You've read the articles, reviewed the lists, and watched the pretend games. You're ready to draft, right? Almost. There are some final things you need to do to be fully-prepared to fill out your roster. Here are just a few of them:
1. Get the final list of roster cuts and depth chart changes. If there's ever a week to focus on rosters, it's this one. Coaches can say what they want over the summer, but a player making a team versus a practice squad speaks volumes. Once salary caps are considered, and teams have to allocate money toward keeping a guy, you know how valuable they really are. And preseason battles will finally be determined, meaning the depth chart has more clarity than ever.
Just remember that depth charts can still change. As teams cut players, those guys might get picked up and throw off the depth chart you just compiled. You'll know who most of the starters are but be careful making assumptions with backups until you know the team isn't making any more moves. The later your draft or auction, the better.
2. Know when the waiver wire opens. In some leagues you can make changes immediately. In others, you have to wait until the season starts. Either way, now is the time to know. Do you see that someone didn't get drafted who you prefer over one of your selections? Did some news come out making someone more (or less) valuable than on draft day? If you can make the change now, do it. And keep an eye out for other managers who make changes, because the guys they drop might be worth adding. Each league might be different, so know what the rules are before drafting.
3. Where and when. It sounds silly, but when you're in multiple leagues it's possible to miss a draft date or time. If you thought it started at 7:30 but it started at 7:00, that mistake could ruin your draft. And sometimes last-minute time or date changes occur, so make sure you confirm exactly when your draft will be held and give yourself plenty of time to get set up. The time to address a draft room problem is not 6:58. Also, some draft orders randomize an hour before the draft starts. Get there early, know your spot, and plan your strategy accordingly.
The "where" is important as well. Don't just drag a laptop onto the couch. Spend a few minutes and find a quiet place and stock it with whatever materials you might need to succeed. Have space for lists and notes, and I'll say it again: Have the commissioner's phone number handy just in case. It could save your season.
4. Get injury updates before you draft. The tweaks and soreness that turned heads several weeks ago are most likely no big deal, but now it's time to make sure. You don't want to give too much weight to an injury, and that's probably your biggest concern. Still, you need to know where players stand with regard to practicing, how they look, and whether they're candidates to miss any time at the beginning of the year. If there was a setback with an injury, coaches won't want opponents to know, That means you probably won't know, either. But you can see if a guy is even on the field at practice, and what kind of work they're doing if they are. There's no shortage of reporting, so do a little research before draft day if you're targeting a specific player. You definitely don't want to do it when you're on the clock and the seconds are ticking down.
5. Have fun. You've waited a long time to get your players, but don't let your competitive spirit overwhelm you. You're supposed to be having a good time, especially if you're lucky enough to draft in person. Take it seriously but enjoy the moment as well. You might have a championship season, or a disappointing season, but you can always have an enjoyable season. Fantasy football isn't your job, or a burden, or a stressful situation. It's a chance to enhance the sport you love with a hobby you enjoy. Or maybe enhance a sport you enjoy with a hobby you love. Whichever comes first, make sure you have the right mindset, and enjoy yourself. Good luck on draft day.
What special preparations do you make for your draft or auction? What are some things fantasy managers forget to do that can really cost them? Share your thoughts below.
