First Aid For The NFL's Draft Day Survival Tips (Part 3)

Today we finish our look at the last 4 of the NFL's "Draft Day Survival Tips" as presented on NFL.com and in their Fantasy Football 2005 Preview publication.

As you know I've taken issue with most of the first 6 and with good reason. How will the last 4 fair?

"7. Don't Draft Rookies"

• The advice presented by Mr. Gigliotti (the NFL author) is to not take a chance right now. Wait until the season is well underway to see who will actually play, no matter how promising their pre-season hype might be.

• We say, take a chance. After all, when you get down to the 11th or 12th round, what do you have to lose. A number 4 receiver who may never start for you team? We're not saying draft an entire team of rookies, but if you think there is one who stands out above the rest, then by all means take the chance.

"8. Think Team First"

• The NFL's advice here? "Identify the teams you think will move the ball the best through the air or on the ground, and the teams that will score the most points, then load up accordingly on players from those clubs."

• Great idea except for one minor detail. While you are busy loading up on #3 and #4 WRs from the Colts or #2 and #3 RBs from the Broncos, the rest of the league is busily drafting #1s from other teams.

• Also remember "He who lives by the sword dies by the sword." Maybe you have Peyton, Marvin, Brandon, Reggie and Dallas, and that's great when Manning throws the ball around to everyone. But what about those days when one receiver has a great day and the rest are pretty much along for the ride? Worse yet, what about those days (admittedly rare) when the Colts offense is shut down.

• Now there is nothing wrong with getting a QB-WR combo from a good passing team, just make sure you have at least one other #1 WR on your roster. And remember, while There's no I in team, there is a "me" (... if you rearrange the letters a bit).
  

"9. Bye the Way"

• OK, we agree with this one. Watch your Bye weeks carefully. There is nothing worse than having both your QBs and a #1 WR or RB all having the same Bye week.

"10. Go With Your Gut"

• To a certain point yes. But then, in a sense you are already going with somebody's gut when you follow their recommendations, like those you find in the fantasy publications currently available on the newsstand.

• We think that you need to mix in a certain amount of statistical analysis (actually, a large amount) as well. Given the different scoring systems and general misconceptions that exist about Fantasy Football, you need to have the analysis that helps you understand what's going on in your league.

• Remember yesterday's post on tip number 6? That's exactly what we are talking about here.

We hope you found our take on the NFL's tips useful. Stick with us throughout the season for more.