Optimal way to manage a Dynasty Roster? (1 Viewer)

[Max Power]

This is my first year in a dynasty league and our inital draft just got underway. I was hoping to get some additional insights from some more experienced owners. Hopefully this post can be beneficial to others as well.

I'm curious to hear how others look at a 22 player roster. I assume to overall goal is to get a solid/comeptative team with about 15 roster spots and use the remaining for "project" players. This goes off a 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, Flex, TE, K, DEF starting format.

Would an owner be set going into a season with 4 startable RBs, 4 startable WRs, 2 Startable QBs, 2 startable TEs, a kicker and 2 solid D-units? Granted one of the remaining spots would have to be a "flexable spot" to work with the bye weeks.

Is it a smart play to stock up on young RB or QB talent? Granted some of you out there will sceam to stock up on young RB talent, but I personally feel like young RB talent is overrated. To get some of the tier 2-3 Rookie rbs, I have to use an early (top 7) round pick to grab a guy when there is still plenty of proven talent on the board at that point.

I'm thinking about investing heavily in young QB's in the early-middle rounds. Grabbing at least 3 early to mid 20s QB. (Quinn, Rodgers, Ryan, Campbell, Clemens, Lienart, A.Smith) I'll probably look to add a 1-2 vet later in the draft like Kitna, Delhomme, or Garcia. Would this be a solid strategy or something I should look to avoid?

I guess my biggest concern is that I have little to no idea how the FA pool will be in a dynasty league vs a redraft. In a Redraft if I need a bye week D or a bye week QB, there is probably a decent play out there. Now I am going from a 15 slot roster to a 22 slot roster. How hard are "startable" players going to be to come by in a dynasty?

Any reason to roster up to 3 defenses? How many "flexable spots" should I plan to keep open? Should I always keep a spot open for a deep sleeper a la Matt Moore, Tim Hightower, or Jason Hill?

Sorry if this seems like a lot of questions, but I just want to be prepared for anything I might run into down the road.

Hopefully this doesn't come off as too much of an Assistant Coach type question and this thread can generate a good discussion on this topic.

 

[fsufan]

i just try to get the best talent on my roster. if I get loaded at one position I try to trade to upgrade another position

 

[RavensUNFL]

I think you should have some idea of a gameplan and try to stick to it, don't change your strategy based on what other owners are doing unless you really feel it is a "must have" type player.

I personally don't really like the strategy on your QB's, I think owners sleep on QB's and how well the good ones score. Now if they start dropping in the 2nd round then I would not jump on one, but you take a guy like Big Ben (is only 26) or Romo (Is 28ish), you are going to get a lot very productive years out of those guys and you can still grab a young guy with potential later, but you have a locked in stud at QB.

I would not take more than 2 defenses personally and I would look at teams that consistently produce sacks and turnovers first, you also have to consider special teams if it is a defense/special team combo, you have to look at teams with big time return guys. (If only td's count, it is not nearly as important as having a dominant def imho)

What spot are you picking in? That will also determine how you pick I think, (is this 12 or 16 teams?), if you are picking 10-16 you may want to take a dominate wr'er over a 2nd tier RB, espcially if it is a PPR league, I would look at Fitz, B Edwards, Colston, A Johnson, B Marshall (Some risk with him due to his imaturity), over all but a few RB's personally if picking in the bottom part of the draft. If your starting Fitz and Andre Johnson and Big Ben every week your going to be in pretty good shape I think.

Obviously this is just MHO, by no means is it law or the "only" way to go about it. As i said before, decide on a plan and try to stick with it. Oh yeah, just because a guy is only a "kicker" doesn't mean it is a waste of a pick, I look at the team and the weather conditions a guy is going to be kicking in come december (FF playoff time), not saying jump on Folk in round 4, but don't take the last guy on the board either.

Best of luck.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I play in a keep 14, 22 man roster but with 3 WRs and 2 RBs + the flex. I'll tell you, even with the 3 WRs, there are NO RBs availabe on the waiver wire. If you want to be the guy who gets the Grant or Graham, you need to keep 4 open roster spots to pick up the backups every week someone gets hurt, or just be hella lucky. Even at that, you need a good waiver position, so yes, you need to get RBs. They don't all need to be young studs though. Don't be afraid to get the 29 year old and use him for 3 years while you find a replacement.

