Fantasy Football Draft Strategy - Take Two Mid Tier QB's

Draft Strategy: Take 2 Mid Tier QB’s

Entering the 2011-2012 Fantasy Football season I believe, like most, that there is a clear top tier of QB’s. That tier is comprised of Rogers, Vick, Brady, Rivers, Brees and Manning (some might include Romo, I don’t). After them there are about 10-12 draft worthy QB’s left. In this article, I’ll tell you why you shouldn’t reach for one of the top tier QB’s early in your draft. Instead, you should wait patiently gobbling up RB’s and WR’s with those early picks, then take 2 mid tier passers in rounds 7-11 (or even later) to pilot your fantasy football ship. This will allow you to stock pile elite talent at RB and WR early and still get two capable QB’s that you can play based on best matchup as the season progresses.

Let’s start by looking at QB’s that are most likely available in the middle rounds (Based on current ADP via www.fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Current 7th round QB’s - Ben Roethlisberger & Josh Freeman
Current 8th round QB’s - Eli Manning
Current 9th round QB’s - Joe Flacco & Matthew Stafford
Current 10th round QB’s - Jay Cutler & Sam Bradford
Current 11th round QB’s – Kevin Kolb & Matt Cassel
Current 13th round QB’s - Ryan Fitzpatrick

There are several signal callers in the list above that I really like. I think they can be picked or purchased at a good value. Let’s look at several of them in more detail below.

Ben Roethlisberger – There is no suspension looming this season. He has a solid group of WR’s, headed by the electric Mike Wallace. The Steelers will also have a solid running game which will help Roethlisberger find gaps in the secondary. Add in that you can usually factor several rushing TD’s into his stats and he’s a bona fide 7th round steal.

Josh Freeman – I personally think that round 7 is 1-2 rounds early. However, if you can get him in the 9th, you have yourself a QB1 at a discounted price. He finished inside the top 10 last season and there is no reason to think he won’t do it again. He had 0 rushing TD’s last season. I don’t think that happens again this year. I’d expect 2-3 rushing TD’s to go along with his 25+ passing.

Eli Manning – Not a sexy pick, but the guy has thrown for 4,000 yards the last two seasons. Eli has a stable of solid WR’s and a RB (Bradshaw) that can catch it out of the backfield. He will once again finish in the top 10 at the position. You’re not going to be able to stay that about a lot of 8th round picks.

Matthew Stafford – If (and it’s a big “if”) he can stay healthy, the sky is literally the limit. Even if he can play 14-15 games he will more than justify a 9th round pick. His upside is higher most of the QB’s listed above.

Sam Bradford – The 2nd year QB is primed to continue his rise in the fantasy ranks this season. With new Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels calling the plays, Bradford could be in for a solid sophomore campaign. You have to love the upside if you can get him in the 10th.

Kevin Kolb – Kolb is a wild card. No one really knows exactly what to expect. But with a price tag in round 11 and throwing to Larry Fitzgerald, what’s not to like. He also plays in a weak division which can only help. He has top 10 potential and could end up being a draft day steal.

Ryan Fitzpatrick – For the record, I’m not saying Fitzpatrick is an every week fantasy starter. I don’t think he is. But when you can get him in the 13th or later, you have yourself a great spot starter. He does get the Jets twice, so you’d have to avoid him on those weeks. His fantasy playoff schedule (Chargers, Dolphins and Broncos) looks pretty good on paper.

I would much rather take two of the guys mentioned above in the middle rounds. The middle rounds are likely where elite talent at RB and WR is almost nonexistent. While I can, I’m taking guys like Larry Fitzgerald, Hakeem Nicks, Matt Forte (PPR), Vincent Jackson in the 2nd, Reggie Wayne, Austin Miles and Shonn Greene in the 3rd and Brandon Marshall, DeAngelo Williams and Wes Welker in the 5th. After that, there is a pretty steep drop off at both RB and WR. However, even in the middle rounds you can get a top 10 QB or two top 12 guys and play the better matchup.

To sum it up, this is just my personal preference. Many will disagree. That’s what makes this make believe game so much fun. For me, taking as much talent at the RB and WR position early is the way to go.