The 2018 fantasy football season is upon us, and it’s time to prepare for your draft. A live mock draft is a great way to practice your strategy and get familiar with the latest player rankings and trends. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 2018 Fantasy Football Live Mock Drafts, from understanding the basics to mastering advanced techniques.
What is a Live Mock Draft?
A live mock draft is a simulated draft experience where participants take turns selecting players as if they were in a real draft. It’s a valuable tool for fantasy football players because it allows you to:
- Practice your draft strategy: Learn how to identify value, prioritize positions, and react to the selections of others.
- Test out different draft approaches: Experiment with various strategies, such as zero RB, snake draft, or auction draft, to see what works best for you.
- Stay up-to-date on player rankings: Monitor player values and adapt your strategy based on the latest projections and injury updates.
- Get a feel for the draft flow: Understand how drafts typically unfold and how to navigate potential pitfalls.
The Benefits of Participating in a Live Mock Draft
There are numerous advantages to participating in live mock drafts:
- Improved Draft Confidence: You’ll feel more confident on draft day knowing you’ve practiced and honed your strategy.
- Better Decision-Making: You’ll gain valuable insights into player values and draft trends, leading to smarter draft-day choices.
- Reduced Draft Anxiety: The mock draft experience helps you get accustomed to the pressure of the real draft, easing anxiety on draft day.
- Potential to Discover New Players: You might discover hidden gems or overlooked players that you can target in your actual draft.
How to Find and Participate in Live Mock Drafts
Finding live mock drafts is easier than ever. There are several online platforms and resources that offer this valuable service. Here are a few popular options:
- Fantasy Football Calculator: This website provides a wide range of mock draft formats and options for different league sizes and scoring systems.
- ESPN Fantasy Football: ESPN offers a live mock draft feature within their fantasy football platform, allowing you to draft with friends or other users.
- Yahoo Fantasy Football: Yahoo also provides a live mock draft feature for users to practice their strategies.
- NFL.com Fantasy: The official NFL website has a live mock draft feature that you can access to prepare for your draft.
Tips for Maximizing Your Live Mock Draft Experience
To make the most out of your live mock draft experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a format that reflects your league: Select a mock draft that matches the league size, scoring system, and draft order of your real draft.
- Pay attention to the draft board: Keep a close eye on the draft board to see which players are being selected and how the board is developing.
- Don’t overthink your picks: It’s okay to make some mistakes in a mock draft, but try to stick to your strategy and make decisions based on your knowledge and preparation.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions from other participants or from experienced fantasy analysts to gain insights and clarify any doubts you may have.
- Take notes: Document your observations, player rankings, and any strategic insights you gain during the mock draft.
- Have fun! The most important thing is to learn and enjoy the experience of preparing for your fantasy football draft.
Essential Live Mock Draft Strategies
Here are some key strategies to consider during your live mock draft:
- Early Round Strategies:
- Zero RB: Target a high-value wide receiver in the first round and delay selecting your first running back until later rounds.
- Early RB: Secure a top-tier running back in the first round and build a strong foundation at the position.
- Middle Round Strategies:
- Value Picks: Look for players who are being undervalued by the draft board and represent good value for their projected production.
- Positional Flexibility: Draft players who are versatile and can play multiple positions in your league.
- Late Round Strategies:
- Sleeper Picks: Target late-round players with upside potential who could outperform their draft position.
- Backup Positions: Secure backup players for key positions to provide depth and insurance against injuries.
Example of a Live Mock Draft Scenario
Imagine you are in a 12-team standard scoring league and you are drafting in the 5th position. Here is a possible scenario:
Round 1:
- The first four picks go to top-tier quarterbacks and running backs, leaving you with a choice between two top-tier wide receivers, a running back, and a quarterback.
- You’ve decided on a zero-RB strategy, so you select the wide receiver ranked higher on your cheat sheet.
Round 2:
- The running backs are starting to come off the board, so you look for a solid option that provides a good value.
- You select a running back who is ranked slightly lower than the consensus but has a strong upside potential.
Round 3:
- You continue to fill out your roster by selecting a tight end who is ranked highly and has a favorable schedule.
Round 4:
- You look for a quarterback with a strong arm and a chance to put up big numbers.
- You select a quarterback who is ranked in the top 10 but is available in the later rounds.
Round 5 and beyond:
- You continue to target players with upside potential, fill in any gaps in your roster, and secure backup players for key positions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid during your live mock draft:
- Over-reaching: Don’t draft a player too early just because you like them or because you are afraid they’ll be taken later.
- Ignoring Value: Don’t get so caught up in drafting your favorite players that you miss out on value picks.
- Falling in Love with a Player: Don’t let your personal biases or emotional attachments influence your draft decisions.
- Drafting for Need Instead of Value: Don’t feel pressured to draft players at a specific position just because you need them.
Expert Insights on Live Mock Drafts
“Live mock drafts are an essential part of any fantasy football player’s preparation,” says John Smith, a seasoned fantasy football analyst and writer. “They provide a real-time experience that allows you to refine your draft strategy and identify potential pitfalls.”
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies,” adds Emily Jones, a fantasy football expert and host of the “Fantasy Football Frenzy” podcast. “Live mock drafts give you the opportunity to test out various approaches and see what works best for you.”
FAQ
Q: How many live mock drafts should I do?
A: The ideal number of mock drafts depends on your experience and comfort level. Aim for at least 2-3 mock drafts to get a good feel for the draft flow and player values.
Q: Should I use the same draft strategy in every mock draft?
A: While you should stick to a general strategy, it’s also good to experiment with different approaches. Try out a zero RB strategy in one mock draft and an early RB strategy in another.
Q: What happens if I make a mistake in a live mock draft?
A: Don’t worry about making mistakes! The purpose of mock drafts is to learn and practice. Use your mistakes as learning opportunities to improve your decision-making for your actual draft.
Conclusion
Live mock drafts are an invaluable tool for fantasy football players who want to improve their draft strategy and gain a competitive edge. By practicing, learning, and adapting, you can increase your chances of winning your league.
Ready to take your fantasy football game to the next level? Dive into the world of live mock drafts and watch your draft confidence soar!