Here's a few helpful tips when you do your draft or drafts this weekend:

1. Don't feel the need to go running back/running back with your first two picks: That theory is about dead. Why take Willie Parker when you could end up with someone like Tony Romo or Reggie Wayne, who will probably outscore "Fast Willie" in fantasy points this season. Chances are, a decent running back can be had in the third, fourth or even fifth round for your No. 2.

2. Don't be afraid to take a quarterback in Round 1: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Tony Romo are all legitimate first round selections, even with the injury concerns of both Brady and Manning. If your league's scoring system awards 6 points for TD passes, then pounce on one of these QBs.

3. Don't overvalue rookies, even for you keeper leagues: It happens every year, the hot-shot rookie is taken in the first few rounds so that that owner can keep him for the next few years. In one league I was in, Calvin Johnson went with the first overall pick (after all teams kept three players). This year, it appears Darren McFadden is getting all the hype, and a lot fantasy services have him rated pretty high. Don't fall into that trap. Don't rely on a rookie as your starter unless you absolutely have no other choice. Let him prove himself for a week or two before you rely on him.

4. Avoid kickers until the very end: Even if you have to take two kickers instead of one, use your last two picks on them. If not, then take your kicker with the last pick. Some guy will jump on a kicker in the 10th round, and then every other owner will panic and start the dreaded "run on kickers." Don't be that owner this year. Shore up your bench/depth first at other positions before taking your kicker(s).

5. Wait at least 10 rounds before snagging defense: A great defensive team could be the difference in wins and losses. A defense that consistantly scores 15 points will help you win those close games and could be a difference maker when you reach the playoffs, or in that points race. However, taking a defense early usually seems to bite you in the rear. Wait at least 10 rounds before you snag a defense. Taking a defense that is not only a good unit, but also has a good special teams unit is a must.

6. Know your leagues scoring system and bylaws: Just because ESPN ranks 8 of the first 10 players to be running backs doesn't mean you should, especially in a league where TD passes are 10 points. If your league doesn't award a point per reception, that not only devalues running backs, but also wide receivers. Also, make sure you know before the draft whether your league will be a keeper league or not ... that will be a big difference in whether you take Tomlinson or Peterson with that top pick.

7. Don't oversaturate yourself with too much information: Toting five different fantasy service rankings to your draft defeats the whole purpose. You'll be scrambling through hundreds of sheets to find that No. 3 receiver as the time ticks down. It's good to look at more than one service, but use those to make your own rankings. The guy ESPN says is a stiff could be a stud, according to CBS, or decent, according to NFL.com. Keep it simple, stupid.

8. Be careful how many leagues you join: This year, I am a sole owner in three leagues and a co-owner in a fourth. I try not to go over four leagues per year, because I know my limits. Don't join additional leagues if you don't feel you have the proper time to devote to each. If you are a rookie, stick to one league first until you feel you are comfortable with the game. Then, try to take on additional leagues.

9. Keep it civil: The downfall of many leagues is when trash talk goes overboard. After a while, a draft can become so tension-filled, that you can hear a pin drop. If a guy (or gal) makes a stupid pick, let that person know about it, but don't insult that person's family or hygene or appearance along with it. Fantasy football is what it is, "fantasy." Don't let that fantasy become your reality, or else everyone suffers.

10. Have fun: The draft happens once a year. It's like a party, with food, beverages and friends. It's OK to enjoy it for what it is. Don't take it too seriously, but at the same time, don't take it too lightly. You're in it to win it, remember. But one spoil sport ruins the whole experience, so keep that in mind. Oh, and if you drink some beers, keep it in moderation. Those late-round picks after about six beers get pretty bad.

Have a safe and fun draft!

Here are the updated rankings, as of 8/28. A lot of things have changed in the week since I first posted these. Please keep that in mind as you prepare for your draft.

