Hacker’s fantasy football draft guide

FILE+-+In+this+Nov.+5%2C+2017%2C+file+photo%2C+Dallas+Cowboys+running+back+Ezekiel+Elliott+%2821%29+carries+the+ball+as+Kansas+City+Chiefs+linebacker+Justin+Houston+%2850%29+gives+chase+during+an+NFL+football+game+in+Arlington%2C+Texas.+Elliotts+success+depends+on+an+offensive+line+thats+the+best+in+the+business+when+healthy.+%28AP+Photo%2FMichael+Ainsworth%2C+File%29

FILE – In this Nov. 5, 2017, file photo, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) carries the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) gives chase during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas. Elliott’s success depends on an offensive line that’s the best in the business when healthy. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)

By Roland Hacker

The most crucial part of fantasy football success is the draft. If fantasy football players botch the draft it will be difficult to recover.

For the purpose of this article, assume players are participating in 12 team PPR fantasy football leagues. If participants are in an eight or 10 team league, don’t panic; the same concepts still apply.

Here are some tips and tricks to get the fantasy football season underway:

Draft the best player available

The fantasy football experts place too much emphasis on grabbing a running back as soon as possible. Yes, running backs are important, but don’t take the ninth or 10th best running back over the best wide receiver. Don’t be afraid to break a run on a certain position. If everyone is taking their WR1, go scoop up Aaron Rodgers. One surefire way to lose a draft is letting everyone else dictate how to draft players. Be bold and reach for the next position first, unless the position is kicker.

Hacker’s Top 10 Position Breakdown

If a participant is ready to reach for the best available player but isn’t sure who that is, here is a quick guide that may come in handy:

Running Back

Le’Veon Bell

Todd Gurley II

David Johnson

Ezekiel Elliott

Alvin Kamara

Kareem Hunt

Melvin Gordon

Dalvin Cook

Leonard Fournette

Jordan Howard

Wide Receiver

Antonio Brown

Julio Jones

DeAndre Hopkins

Odell Beckham Jr.

Michael Thomas

Keenan Allen

A.J. Green

Mike Evans

Davante Adams

Adam Thielen

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers

Carson Wentz

Tom Brady

Cam Newton

Deshaun Watson

Russell Wilson

Drew Brees

Ben Roethlisberger

Matt Ryan

Andrew Luck

Tight End

Rob Gronkowski

Travis Kelce

Zach Ertz

Greg Olsen

Delanie Walker

Kyle Rudolph

Jimmy Graham

Trey Burton

Evan Engram

Jordan Reed

Defense/Special Teams

Jacksonville Jaguars

Philadelphia Eagles

Minnesota Vikings

L.A. Rams

Houston Texans

Baltimore Ravens

L.A. Chargers

Denver Broncos

N.E. Patriots

Carolina Panthers

Hacker’s Draft Board

These are the top 24 players ranked in the order they should be drafted.

24 should take you through 2-3 rounds in the draft.

Le’veon Bell

Todd Gurley II

David Johnson

Ezekiel Elliott

Antonio Brown

Julio Jones

Alvin Kamara

Kareem Hunt

Melvin Gordon

DeAndre Hopkins

Odell Beckham Jr.

Rob Gronkowski

Aaron Rodgers

Dalvin Cook

Leonard Fournette

Michael Thomas

Jordan Howard

Keenan Allen

A.J. Green

Travis Kelce

Mike Evans

Carson Wentz

Tom Brady

Zach Ertz

Team Names

If a fantasy football team doesn’t have a slick name, why is that individual even playing? Keep in mind the players on the roster when picking a team name. Here’s some creative names to keep in mind when selecting a team name.

Baby Got Dak

Lights, Kamara, Action

Kerryon My Wayward Son

Highway to Bell

Stairway to Evans

All Barkley, No Bite

From Wentz We Came

Penny Lane

Thielen Like Makin’ Love

Password is Taco

Stay tuned for future fantasy football coverage and good luck in the draft.