Fantasy Football Draft Preview: Drafting Bench Players

We can all go back and forth about which top 10 running backs are better or what receivers are worth starting. But a key element to drafting is acquiring bench players.

Injuries, bye weeks and playing time disputes will ruin many fantasy seasons this year. In order to weather the storm, you need to have a strong bench, savvy knowledge of matchups, some trading skills and a little luck.

For now, I’m going to help you with building a strong bench. So, when you are doing your mock drafts on ESPN.com, don’t peace out after four rounds. Your bench can separate the winners from the losers as the season progresses.

Draft Upside

Finding upside is simple once you know what you’re looking for. Look for players that have improved the last couple seasons or that are coming into a situation that will provide them with extra playing time.

Successful upside is all about balancing the risk. The risk should be relatively small if you get the players in the later rounds, but the payoff can be huge.

For example, the Browns drafted bruising running back Montario Hardesty this season to complement the smaller Jerome Harrison. Hardesty should be on everyone’s bench list because Harrison is relatively unproven and differs from Hardesty in running style. 

Likewise, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has wowed the office staff in Foxborough with his impressive abilities in the slot. With Wes Welker still a question mark for this upcoming season, Edleman could seize the day and play a Welker-esque role in the Pats explosive offense.

A player’s talent and situation come into account when drafting upside. When drafting, be sure to consider both. A lot of these guys are called sleepers, but I like the term upside better because the players aren't always unknowns.

Other players with upside: Arian Foster, RB, Texans & Kevin Kolb, QB, Eagles    

See Through the Hype

This is another situation when the term “sleeper” comes into play. There is a ton of hype surrounding rookies Dez Bryant (WR, Cowboys) and C.J. Spiller (RB, Bills). Because of the hype, they are going higher than deserved in most drafts. We see this every year: players go too early because of excess hype.

Before you go gaga over Spiller, remember he plays for the Bills and will share running time with Fred Jackson and former-first round pick Marshawn Lynch.

Moreover, Bryant injured himself in practice and is going to miss the rest of training camp and the preseason, time that is vital for a rookie receiver.

The lesson is simple: don’t believe everything you hear. Yes, Spiller and Bryant have the talent to warrant this hype, but is are they worth the risk? I say, "no".

Other overhyped players: Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions & Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks

Avoid the Old Dog

When in doubt, draft the unproven player with upside over the aging veteran. Running backs almost always decline after age 30. Wide receivers usually hit a wall at 30 or 35-years old.

Hines Ward (WR, Steelers) and Donald Driver (WR, Packers) are 34 and 35-years old, respectively. They have fought off old age for the past couple seasons, but given the state of Ben Roethlisberger and the Packers emerging young receivers, both players should see a decline this season.

The same goes for the 49ers new running back Brian Westbrook. San Fran picked up the 30-year old, two-time pro bowler with visions of him complimenting Frank Gore. But Westbrook is coming off a serious concussion that sidelined him for the bulk of last season and Gore is the man in San Fran.

More old dogs: Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks & Jake Delhomme, QB, Browns  

Avoid the Starter With Something to Lose

When bolstering your bench, it might be tempting to go with a player that currently holds the starting position no matter how slippery his footing might be. Avoid drafting players in these situations. If you do, draft them in the later round.

Redskins tight end Chris Cooley has been a fantasy starter for much of his career. Last season, he got injured in week seven and watched backup Fred Davis succeed in his absence.

Many people are drafting Cooley as their number one tight end, a risky move. He is coming off a major injury and is looking over his shoulder at Fred Davis.

I mentioned Jerome Harrison earlier, but he deserves a spot here. Harrison had a monster three-game stretch to finish the season in 2009, but the Browns had some doubt about him if they drafted Hardesty.

Bears running back Matt Forte could be looking at competition with former-Viking Chester Taylor. Mike Martz likes to thrown the ball and Taylor has caught more than 40 passes in four of the last five seasons.

Other players looking at a playing time decrease: Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals & Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys