David Kopacz expects Frank Gore to pull away from the pack in 2007.

What is your overall strategy, heading into an Auction-style Draft?
Any fantasy football team needs to be built around running backs. They are the most consistent and usually provide the highest point total. The difficulty is determining how high to spend. My goal is to grab one of the top three and then force others to spend close to or more than I did for my player. I then want an elite receiver. Defenses and kickers come late but don’t be afraid to bid $2 on a defense or kicker that you think is premium.   

How is this different (if at all) from the strategy you use in traditional snake drafts?
Since you can’t force others to bid higher in a snake draft, grab the two best running backs and go from there. Be aware of where you are picking and how deep is the draft. While you cannot be eliminated from “runs” in an auction, you can find all the quality gone in a draft. Be ahead of the curve if you can and never draft just because others have. If the quality is gone, go for another position.

Other than your picks, which selection was too pricey in your opinion?
While I could say LaDainian Tomlinson because NO ONE is worth 59% of a budget, I would have to pick the duo of Reggie Bush at $26 and Edgerrin James at $16. Bush will be sharing a position which might make him once again a glorified wide receiver and James is on the down side of his career.  

Other than your picks, which selection was a tremendous value?
Lawrence Mahoney was a great pick for $26. With all the receivers taken by the Patriots, the middle of the field should be open for Mahoney who will have that extra year of experience reading defenses. Although I am concerned about his shoulder, I think he will rival the top ground gainers this year. A close second was Peyton Manning for only $16. Manning is the one quarterback who consistently delivers. Yet his cost was just a shade more than several competitors.

Which was your best/worst pick?
Best: I expect Frank Gore to get better and better. Although it cost a healthy chunk of my money, I think I locked in the second and third best rushers. However, the cost pushed me down at quarterback and wide receiver. 

Worst: A brain cramp developed when I bid on the Miami Dolphins. I had already taken the Baltimore Ravens and forgot that I had signed them. The extra dollar and bench space would have been better spent elsewhere.

Which team looks the strongest to you and why?
Davies has built a deep squad with three first-round quality rushers in Laurence Mahoney, Travis Henry and Maurice Jones-Drew. Phillip Rivers should be getting better and better at quarterback. While the receiving corps is a bit weak, Terrell Owens cannot be discounted. Adam Vinatieri will continue to produce, as shall the Colts’ defense.

D. Kopacz' Roster: