diff --git a/commands/draft/CLAUDE.md b/commands/draft/CLAUDE.md
index 1313318..162a442 100644
--- a/commands/draft/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/commands/draft/CLAUDE.md
@@ -49,9 +49,29 @@ Draft commands are only available in the offseason.
   - `player_service.get_players_by_name()`
   - `player_service.update_player_team()`
   - `league_service.get_current_state()` (for period check)
+  - `draft_sheet_service.write_pick()` (Google Sheets integration)
 
 ## Key Features
 
+### Skipped Pick Support
+- **Purpose**: Allow teams to make up picks they missed when not on the clock
+- **Detection**: Checks for picks with `overall < current_overall` and `player_id = None`
+- **Behavior**: If team is not on the clock but has skipped picks, allows drafting with earliest skipped pick
+- **User Experience**: Success message includes footer noting this is a "skipped pick makeup"
+- **Draft Advancement**: Does NOT advance the draft when using a skipped pick
+
+```python
+# Skipped pick detection flow
+if current_pick.owner.id != team.id:
+    skipped_picks = await draft_pick_service.get_skipped_picks_for_team(
+        season, team.id, current_overall
+    )
+    if skipped_picks:
+        pick_to_use = skipped_picks[0]  # Earliest skipped pick
+    else:
+        # Return "Not Your Turn" error
+```
+
 ### Global Pick Lock
 - **Purpose**: Prevent concurrent draft picks that could cause race conditions
 - **Implementation**: `asyncio.Lock()` stored in cog instance
@@ -87,7 +107,8 @@ async with self.pick_lock:
 5. **Player Validation**: Verify player is FA (team_id = 498)
 6. **Cap Space**: Validate 32 sWAR limit won't be exceeded
 7. **Execution**: Update pick, update player team, advance draft
-8. **Announcements**: Post success message and player card
+8. **Sheet Write**: Write pick to Google Sheets (fire-and-forget)
+9. **Announcements**: Post success message and player card
 
 ### FA Player Autocomplete
 The autocomplete function filters to FA players only:
@@ -122,6 +143,93 @@ async def validate_cap_space(roster: dict, new_player_wara: float):
     return projected_total <= 32.00001, projected_total
 ```
 
+## Google Sheets Integration
+
+### Overview
+Draft picks are automatically written to a shared Google Sheet for easy tracking. This feature:
+- Writes pick data to configured sheet after each successful pick
+- Uses **fire-and-forget** pattern (non-blocking, doesn't fail the pick)
+- Supports manual resync via `/draft-admin resync-sheet`
+- Shows sheet link in `/draft-status` embed
+
+### Sheet Structure
+Each pick writes 4 columns starting at column D:
+| Column | Content |
+|--------|---------|
+| D | Original owner abbreviation |
+| E | Current owner abbreviation |
+| F | Player name |
+| G | Player sWAR |
+
+Row calculation: `overall + 1` (pick 1 → row 2, leaving row 1 for headers)
+
+### Fire-and-Forget Pattern
+```python
+# After successful pick execution
+try:
+    sheet_success = await draft_sheet_service.write_pick(
+        season=config.sba_season,
+        overall=pick.overall,
+        orig_owner_abbrev=original_owner.abbrev,
+        owner_abbrev=team.abbrev,
+        player_name=player.name,
+        swar=player.wara
+    )
+    if not sheet_success:
+        self.logger.warning(f"Draft sheet write failed for pick #{pick.overall}")
+        # Post notification to ping channel
+except Exception as e:
+    self.logger.error(f"Draft sheet write error: {e}")
+    # Non-critical - don't fail the draft pick
+```
+
+### Configuration
+Environment variables (optional, defaults in config):
+- `DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_12` - Sheet ID for season 12
+- `DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_13` - Sheet ID for season 13
+- `DRAFT_SHEET_ENABLED` - Feature flag (default: True)
+
+Config file defaults in `config.py`:
+```python
+draft_sheet_keys: dict[int, str] = {
+    12: "1OF-sAFykebc_2BrcYCgxCR-4rJo0GaNmTstagV-PMBU",
+    # Add new seasons as needed
+}
+draft_sheet_worksheet: str = "Ordered List"
+draft_sheet_start_column: str = "D"
+draft_sheet_enabled: bool = True
+```
+
+### `/draft-admin resync-sheet` Command
+Bulk resync all picks from database to sheet:
+1. Fetches all picks for current season with player data
+2. Clears existing sheet data (columns D-G, rows 2+)
+3. Batch writes all completed picks
+4. Reports success/failure count
+
+Use cases:
+- Sheet corruption recovery
+- Credential issues during draft
+- Manual corrections needed
+
+### `/draft-status` Sheet Link
+The draft status embed includes a clickable link to the sheet:
+```python
+sheet_url = config.get_draft_sheet_url(config.sba_season)
+embed = await create_draft_status_embed(draft_data, current_pick, lock_status, sheet_url)
+```
+
+### Service Dependencies
+- `services.draft_sheet_service` - Google Sheets operations
+- `config.get_draft_sheet_key()` - Sheet ID lookup by season
+- `config.get_draft_sheet_url()` - Sheet URL generation
+
+### Failure Handling
+- Sheet write failures don't block draft picks
+- Failures logged with warning level
+- Optional: Post failure notice to ping channel
+- Admins can use resync-sheet for recovery
+
 ## Architecture Notes
 
 ### Command Pattern
@@ -217,36 +325,49 @@ The draft monitor task (`tasks/draft_monitor.py`) integrates with this command:
 3. **Draft List**: Monitor tries players from team's draft list in order
 4. **Pick Advancement**: Monitor calls same `draft_service.advance_pick()`
 
-## Future Commands
+## Implemented Commands
 
-### `/draft-status` (Pending Implementation)
+### `/draft-status`
 Display current draft state, timer, lock status
 
-### `/draft-admin` (Pending Implementation)
+### `/draft-admin` (Administrator Only)
 Admin controls:
-- Timer on/off
-- Set current pick
-- Configure channels
-- Wipe picks
-- Clear stale locks
-- Set keepers
+- `/draft-admin timer` - Enable/disable timer (auto-starts monitor task)
+- `/draft-admin set-pick` - Set current pick (auto-starts monitor if timer active)
+- `/draft-admin channels` - Configure ping/result channels
+- `/draft-admin wipe` - Clear all picks for season
+- `/draft-admin info` - View detailed draft configuration
+- `/draft-admin resync-sheet` - Resync all picks to Google Sheet
 
-### `/draft-list` (Pending Implementation)
-Manage auto-draft queue:
-- View current list
-- Add players
-- Remove players
-- Reorder players
-- Clear list
+### `/draft-list`
+View auto-draft queue for your team
 
-### `/draft-board` (Pending Implementation)
+### `/draft-list-add`
+Add player to auto-draft queue
+
+### `/draft-list-remove`
+Remove player from auto-draft queue
+
+### `/draft-list-clear`
+Clear entire auto-draft queue
+
+### `/draft-board`
 View draft board by round with pagination
 
+### `/draft-on-clock`
+View detailed on-the-clock information including:
+- Current team on the clock
+- Deadline with relative timestamp
+- Team's current sWAR and cap space
+- Last 5 picks
+- Top 5 roster players by sWAR
+
 ## Dependencies
 
 - `config.get_config()`
 - `services.draft_service`
 - `services.draft_pick_service`
+- `services.draft_sheet_service` (Google Sheets integration)
 - `services.player_service`
 - `services.team_service` (with caching)
 - `utils.decorators.logged_command`
@@ -288,6 +409,6 @@ Test scenarios:
 
 ---
 
-**Last Updated:** October 2025
-**Status:** Core `/draft` command implemented and tested
-**Next:** Implement `/draft-status`, `/draft-admin`, `/draft-list` commands
+**Last Updated:** December 2025
+**Status:** All draft commands implemented and tested
+**Recent:** Google Sheets integration for automatic pick tracking, `/draft-admin resync-sheet` command, sheet link in `/draft-status`
diff --git a/commands/draft/__init__.py b/commands/draft/__init__.py
index 746f77a..a7086ee 100644
--- a/commands/draft/__init__.py
+++ b/commands/draft/__init__.py
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ async def setup_draft(bot: commands.Bot):
 
     # Load draft admin group (app_commands.Group pattern)
     try:
-        bot.tree.add_command(DraftAdminGroup())
+        bot.tree.add_command(DraftAdminGroup(bot))
         logger.info("✅ Loaded DraftAdminGroup")
         successful += 1
     except Exception as e:
diff --git a/commands/draft/admin.py b/commands/draft/admin.py
index bb87170..01c41d8 100644
--- a/commands/draft/admin.py
+++ b/commands/draft/admin.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from discord.ext import commands
 from config import get_config
 from services.draft_service import draft_service
 from services.draft_pick_service import draft_pick_service
+from services.draft_sheet_service import get_draft_sheet_service
 from utils.logging import get_contextual_logger
 from utils.decorators import logged_command
 from utils.permissions import league_admin_only
@@ -22,13 +23,35 @@ from views.embeds import EmbedTemplate
 class DraftAdminGroup(app_commands.Group):
     """Draft administration command group."""
 
-    def __init__(self):
+    def __init__(self, bot: commands.Bot):
         super().__init__(
             name="draft-admin",
             description="Admin commands for draft management"
         )
+        self.bot = bot
         self.logger = get_contextual_logger(f'{__name__}.DraftAdminGroup')
 
+    def _ensure_monitor_running(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Ensure the draft monitor task is running.
