Setting up your NFL fantasy football draft order by position can significantly impact your team's success. This method allows you to strategically target specific positions early, ensuring you secure top-tier players in areas you prioritize. While the traditional random draw or snake draft remain popular, a position-based draft offers a more controlled approach. This guide will walk you through the process, addressing common questions and offering expert tips.
What is a Position-Based Draft?
A position-based draft deviates from the standard snake draft format. Instead of a simple random order, you assign draft positions based on the order teams select positions. For example, Team A might pick the first running back, Team B the second, and so on. This continues through all positions (QB, RB, WR, TE, etc.) before the draft order repeats. This ensures each team gets a chance to select top talent at each key position.
How to Set Up a Position-Based Fantasy Draft
There are several methods to implement a position-based draft. The most straightforward involves utilizing a spreadsheet or dedicated fantasy platform features (if available). Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Determine the Number of Teams: Clearly define the total number of teams in your league.
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Establish Positional Order: Decide the order you'll draft positions. This is often based on perceived value. For example, you might prioritize RB, then WR, then QB, followed by TE and so on. This is a subjective choice, but typically reflects the scarcity and scoring potential of each position.
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Create a Draft Order Chart: Using a spreadsheet program (like Google Sheets or Excel), create a chart with columns representing each team and rows representing each position.
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Assign Picks: In the first row, assign draft picks based on the positional order. For example, if RB is first, Team A gets pick #1 RB, Team B #2 RB, and so on. Repeat this process for each position.
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Finalize the Draft Order: Once you've filled the chart, the order in which each team selects across all positions forms your final draft order.
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Communicate the Order: Share the final draft order with all league members clearly and well in advance of the draft.
Example of a Position-Based Draft Order Chart
Let's say you have 8 teams and prioritize positions as follows: RB, WR, QB, TE. Your chart might look like this:
| Team | Pick 1 (RB) | Pick 2 (WR) | Pick 3 (QB) | Pick 4 (TE) | Pick 5 (RB) | Pick 6 (WR) | Pick 7 (QB) | Pick 8 (TE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team A | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 |
| Team B | 2 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 30 |
| Team C | 3 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 31 |
| Team D | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
| Team E | 5 | 1 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 |
| Team F | 6 | 2 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 30 |
| Team G | 7 | 3 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 31 |
| Team H | 8 | 4 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
This chart shows each team's pick order for each position. The complete draft order would then follow the sequence in the table (Team A picks 1st RB, then Team B picks the 2nd RB etc.).
How to Use a Fantasy Football Draft Software to Set up a Position-Based Draft
Many fantasy football platforms, such as ESPN or Yahoo, offer customization options. However, a truly pure "position-based" draft isn't readily built into most platforms. You might need to use workarounds like assigning specific players to positions before the draft, creating a custom draft order, or communicating the draft order separately from the platform. Always check the platform's specific functionalities before committing to this draft structure.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Position-Based Draft
Advantages:
- Targeted Player Acquisition: Secure top players at your preferred positions.
- Reduced Risk: Minimize the chance of missing out on key players at crucial positions.
- Strategic Depth: Allows for building a stronger foundation across positions.
Disadvantages:
- Increased Complexity: Requires more planning and coordination compared to standard drafts.
- Potential for Imbalance: If not planned well, it can lead to weaknesses in other positions.
- Less Randomness: Removes the element of surprise and potentially reduces overall fun for some.
Is a Position-Based Draft Right for Your League?
Consider your league's dynamics. If you have experienced fantasy players who value strategic depth and precision, a position-based draft could be a compelling choice. However, for casual leagues or those prioritizing randomness and fun, the standard snake draft might be a better fit.
By following these steps and carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages, you can successfully implement a position-based NFL fantasy football draft, maximizing your chances of building a competitive team. Remember clear communication and prior planning are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable draft experience.
