Fantasy Football Draft Strategy By Position - 1st Pick

Each position in a fantasy football draft requires a tailored strategy in order to maximize the most value out of the draft position. This series will take a look at each pick in the draft and suggest a pick strategy to follow. First up......the first pick. Here is a suggested board.

1. Running Back
   
2. Wide Receiver
   
3. Running Back
4. Quarterback
5. Tight End
   
6. Wide Receiver
   
7. Running Back
8. Running Back
9. Wide Receiver
10. Wide Receiver

Obviously a running back is going to be the first pick in the draft (LaDainian Tomlinson) nearly every year. The second pick in this position can be used on an elite WR like a Torry Holt or possibly a Marvin Harrison. By waiting until the 3rd round to pick your second RB, you get a receiver upgrade without losing much talent at that second RB position. You can still get an elite quarterback in the 4th round like a Mark Bulger or Drew Brees and then get an early jump on a consistent tight end like Cooley. Most of the mid-round WR's have very similar stats so you can get a respectable guy in the 6th round. After that, go fishing for running backs. Try to find a gem that could pay off big later in the season. The Green Bay Packers Brandon Jackson may fit in that category. Late rounds are all about finding hidden talent, and a good late round draft can sometimes win you a fantasy football trophy.