QUARTERBACKS
1. Tom Brady, New England; 2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis; 3. Tony Romo, Dallas; 4. Drew Brees, New Orleans; 5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh; 6. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati; 7. Derek Anderson, Cleveland; 8. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle; 9. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia; 10. Jay Cutler, Denver; 11. Brett Favre, N.Y. Jets; 12. Marc Bulger, St. Louis; 13. Matt Schaub, Houston; 14. Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants; 15. Kurt Warner, Arizona; 16. David Garrard, Jacksonville; 17. Phillip Rivers, San Diego; 18. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay; 19. Jake Delhomme, Carolina; 20. Jason Campbell, Washington;

RUNNING BACKS
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego; 2. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia; 3. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis; 4. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota; 5. Steven Jackson, St. Louis; 6. Frank Gore, San Francisco; 7. Clinton Portis, Washington; 8. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo; 9. Marion Barber, Dallas; 10. Larry Johnson, Kansas City; 11. Ryan Grant, Green Bay; 12. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh; 13. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland; 14. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville; 15. Brandon Jacobs, N.Y. Giants; 16. Laurence Maroney, New England; 17. Willis McGahee, Baltimore; 18. Reggie Bush, New Orleans; 19. Michael Turner, Atlanta; 20. Thomas Jones, N.Y. Jets; 21. Edgerrin James, Arizona; 22. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay; 23. Julius Jones, Dallas; 24. Matt Forte, Chicago; 25. Kevin Smith, Detroit; 26. Ronnie Brown, Miami; 27. Darren McFadden, Oakland; 28. LenDale White, Tennessee; 29. Selvin Young, Denver; 30. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville; 31. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina; 32. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati; 33. Chester Taylor, Minnesota; 34. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina; 35. Ricky Williams, Miami.

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Randy Moss, New England; 2. Terrell Owens, Dallas; 3. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis; 4. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland; 5. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona; 6. Andre Johnson, Houston; 7. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati; 8. Marques Colston, New Orleans; 9. Torry Holt, St. Louis; 10. Plaxico Burress, N.Y. Giants; 11. Wes Welker, New England; 12. Steve Smith, Carolina; 13. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh; 14. Anquan Boldin, Arizona; 15. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati; 16. Greg Jennings, Green Bay; 17. Roy Williams, Detroit; 18. Roddy White, Atlanta; 19. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh; 20. Lee Evans, Buffalo; 21. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City; 22. Brandon Marshall, Denver; 23. Laveranues Coles, N.Y. Jets; 24. Calvin Johnson, Detroit; 25. Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis; 26. Donald Driver, Green Bay; 27. Santana Moss, Washington; 28. Jerricho Cotchery, N.Y. Jets; 29. Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay; 30. Chris Chambers, San Diego; 31. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota; 32. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis; 33. Donte Stallworth, Cleveland; 34. Nate Burleson, Seattle; 35. D.J. Hackett, Carolina.

TIGHT ENDS
1. Jason Witten, Dallas; 2. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland; 3. Antonio Gates, San Diego; 4. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City; 5. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis; 6. Chris Cooley, Washington; 7. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh; 8. Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans; 9. Vernon Davis, San Francisco; 10. Tony Scheffler, Denver; 11. Owen Daniels, Houston; 12. Todd Heap, Baltimore; 13. Alge Crumpler, Tennessee; 14. Greg Olsen, Chicago; 15. Donald Lee, Green Bay; 16. Kevin Boss, N.Y. Giants; 17. Benjamin Watson, New England; 18. L.J. Smith, Philadelphia; 19. Zach Miller, Oakland; 20. Ben Utecht, Cincinnati.

KICKERS
1. Nick Folk, Dallas; 2. Stephen Gostkowski, New England; 3. Nate Kaeding, San Diego; 4. Phil Dawson, Cleveland; 5. Adam Vinitieri, Indianapolis; 6. Mason Crosby, Green Bay; 7. Shayne Graham, Cincinnati; 8. Josh Brown, St. Louis; 9. Mike Nugent, N.Y. Jets; 10. Robbie Gould, Chicago; 11. R0b Bironas, Tennessee; 12. Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh; 13. Lawrence Tynes, N.Y. Giants; 14. Josh Scobee, Jacksonville; 15. Neil Rackers, Arizona; 16. John Kasay, Carolina; 17. Kris Brown, Houston; 18. Jason Hanson, Detroit; 19. Ryan Longwell, Minnesota; 20. Martin Gramatica, New Orleans.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
1. Vikings; 2. Chargers; 3. Seahawks; 4. Giants; 5. Cowboys; 6. Bears; 7. Jaguars; 8. Packers; 9. Patriots; 10. Colts; 11. Steelers; 12. Redskins; 13. Eagles; 14. Buccaneers; 15. Cardinals; 16. Ravens; 17. Bills; 18. Browns; 19. Raiders; 20. Titans.