I'd like to say get your stud QB so you don't have to play all the matchup games, but that hasn't worked out so great for me with Palmer. I'd also like to tell you to get your stud WR, but L.Evans and Chad Johnson haven't done it for me either. I'll say QB is more important though, if you get the right one. You can get plenty of startable WRs if you're good at finding them, but you can't get a good QB after their gone, and drafting one could take up to 5 years to pan out. Last year, out champ won w/ guys like Reggie Brown, Bernard Berrian and Anthony Gonzales and had just acquired Wes Welker and Dwayne Bowe early that year.

Defenses and TEs will be available, as will kickers. It sure is nice to have good ones though. Just about everybody has a competitive TE, so don't sleep on them. I'd say, get two RBs and a WR in the 1st 4 rounds. Don't wait 'till after the 6th to get a QB or after the 7-8th for a TE. Defenses are so up and down, you can get a few of them, wait 'till just before the regular season and keep the best one or two. Use the extra roster spot from the D you dump on a WR that has come on to impress in the preseason.

Don't be afraid of age on your roster. If you have a T.O. that's only good for another two or three years, he's still good and you have two or three years to find his heir. Just be afraid of being full of age. You can replace one or two guys at a time, but you won't recover too quickly if you start losing multiple players for a couple years in a row. Keep the age a good mixture for a balanced rotation. 1st round rookie drafts are dominated by RBs because they're so scarce. Unless you pick top 3, you are trying to find a needle in a haystack like everyone else so be aggressive in trading up for who you want. I was and am still thrilled to have given up Lee Evans and two 1st round picks for the 1.01 and ADP last year.

Initial draft - if you're picking late in the 1st, RB value has already dropped off. Try to trade down and pick up some picks in the top 1/2 of the draft, where you'll still be getting your starting lineup filled in, or trade up into the top of the 1st to get a stud RB. Those types of guys are few and far between and you'll pay out the ### to get one later.

 

[jwb]

with 22 roster spots, you can't afford to carry 2 defenses. The good part is, nobody in your league can. There will be WW defenses.

QB is another story - you want a good qb. Not saying you have to go round 2 and get Brady / Manning, but getting one by round 6 (say Cutler or better) is a good thing.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

with 22 roster spots, you can't afford to carry 2 defenses. The good part is, nobody in your league can. There will be WW defenses.QB is another story - you want a good qb. Not saying you have to go round 2 and get Brady / Manning, but getting one by round 6 (say Cutler or better) is a good thing.

I may be alone on this, but I try to make sure that my top 6-7 players won't have any churn due to age for at least three years. I'd rather have a strong core and be building on it with any new talent I land than max out year one points without regard for years two or three. In a competitive league you'll be doing very well to obtain one new talented player per year via the draft or trades (RB1/2, WR1/2, QB1) - there will only be maybe 8-10 coming into the league each year. So the last thing I want to do is have to replace guys right away. The odds are good that you'll have to do it anyhow due to injury or suspension or poor QB play (for WRs), but having to find two or three starters in the 2nd year of a startup is going to be hard if the league's any good.

 

[gianmarco]

I have to say that I don't think there IS an optimal way. There are many different ways to approach a dynasty team and a startup draft. You are going to make mistakes and you have to realize this. You will learn from them and how to recover from them. And, if you've never done a dynasty before, an initial startup could prove to be a little difficult. I could tell you how "I" would do things, but that doesn't make it right and doesn't mean it's the only way. I will mention a few things and then you can decide how to approach them.

1. Do not underestimate the QB position. In a redraft, it's much easier to play QBBC or to pick up a QB off waivers and fill in. But, in a dynasty, getting a top notch QB is a HUGE advantage, IMO. Get one of the top 5-6 guys and hope they last. It is well worth the investment. I also suggest having at least 3 starters with 2 of them being guys you wouldn't mind starting. Bottomline, if you're someone that normally waits until later rounds to get "value" at the QB spot in a redraft, don't do that here. Those value plays change from year to year. Get yourself a guy that will last.

