I just think that people should take ownership with their team and have fun with it. If you think Rivers will have a better year than Vick and both are staring at you with DD screaming take Vick, you should take Rivers, imo. It's your team.

 

[Nate]

I use it in a few keep-3 auction leagues. I carefully adjust baseline values according to past draft habits in each league. I move the keepers to each team (and DD updates projected auction values accordingly). I adjust the weights of key weeks in the season - I generally don't have much problem making the playoffs in the formats I play in so I bump up the values of weeks 14-16 slightly.

During the draft I use it to track the available players, the rosters of the teams in my league, and their budgets. DD updates projected auction values for the remaining available players based on the money spent and the scarcity at each position.

It's a great tool for straight drafts but I actually think DD is even better for auctions.

 

[Imagine]

I keep these windows open during the draft:

Draft Status

Player Pool

Best Value Pick

Team Stats

Team Data

Ultimately I think the Team Stats window is the most important for helping you strategically during the draft. Being able to see how many players at each position have been taken at any given time allows you to predict position runs before they happen. This feature has helped me start numerous runs over the years instead of chasing them.

I have been using the DD for years and I customize the heck out of it to fit my league tendencies. Instead of predicting yardage, TDs, receptions etc. I use my historical league data for projections. For example I know that in my league the #1 RB typically finishes with 272 points on the season (#2 - 231 points, #3 - 225 points etc.). I have this data for every player in my league (easy with MFL and basic Excel knowledge) no need for tweaking tons of projections with this method. I also have historical draft data for my league so I can configure my VBD baselines to emulate my league tendencies (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). This is a lot of work to set up initially but after you set it up once it is pretty much a 30 minute cut & paste project in subsequent seasons.

We also use the DD to project the draft board on the big screen television (dual screen mode).

Honestly you can customize the DD as much or as little as you want but it is a very robust program and is worth exploring. I can't imagine drafting without it.

Chaka - Enjoy your posts. Regarding the bolded above, can you explain, or maybe send me to posts, that describe what you do? I have historical data, but don't use VBD much...would like to. Thx.

 

[saintsfan1977]

Anyone think the DD is a little too much as far as guidance goes? I mean, shouldn't there be some responsibility on your part to do your research and keeping track on where players should be going, who's been drafted, etc.I like the VBD Excel spreadsheets. Those are awesome.

I do my research so that when DD says take player A, I can decide that player B is in a better offense, easier schedule etc. The SOS is based on last year. I dont worry about it a whole lot because the top 5 will likely stay in the top 10, but there are defenses in the bottom half that could be top 5 this year. In reality it's all a giant crapshoot. It's pure luck to win it all. The strategy involved will help you along the way but its better to be lucky than to be good. I have never won it all despite having the most dominant team in the regular season. It seemed like when I got in the playoffs my team would crap the bed. I come close to winning it all but fail every time.With that said there is no better tool to draft with than the DD and I will always use it.

 

[solorca]

The biggest issues I've dealt with when dealing with DD is that ADP is a very useful tool and the default settings don't take PPR's into account. I have been able to adjust the numbers based on the ADP files that are included in the program, but for some reason, that always gives problems and it will try to get me to take Vince Young in the 2nd round, or Devin Hester as my number one WR.

 

[Chaka]

I keep these windows open during the draft:

Draft Status

Player Pool

Best Value Pick

Team Stats

Team Data

Ultimately I think the Team Stats window is the most important for helping you strategically during the draft. Being able to see how many players at each position have been taken at any given time allows you to predict position runs before they happen. This feature has helped me start numerous runs over the years instead of chasing them.

I have been using the DD for years and I customize the heck out of it to fit my league tendencies. Instead of predicting yardage, TDs, receptions etc. I use my historical league data for projections. For example I know that in my league the #1 RB typically finishes with 272 points on the season (#2 - 231 points, #3 - 225 points etc.). I have this data for every player in my league (easy with MFL and basic Excel knowledge) no need for tweaking tons of projections with this method. I also have historical draft data for my league so I can configure my VBD baselines to emulate my league tendencies (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). This is a lot of work to set up initially but after you set it up once it is pretty much a 30 minute cut & paste project in subsequent seasons.

We also use the DD to project the draft board on the big screen television (dual screen mode).

