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Auction Draft analysis: Budget discipline is key

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NFL.com held its experts league auction mock draft of the year on Friday, July 26th. The standard scoring league consists of NFL Fantasy LIVE members Michael Fabiano, Elliot Harrison, Jason Smith, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Molly Qerim and Dave Dameshek. Also in the league are NFL.com fantasy editor Marcas Grant, associate fantasy editor John Juhasz, researcher Bill Sudell and fantasy product manager Evan Singer. Each owner was required to put together a lineup of one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one flex (RB/WR/TE), one tight end, one kicker and one defense/special teams unit.

What do our experts think of their draft? Read their personal analysis - **Teams 1-5**, and **Teams 6-10**.

What was your draft strategy?

Balance your checkbook, in an auction draft my strategy is to be fiscally responsible. This isn't like your personal finances where you can overbuy and escape the consequences with credit cards. When it comes to auction drafts, you have to set a budget on every player and avoid emotional spending. You want options as the drafts progresses.

Did your draft strategy work?

Yes, I had the option and confidence that I spent my money better than anyone else. Having a auction budget allowed me to have a solid roster with B list depth. I watched bids climb past $60 dollars which is essentially a third of the allotted amount.

What was your favorite pick(s)?

I love the fact that I got Russell Wilson for $7. I valued his worth at around $18, and the truth is I was willing to spend a couple of dollars more to secure him on my roster. Russell Wilson is likely to have a repeat season of last year. I'll take a player that can throw and run for under $10 anytime.

What was your worst pick(s)?

I have to be honest I was keeping up with the Jonses because I was insecure with the fact that a lot of the top running backs were already gone at an over value price like Peterson and Foster who I have valued at $40. My next back Jamal Charles is valued $4 cheaper, so I benched my own strategy and selected Stephen Jackson for Peterson type money at $39. I easily could have picked him up $9 cheaper.

Who drafted the best team?

Elliot Harrison team looks really good from top to bottom. When I tell you the man spent his money well I mean it, his fantasy team reads like the who's who of fantasy dream teams.