My first live draft this season was Sunday (1 Viewer)

[Cyclones]

I had done 6 mocks leading up to our live draft yesterday but none of them even remotely turned out like my actual draft did, which kind of messed up my strategy. I had guys identified who I had thought would be gone and available (4-5 at every pick) but it didnt quite turn out that way. I drew the first pick - first time in a long time I have owned it, but didnt really want it this year.

We start 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 1 DST, 1 K. Max roster size is 16.

10 Team League in our 9th year

Standard Performance Scoring

1 pt/20 yards passing

1 pt/10 yards rush/receive

1 pt/2 receptions

All TDs six points

-2 INT/Fumble

I went back and forth between ADP and Foster for the last week - worried about Foster's hammy but after seeing him the other night go 5/47/2 TDs and looking great, I decided on Foster on Sunday morning.

My strategy was to follow this up with either WR/WR (was hoping some combo of Jennings/Fitz/CJ/VJax would be there) or to go QB/WR if Vick or Rodgers was there.

Between 1 and 20, there were 4 QBs taken (Rodgers at 9, Vick at 14, Brady at 16,Rivers at 19) along with several wideouts. When 20 came around, Jennings/VJax/White/Calvin were all gone but Fitz was still there - as was McFadden. I could have reached for Manning here to go with Fitz, but decided I couldnt pass on McFadden at 20. So after 3 rounds -

RB Foster, McFadden

WR Fitzgerald

At this point my strategy was to wait on a QB when the 40/41 turn hit, figuring the best available at that point might be Big Ben/Freeman or someone like that. Romo and Manning also fell of the board before my next pick, but Schaub was still there. Gates, Witten, Clark and V Davis had been taken by this point as well, so with my 4th and 5th pick I want Finley/Schaub. Not sure what to think at this point as the draft has gone nothing like I expected.

QB Schaub

RB Foster, McFadden

WR Fitzgerald

TE Finley

I knew I needed some depth at the skill positions - along with a 2nd starting WR at the next turn. I reached a bit for Manningham and couldnt turn down another starting RB when Lynch was still available. I figure I can play matchups and swap Lynch out at the flex spot with the next WR I grab - which turned out to be Lance Moore in the 8th - I took Jerome Harrison along with him - hoping that at some point Best gets nicked up or the concussions bother him. So after 9 rounds

QB Schaub

RB Foster, McFadden, Lynch, J. Harrison

WR Fitzgerald, Manningham, L. Moore

TE Finley

At this point I was after depth and the best available defense and kicker in the 14th and 15th rounds. I took Bradford next as a backup QB, followed by Mike Thomas, Britt, Pettigrew, Ravens D, Kaeding, and finished the draft off with Ronnie Brown. So, overall my team ended like this

QB Schaub, Bradford

RB Foster, McFadden, Lynch, J Harrison, R Brown

WR Fitzgerald, Manningham, Moore, Britt, Thomas

TE Finley, Pettigrew

DST Ravens

K Kaeding

Overall I am probably a 7.5/10 on the satisfied scale. I had planned to really load up on WR but the QB/WR run in the 2nd round pretty much forced my hand on McFadden. Not thrilled with Manningham as a #2, although perhaps I can play matchups with he and Moore. I'm also a little concerned about the Schaub/Foster combo - if the Texans lay an egg I'm likely cooked.

This was the first year I have done mocks and felt more prepared than ever coming into the draft, but the curveballs I was thrown had me adjusting my strategy each round and I feel I may have done better had I just gone in blind. Anyone have any experience doing a bunch of mocks only to have their actual draft turn out very different?

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Nice draft IMO. I think you should give yourself higher than 7.5/10. Probably 8.5 or 9. You have depth at all positions except maybe WR. If Britt is suspended, that adds a bit of stress but I do think Manningham will perform well this year.

Unless there were a couple of couple idiots in your draft, I'd be surprised to see a team that is much better than this one in your league.

 

[timschochet]

My draft was last night as well. Ten team league, I drew 10th. And Chris Johnson was still there, so...

Chris Johnson

Andre Johnson

Ahmed Bradshaw

Tony Romo

Michael Ingram

Jermichael Finley

Brandon Lloyd

Beanie Wells

Danny Amendola

Reggie Bush

Javon Ringer

Benjarvus Green-Ellis

Greg Little

Denarius Moore

Suisham

Lions

Feeling pretty good about it. I never would have considered Little or Moore at the end of the draft without Footballguys. FBG also really convinced me to take Ingram. I never draft a backup QB or tight end, figuring I can also pick them up in waivers later on whenever I have to.