Honestly you can customize the DD as much or as little as you want but it is a very robust program and is worth exploring. I can't imagine drafting without it.

Chaka - Enjoy your posts. Regarding the bolded above, can you explain, or maybe send me to posts, that describe what you do? I have historical data, but don't use VBD much...would like to. Thx.

I principally use this for mock drafts. The simple version is that I look at the top 100 players drafted each season and break down how many players are taken at each position within the first 100 picks (e.g. 22 QBs, 32 RBs, 32 WR, 8 TE, 4 D, 2 K) and input those numbers in the VBD baseline section of the DD (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). The numbers will need to be tweaked a little but you get the idea.This helps the DD more properly emulate your league for mock drafts. It only holds up for about 6-7 rounds but that is more than enough value for a decent mock draft (the later rounds are just too difficult to try to predict). It can also provide a very marginal amount of insight during the early rounds of your draft but I honestly don't pay attention to the DD recommendations during the draft.

 

[Saint]

I've been using the DD since it was first released and I can't see drafting without it. Here are the windows I use:

Player Pool

Team Stats

Team Data

Best Value

GamebyGame

Like Chaka, I believe the Team Stats is hands down the absolute best strategy window. While DD gives you ADP and an idea of best value pick, I use team stats to forecast what the needs of the other teams between my picks are looking at. Then I may choose to wait on a player because the likelihood of those other teams choosing that position is slim to nil. I use Best Value as kind of a gauge based on drop values. If I am debating between taking players at various spots, sometimes the dropoff values help me gauge which direction to go.

One of the features I started using last year and I will definitely use again this year is GamebyGame. Not so much for forecasting how you will compete against other teams, but rather for the week weighting and the Complementary player information on the bottom. I weight my division games and playoff games at a higher weight than other games. This causes slight deviation in your cheat sheet based on matchups. Now while I agree with not using SOS to a great extent, I ratchet down the weight on SOS to about 40% of usage. Chances are teams that had good D's last year, will still be good this year, but by weighting at 40%, you're not "overvaluing" the defenses. Once I have my key starters in place and I am looking at backups, I use the "Complementary" functions to assess best complementary player to my team. I have found this to be extremely helpful. Then I can use the notes in the Player Pool to outline the best complementary fit. Lot you can do with the DD and every year I learn a bit more. Needless to say, I have had good results using the DD this way.

 

[Imagine]

I keep these windows open during the draft:

Draft Status

Player Pool

Best Value Pick

Team Stats

Team Data

Ultimately I think the Team Stats window is the most important for helping you strategically during the draft. Being able to see how many players at each position have been taken at any given time allows you to predict position runs before they happen. This feature has helped me start numerous runs over the years instead of chasing them.

I have been using the DD for years and I customize the heck out of it to fit my league tendencies. Instead of predicting yardage, TDs, receptions etc. I use my historical league data for projections. For example I know that in my league the #1 RB typically finishes with 272 points on the season (#2 - 231 points, #3 - 225 points etc.). I have this data for every player in my league (easy with MFL and basic Excel knowledge) no need for tweaking tons of projections with this method. I also have historical draft data for my league so I can configure my VBD baselines to emulate my league tendencies (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). This is a lot of work to set up initially but after you set it up once it is pretty much a 30 minute cut & paste project in subsequent seasons.

We also use the DD to project the draft board on the big screen television (dual screen mode).

Honestly you can customize the DD as much or as little as you want but it is a very robust program and is worth exploring. I can't imagine drafting without it.

Chaka - Enjoy your posts. Regarding the bolded above, can you explain, or maybe send me to posts, that describe what you do? I have historical data, but don't use VBD much...would like to. Thx.

I principally use this for mock drafts. The simple version is that I look at the top 100 players drafted each season and break down how many players are taken at each position within the first 100 picks (e.g. 22 QBs, 32 RBs, 32 WR, 8 TE, 4 D, 2 K) and input those numbers in the VBD baseline section of the DD (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). The numbers will need to be tweaked a little but you get the idea.This helps the DD more properly emulate your league for mock drafts. It only holds up for about 6-7 rounds but that is more than enough value for a decent mock draft (the later rounds are just too difficult to try to predict). It can also provide a very marginal amount of insight during the early rounds of your draft but I honestly don't pay attention to the DD recommendations during the draft.

