Keeper philosophy – ADP vs Guaranteed starter

[Tally]

So I seem to face this dilemma often and maybe others do as well. I’m going to use last season’s scenario as an example in hopes that this post doesn’t get moved to the other forum as a specific advice on players question…

 

Going into the 2014 draft, options for keepers were S. Vereen Z. Stacy and J. Edelman (need to pick 2). Everyone seems to go by the same philosophy regarding keepers that you should always keep the player you feel has the highest ADP but what if that player will become a backup player on your team and not a starter even though his ADP is higher?

 

I kept both RB’s and passed on Edelman. Of course I still wanted a stud RB with a first or second round pick which made Vereen a backup (going into week 1 of last season) when I could have had a starter and stronger starting WR corps if I had kept Edelman over Vereen. I realize the ADP wasn’t much different but still Edelman’s ADP was a round or two later than both of those RB’s last season.

 

I face the exact same dilemma this season I have 3 good (in theory) RB’s and TE G. Olsen to choose from. All 3 RB’s ADP will be before Olsen’s as they are all 2^nd-4^th rounders this season but none are guaranteed studs so I know darn well that I will still pick a RB with one of my first 2 picks which means if I keep 2 RB’s (both with higher ADP’s than the TE) I will starting my new team off with a backup RB over a starting TE. Is it worth it just because of the higher ADP, thoughts?

Edited August 26, 2015 by Tally

[Finn5033]

I look at this way, why keep a guy that you don't want, or know isn't a guy you want to start? Who cares what is ADP is, if you don't like him as a starter on your team then don't keep him

[Grits and Shins]

I could not see me keeping a player I anticipated I would never start.

[Big Country]

Keep the player that helps you the most, try to trade the others for picks/pick improvements or combo them up for a better keeper.

 

If keeping an RB that may be a backup for you, but would net you more in a trade is what is best for your team, then keep the extra RB (only you know how your leaguemates are with trades, etc.). If that kind of thing is not feasible, then keep the TE/player that starts/helps your team more.

Edited August 26, 2015 by Big Country

[stevegrab]

I've seen this in our league, we only start 2 RB no flex, and guys will keep their top 3 RB when they have other decent options. Sometimes it works and makes sense other times it doesn't. More and more I'm looking at not protecting a QB (we protect 5 and many will have 1QB, and 4 combined RB/WR. Great if you've got a true difference maker at QB.

 

But when some of your keeper options are marginal (and you must keep x) you're going to be stuck keeping guys who don't start because there will be other better players you plan to draft.

[Grits and Shins]

I've seen this in our league, we only start 2 RB no flex, and guys will keep their top 3 RB when they have other decent options. Sometimes it works and makes sense other times it doesn't. More and more I'm looking at not protecting a QB (we protect 5 and many will have 1QB, and 4 combined RB/WR. Great if you've got a true difference maker at QB.

 

But when some of your keeper options are marginal (and you must keep x) you're going to be stuck keeping guys who don't start because there will be other better players you plan to draft.

 

I am in a mandatory 3 player keeper league where I have had to keep some less desirable players ... that does suck when it happens. Not this year ... I am having a hard time paring it down to 3.