I started my mock draft series, that and other items can be found in our regularly updated Draft-Kit. These are my Draft Day Declarations in regards to general strategies that apply, generally across the board regardless of what kind of re-draft league you are in.

So, you are getting ready for your draft. You know basic theories but you are really wanting to get a solid strategy in place. Maybe you didn’t take last year’s team seriously and the embarrassment of failure has led you here. (I apologize in advance) Maybe this is your first attempt at this format. Or maybe you are a junkie who just is reading everything you can find through google (Welcome!).

Without further ado… I Declare!

1. Running Backs are Scarce

This is true for all leagues, but especially for non-PPR leagues. In my mock drafts, good RB starts running out the middle of the 2nd round. My strategy has been RB/TE(if Graham)/RB for the first 3 rounds. How has that played out? With me having a Top RB, Jimmy Graham, a RB 2-3, and a prayer later on at RB. IF you decide to opt out of a RB in the first two rounds, you should hope for: 1. A WR that is absolutely head and shoulders above the rest. The ONLY, and I mean only WR that fits this bill for me is Calvin Johnson. Other than that? You better go RB in the first round. Trust me when I say you will regret any other decision. 2. Jimmy Graham. He will outperform any other Tight End by such a wide margin that in any given week, you will be getting a plus in the TE department. Will this be a big enough plus to overcome your deficit in the RB department? That will depend on… 3. Your deep sleepers ALL hit. Because Ahmad Bradshaw will be your #1 RB…or Frank Gore. So, you are going to need your sleepers to hit.

2. QBs are NOT Scarce

Top notch RBs are scarce. Top notch QBs are NOT scarce. In a twelve team league, let’s assume that you get the 12th QB. Who are you looking at according to my rankings? Russell Wilson, RGIII, Jay Cutler, and Andy Dalton. Not bad for a 7th rounder. Would you rather have Aaron Rodgers? Of course. But you will probably have to spend a 3rd round pick and can you guarantee he will so massively outperform  those four he will be worth what will amount to Percy Harvin, Roddy White, and Julio Jones in some leagues? I don’t think so. That is why I am waiting on QB.

3. WR is Deep

Granted your top five WRs are head and shoulders above the rest. Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, AJ Green, Dez Bryant, and Demaryius Thomas. Beyond that, the next 30 players are a tier with varying levels who will perform week to week. There are a lot of options. And if you count in some sleepers, you can rack up in the middle rounds and have a superb WR corps.

4. Jimmy Graham or Bust

Swinging for Jimmy Graham in the 2nd round. Ok. If he is there in the third…take him. But beyond that, maybe a flier on Gronk. Or just wait until the 10th plus round. There are a lot of great picks there. Dustin Keller being a deep sleeper favorite of mine in the 11th round.

5. Don’t be a Slave to ADP

For those of us who are more experienced, this happens to the best of us. We want Peyton Manning, but it is the 4th round and his ADP is the 5th round. So, you wait. And you don’t get him. IF you have a player you really really want. It is ok to pay a round or two if you think that it is who you want on your roster. Which leads me to my next point.

6. Eff the Experts

I know. Weird advice from a Fantasy Football advice giver but at the end of the day, it is your team. It is your clams you are investing. So, if you want Calvin Johnson…get him. You LOVE Ryan Matthews…you are a moron…but nonetheless get him. You have to be happy. So…get the team you want. Just don’t complain to me if you completely blow it and are a loser at the end of the year. Just kidding. But no…really.

7. Be Prepared

There is bad luck in fantasy. BUT if you draft decently, you can survive a first or second round bust. But it requires preparation. So prepare and study. And don’t panic if things go awry. Have a plan B.