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
1. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco; 2. Jared Allen, DL, Minnesota; 3. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Dallas; 4. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston; 5. Mario Williams, DL, Houston; 6. Kerry Rhodes, DB, N.Y, Jets; 7. Sean Jones, DB, Cleveland; 8. Julian Peterson, LB, Seattle; 9. Adrian Wilson, DB, Arizona; 10. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago; 11. Patrick Kerney, DL, Seattle; 12. Will Witherspoon, LB, St. Louis; 13. Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seattle; 14. David Harris, LB, N.Y. Jets; 15. London Fletcher-Baker, LB, Washington; 16. Jon Beason, LB, Carolina; 17. Julius Peppers, DL, Carolina; 18. Aaron Kampman, DL, Green Bay; 19. Trent Cole, DL, Eagles; 20. Jason Taylor, DL, Washington; 21. Champ Bailey, DB, Denver; 22. Bob Sanders, DB, Indianapolis; 23. Mike Vrabel, LB, New England; 24. Chris Harris, DB, Carolina; 25. Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore; 26. James Farrior, LB, Pittsburgh; 27. Adewale Ogunleye, DL, Chicago; 28. Nick Barnett, LB, Green Bay; 29. Keith Bulluck, LB, Tennessee; 30. Gibril Wilson, DB, Raiders; 31. Robert Mathis, DL, Indianapolis; 32. Troy Polamalu, DB, Pittsburgh; 33. Kirk Morrison, LB, Oakland; 34. Aaron Schobel, DL, Buffalo; 35. Adalius Thomas, LB, New England.

Hopefully, you enjoyed the first installment of the fantasy football column. So, here is some preliminary rankings by positions for your enjoyment and/or use in your draft. Hope they help.

QUARTERBACKS
1. Tom Brady, New England; 2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis; 3. Tony Romo, Dallas; 4. Drew Brees, New Orleans; 5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh; 6. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati; 7. Derek Anderson, Cleveland; 8. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia; 9. Brett Favre, N.Y. Jets; 10. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle; 11. Jay Cutler, Denver; 12. Marc Bulger, St. Louis; 13. Matt Schaub, Houston; 14. Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants; 15. David Garrard, Jacksonville; 16. Phillip Rivers, San Diego; 17. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay; 18. Jake Delhomme, Carolina; 19. Jason Campbell, Washington; 20. Kurt Warner, Arizona.

RUNNING BACKS
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego; 2. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia; 3. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota; 4. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis; 5. Steven Jackson, St. Louis; 6. Frank Gore, San Francisco; 7. Clinton Portis, Washington; 8. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo; 9. Marion Barber, Dallas; 10. Ryan Grant, Green Bay; 11. Larry Johnson, Kansas City; 12. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh; 13. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland; 14. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville; 15. Brandon Jacobs, N.Y. Giants; 16. Laurence Maroney, New England; 17. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay; 18. Reggie Bush, New Orleans; 19. Michael Turner, Atlanta; 20. Edgerrin James, Arizona; 21. Willis McGahee, Baltimore; 22. Thomas Jones, N.Y. Jets; 23. Julius Jones, Dallas; 24. Kevin Smith, Detroit; 25. Matt Forte, Chicago; 26. Ronnie Brown, Miami; 27. Darren McFadden, Oakland; 28. LenDale White, Tennessee; 29. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina; 30. Selvin Young, Denver; 31. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati; 32. Chester Taylor, Minnesota; 33. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville; 34. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina; 35. Felix Jones, Dallas.