2. I disagree with some posters above that getting RB's is key. There is HUGE turnover at the RB position. Probably moreso than any other one. Go look at the top 10 RB's from just 2 and 3 yrs ago. Now look at the top WR's. It's also much easier to find a RB in a rookie draft the following year that starts right away. Not true for QB/WR/TE. This doesn't mean ignore RBs, but I personally like to focus on building a strong QB/WR base.

3. As I said above, getting WR's are important to me. You will see once you get started that it is very difficult to pry away the Waynes and Edwards and Colstons and AJs and Fitzgeralds from their owners. Look at how long Harrison and Holt and TO lasted and how well they produced year after year after year. Get as many of these as you can. My own strategy is to often trade OUT of the 1st round and pick up extra 2nd and 3rd round picks. This is how you can land 2-3 of these guys. Believe me, it's well worth it.

4. ALWAYS take the BPA. DO NOT look at bye weeks. DO NOT worry about filling starting spot. If you have 3 WRs and there's a WR that is clearly better than the RB's available, do not take the RB just because you need one more. If you have 2 QB's and there is tremendous value sitting there on a 3rd guy, take the 3rd QB. Take what is given to you.

5. At the same time, if you see a player falling and have a chance to go and get him at a reasonable price, do so. I personally do a lot of trading both before and during drafts. You don't have to go crazy, but if there is someone that is clearly more valuable than anything else left, do what you can to get him.

6. Similarly to what I said above, looking at ADP and other drafts is helpful, but don't get cute. If there is someone you want and there is a big space between where you pick now and when you pick again, take the player if it's someone you really like even if it's a little early.

7. There is a specific dropoff point in talent in every draft. Find out where it is and try to move an extra pick in there if possible, especially if you are just outside of it with one of your picks. The 6th and 7th and 8th rounds are notorious for talent that is relatively equal. You will see WR's go in the 8th that could arguably have been taken in the 6th and vice versa. No need to take the first of them. Move some of those 6th's and 7th's back and gain value elsewhere if possible.

8. Do not mortgage the present for the future. And vice versa. Some people overvalue youth, some undervalue it. Don't do either. You want "value" however you can get it. The premium is to get young players that are productive. But don't reach on a young player just because he's young when there is a more productive player out there.

Hope some of that helps.

 

[jwb]

1. Do not underestimate the QB position. In a redraft, it's much easier to play QBBC or to pick up a QB off waivers and fill in. But, in a dynasty, getting a top notch QB is a HUGE advantage, IMO. Get one of the top 5-6 guys and hope they last. It is well worth the investment. I also suggest having at least 3 starters with 2 of them being guys you wouldn't mind starting.

expanding on this, in a recent startup (that Gianmarco was in too), I got Palmer in the 5th (with my 7th pick!)I then sat for two rounds. When it came time for me to pick in the 8th, I really could have used a RB3. But there wasn't much left there (Fargas, P Thomas, etc - guys that I could get anytime in the next three rounds), so I went value instead of "need" and took Eli. Back to back QB picks, but I have Palmer and Eli - a very strong qb duo that really solidifies the postion for me.

 

[Riffraff]

1. Generally: Old WRs, young RBs, and mid aged QBs. Easy way to compete this year and in future years as well. Don't go overly old or overly young across the entire team.

2. Draft best player available regardless of position. Can always trade producers later.

3. Let some other owner be the league's minor league squad. You know the squad that has all the shiny toys, super sleepers, and names of the week on it.

4. Unlike redraft, QBs are harder to find later. Get good ones, otherwise you'll be trading for one at a higher pricetag.

5. If you have to decide between two players, take the less injured one, even if he's older.

6. If injury isn't a concern and you're deciding between two plqayers of equal value/production, take the younger one.

7. Don't worry about bye weeks. You can't control them year to year.

8. Elder WRs always fall and are great values. Take the proven vet over the flashy new guy. The vet has been in the league for 8 years for a reason. They know how to produce over the long haul. Get younger ones as future replacements.

9. Don't be a homer to any team.

10. If rules allow, you can probably not draft a kicker at all and pick one up right before the season starts. Take one that plays indoors if you have two that are similar in production.

11. RB turnover happens alot. Get used to it and get used to blowing draft picks on them. Pray you get a good one every 3rd year.

12. If you use a TE, invest in one of the great ones. It may look bad in the initial draft, but 3 years down the road you'll be loving the investment. They are hard to come by.

