IDP - 5 Simple Rules
Posted: 6/27/09
Remember years ago when fantasy drafting was so simple and straight forward?
You grab your running backs with the first two picks and then you fill
in with a quarterback, a wide receiver, and then more running back depth.
After all that was said and done, somewhere in the middle rounds of the
draft you looked for that almighty TEAM DEFENSE. Then last thing, of course,
you grab your kicker.
Welcome to the future where the Individual Defensive Player (IDP) leagues are as common as the old familiar leagues. Many dynasty leagues are starting out as IDP leagues and it brings a whole new aspect to your fantasy world. Here we will walk you through the basics of what to look for when drafting your all-star IDP squad. When developing a strategy to fill in your IDP lineup you need to take a few things into consideration so I present to you the rules of IDP drafting:
Rule 1: Know your league’s scoring system
This sounds like an obvious statement but scoring systems in IDP leagues can vary. One oversight could cost your team or even your league a great deal of problems. If you are setting up your own league you should look for a balanced scoring system that gives some value to every position. Once your league scoring is established, see how it effects the values of all the players. Review their stats and see how their scoring measures up to each other as well as the offensive players.
Rule 2: Don’t go IDP crazy while drafting
While IDP’s can add value to your team, you need to put their value in perspective. Go into your draft with the knowledge that fantasy starter worthy players are available year round on the waiver wire. Do not draft IDP’s at the expense of your offensive depth. I have recently started my own personal rule not to draft IDP’s in the first 10 rounds of a startup dynasty. This portion of the draft is crucial in building the foundation of your dynasty. After 10 rounds of offense you could have 1 QB, 4 RB’s, 4 WR’s and 1 TE. Getting those offensive starters in place and depth at RB and WR will not only serve your team well immediately but it will give you long term value. Outside of round 10 it becomes increasingly difficult to find high value at those positions but the IDP market is still loaded.
Rule 3: Discover player value within IDP positions
Linebackers have been known to fly off the board as early as the 3rd round. Such a strategy is ill-advised. Look for valuable, overlooked players that you can get 10-15 rounds later. Target guys that were hurt the previous season (as long as their current medical situation is alright). Educate yourself on new coaching situations and learn how that will effect the IDP’s on that team. Linebackers and defensive backs both have pretty good scoring across the board. Outside of the top 6-8 defensive linemen, there is a considerable drop off in production. It won’t be enough all alone to win for you every week, but drafting two of these players at the appropriate time can give you an extra two or three points per week on top of solid offense and value picks for the rest of your IDP’s spell fantasy success.
Rule 4: Draft IDP’s that fit your team
Let’s say you have you a consistent offensive unit full of guys that regularly put up numbers but aren’t a threat to go off and score 35 points for you. If this is the kind of team you have, you can afford to risk an IDP pick on an agressive OLB (Ware, Merriman, Harrison) that has playmaking potential. If you have an offensive until that has guys like Lee Evans and Reggie Bush, you should look for that consistent tackling MLB (Ryans, Beason, Willis) that will offset your offense. Keep an open mind and constantly evaluate your existing team and find players that will give your team balance.
Rule 5: Don’t overvalue rookies and youth
With viable fantasy options available on the waiver wire, don’t
draft IDP’s because of their youth. Your main priority needs to
be production regardless of the source. Everybody would like to find the
next big thing at any position but it is more important to take that approach
with your offense than the defense. Don’t overlook productive veterans
like London Fletcher and Ray Lewis. Guys like this will help you win a
championship and that is the ultimate goal.
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