Thanks Chaka. I did as you suggested, using my history for the first 8 rounds (96 players drafted), and see that the VBD baselines change. For example, at QB, "zero" VBD is now the 10th QB (Romo and Rivers), who both have "0" as their VBD number. Using Joe's secret formula, it was one more, or Schaub at 11 with VBD=0. Similar results with the other positions. Since the VBD is a relative number, I'm not sure how this helps me with my mock drafts or real drafts. Any more suggestions on what I should review or study? Thx again.

 

[notdarkyet]

About 5-7 rounds into the draft I start weighting the playoff weeks, or if targeting a particular position, bye weeks that are relevant.

 

[zed2283]

Just clicked "Get Latest Projections" and got the following error: Invalid Projections File Format - Bad or missing Header Line.

I now show Derek Anderson as the top QB. Draft is tomorrow! HELP!!!!!!!

 

[glong989]

The biggest issues I've dealt with when dealing with DD is that ADP is a very useful tool and the default settings don't take PPR's into account. I have been able to adjust the numbers based on the ADP files that are included in the program, but for some reason, that always gives problems and it will try to get me to take Vince Young in the 2nd round, or Devin Hester as my number one WR.

Have you gone to File > Setup and edited the scoring settings for your league file? Sounds like your file is messed up and some of the scoring is not correct. You can add PPR in there quite easily and it will change the rankings for sure.

 

[-jb-]

I principally use this for mock drafts. The simple version is that I look at the top 100 players drafted each season and break down how many players are taken at each position within the first 100 picks (e.g. 22 QBs, 32 RBs, 32 WR, 8 TE, 4 D, 2 K) and input those numbers in the VBD baseline section of the DD (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). The numbers will need to be tweaked a little but you get the idea.This helps the DD more properly emulate your league for mock drafts. It only holds up for about 6-7 rounds but that is more than enough value for a decent mock draft (the later rounds are just too difficult to try to predict). It can also provide a very marginal amount of insight during the early rounds of your draft but I honestly don't pay attention to the DD recommendations during the draft.

Not sure I understand this, so I'll explain the data I have. Maybe you or someone else can guide me here. I keep a separate spreadsheet that I have always wanted to integrate into DD. Utilizing past draft info, I have recorded every pick for the last five years. I know how many picks of each position get drafted in each round (on average). I know general tendencies of leaguemates (always goes RB/RB/WR/WR, or takes a QB in the second, etc.). I know that QBs consistently go one round earlier than the FBG ADP. So, based on all of this information, I can create a very league-specific ADP each year. However, I'm not clear how you use the User Configurable Baseline to bring this information into DD in a meaningful way. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

[solorca]

The biggest issues I've dealt with when dealing with DD is that ADP is a very useful tool and the default settings don't take PPR's into account. I have been able to adjust the numbers based on the ADP files that are included in the program, but for some reason, that always gives problems and it will try to get me to take Vince Young in the 2nd round, or Devin Hester as my number one WR.

Have you gone to File > Setup and edited the scoring settings for your league file? Sounds like your file is messed up and some of the scoring is not correct. You can add PPR in there quite easily and it will change the rankings for sure.

It changes the rankings, but it doesn't change the ADP data. I can get the ADP data, but it typically causes problems.

 

[Saint]

Not sure I understand this, so I'll explain the data I have. Maybe you or someone else can guide me here. I keep a separate spreadsheet that I have always wanted to integrate into DD. Utilizing past draft info, I have recorded every pick for the last five years. I know how many picks of each position get drafted in each round (on average). I know general tendencies of leaguemates (always goes RB/RB/WR/WR, or takes a QB in the second, etc.). I know that QBs consistently go one round earlier than the FBG ADP. So, based on all of this information, I can create a very league-specific ADP each year. However, I'm not clear how you use the User Configurable Baseline to bring this information into DD in a meaningful way.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Check out this link: Optimizing the Dominator

 

[The Jerk]

I keep these windows open during the draft:

Draft Status

Player Pool

Best Value Pick

Team Stats

Team Data

Ultimately I think the Team Stats window is the most important for helping you strategically during the draft. Being able to see how many players at each position have been taken at any given time allows you to predict position runs before they happen. This feature has helped me start numerous runs over the years instead of chasing them.

