Fantasy Football Draft Strategy By Position

Deciding on a draft strategy is critical and depends largely on the position that you are choosing from. If you have the 1st pick, you almost have no choice but to pick running back, either LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson. These are clearly the most valuable players in this year's draft. A late first-round choice may warrant selecting the best QB or WR available if all of the elite running backs have been taken.

Whatever you decide, your first pick is critical and can determine the direction of your entire draft.
My selection in my main fantasy draft this year is 8. I'll take some time here to explain some of my thoughts on strategy from this position.

The best thing about the 8th pick is that you get to turn around 5 picks later and select another high quality player. I have narrowed down 3 strategies for my top two picks below.

1. RB, RB - Picking RB, RB allows me to get two second tier running backs who will consistently produce throughout the season. Players available will include Marion Barber, Frank Gore, Larry Johnson, Marshawn Lynch, Ryan Grant, and Willis McGahee. I should easily be able to land two of these players.
   
2. RB, QB - This strategy will give me a solid second tier running back as well as an elite QB such as Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. I'll have to pick up another running back in round 3 or 4 but I'll have a top tier QB that I can count on for scoring nearly every week.
   
3. QB, WR - The final strategy is a risky one. Skip the RB position in the first 2 rounds and take the best QB and best WR available. I would be a little hesitant to have Randy Moss and Tom Brady since they are on the same team. But you would surely have a potent 1-2 punch.
   

Each of these strategies will lead to different choices with my 3rd and 4th round picks.

1. If I draft 2 running backs I'll need to grab a quality WR in round two and most likely a QB. I would love to get Drew Brees here and maybe a Steve Smith. Carson Palmer should also be a good option for QB in the 4th.
   
2. Unless there is a great running back that slips here, I would probably go WR, WR, to compliment my stud QB. WR's available should include Steve Smith, Marques Colston, Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Plaxico Burress, and Brandon Marshall. Its possible Larry Fitzgerald could be there in the 3rd round as well.
   
3. If I go QB, WR in the first round, then I will definitely need to take RB's in 3 and 4. This is probably my least favorite draft spot of the 3 choices. Here are some of the RB's that should be available here:

• Michael Turner
• Laurence Maroney
• Ronnie Brown
• Darren McFadden
• Jonathan Stewart
• Earnest Graham
• Edgerrin James
• Reggie Bush

In rounds 5 and 6 I would work on taking an elite tight end, and then filling out the roster with my 6th pick, depending on which strategy I take. I'll most likely stock up on RB's with potential in the later rounds hoping to find a gem.

Of the 3 strategies listed above, I'm leaning towards #2. I think this allows me to have a balanced starting lineup of players who should score consistently.