Utilizing the Draft Planner: Drafting from the #7-#9 Spots

Aug 22, 2012

This is the third of a four-part series that is intended to help fantasy owners develop a draft plan based on their position in the 1st round. Last week, I outlined a draft plan for those owners picking #1-#3 and another for the #4-#6 spots. Today I'm going to discuss the #7-#9 spots.

Using the ADP Draft Planner and our Value Based Rankings (VBR), I'll go round by round through the 8th round and mention a few players that fantasy owners should be targeting at each pick.

Keep in mind that these picks are for PPR scoring formats (with 4 pt per pass TD), but I will outline standard scoring strategy as well. I'm going to assume a starting lineup of 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR and 1 TE (along with a kicker and defense). If your league allows you to start three RBs, you'll want to focus a little more heavily on the RB position as the draft wears on. (Same thing goes if your league requires three starting wide receivers.) Conversely, if your league only requires one starting RB, you can focus more on the other positions.

Note: Since there is far more draft data for PPR in the Draft Planner, I'm going to use it for both formats. ADP doesn't change all that much between formats, unless you're talking about players like Wes Welker or Darren Sproles. All percentages are for last two weeks as of time of publishing. The ADP Draft Planner is constantly being updated as real drafts complete on myfantasyleague.com.

1.07–1.09

If you end up with Calvin Johnson, Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady in this range, then you should refer to the #4-#6 article and follow the appropriate draft plan. It will vary, but not by much.

I'm going to assume that you end up with a running back here. Whether it be Chris Johnson, Darren McFadden or Matt Forte, should be able to find a solid RB1 in this range.

Standard Scoring: Brady is a good value in standard formats, so let's assume you take him here.

2.04–2.06

In PPR formats, Darren Sproles is a no-brainer. He is our #8 overall value and is often available in the 2nd round.

Standard Scoring: Jamaal Charles or DeMarco Murray should be available at 2.05 92% of the time.

3.07–3.09

With your backfield locked up, it's time to look for wide receiver. Roddy White, Wes Welker, Julio Jones, AJ Green or Victor Cruz should be available 66% of the time. Percy Harvin, Brandon Marshall and Hakeem Nicks are other good options here.

Standard Scoring: With only one RB on the roster, we can look for another running back here. Steven Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, Trent Richardson, Ahmad Bradshaw or Ryan Mathews should be available 94% of the time. This is also not a bad spot to take Adrian Peterson if you're so inclined.