Ok,
I feel with the mocks I've joined I've either shot my load too early or left it too late to pick up talent.
anyone got any tips?
Much appreciated
I would rather spend too much then not spend enough. I see way too many people in mock drafts having money left over at the end. I saw one guy end up with $38 left over - that $38 could have been used to upgrade a mediocre RB to a stud earlier in the draft perhaps... but instead it just gets wasted. Spend your money! I can't stress that enough.
With that said - You don't want to spend half your money on Chris Johnson. It's good to go in with an idea of how you want to manage your money. In my league I have $200 to spend, and there are 15 roster spots (1 QB, 2 WR, 2 RB, 1 WR/RB, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 D/ST and 6 bench). I usually try to leave about 12-15 for my bench + kicker and defense. That leaves me $185 for the other 7 positions. So if I overspend a few dollars on a guy I really like I just know I might have to hold back a few dollars on another player.
Some people only save $1 for each bench position - but sometimes there is a big difference in a player you can get for $1 vs $2. It gives you leverage to snipe a few of those players that others may be trying to sneak onto their roster.
I also nominate players that I don't really want and let people throw their money at them.
Conversely, I rarely nominate players I do want. Depending on the size of your league you'd be surprised the talent that can sneak through to the end sometimes for a good value. Doesn't happen often, but if you remain patient you might be able to get a player you want for a good deal after everyone has spent their money.
I also pay attention to how fast someone bids on a player - if it seems like they can't wait to hit the bid button I know they highly covet that player and I push the bid up until they start slowing down. That one has bit me in the butt a few times, but I find it to be pretty useful in driving up prices.
I absolutely love the auction style draft. There is so much more going on that I don't know if I could ever go back to a traditional style. I hope some of those tips are helpful!
