7 Round Mock Draft: Fantasy Football Draft Prep Checklist

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Post on Mar 11, 2025

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7 Round Mock Draft: Fantasy Football Draft Prep Checklist

Are you ready to dominate your fantasy football league this year? A crucial part of that domination is thorough preparation. Simply showing up to your draft isn't enough; you need a strategy, a plan, and a healthy dose of mock drafts under your belt. This article will guide you through a 7-round mock draft process and provide a comprehensive fantasy football draft prep checklist to maximize your chances of victory.

Why Mock Drafts Are Essential

Before diving into the checklist, let's reiterate the importance of mock drafts. They aren't just practice; they're invaluable tools for:

• Familiarizing yourself with ADP (Average Draft Position): Understanding where players are typically selected helps you identify potential steals and avoid reaching for players.
• Testing your draft strategy: Do you prioritize running backs early? Are you comfortable with a zero-RB strategy? Mock drafts allow you to refine your approach.
• Identifying potential sleepers and busts: You'll uncover hidden gems and avoid costly mistakes by seeing how players fall in different drafts.
• Practicing your decision-making under pressure: The clock is ticking in most drafts. Mock drafts help you make quick, informed decisions.
• Exploring different draft positions: Your strategy might shift depending on whether you pick first, last, or somewhere in between.

The 7-Round Mock Draft Prep Checklist

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a step-by-step checklist to prepare you for a successful 7-round mock draft (and ultimately, your real draft):

Phase 1: Pre-Draft Research (1-2 Weeks Before)

1. Review 2023 Fantasy Football Rankings: Consult multiple reputable sources (ESPN, Yahoo, etc.) to get a well-rounded view of player values. Don't just rely on one set of rankings.
2. Analyze Team Needs: Do you prefer a run-heavy or pass-heavy approach? Identifying your team's weaknesses helps you target specific players in the draft.
3. Study Player Profiles: Go beyond just stats. Understand each player's strengths, weaknesses, potential for injury, and their team's offensive scheme.
4. Research Recent News & Injuries: Stay updated on the latest news concerning player injuries, contract disputes, and coaching changes that could impact their performance.
5. Develop a Draft Strategy: Decide on your preferred draft approach (e.g., zero-RB, RB-heavy, etc.) and stick to it (mostly!). Be flexible, though!

Phase 2: Mock Draft Execution (Days Before/Day Of)

6. Conduct Multiple Mock Drafts: Aim for at least 3-5 mock drafts to get a feel for player availability and different draft scenarios. Vary your draft position in these mocks.
7. Use a Mock Draft Platform: Utilize popular platforms like ESPN, Yahoo, or Sleeper to simulate the actual draft experience.
8. Note Player Availability: Pay close attention to when your target players are typically drafted. This will help you anticipate their selection in your real draft.
9. Analyze Your Draft Results: After each mock draft, review your team composition. Are you happy with the balance of positions? Are there any glaring weaknesses?
10. Adjust Your Strategy Accordingly: Based on your mock draft experiences, make necessary adjustments to your overall draft strategy.

Phase 3: Post-Mock Analysis (Day Of/After)

11. Refine Your Player Rankings: Based on your mock draft results, adjust your personal rankings to reflect player availability and value in different draft scenarios.
12. Identify Your Target Players: Pinpoint 2-3 players at each position you want to prioritize in your actual draft.
13. Develop a Contingency Plan: Prepare for unexpected scenarios. What will you do if your top target is unexpectedly drafted early?
14. Review Auction Values (if applicable): If your league uses an auction format, study auction values and prepare your bidding strategy.

Pro Tip: Don't get too attached to any single player. The goal is to build a well-rounded team, not to draft your favorite player.

By diligently following this 7-round mock draft prep checklist, you'll significantly increase your chances of assembling a competitive fantasy football team and achieving victory this season. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!