 

[Cyclones]

My draft was last night as well. Ten team league, I drew 10th. And Chris Johnson was still there, so...Chris JohnsonAndre JohnsonAhmed BradshawTony RomoMichael IngramJermichael FinleyBrandon LloydBeanie WellsDanny AmendolaReggie BushJavon RingerBenjarvus Green-EllisGreg LittleDenarius MooreSuishamLionsFeeling pretty good about it. I never would have considered Little or Moore at the end of the draft without Footballguys. FBG also really convinced me to take Ingram. I never draft a backup QB or tight end, figuring I can also pick them up in waivers later on whenever I have to.

Assuming CJ doesnt miss any games, the CJ/AJ picks on the turn were extremely good. Also love BJGE in the 12th round. Not sure about Michael Ingram, assuming you mean Mark. If a clear #1 could ever emerge in New Orleans it would be a potent guy to have.

 

[glong989]

I had the same thing happen to me.

Countless mocks at the 7 slot out of 10 owners. Planned on using upside down strategy and at least starting out with 2 WRs. Well, I took Andre first and then the choice was Megatron or Vick in the 2nd. I reluctantly took Vick. When it got back around to me in the third Forte was still there so I took him and then Best was still there in the fourth. I then took Witten in the 5th, Ingram in the 6th and Collie in the 7th. So, I planned on taking two WRs in the first two rounds and ended up not getting my second WR until the 7th..big change in plans..

Your mocks give you an idea of who you can get an where, but unless your league is all using the same rankings and mocks then it's going to be different every time. Value at RB dropped to me so I abandoned my initial plan. I think unless you know your league members extremely well and have drafted with them multiple years in a row that it's best to go in with an open mind as to your approach and not paint yourself in a corner position wise as value usually will drop to you at a position.

 

[[icon]]

Live drafts are fantastic. I actually got stuck with Sanchez as a QB1 in a 16 teamer this weekend.

Story : I was drafting 13th of 16. Everyone but one player before me had QB's and it was the 6th round coming back. No way was I burning a 6th round pick on the likes of Kolb/Flacco... plus there's no chance people will already be drafting backup QBs in the 6th/7th right? Wrong. about half the 12 teams grab backup QBs over that 24 pick span before it gets back to me.

Tis okay as the value I grabbed will more than overcome my starting QB deficiency and i'll only need 1 or 2 of my late round gambles to pay off to provide trade fodder for a QB upgrade for the stretch run.

 

[wraith5]

Live draft #1 last night. 7 spot, 12 team PPR (2RB, 3WR, 1TE, 1 FLEX)

L McCoy

P Hillis

T Romo

J Best

A Boldin

M Thomas

O Daniels

L Moore

R Gronkowski

M Sims-Walker

M Stafford

J Simpson (CIN)

M Williams (SEA)

G Hartley

Detroit D/ST

Not the way I drew it up, but the way it played out.

 

[[icon]]

This is a solid thread topic that is rapidly turning into a RATE MY TEAM PLEASE!!!1!! thread.

Gonna get it locked up....

 

[Cyclones]

This is a solid thread topic that is rapidly turning into a RATE MY TEAM PLEASE!!!1!! thread. Gonna get it locked up....

Yeah Icon - I was trying to generate discussion over mocks vs actual drafts since its something I did for the first time this year. A few respondents have followed suit. Gotta love Sanchez as QB1

 

[RUSF18]

At this point I was after depth and the best available defense and kicker in the 14th and 15th rounds. I took Bradford next as a backup QB, followed by Mike Thomas, Britt, Pettigrew, Ravens D, Kaeding, and finished the draft off with Ronnie Brown. So, overall my team ended like thisQB Schaub, BradfordRB Foster, McFadden, Lynch, J Harrison, R BrownWR Fitzgerald, Manningham, Moore, Britt, ThomasTE Finley, PettigrewDST RavensK KaedingOverall I am probably a 7.5/10 on the satisfied scale. I had planned to really load up on WR but the QB/WR run in the 2nd round pretty much forced my hand on McFadden. Not thrilled with Manningham as a #2, although perhaps I can play matchups with he and Moore. I'm also a little concerned about the Schaub/Foster combo - if the Texans lay an egg I'm likely cooked. This was the first year I have done mocks and felt more prepared than ever coming into the draft, but the curveballs I was thrown had me adjusting my strategy each round and I feel I may have done better had I just gone in blind. Anyone have any experience doing a bunch of mocks only to have their actual draft turn out very different?