13. Play to the rules of the league. Example: If you use PPR, draft high reception guys as it makes up for a lack of TDs and yardage in a hurry. Most owners look strictly at TDs/yardage and forget about receptions.

14. Avoid the big name versus big production competition. Big names are for trading away, big production is for winning championships. Be the team that looks good in December, but only looks mediocre in August.

15. Invest in high target WRs. they may drop some, but you know they are a major part of the gameplan.

 

[Tecmo]

1. Generally: Old WRs, young RBs, and mid aged QBs. Easy way to compete this year and in future years as well. Don't go overly old or overly young across the entire team.2. Draft best player available regardless of position. Can always trade producers later.3. Let some other owner be the league's minor league squad. You know the squad that has all the shiny toys, super sleepers, and names of the week on it.4. Unlike redraft, QBs are harder to find later. Get good ones, otherwise you'll be trading for one at a higher pricetag.5. If you have to decide between two players, take the less injured one, even if he's older.6. If injury isn't a concern and you're deciding between two plqayers of equal value/production, take the younger one.7. Don't worry about bye weeks. You can't control them year to year.8. Elder WRs always fall and are great values. Take the proven vet over the flashy new guy. The vet has been in the league for 8 years for a reason. They know how to produce over the long haul. Get younger ones as future replacements.9. Don't be a homer to any team.10. If rules allow, you can probably not draft a kicker at all and pick one up right before the season starts. Take one that plays indoors if you have two that are similar in production.11. RB turnover happens alot. Get used to it and get used to blowing draft picks on them. Pray you get a good one every 3rd year.12. If you use a TE, invest in one of the great ones. It may look bad in the initial draft, but 3 years down the road you'll be loving the investment. They are hard to come by.13. Play to the rules of the league. Example: If you use PPR, draft high reception guys as it makes up for a lack of TDs and yardage in a hurry. Most owners look strictly at TDs/yardage and forget about receptions. 14. Avoid the big name versus big production competition. Big names are for trading away, big production is for winning championships. Be the team that looks good in December, but only looks mediocre in August.15. Invest in high target WRs. they may drop some, but you know they are a major part of the gameplan.

good advice hereThe initial draft is critical for future success. But let me tell you, it's much funner to be competitive right away. Try to keep a healthy balance of older producers and young potential. A good way to clean up is to grab guys 2-3 yrs in the league that are producing at a good level and you can ride them for a long time. And chances are they'll get better with age like a fine wine. BUT...You want to take care of your RB situation first and foremost though, this is not a position that's gets better with age. Their shelf life is short so grab young ones with big potential over RBs approaching 30. Your team will be much better off down the road as trading for those top-3 rookie picks is overly expensive. It's a hard hole to dig out of because rookie picks aren't guaranteed to produce and you'll be trading producers.

 

[Big Kahuna]

1. Do not underestimate the QB position. In a redraft, it's much easier to play QBBC or to pick up a QB off waivers and fill in. But, in a dynasty, getting a top notch QB is a HUGE advantage, IMO. Get one of the top 5-6 guys and hope they last. It is well worth the investment. I also suggest having at least 3 starters with 2 of them being guys you wouldn't mind starting. Bottomline, if you're someone that normally waits until later rounds to get "value" at the QB spot in a redraft, don't do that here. Those value plays change from year to year. Get yourself a guy that will last.

I completely agree with getting tier 1 QB. In a dynasty league it is the hardest position to fill, IMO. It is very hard to compete in a dynasty w/ a QBBC. You need solidarity at that position.As for the other positions, I definitely agree you take the best talent available, but one thing I try to do on my roster is get a good mix of talent and age together. Personally, I love having a mix of WR's, like a Moss or TO for my #1 and then a young guy like a Bowe or Holmes type for my #3. (That's easier said, than done of course) On defenses, I would never carry 3 defenses, two at the most and then only two if they are both fairly high quality defenses. The Def/ST is way too inconsistent from year in year out.

 

[Ripleys]

but you pay such a price for taking a QB in the first 4 rounds. You really suffer at RB depth or you miss out on having that elite WR. Its one of the toughest calls in a startup IMO. Its nice to not have to worry about what QB to start each week though.

