Live Draft Dilemna

[NYG1119]

I am having my league's draft in 3 days and 11 of the 14 guys can make it. Now obviously we are going to auto-pick for the 3 absentees but what method should we use since we will not be using any software.

We thought about having them make lists of players they DON'T want because if we had them make ones of who they wanted, it could influence the draft since we don't have a neutral party coming to the draft.

So should we do that or just have them make a list of what they prefer in the rounds (Round 1 - RB, Round 2 - Best Available.)

Or should we just auto-pick like ESPN, with the only problem of how would that be done without software?

Thanks for the input

[murphysxm]

in my opinion, it is up to the owner not present to come up with a plan. They should have a list prepared and a general strategy provided. If they don't take those steps, I go BPA based on the site you are using for your league. I usually also try to get a buddy to do the draft for that team so it is unbiased and doesn't impact my draft

[Dexter II]

If it were me I'd really try to get someone to draft for the owners that can't make it. You could probably find someone here at the cafe to do that. Maybe not in person but perhaps on a conf call. People love to do live drafts. Might be worth a shot.

Failing that, best available player from the same player list (or from a list submitted by the absentee owners) balanced to some extent on need is an option. I'd have the choice made by another owner who is not picking right ahead of the absent owner though.

Whatever the decision, it should be made with the goal of limiting the impact on owners who do make the draft. Not catering to those that miss it.