I know there are some legit issues there, but Britt sliding down to #120 overall?? I'd start him over Manningham/Moore easily.

 

[wraith5]

This is a solid thread topic that is rapidly turning into a RATE MY TEAM PLEASE!!!1!! thread. Gonna get it locked up....

Not sure how I share the results of my draft without it looking like a "rate my team" request? 12 team, 15 rounds: #1 - 9 RB, 3 WR #2 - 5 RB, 3 WR, 4 QB #3 - 0 RB, 7 WR, 3 QB, 2 TE #4 - 4 RB, 4 WR, 1 QB, 3 TE (incl. Gates for the guy who took D Clark in the 3rd) #5 - 5 RB, 7 WR #6 - 4 RB, 7 WR, 1 QB #7 - 6 RB, 3 WR, 1 QB, 3 TE ... Not sure that's helpful?

 

[[icon]]

This is a solid thread topic that is rapidly turning into a RATE MY TEAM PLEASE!!!1!! thread. Gonna get it locked up....

Not sure how I share the results of my draft without it looking like a "rate my team" request? 12 team, 15 rounds: #1 - 9 RB, 3 WR #2 - 5 RB, 3 WR, 4 QB #3 - 0 RB, 7 WR, 3 QB, 2 TE #4 - 4 RB, 4 WR, 1 QB, 3 TE (incl. Gates for the guy who took D Clark in the 3rd) #5 - 5 RB, 7 WR #6 - 4 RB, 7 WR, 1 QB #7 - 6 RB, 3 WR, 1 QB, 3 TE ... Not sure that's helpful?

I'm not sure how simply posting your roster is accomplishing anything. Notice how the OP posted the thought process and round by round details on how it shook out, what he was thinking, what was unexpected, etc? That's a nice way to break down the draft and cover the topic of how drafts can unravel differently than you expect.I don't personally care... just pointing out something that might get the thread shut down or moved.

 

[Wild Young Billy]

This is a solid thread topic that is rapidly turning into a RATE MY TEAM PLEASE!!!1!! thread.

Gonna get it locked up....

No it wasn't.

 

[butcher boy]

This is a solid thread topic that is rapidly turning into a RATE MY TEAM PLEASE!!!1!! thread. Gonna get it locked up....

Not sure how I share the results of my draft without it looking like a "rate my team" request? 12 team, 15 rounds: #1 - 9 RB, 3 WR #2 - 5 RB, 3 WR, 4 QB #3 - 0 RB, 7 WR, 3 QB, 2 TE #4 - 4 RB, 4 WR, 1 QB, 3 TE (incl. Gates for the guy who took D Clark in the 3rd) #5 - 5 RB, 7 WR #6 - 4 RB, 7 WR, 1 QB #7 - 6 RB, 3 WR, 1 QB, 3 TE ... Not sure that's helpful?

I'm not sure how simply posting your roster is accomplishing anything. Notice how the OP posted the thought process and round by round details on how it shook out, what he was thinking, what was unexpected, etc? That's a nice way to break down the draft and cover the topic of how drafts can unravel differently than you expect.I don't personally care... just pointing out something that might get the thread shut down or moved.

So are detailed draft result threads like this ok to post here? Serious question because I like reading them over traditional rate my team posts. I also love typing out my thought process.

 

[[icon]]

So are detailed draft result threads like this ok to post here? Serious question because I like reading them over traditional rate my team posts. I also love typing out my thought process.

I'm not a mod so i don't have any say. However, in the past threads like this (most of the posts anyway) that provide some insight into the thought process and whatnot usually far quite well (and are usually great reading IMO).

 

[mcintyre1]

I also had my first live draft of the year on Sunday, but I was drafting at the end of the round (9/10).

6pts all TDs, 1 PPR, 1pt/20 yards passing, 1pt/10 yards receiving/rushing, 1pt/20 yards returning kicks/punts

Starting rosters are 1 QB, 1 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 3 FLEX, 1 K, 1 DEF -- 20 players total

Going in, I wanted to grab 2 of CJ, Fitz, Roddy, and AJ with my first two picks, but as we all know, plans do not equal reality. I planned to wait and catch value on RB, QBs, and TEs, and load up on productive WRs.

I grabbed CJ as the 2nd receiver off the board (Fitz went earlier), but then Mr. 10 spot ruined my plans by taking Roddy and AJ. Honestly, I hadn't game planned for this because I thought that, given what I knew of my leaguemates, there was little chance for all 4 of those WRs to be gone before I went through my first turn. Looking over the remaining RBs, I felt that I should take the chance now to grab a top RB and could wait on grabbing more WRs.