 

[Big Kahuna]

but you pay such a price for taking a QB in the first 4 rounds. You really suffer at RB depth or you miss out on having that elite WR. Its one of the toughest calls in a startup IMO. Its nice to not have to worry about what QB to start each week though.

You're definitely going to pay a price, but it's impossible to get your team set the way you want it from the initial draft anyway, so I'm in favor of filling what is the most difficult position IMO. As Gianmarco pointed out, the shelf life on RB's is very short. I think if you can build a good nucleus with a top tier QB and a couple of good WR's then you can make the trades/acquisitions you need after the draft to start upgrading your team in weaker areas. But as other have stated regardless of the position, always take the best available player no matter what round of the draft.

 

[whhwalker]

1) Be a current subscriber to Footballguys.com

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

3) Get your scoring system in the Draft Dominator

4) Pay attention to Best Value Pick, but don't follow blindly

You are now two steps ahead of your competition

5) Don't focus on the RB handcuffs. A significant problem I see in Dynasty leagues are teams that want the backfield situation for a team i.e. some/all of Grant-Jackson-Wynn-Morency take up too many roster spots for a single start position. Even Freddie/MJD or ADP/Chester on the same roster can cause start/sit problems.

6) Get one QB handcuff. This is a good "drop" player year to year. Johnson to Romo, Brunnel to Brees, etc.

7) RB early, RB/WR middle, QB late-middle, then TE. DEF and PK last always.

8) There will always be a team or two that drafts for potential. Take advantage of them and get "win this year players" for some young backup next best thing.

9) Next season is never guaranteed. Get three RBs, one QB and two WRs who can/will be your core for the next 3 years. 10+ picks should focus on helping you win THIS year. Keep a couple long-term RB prospects but don't fall in love with them.

10) I don't subcribe to the Tier 1 QB, you can make do with 2 of McNabb/Eli/Campbell/Rivers etc.

11) In my experience RB DEPTH win and lose Dynasty leagues. Yes WR scoring on average is up, but the WR list is so long you can win with Welker, Ward, Galloway, Driver and the dozen or so young WR coming into the league every year.

12) On a 22-man roster with a 1QB-2RB-2WR-1TE-1Flex-1PK-1DEF lineup I would have: 6RB, 3-4QB, 6-7WR, 2-3TE, 1-2 DEF, 1-2PK

 

[jwb]

but you pay such a price for taking a QB in the first 4 rounds. You really suffer at RB depth or you miss out on having that elite WR. Its one of the toughest calls in a startup IMO. Its nice to not have to worry about what QB to start each week though.

You don't have to sacrifice much - like I mention above, you can get a guy in (say) the 5th or 6th, and then another in the 8th, and be really setup nicely. And even if you don't get lucky with a Palmer like I did, there's nothing wrong with a Cutler / Eli duo. That's a nice compromise.I actually like this strategy now that I've used it - the WR/RB you get in round 8 are generally the same caliber WR/RB you can get in round 10, but in the 8th, you can grab Eli, Schaub, etc - perfect #2's.

 

[coolnerd]

I would say read this thread as it covers many management styles with practical appilcation of a real draft.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...amp;hl=coolnerd

 

[gianmarco]

I would say read this thread as it covers many management styles with practical appilcation of a real draft.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...amp;hl=coolnerd

Along with this, this is my favorite post and the strategy I employ personally.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8685728

 

[Christo]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I may be alone on this, but I try to make sure that my top 6-7 players won't have any churn due to age for at least three years. I'd rather have a strong core and be building on it with any new talent I land than max out year one points without regard for years two or three.

This is usually my top priority.

 

[FUBAR]

I may be alone on this, but I try to make sure that my top 6-7 players won't have any churn due to age for at least three years. I'd rather have a strong core and be building on it with any new talent I land than max out year one points without regard for years two or three.

In a competitive league you'll be doing very well to obtain one new talented player per year via the draft or trades (RB1/2, WR1/2, QB1) - there will only be maybe 8-10 coming into the league each year. So the last thing I want to do is have to replace guys right away. The odds are good that you'll have to do it anyhow due to injury or suspension or poor QB play (for WRs), but having to find two or three starters in the 2nd year of a startup is going to be hard if the league's any good.

