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Step 1. Understand your point structure. Rank the positions. 

All the time I see people ask their friends "How does my [http://ff-winners.com NFL fantasy football] team look?" and will go on to list off their players. This is always an impossible question to answer because we do not know your point structure. You may have 3 of the best receivers on the planet but if it's one of the weakest positions in your league then they're nothing but a pretty name. 

Each league is different, so it's extremely important to know what your value positions are. In most cookie cutter leagues it's the Running Backs, which is why they go so fast, but you always want to make sure. What I always like to do is execute my leagues point structure against last year's stats. That way you see what positions rise to the top. This is quick and simple to do in excel and goes a long way when it comes to draft day.

Step 2. Starting Slots are key. Do the Math when drafting. 

Now that you know what your value positions are, take a look at your starting slots. Does your league have 1 quarterback but 3 running backs starting? Or 2 and 2? On draft day be aware of the strength in position and the holes you have to fill. If your league has only 1 quarterback slot and multiple running back slots, you have no business taking a quarterback in the first two rounds. Load up on your strength positions early and often, heck even one on the bench early on will not only help your trade value but could be vital should one of your starters get injured or is going up against a stingy defense. 

Knowing your slots are huge, because if there is only 12 teams in your league with 1 starting slot for a given position, that means you're likely to get a top 12 caliber player at that position. Don't stretch for an Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady in the first or second round, when you'll have a Phillip Rivers, Jay Cutler, or Ben Roethlisberger sitting there in rounds 4-6. You could be loading up on Running Backs and Wide Receivers instead. 

Step 3. Tight Ends are as good as Receivers. 

You need at least 1 solid ball catcher on your team. But people make the mistake of stretching for a Wide Receiver because there are 3-4 of those slots they need to fill when its very well likely that there is a solid Tight End on the board. Most systems and ranking sheets will break these two positions apart yet the point structure is the same, so always be sure when the time comes you consider both positions. I'll take a Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham over a Wes Welker or Roddy White any day of the week. It is perfectly fine for your solid ball catcher to be a Tight End and have all mid level guys in your wide receiver slots. 

Good luck and happy drafting!