As Fantasy drafts are still on going, I thought to add my second big tip. Last week, I preached to everyone to utilize the mock draft feature on ESPN (or on other sites). Hopefully you all listened up and are ready for anything that can be thrown at you on draft day. With that you should have an understanding of where players may be drafted and which positions will come off the board first. This leads you to my second tip.
SLEEPERS
Now my second tip involves sleepers, and understanding the real term in a fantasy perspective. Though many people do not realize it, their are two types: Early Round and Late Round. Either way you need to identify several players (I would say atleast 3-4 for every position for both types). This will help you set your draft board on where to sit back and where to attack.
Most people recognize the late round sleepers; players that you take on a whim towards the end but ending up becoming a real producer. Most people will look at players getting their first chance to start, rookies or veterans that have yet to live up to their potential.
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
The ultimate sleeper in 2012 was Alfred Morris; a player who went in the late rounds or even undrafted in most leagues. Morris ended finishing second in rushing yards and propelled many fantasy teams into the playoffs. Now Morris is going no later than the first couple picks in round two.
It would be wise to take at least one roster spot for both a RB and WR sleeper.
The other type of sleeper is little recognized but may be the most important part of your roster. These are the “stars” in the league that are going a round or two later than their actual value. Many players slip and to grab a legit top RB or WR a round later than expected is always a benefit. But their is also those players that have produced for years but could take their game to the next level. Add in veterans that are coming off injuries or down years, that could return to their old form and your should have plenty of options at every position.
The best example is Adrian Peterson in 2012, who has consistly been a top 3 back since his rookie year. Yet people were scared of his injury at the end of the previous season, causing him to fall in most drafts. He was available in the 2nd round of most drafts, yet he was the top fantasy performer last year; he should have been the consensus No. 1 pick when you look back.
In any case, you want to always have a sleeper ready for every pick (“This guy will be sitting here for the next four picks but should be gone by now.”)
Recognize who all your sleepers are and stick with them. If you have options, you can really dominate a draft. Maybe that means getting a RB in round four as a flex option, that would be a No. 1 on most teams by the end of the year.
