One of the worst things you can do on draft day is be conservative.
If you played fantasy football last year, take a look at the roster of the team that won your championship. Chances are, that team had at least a couple of players who performed much better than it was expected on draft day.
Some of these guys were drafted early, but some also were drafted late, and the latter often are the true difference-makers in the fantasy game.
Take DeAngelo Williams, for example. Almost no one had him rated among the Top 20 backs a year ago on draft day. But if you rolled the dice on him as your third or fourth back, you cashed in big-time.
The point is: At that same time, you might have been conservative and gone with more of a dependable guy like Edgerrin James or Fred Taylor. And on some rosters, if you'd started with a bit of a risk with one of your first two backs taken, maybe you had to play it safe.
But if you've drafted three backs, and you consider at least two of them to be very solid selections, you're strongly advised to go out on a limb with your fourth back. Maybe he'll turn into this year's Williams, which could push you toward a championship.
And if he doesn't? Then you always have those two or three earlier picks to fall back upon.
2009 Fantasy Football Draft List: Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings. Why he's No. 1.
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers. Why he's No. 2.
3. Brian Westbrook, Eagles. Why he's No. 3.
4. Matt Forte, Bears. Why he's No. 4.
5. Chris Johnson, Titans. Why he's No. 5.
6. Marion Barber, Cowboys.
7. Brandon Jacobs, Giants.
8. Joseph Addai, Colts.
9. Michael Turner, Falcons.
10. Frank Gore, 49ers. Why they're Nos. 6-10.
11. Steven Jackson, Rams.
12. Clinton Portis, Redskins.
13. Willie Parker, Steelers.
14. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers.
15. Reggie Bush, Saints.
16. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins.
17. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars.
18. Ryan Grant, Packers.
19. Marshawn Lynch, Bills.
20. Steve Slaton, Texans. Draft strategy for Nos. 11-20.
21.Pierre Thomas, Saints.
22. LenDale White, Titans.
23. Derrick Ward, Buccaneers.
24. Laurence Maroney, Patriots.
25. Thomas Jones, Jets.
26. Darren McFadden, Raiders.
27. Willis McGahee, Ravens.
28. Kevin Smith, Lions.
29. Cedric Benson, Bengals.
30. Beanie Wells, Cardinals. Draft strategy for Nos. 21-30.
31. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos.
32. Julius Jones, Seahawks.
33. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers.
34. Larry Johnson, Chiefs.
35. Jamal Lewis, Ravens.
36. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants.
37. Donald Brown, Colts.
38. Fred Jackson, Bills.
39. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos.
40. LeRon McClain, Ravens.
For more info: For a full list of the top 60 draftable running backs this season, check out the best FREE ratings on the Internet at www.mrfantasy.com.
Comments
Note to people reading this article: DO NOT TAKE THIS MAN'S ADVICE
I don't understand any of these rankings and it got to the point that while I was reading this I continually had to scroll up to check what year I was reading to make sure this was serious. I think the funniest part is when I read you little article about pick 6-10 where you said if you can't get AP, LT, or Westbrook don't both drafting another RB. You do realize that Westbrook is at best a high second round talent with a large risk for even that pick, but somehow you go as far as saying he's one of the three "safe" picks of this draft. Also I found it extremely humorous that your "down" on LT yet then put him number two which is probably 3 slots higher then again anyone else in the entire fantasy football world and about 7 slots higher then the average. I think the worst part is where you put joseph addai, where you alive last year? Did you follow how absoultely pitiful he was? I wish I could write more just wo
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