| Written by Josh Lobdell |
|
Posted on 1/29/2008 1:01:36 PM |
The first thing we must do when discussing drafting strategies is to set our draft board. I have spent the last two weeks participating in several mock drafts, and based on the results of those drafts, the following is what the 2008 fantasy NASCAR draft board looks like:
Round #1 (Since most leagues are averaging six players…)
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Tony Stewart
4. Matt Kenseth
5. Carl Edwards
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Round #2
7. Denny Hamlin
8. Kurt Busch
9. Kyle Busch
10. Jeff Burton
11. Clint Bowyer
12. Casey Mears
Round #3
13. Martin Truex Jr.
14. Kevin Harvick
15. Greg Biffle
16. Ryan Newman
17. Jamie McMurray
18. Bobby Labonte
Now based on this ADP (Average Draft Position), I will show how things turned out for my selection processes. For example, in one draft, I picked 2nd, 12th, and 13th. With those picks I took Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Burton, and Greg Biffle. In another, I picked 2nd, 11th, and 14th. With those picks I took Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Burton, and Greg Biffle. In fact, in a majority of my mock drafts, I ended up with these drivers.
When I picked at the back end of the 1st Round, I ended up with Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, and Bobby Labonte on a majority of my teams. Based on all that data, I would keep a copy of this FIO draft board and a copy of the FIO NASCAR Power Rankings (listed below) close at hand when entering draft day.
Since most teams consist of 4-6 drivers in number, after the third round, it could be wise to reach for guys who may be factors at different points in the season. Topping this list are: part-time driver Mark Martin, Robby Gordon, and FIO’s favorite sleeper pick of Brian Vickers.
In almost every mock draft in which I participated, I took Brian Vickers in the 5th Round. My favorite 4th round pick seemed to be JJ Yeley, based on the fact that I took him in that round in 65% of my drafts. There are several others who should be solid late-round picks – David Ragan being the next off my board.
Essentially, the best strategy I see is to get a solid 2-3 picks of Top 15 guys on your roster, and then reach for whomever you think is poised to be a breakout candidate.
My list of the best sleepers for 2008 are:
1. Brian Vickers
2. David Reutimann
3. David Ragan
4. Regan Smith
5. Jamie McMurray
I have McMurray listed as a sleeper, but in the drafts that I took part in, it appears as though the secret is already out. Many see McMurray as a solid 3rd Round pick, and you may want to make note of that on your draft board if you plan on targeting him.
NASCAR Power Rankings
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Matt Kenseth
4. Tony Stewart
5. Carl Edwards
6. Kurt Busch
7. Denny Hamlin
8. Kyle Busch
9. Jeff Burton
10. Kevin Harvick
11. Clint Bowyer
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
13. Ryan Newman
14. Martin Truex Jr.
15. Greg Biffle
16. Jamie McMurray
17. Kasey Kahne
18. Casey Mears
19. Bobby Labonte
20. Juan Pablo Montoya
21. JJ Yeley
22. Reed Sorenson
23. David Ragan
24. Elliott Sadler
25. Robby Gordon
26. Dave Blaney
27. David Gilliland
28. Paul Menard
29. Brian Vickers
30. Scott Riggs
31. Michael Waltrip
32. Kyle Petty
33. Jeremy Mayfield
34. David Reutiman
35. Travis Kvapil
36. Regan Smith
37. Joe Nemecheck
38. Scott Whimmer
39. Patrick Carpentier
40. AJ Allmendinger
41. Jacques Villenueve
42. Sam Hornish Jr.
43. Dario Franchitti |
