Draft Stategies Guide for Your Fantasy Football Keeper League

Fantasy football has grown tremendously over the past two decades. Because so many of us have played in fantasy leagues for several years, we may feel the need for a more challenging or at least more interesting option for fantasy football.

Playing in keeper leagues has been both challenging and interesting for many.

For those who don't know what a keeper league is, simply stated, it is a league in which owners are allowed to keep a predetermined number of players on their roster from the previous season.

Keeper leagues are for those who are looking to play for the long term. I will give you a few tips to consider when drafting for your keeper league to assist you in putting together a successful team.

Focus on proven Veterans.

Beginning your league can be tricky and this is a lesson that seems obvious, but is often overlooked. Because keeper leagues are for the long term, many tend to want to draft several rookies that they anticipate will do well for them and be young enough to have a longer career. Try to avoid drafting ALL rookies. Focus on bringing in proven veterans to establish your team and the following year, you will likely be able to find young stars from the previous class of rookies.

Be selective when drafting rookies.

Although you want to focus on veterans, some rookies are a good idea for longevity. Just be very selective. If you do find rookies that you believe will be an asset to your team, check out their collegiate history. Are they injury prone? Do they currently have the size to contend with NFL players? What types of defenses did they play against in their conference? What were their stats in college? Can their stats be attributed to stellar performances from their teammates or were their teammates mediocre at best? You also need to find out about their current teams. Will they be a backup? Do they have a good offensive line to block for them whether passing or rushing? Will they draw double coverage causing them to have fewer receptions or will their teammates draw double coverage possibly allowing them to have more receptions? Ask these and several other questions. Do your homework and be very thorough with rookies.

Research ALL off-season transactions.

Players who may not have been attractive options with one team may have their draft stock rise because of one or more major off-season transactions. For example, this year Tony Romo's stock may decrease while Trent Edwards' stock may increase because of the transaction made between the Cowboys and Bills for Terrell Owens. As one of the best receivers in the league, Owens can do one of two things for Edwards: 1) he can become the favorite and most reliable target of Edwards and/ or 2) Owens will draw double and at times triple coverage which will open up the passing game for Edwards to complete passes to other receiving options. Pay attention to the impact that transactions make on the players involved in the transactions as well as the players around them.

Pay attention to training camp and pre-season.

If your league conducts its draft during or after the pre-season (which most usually do), then this becomes a major piece of the puzzle. During these times injuries can occur, rookies can unexpectedly show a great deal of potential (think Chris Johnson of the Titans), coaches and/or coordinators can change offensive and defensive strategies causing players to play worse or better and several other factors. Knowing what occurs during these times can help you with drafting decisions (especially in later rounds).

You are the owner and GM.

This will be your league for years to come. You are the only scout of the talent that you will select. Your success or failure is directly related to your preparation and instincts. Don't be afraid to release big name players if they did not put up good numbers for you in the previous season. You make the tough calls because it is your team.

Use these tips to have a great draft in your fantasy football keeper league, but most importantly remember to have fun. Good luck!