You pretty much summed up why I don't care to draft RBs in the first few rounds if I don't get a top pick. IMO, you're much better off taking a Braylon Edwards type over Ronnie Brown or Jamal Lewis.

I don't usually go into the draft expecting to compete in year 1, but if the league undervalues "aging" studs, I'll go for it.

 

[Armor & Sword]

I have to say that I don't think there IS an optimal way. There are many different ways to approach a dynasty team and a startup draft. You are going to make mistakes and you have to realize this. You will learn from them and how to recover from them. And, if you've never done a dynasty before, an initial startup could prove to be a little difficult. I could tell you how "I" would do things, but that doesn't make it right and doesn't mean it's the only way. I will mention a few things and then you can decide how to approach them.1. Do not underestimate the QB position. In a redraft, it's much easier to play QBBC or to pick up a QB off waivers and fill in. But, in a dynasty, getting a top notch QB is a HUGE advantage, IMO. Get one of the top 5-6 guys and hope they last. It is well worth the investment. I also suggest having at least 3 starters with 2 of them being guys you wouldn't mind starting. Bottomline, if you're someone that normally waits until later rounds to get "value" at the QB spot in a redraft, don't do that here. Those value plays change from year to year. Get yourself a guy that will last.2. I disagree with some posters above that getting RB's is key. There is HUGE turnover at the RB position. Probably moreso than any other one. Go look at the top 10 RB's from just 2 and 3 yrs ago. Now look at the top WR's. It's also much easier to find a RB in a rookie draft the following year that starts right away. Not true for QB/WR/TE. This doesn't mean ignore RBs, but I personally like to focus on building a strong QB/WR base.3. As I said above, getting WR's are important to me. You will see once you get started that it is very difficult to pry away the Waynes and Edwards and Colstons and AJs and Fitzgeralds from their owners. Look at how long Harrison and Holt and TO lasted and how well they produced year after year after year. Get as many of these as you can. My own strategy is to often trade OUT of the 1st round and pick up extra 2nd and 3rd round picks. This is how you can land 2-3 of these guys. Believe me, it's well worth it.4. ALWAYS take the BPA. DO NOT look at bye weeks. DO NOT worry about filling starting spot. If you have 3 WRs and there's a WR that is clearly better than the RB's available, do not take the RB just because you need one more. If you have 2 QB's and there is tremendous value sitting there on a 3rd guy, take the 3rd QB. Take what is given to you.5. At the same time, if you see a player falling and have a chance to go and get him at a reasonable price, do so. I personally do a lot of trading both before and during drafts. You don't have to go crazy, but if there is someone that is clearly more valuable than anything else left, do what you can to get him.6. Similarly to what I said above, looking at ADP and other drafts is helpful, but don't get cute. If there is someone you want and there is a big space between where you pick now and when you pick again, take the player if it's someone you really like even if it's a little early.7. There is a specific dropoff point in talent in every draft. Find out where it is and try to move an extra pick in there if possible, especially if you are just outside of it with one of your picks. The 6th and 7th and 8th rounds are notorious for talent that is relatively equal. You will see WR's go in the 8th that could arguably have been taken in the 6th and vice versa. No need to take the first of them. Move some of those 6th's and 7th's back and gain value elsewhere if possible.8. Do not mortgage the present for the future. And vice versa. Some people overvalue youth, some undervalue it. Don't do either. You want "value" however you can get it. The premium is to get young players that are productive. But don't reach on a young player just because he's young when there is a more productive player out there.Hope some of that helps.

Outstanding post.

 

[prymetyme25]

With only 22 roster spots please only draft 1 long term project. I've made the mistake of drafting 2-4 of these guys many, many times. Reason for it is that you tend not to want to cut these guys when a WW guy flashes. IE Ryan Grant. I wanted to pick him up before he started going off but chose to keep a prospect instead and paid for it dearly.

Also drafting a dynasty is kinda like making a sandwich.

Rounds 1-4= High Upside guys

Rounds 5-7= 2nd to 3rd year guy on the come and about to hit that stride

Rounds 8-12= Dependable production guys.

Rounds 13-16= Back up Rb, Older WRs and Fred Taylor(just kidding)

Rounds 17 & 18= 1 or maybe 2 Project guys or a good camp story guy. Or you could go early with a Def

Rounds 19 & 20= Def & Kickers

Just kinda something I've seen over the last 4 years.

HTH

 

[ChuckLiddell]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

I am glad this was brought up. Is there a way that I am missing to make the draft dominator rank players for a dynasty format?Great thread by the way - props to the OP. After 12 years of playing in a redraft I am about to have my initial dynasty draft, and I feel pretty clueless. This has been helpful - some very solid advice throughout.

 

[prymetyme25]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

I am glad this was brought up. Is there a way that I am missing to make the draft dominator rank players for a dynasty format?Great thread by the way - props to the OP. After 12 years of playing in a redraft I am about to have my initial dynasty draft, and I feel pretty clueless. This has been helpful - some very solid advice throughout.

I've actually used the DD the first few times and Its actually very useful after your first 2 picks or so. You shouldn't need anything to tell you what picks to make in the first 2 rounds anyway.I am glad this was brought up. Is there a way that I am missing to make the draft dominator rank players for a dynasty format?

 

[Spark026]

Everone here has done an excellent job. I just want to put an emphasis on what I think to be the most common mistake in dynasty drafts.

DON'T DRAFT TO MUCH YOUTH!

Year after year I see 2 or 3 teams in respective leagues destine themselves for never more than mediocrity by only drafting youth. Don't draft 2 rookie RB's in the first 4 rounds. Odds are one won't do much in fantasy and you've just wasted a pick in the top 4 rounds (1 owner does this every year, only to be looking for another RB by year 2).

 

[FUBAR]

Everone here has done an excellent job. I just want to put an emphasis on what I think to be the most common mistake in dynasty drafts.

DON'T DRAFT TO MUCH YOUTH!

Year after year I see 2 or 3 teams in respective leagues destine themselves for never more than mediocrity by only drafting youth. Don't draft 2 rookie RB's in the first 4 rounds. Odds are one won't do much in fantasy and you've just wasted a pick in the top 4 rounds (1 owner does this every year, only to be looking for another RB by year 2).

As a general rule I agree, but it can pay off big time. It comes down to the owner's risk tolerance. In one of my first dynasty leagues, one owner did exactly this - in the 2nd round, he drafted LT, in the 4th - Deuce. Think he'd do that again?

Last year, I saw one person walk away with AD and Lynch at the 1.12/2.1 turn.

Of course, the same owner might have drafted Caddy and Benson. :X

Risky, but it can pay off.

If I get the 12 hole, I could easily see a situation where I'd go Braylon/Peyton, and if they fell right, McFadden/Mendenhall/Stewert.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

I am glad this was brought up. Is there a way that I am missing to make the draft dominator rank players for a dynasty format?Great thread by the way - props to the OP. After 12 years of playing in a redraft I am about to have my initial dynasty draft, and I feel pretty clueless. This has been helpful - some very solid advice throughout.

I've actually used the DD the first few times and Its actually very useful after your first 2 picks or so. You shouldn't need anything to tell you what picks to make in the first 2 rounds anyway.I am glad this was brought up. Is there a way that I am missing to make the draft dominator rank players for a dynasty format?

you can enter your own projections into DD.One thing I would say in dynasty drafts is to pay attention to position runs. I say that because good drafters, just in redrafts, are able to find value by the avoidance of being at the end of a run.

 

[Ripleys]

One thing I would say in dynasty drafts is to pay attention to position runs. I say that because good drafters, just in redrafts, are able to find value by the avoidance of being at the end of a run.

 

[renesauz]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

Definately!!!Just because the dominator suggests a player doesn't mean you have to take that player. BUT...it will help keep your eyes open against taking the mediocre young prospect before the solid vet. IE: It helps keep you from becoming that minor league prospect squad someone else mentioned.

 

[Christo]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

Definately!!!Just because the dominator suggests a player doesn't mean you have to take that player. BUT...it will help keep your eyes open against taking the mediocre young prospect before the solid vet. IE: It helps keep you from becoming that minor league prospect squad someone else mentioned.

You can do that with a sheet of paper.

 

[renesauz]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

Definately!!!Just because the dominator suggests a player doesn't mean you have to take that player. BUT...it will help keep your eyes open against taking the mediocre young prospect before the solid vet. IE: It helps keep you from becoming that minor league prospect squad someone else mentioned.