I have been using the DD for years and I customize the heck out of it to fit my league tendencies. Instead of predicting yardage, TDs, receptions etc. I use my historical league data for projections. For example I know that in my league the #1 RB typically finishes with 272 points on the season (#2 - 231 points, #3 - 225 points etc.). I have this data for every player in my league (easy with MFL and basic Excel knowledge) no need for tweaking tons of projections with this method. I also have historical draft data for my league so I can configure my VBD baselines to emulate my league tendencies (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). This is a lot of work to set up initially but after you set it up once it is pretty much a 30 minute cut & paste project in subsequent seasons.

We also use the DD to project the draft board on the big screen television (dual screen mode).

Honestly you can customize the DD as much or as little as you want but it is a very robust program and is worth exploring. I can't imagine drafting without it.

Chaka - Enjoy your posts. Regarding the bolded above, can you explain, or maybe send me to posts, that describe what you do? I have historical data, but don't use VBD much...would like to. Thx.

I principally use this for mock drafts. The simple version is that I look at the top 100 players drafted each season and break down how many players are taken at each position within the first 100 picks (e.g. 22 QBs, 32 RBs, 32 WR, 8 TE, 4 D, 2 K) and input those numbers in the VBD baseline section of the DD (File-->Setup-->VBD Baseline). The numbers will need to be tweaked a little but you get the idea.This helps the DD more properly emulate your league for mock drafts. It only holds up for about 6-7 rounds but that is more than enough value for a decent mock draft (the later rounds are just too difficult to try to predict). It can also provide a very marginal amount of insight during the early rounds of your draft but I honestly don't pay attention to the DD recommendations during the draft.

Thanks Chaka. I did as you suggested, using my history for the first 8 rounds (96 players drafted), and see that the VBD baselines change. For example, at QB, "zero" VBD is now the 10th QB (Romo and Rivers), who both have "0" as their VBD number. Using Joe's secret formula, it was one more, or Schaub at 11 with VBD=0. Similar results with the other positions. Since the VBD is a relative number, I'm not sure how this helps me with my mock drafts or real drafts. Any more suggestions on what I should review or study? Thx again.

Be careful about using league history as inputs to the VBD baseline. For me, at least the way I did it, I found that changing VBD to represent my league's tendencies pushed the relative value of players toward the league consensus and away from the combination of DD projections and Joe's VBD baseline. I believe that using league history for VBD baselines is more useful if you are wishing to use DD as a predictive tool of what other teams will do than using it to advise you in your draft selections.Just my impression of its experience in my drafts.

I utilize league tendencies in my preparation so that I know roughly the number of players at each position that will typically be drafted for each of my first 8 selections. This gives me an idea of when to select certain players I see as standing out in value above their ADP. Of course, knowing WR 22 typically is drafted in round 4 or whatever doesn't mean that the 22 WRs drafted by them will be the same as my top 22, but it's only a tool.

I have had best results with using a printed out version of the DD player pool informed by predictions from multiple sources (not just FBG) and heavily adjusted by my own "tiering" process, along with a printed out blank spreadsheet-like tracker for opponents. I find that I can get too engrossed with the minutia in DD and not pay enough attention to the draft itself. Oh, and in my main league, I'm also the Commissioner running a separate (custom-made) excel/VBA draft program that is projected onto a roughly 9' x 6' screen for all to see. I really don't want to have two computers going on top of trying to get a feel for the flow of the draft, so my approach is a combination of many factors.

 

[CravenM]

1) The best reason is to help you not overlook players - esp #1 WRs that guys want to stay around (like Bengals, Browns, etc).

2) For dynasty leagues without separate rookie drafts, you have to evaluate rookie placement while still staying competitive in the present year. For instance, do you take Mark Ingram in the 1st/2nd or is he going to split time too much?

3) Plan for the bye weeks and playoffs. For instance, make sure you don't your backup QB that has the same bye week as your primary.

4) Keep up with your opponents' rosters and realize that if they are already filled up on certain positions, they'll probably be taking others sooner or prematurely. It's possible to beat them to the punch and then they'll make a bad move.

and most importantly

5) When you're getting your drink on 3 hours into the draft and can't focus on the draft board nor your papers, ask your magic computer what to do.