It is only a few days until rookies report for training camps all across the United States. The NFL season is upon us.

For us in the world of fantasy football, it means…our drafts are just around the corner.

Draft Day Declarations is some advice on what to do and what not to do when your draft day comes around.

We start this series with a Draft Day Declaration for Beginners.

So, your uncle, brother, friend, or neighbor said, “Hey, you want to join our fantasy football league?” And you thought, sure, why not? It seems that everyone is doing it. You might even put a few clams on the line.

Now what?

You have NO idea where to start.

Here are 10 rules you should obey (or at least listen to) when you are drafting:

I Declare!

1. Know the Rules of Your League

This may seem obvious, but it really isn’t. It affects how you draft and what your strategy should be.

Is your league a Point Per Reception (PPR) league? Then wide receivers and running backs who catch balls out of the backfield are important.

How many starters do you start? This will affect your strategy as well. A “deep” league refers to a league with a very deep bench. Meaning you can hold a lot of players. Two quarterback leagues mean you start two QBs. This means you need to draft QBs early.

Is it a keeper league? Well, then you need to think long-term.

Does it have individual defensive players? Then you need to study defense too.

So, know your rules.

2. Being a Fan Can Hurt You

Sometimes, your favorite team can be chock full of great fantasy options. But not usually. Not to mention when your team’s bye-week comes…you will get slaughtered.

A couple years ago, not a single Browns position player was drafted in most drafts. So, being a Browns fan and drafting a team full of Browns players would have guaranteed an O’fer season.

3. Big Name Hunting Can Hurt You

It has happened to all of us. Your draft clock is ticking down under 30 seconds and you see a name that is familiar. Chad Ocho Cinco. You have heard his name over and over so he must be good. At least decent? He isn’t even in the league.

Antonio Gates used to be an elite tight end. Now? Worth a late round flyer.

But Nathan, how do I know I am not making a mistake?

4. Do Your Research

Look at rankings, average draft position (ADP), and purchase a magazine. Don’t just think about the draft the day of. Nobody is saying you need to study it like we do. But you need to be somewhat educated. And, of course, reading this handy VirealRead guide is helpful.

5. Make a Plan

Whether you decide to grab a running back first, wide receiver, or whatever, have a plan. This will help those tense moments and also narrow down what position you are considering.

6. Pick a Kicker Second to Last

I hear it all the time, and you will too when someone drafts a kicker in the 6th round, “What? Kickers get a lot of points!” Yes. But the difference between the number 1 kicker and the number 12 kicker (if you are in a twelve team league) is negligible. Not to mention that luckily choosing which kicker is going to be the number one guy is a crap shoot at best. So, if your draft is 14 rounds, you are picking a kicker in round 13.

7. Pick a Defense Last

Same thing goes for defense and for the same reason. Now, it is bound to happen. In the 9th round some guy is going to pick a defense and it is going to start a run…stick to the plan. If your draft is 14 rounds…defense is your last pick. Along the line of runs…

8. Don’t be a Lemming

Runs happen all the time. There is some psychology to it, but it defies draft logic. So, you can use it to your advantage. For example, if you are in the third round and NOBODY has picked a QB. Your plan calls for a WR in the 3rd and a QB in the 4th. IF you pick a QB now, you will start a run on QBs and heck if your WR that you wanted isn’t there for you in the 4th…and you got the #1 QB. It is weird, but it happens. Heck, a friend of mine started a run on PKs in the 9th round just by saying, “Hmm, has anyone selected a kicker yet?” That said, don’t be a lemming. Don’t get sucked into the run. If people start all selecting kickers, you can’t think everyone else is doing it so I might as well. You think, wow, my tight end that I didn’t think I would get is now going to be there. IF people are all selecting QBs, you may not get the QB you wanted, but that means you can maximize value at another position.

9. Loose Lips Sink Ships

Or at least your draft. Your draft-mates are NOT your friends. They are your competition. If they know you are going for QBs in the 4th round, they can use that information to get an edge. If they know you are high on LeSean McCoy, guess who won’t be there when your time comes around. Going back to the psychology, if just mentioning kickers can start a run. Talking up your favorite player will guarantee he’ll be taken. Don’t argue about losers either. You want someone else to make the mistake.

10. Don’t Panic, Practice

Your draft won’t go exactly as you plan. Nothing ever does. Don’t panic. Panic picks are wasted picks.

In the military, we have a saying, train as you fight.

So, how do you learn to deal with the countdown clock on your computer screen? Practice!

Mock drafts are available on every major site. Do at least one. It will allow you to test your strategy and plan. And when you are comfortable with your strategy and have a solid plan you are proud of then you are ready to truly conquer your league as a rookie!

Stay tuned for more Draft Day Declarations from Nathan as we continue to countdown to this season of Fantasy Football.