Fantasy Football Draft Guide: What To Do at Pick Seven?

From this point on, I’ll look for the best value and the best upside picks I can. I won’t take a kicker until the last or second-to-last rounds. I know the golden rule is to not take a kicker before the last round, but if you think whomever you would draft that round will also be available the next pick, then go grab one of the top few kickers. Every little edge counts.

Any earlier than that, however, and you’re wasting a pick.

As far as defenses go, I’ll probably try to mix and match some defenses that have upside. Last year, starting whomever played against Miami or San Francisco would have probably gotten you more points than starting the No. 1 defense, so grabbing two defenses that might go under the radar like Buffalo and the Jets.

Both teams also play easier schedules, so it’s a smart way to go about it. Either way, there isn't a big difference between most defenses at the end of the season, so grabbing two high-upside defenses and mixing and matching isn't a bad idea.

If Brady is my first-round pick, not a whole lot will change. I'll try to grab a running back in round two, but if the value is at wide receiver, I'll grab one. Points are points, no matter where you get one. I'll hate having to catch up at running back in the next few rounds, but I'll have to.

Of course, if someone slips that I like, I'll happily take the back, but I don't expect it.

What I'll probably do in this situation is try to grab an Earnest Graham in round three, and target guys like DeAngelo Williams, Thomas Jones, Reggie Bush, Jonathan Stewart, Michael Turner, LenDale White, Selvin Young, and Kevin Smith.

It's difficult to map out a specific draft strategy. And hell, I really don't want to. Picking in the middle of the draft muddles things a lot more, since there are so many players chosen between my choices. I have to keep an open mind.

But this leads to one last rule.

Have fun!

This is a game, folks. Whether you're in a free or a pay league, remember that it's just a game for football nerds. Make it fun. Watch your players, watch games with whomever you're playing against that particular week if you can, and make searching for the next mid-season sleeper a source of pride.

Make the draft itself fun. Get a big board like the one shown above, get your friends together, and do a real live draft if you can. It's totally worth it. Mock your friends for drafting Byron Leftwich the day after he was released.

Someone makes an absolutely insane pick, like Jeff Garcia at the end of round two? Laugh at them (but make sure the pick is official first).

Finally, don't get too worked up over it. It's all in good fun. It's okay if Brian Westbrook taking a knee at the one-yard line made you feel like you wanted to die, but at the end of the day, it's out of your control. Laugh it off and have some fun.

And if it's Week Nine and your team is out of it, don't bail on the league. Do your lineups, who knows, you could knock your friends out of the playoffs late in the year. If once the going gets tough, you stop doing your lineups and paying any attention, people will be less likely to invite you back in the league.

Plus, it's just less fun for everyone.

Happy drafting!

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?