Draft day is just around the corner! The competition has been planning for months, following free agency, coaching changes, and training camp closely to develop their ideal draft order. Is your draft strategy all set and ready to go? If not, pay attention to these 3 crucial tips on how to draft successfully for the 2012 season:
Tight Ends are a hot commodity entering 2012, but there is no urgent need to rush into taking a TE in one of the first few rounds. There are definitely elite TE fantasy options, like Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham who have earned first or second round discussion, but only these few guys can stand with the RBs and WRs in terms of pure point production. The position is being featured more prominently in a number of NFL offenses, and is much deeper than ever before. Thanks to the abundance of players like Antonio Gates, Vernon Davis, and Jason Witten, owners can wait a little longer without worrying too hard over landing a solid TE.
The Running Back situation in 2012 is hard to decipher. On the surface, there appears to be a big drop off between top tier players like Arian Foster, Ray Rice, LeSean McCoy, or Chris Johnson (provided he can bounce back) and the rest of the pack. There is uncertainty surrounding a number of RBs like Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, and Maurice Jones-Drew for various reasons. Furthermore, major questions remain about guys like Marshawn Lynch (was last year a fluke?), and Darren McFadden, DeMarco Murray, Matt Forte and Fred Jackson are all coming back from serious injuries, and Ryan Mathews’ preseason injury shows that durability is a big question for many RBs. Owners with first, second, or third overall picks can prioritize the running game when drafting this year to ensure they have top flight talent, but everyone else should consider finding an edge at another position.
Ray Rice will be a top-producing RB this season.
Be on the lookout for upside in the later rounds. Every year, a few guys picked up off the waiver wire or free agent market break out and end up among the top point producers in the league. Likewise, more than a fair share of draft picks end up as busts, falling to waivers themselves. Take some risks with unproven players who you think have big potential. Often times, zigging when everyone else zags can make an owner highly successful. Nail it, and your whole league will be jealous of your amazing fantasy prowess.