RB Darren McFadden

WR Calvin Johnson

As I anticipated, there was a run on RBs and the remaining top tier QBs immediately after my picks, so as I came to my next turn there was a solid group of receivers still on the board, so I grabbed another receiver and my first flex starter.

RB Darren McFadden

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings

As the draft approached my third turn, my efforts at WR did not go unnoticed, triggering a run of WRs (Tampa Bay Mike, DJax, Lloyd, Dez, Maclin, Marshall, Bowe, Ochocinco (?)). I had hoped to grab one of those guys, but the run left good RB value, so I grabbed my 2nd RB, and another WR that shouldn't have been on the board.

RB Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson

Entering Round 7, the time had come to grab my QB. At this point, 8 of the 10 teams had taken their first QB and based on their rosters, I knew the 2nd QB run would be coming shortly. I'd been eyeing Ryan throughout his slide, almost pulling the trigger a couple of times earlier in the draft, but I'm glad I waited. I couldn't have been much happier with a QB with that upside in round 7. In round 8, I find great value in my lap with Santana Moss, and my WR group continues to expand.

QB Matt Ryan

RB Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss

At this point, we begin to separate who has done their homework and who hasn't. I panic a bit in the 9th after Stafford, Schaub, and Freeman all go before my pick, eliminating 3 of my top sleeper QB choices and end up taking Kevin Kolb. Coming back around in the 10th, I grab Beanie Wells.

QB Matt Ryan, Kevin Kolb

RB Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams, Chris Wells

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss

By round 11, I'm not feeling great about my options at RB or WR. I have a bunch of TEs that I want, but they'd be reaches here, so I say "**** it" and grab the highest upside guys on my board -- Sam Bradford and Michael Crabtree. I know, a third QB before my first TE, but when I'm taking the "upside" approach to QB, I'd feel safer with 3. options.

QB Matt Ryan, Kevin Kolb, Sam Bradford

RB Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams, Chris Wells

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss, Michael Crabtree

Round 13, time for my first TE. Greg Olsen got poached from me a few rounds ago, so I pickup Jared Cook as my first lottery ticket. Round 14 gives me Tim Hightower, who curiously becomes the 3rd Redskins RB off the board with Helu and Torain pre-ceding him.

QB Matt Ryan, Kevin Kolb, Sam Bradford

RB Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams, Chris Wells, Tim Hightower

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss, Michael Crabtree

TE Jared Cook

At this point, enough TEs have gone off the table that I decide to lock up a few more of my high upside lotto picks with Lance Kendricks and Marcedes Lewis.

QB Matt Ryan, Kevin Kolb, Sam Bradford

RB Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams, Chris Wells, Tim Hightower

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss, Michael Crabtree

TE Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Marcedes Lewis

With four rounds to go, I've got two spaces left for the lotto and 2 for my K and Defense, so its decision time. I've got Antonio Brown, Devin Hester (return yardage league), and Denarius Moore at the top of my list for those two spots. In the end, I go with Moore and Hester, as Sander's return worries me about Brown. I finish off with a random kicker and the Chargers defense.

QB Matt Ryan, Kevin Kolb, Sam Bradford

RB Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams, Chris Wells, Tim Hightower

WR Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss, Michael Crabtree, Devin Hester, Denarius Moore

TE Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Marcedes Lewis

K Josh Brown

DEF Chargers

Overall, I'm pretty ecstatic with the receiver group I was able to put together despite not fulfilling my main draft goal heading in. Just goes to show you that you can't predict the draft before it starts, no matter how many mocks you do.

 

[GregR]

...

Not sure how I share the results of my draft without it looking like a "rate my team" request?

...

I'm not sure how simply posting your roster is accomplishing anything. Notice how the OP posted the thought process and round by round details on how it shook out, what he was thinking, what was unexpected, etc? That's a nice way to break down the draft and cover the topic of how drafts can unravel differently than you expect.

I don't personally care... just pointing out something that might get the thread shut down or moved.

Excellent post icon. Just posting a final roster that you ended up with is not going to contribute very much. And yes, such threads may get moved so they don't push useful more useful threads off the front pages.

But what would be really useful to others is discussing what choices you were presented with, why you made the decisions you did, and how you feel about those decisions now that you can look back with hindsight. That is what will give others insight that they can apply in their own draft.

Just looking at a final roster, no one can tell whether you did a good job of maximizing value or not, nor can they tell what you wish you'd done differently that might help guide their own decisions.