

The bids come fast and furious and prices are usually inflated. Usually, big-name players are nominated first, so there is a sense of urgency when the guys that nobody wants to miss out on are on the board, and you usually don't want to reach the third round of nominations without a stud to anchor your roster. In most salary cap drafts, owners are amped up and ready to spend. This approach to spending can give you a star-studded roster with two first-round players, or up to four from the first two rounds, which would be impossible in a snake draft. Also, remember that there will be some starter- and bench-caliber players available on the waiver wire throughout the season. This might seem like a lot to spend on your starters, but these are the guys who are playing week in and week out, so I believe it’s smart to put the vast majority of your resources to that end. This way, I have already accounted for some extra funds to acquire some cheap backups in the latter part of the draft. I generally budget 90% of my total cap for my starters. Draft night can get both hectic and stressful, especially in the early rounds, as you need to be willing to change your approach and strategy on the spot if you get outbid on a player you wanted, or strike at a player you didn't plan on drafting if their price was too good to pass up on. With that budget, league members take turns nominating one player at a time, and the highest bidder gets to draft him. Salary cap leagues come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common will be a live draft with a $200 budget. Other Salary Cap Articles: Studs and Scrubs | Striking at Value in Auction Drafts |

It’s your team and the decisions you make will completely shape your roster, for good or for bad. You’re not beholden to a certain draft slot or to the whim of the guy picking in front of you. Your ideal draft strategy or roster construction can be brought to life. Want Jonathan Taylor? He’s yours.if you’re willing to pay. That’s part of what makes them so much fun. Snake drafts are simple, easy to understand, and organized.
