With each passing day we draw closer and closer to our fantasy football drafts. Or if you’re like me, you are in the middle of your dynasty draft. This is year three of this league and I’ve got to say the draft is slow moving. If you are entering a dynasty draft; be forewarned that it takes a long time. For those unfamiliar with dynasty leagues, you start with a regular draft, usually 20-22 rounds, where you will draft both rookies and veteran players. You keep all of your players for the duration of your draft. The following year you get five rounds of just rookies. You will have to make room for the incoming talent on your roster so you will be faced with some difficult decisions on who to let go of when the time arrives.
Last season, I was the runner up; I lost in the Super Bowl by 4.5 points. (Still hurts). My blockbuster trade occurred on trade deadline where I parted with Nico Collins (wide receiver Houston) in exchange for rookie quarterback Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos. Ironically, I lost to the person I made this deal with. Here is how I evaluated that deal: I had depth to work with at the wide receiver position. My other receivers include Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Drake London among others. I stacked up on receivers while everyone else pillaged quarterbacks. I should mention that our league is Super Flex meaning we can start two quarterbacks instead of just one. So while I was getting top talent at the wide receiver position others racked up the quarterbacks. My main quarterbacks prior to the trade were Kyler Murray, Derek Carr and Daniel Jones. So now you see why I swooped up Nix. Carr is now retired and Jones is battling for a starting job with the Colts.
This year in our rookie draft with my first-round pick (ninth overall) I selected quarterback Jaxson Dart. I then built up my backfield with Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson in the second round. Each person has an eight-hour clock to make a pick and in this league, they milk it for all it is worth. I have three more draft picks remaining. We began this draft on Aug. 1.
My advice for you when starting a dynasty league is to make sure you address all needs. Looking back, I regret not grabbing a top tier quarterback but feel like I am slowing getting it back on track.
Dynasty is an investment of time and patience. I enjoy doing it but it is very different than standard re-draft leagues. As always, when joining a new league it is important to know all of the rules, league settings, format, scoring system and rewards. If you are a commissioner of a league make sure all guidelines are clear and presented to the league prior to drafting. Every league has a person who will try to stretch the rules, making it difficult for others in the league. Eliminate that before you draft.
Fantasy Football Insight is a special column by sports reporter Dennis D. Cruz as we head in to the new NFL football season, providing some guidelines and tips for those interested in fantasy football drafts and teams.
