This is the big weekend for Fantasy Football Drafts. It’s Week 3 of the NFL Preseason, the dress rehearsals for the real games next month. The first couple of rounds will go according to form, for the most part.
Follow any top 24 rankings, and those players will go 1-24.. in no particular order. But where you’ll make the playoffs in your fantasy football league, is how you draft in the later rounds.
I’ll start with Round 3, and the players..maybe sleepers.. you’ll want to watch.
Round 3—Rookie RBs
Running Backs are on the way back in the NFL. The third round is where you should find a quartet of rookies who should get considerable playing time. Pick up one of these first-year players: Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon.
Round 4—Jamison Crowder
847 yards and seven TDS in his second year in the league.. he’s in a powerful Redskins offense, a strong arm at QB in Kirk Cousins, Terrelle Pryor on the other side.. an excellent WR2
Round 5—Martavis Bryant
Coming off a year-long suspension, he is a risk. But with all the weapons in the Steelers offense, he could sneak up on people. Excellent speed, he’ll line up opposite Antonio Brown. He had 14 TD catches in the two years before the suspension.
Round 6—Devante Parker
He went from 26 receptions to 56 in his first two years in the NFL. Year 3 is supposed to be the coming out party for WRs. He’s been outstanding in training camp; Jay Cutler still has a strong arm, Parker is a big 6’3” receiver due to break out.
Round 7—Jameis Winston
This round may be too late to get Jameis, especially around this area where everyone knows about him. He’s looked good in camp; he’s ready to break out, is surrounded by talented weapons. If Jameis is still there in the 7th round, grab him.. and pat yourself on the back.
Round 8-Darren McFadden
He’s just two years removed from a 1,000-yard season in Dallas, so he still has some tread left on those tires. He’ll be the starting RB until Zeke Elliott returns, which might not be until Week 7. And running behind that Cowboys outstanding OL, I might get 1,000 yards… Especially a valuable pickup, if you gamble on Elliott in rounds 3 or 4.
Round 9-Eric Decker
Another gamble here, since Decker is coming off an injury and he’s 33. But he was consistent in his last few years and surrounded by talent on the up-and-coming Titans. Good, young QB, great runners, talented receivers, and an excellent, young OL.
Round 10—Jack Doyle
Good steal if you can get Doyle. He was one of the top production TEs in the middle of last season for the Colts. With Dwayne Allen gone, he’s the top guy at TE. Doyle was second on the Colts to T.Y. Hilton, in total targets.
I hope these hints on how to steal your fantasy football draft come in handy. If you haven't chosen the spot for your draft party see my top picks for draft parties in Best Bars in Tampa for Fantasy Football Draft Parties. Register on 813area to stay connected! Follow local sportswriter David Wirth on the Sports in Tampa page. Your Subscription is free!