You can do that with a sheet of paper.

You could do a normal redraft with a sheet of paper too...what's your point?

 

[Buckna]

Check the pinned dynasty thread up top. There should be lots of good discussions linked, and make sure to check the links in there that go back to the prior year threads. The posters and players change over time, but a lot of the strategies and advice stay the same.

There really is no one set strategy so do some of that reading (there are some good posts in here to start with) and come up with a plan. Use the links to other initial drafts to give you an idea of what round players generally go in and where the talent dropoffs are. Don't freak too much when you have to deviate from your plan. All it takes are an owner or two thinking differently or in love with certain players to really change the face of what you expected in your draft.

I am generally a guy that trades back to build depth and developing guys if he doesn't draw a top pick, but my most recent draft (some of the posters in here also are in the league) I ended up trading up for once and building a win now team more slanted towards production for year 1 &2. I think this strategy worked well in this league as many of the teams went overboard on youth and I'm one of the top 2-3 teams for the near future. I may have to rebuild in 2 years, but anything can happen in the meantime.

Since this is your first dynasty, I will recommend grabbing at least 2 or 3 guys that you really like and enjoy rooting for even if they are slight reaches in the draft. Much of the appeal of dynasty is from owning players for long periods of time (sometimes even their entire career) so you should have a guy or two you like so that your team will keep you interested if things don't go as well as you planned. Inevitably you will have players and picks that bust so having those guys you like to weather the storm helps out I think.

 

[Todem]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

I am glad this was brought up. Is there a way that I am missing to make the draft dominator rank players for a dynasty format?Great thread by the way - props to the OP. After 12 years of playing in a redraft I am about to have my initial dynasty draft, and I feel pretty clueless. This has been helpful - some very solid advice throughout.

I've actually used the DD the first few times and Its actually very useful after your first 2 picks or so. You shouldn't need anything to tell you what picks to make in the first 2 rounds anyway.I am glad this was brought up. Is there a way that I am missing to make the draft dominator rank players for a dynasty format?

you can enter your own projects into DD.One thing I would say in dynasty drafts is to pay attention to position runs. I say that because good drafters, just in redrafts, are able to find value by the avoidance of being at the end of a run.

That rings so very true.

Draft for 3 years out always. That means mix your balance of young sutds and reliable veterans. You need a core of 6-7 players to compete for the next 3 years and each year drafting smart in the rookie draft (crap shoot for the most part too) will help replace parts.

But most importantly be active....I mean really active on the Wire and off-season trading. No when to hold and when to fold on certain players. Trading is the best part of dynasty leagues and being well informed and having good timing is key to long term success in the dynasty format. I can assure you once you get the hang of dynasty leagues you will play in nothing else but. It is vital that all the owners are active and commited long term.

I gave up redrafts 2 years ago.

 

[dollarbill13]

Many good points have already been made but I'll pitch in my $0.02.

QB is huge because the top ones are pretty consistent year in and year out. So by drafting Manning early, you aren't just getting top 5 production this year, you are getting it for the next 4-5 years.

There is a lot of RB turnover so focus your 1st (or 2nd if you have a late pick) on a stud RB and then wait. After 4 rounds, hopefully you have a RB, two solid WRs and a great QB. Then start hording RBs. With a 22 man roster and your starting requirements, I'd say come away with no less than 10 RBs including as many 1st & 2nd year RBs as you can get your hands on.

Unless your scoring system is heavily slanted away from RBs, hording them will provide you a ton of leverage for trades down the road.

 

[Christo]

2) Download and maintain the Draft Dominator

For dynasty? Two years a go draft dominator would have told you to take Shaun Alexander in the first round. It could very well tell you to take Larry Johnson in the first round this year.

Definately!!!Just because the dominator suggests a player doesn't mean you have to take that player. BUT...it will help keep your eyes open against taking the mediocre young prospect before the solid vet. IE: It helps keep you from becoming that minor league prospect squad someone else mentioned.

You can do that with a sheet of paper.

You could do a normal redraft with a sheet of paper too...what's your point?

That Draft Dominator isn't necessary to draft well for an initial dynasty draft. What's yours?