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Randy Moss, New England; 2. Terrell Owens, Dallas; 3. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis; 4. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland; 5. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona; 6. Andre Johnson, Houston; 7. Marques Colston, New Orleans; 8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati; 9. Plaxico Burress, N.Y. Giants; 10. Torry Holt, St. Louis; 11. Steve Smith, Carolina; 12. Wes Welker, New England; 13. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati; 14. Anquan Boldin, Arizona; 15. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh; 16. Roy Williams, Detroit; 17. Greg Jennings, Green Bay; 18. Laveranues Coles, N.Y. Jets; 19. Calvin Johnson, Detroit; 20. Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis; 21. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh; 22. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City; 23. Brandon Marshall, Denver; 24. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota; 25. Chris Chambers, San Diego; 26. Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay; 27. Jerricho Cotchery, N.Y. Jets; 28. Lee Evans, Buffalo; 29. Roddy White, Atlanta; 30. Donald Driver, Green Bay; 31. Santana Moss, Washington; 32. Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia; 33. Donte Stallworth, Cleveland; 34. Patrick Crayton, Dallas; 35. Nate Burleson, Seattle.

TIGHT ENDS
1. Jason Witten, Dallas; 2. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland; 3. Antonio Gates, San Diego; 4. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City; 5. Chris Cooley, Washington; 6. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis; 7. Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans; 8. Vernon Davis, San Francisco; 9. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh; 10. Owen Daniels, Houston; 11. Todd Heap, Baltimore; 12. Alge Crumpler, Tennessee; 13. Greg Olsen, Chicago; 14. Tony Scheffler, Denver; 15. L.J. Smith, Philadelphia; 16. Benjamin Watson, New England; 17. Dustin Keller, N.Y. Jets; 18. Zach Miller, Oakland; 19. Kevin Boss, N.Y. Giants; 20. Donald Lee, Green Bay.

KICKERS
1. Stephen Gostkowski, New England; 2. Nick Folk, Dallas; 3. Josh Brown, St. Louis; 4. Phil Dawson, Cleveland; 5. Shayne Graham, Cincinnati; 6. Adam Vinitieri, Indianapolis; 7. R0b Bironas, Tennessee; 8. Nate Kaeding, San Diego; 9. Mason Crosby, Green Bay; 10. Neil Rackers, Arizona; 11. Mike Nugent, N.Y. Jets; 12. John Kasay, Carolina; 13. Kris Brown, Houston; 14. Jason Hanson, Detroit; 15. Ryan Longwell, Minnesota; 16. Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh; 17. Josh Scobee, Jacksonville; 18. Olindo Mare, Seattle; 19. Martin Gramatica, New Orleans; 20. Lawrence Tynes, N.Y. Giants.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
1. Vikings; 2. Chargers; 3. Seahawks; 4. Giants; 5. Cowboys; 6. Bears; 7. Packers; 8. Jaguars; 9. Patriots; 10. Colts; 11. Steelers; 12. Redskins; 13. Eagles; 14. Buccaneers; 15. Cardinals; 16. Ravens; 17. Bills; 18. Raiders; 19. Titans; 20. Browns.

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
1. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco; 2. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota; 3. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Dallas; 4. Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego; 5. Kerry Rhodes, DB, N.Y, Jets; 6. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston; 7. Mario Williams, DE, Houston; 8. Sean Jones, DB, Cleveland; 9. Julian Peterson, LB, Seattle; 10. Adrian Wilson, DB, Arizona; 11. Osi Umenyiora, DE, N.Y. Giants; 12. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago; 13. Patrick Kerney, DE, Seattle; 14. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay; 15. Will Witherspoon, LB, St. Louis; 16. Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seattle; 17. Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina; 18. David Harris, LB, N.Y. Jets; 19. London Fletcher-Baker, LB, Washington; 20. Trent Cole, DE, Eagles; 21. Jason Taylor, DE, Washington; 22. Champ Bailey, DB, Denver; 23. Bob Sanders, DB, Indianapolis; 24. Mike Vrabel, LB, New England; 25. Chris Harris, DB, Carolina; 26. Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore; 27. James Farrior, LB, Pittsburgh; 28. Adewale Ogunleye, DE, Chicago; 29. Nick Barnett, LB, Green Bay; 30. Keith Bulluck, LB, Tennessee; 31. Gibril Wilson, DB, Raiders; 32. Robert Mathis, DE, Indianapolis; 33. Troy Polamalu, DB, Pittsburgh; 34. Kirk Morrison, LB, Oakland; 35. Aaron Schobel, DE, Buffalo.