+
+        Returns:
+            Status message about the monitor state
+        """
+        from tasks.draft_monitor import setup_draft_monitor
+
+        if not hasattr(self.bot, 'draft_monitor') or self.bot.draft_monitor is None:
+            self.bot.draft_monitor = setup_draft_monitor(self.bot)
+            self.logger.info("Draft monitor task started")
+            return "\n\n🤖 **Draft monitor started** - auto-draft and warnings active"
+        elif not self.bot.draft_monitor.monitor_loop.is_running():
+            # Task exists but was stopped/cancelled - create a new one
+            self.bot.draft_monitor = setup_draft_monitor(self.bot)
+            self.logger.info("Draft monitor task recreated")
+            return "\n\n🤖 **Draft monitor restarted** - auto-draft and warnings active"
+        else:
+            return "\n\n🤖 Draft monitor already running"
+
     @app_commands.command(name="info", description="View current draft configuration")
     @league_admin_only()
     @logged_command("/draft-admin info")
@@ -53,8 +76,11 @@ class DraftAdminGroup(app_commands.Group):
             draft_data.currentpick
         )
 
+        # Get sheet URL
+        sheet_url = config.get_draft_sheet_url(config.sba_season)
+
         # Create admin info embed
-        embed = await create_admin_draft_info_embed(draft_data, current_pick)
+        embed = await create_admin_draft_info_embed(draft_data, current_pick, sheet_url)
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
 
     @app_commands.command(name="timer", description="Enable or disable draft timer")
@@ -94,14 +120,29 @@ class DraftAdminGroup(app_commands.Group):
             await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
             return
 
+        # Start draft monitor task if timer is enabled
+        monitor_status = ""
+        if enabled:
+            monitor_status = self._ensure_monitor_running()
+
         # Success message
         status = "enabled" if enabled else "disabled"
         description = f"Draft timer has been **{status}**."
 
-        if enabled and minutes:
-            description += f"\n\nPick duration: **{minutes} minutes**"
-        elif enabled:
-            description += f"\n\nPick duration: **{updated.pick_minutes} minutes**"
+        if enabled:
+            # Show pick duration
+            pick_mins = minutes if minutes else updated.pick_minutes
+            description += f"\n\n**Pick duration:** {pick_mins} minutes"
+
+            # Show current pick number
+            description += f"\n**Current Pick:** #{updated.currentpick}"
+
+            # Show deadline
+            if updated.pick_deadline:
+                deadline_timestamp = int(updated.pick_deadline.timestamp())
+                description += f"\n**Deadline:** <t:{deadline_timestamp}:T> (<t:{deadline_timestamp}:R>)"
+
+        description += monitor_status
 
         embed = EmbedTemplate.success("Timer Updated", description)
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
@@ -173,6 +214,16 @@ class DraftAdminGroup(app_commands.Group):
         if pick.owner:
             description += f"\n\n{pick.owner.abbrev} {pick.owner.sname} is now on the clock."
 
+        # Add timer status and ensure monitor is running if timer is active
+        if updated.timer and updated.pick_deadline:
+            deadline_timestamp = int(updated.pick_deadline.timestamp())
+            description += f"\n\n⏱️ **Timer Active** - Deadline <t:{deadline_timestamp}:R>"
+            # Ensure monitor is running
+            monitor_status = self._ensure_monitor_running()
+            description += monitor_status
+        else:
+            description += "\n\n⏸️ **Timer Inactive**"
+
         embed = EmbedTemplate.success("Pick Updated", description)
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
 
@@ -288,7 +339,226 @@ class DraftAdminGroup(app_commands.Group):
         embed = EmbedTemplate.success("Deadline Reset", description)
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
 
+    @app_commands.command(name="pause", description="Pause the draft (block all picks)")
+    @league_admin_only()
+    @logged_command("/draft-admin pause")
+    async def draft_admin_pause(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        """Pause the draft, blocking all manual and auto-draft picks."""
+        await interaction.response.defer()
+
+        # Get draft data
+        draft_data = await draft_service.get_draft_data()
+        if not draft_data:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.error(
+                "Draft Not Found",
+                "Could not retrieve draft configuration."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Check if already paused
+        if draft_data.paused:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.warning(
+                "Already Paused",
+                "The draft is already paused."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Pause the draft
+        updated = await draft_service.pause_draft(draft_data.id)
+
+        if not updated:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.error(
+                "Pause Failed",
+                "Failed to pause the draft."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Success message
+        description = (
+            "The draft has been **paused**.\n\n"
+            "**Effects:**\n"
+            "• All `/draft` picks are blocked\n"
+            "• Auto-draft will not fire\n"
+            "• Timer has been stopped\n\n"
+            "Use `/draft-admin resume` to restart the timer and allow picks."
+        )
+
+        embed = EmbedTemplate.warning("Draft Paused", description)
+        await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
+
+    @app_commands.command(name="resume", description="Resume the draft (allow picks)")
+    @league_admin_only()
+    @logged_command("/draft-admin resume")
+    async def draft_admin_resume(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        """Resume the draft, allowing manual and auto-draft picks again."""
+        await interaction.response.defer()
+
+        # Get draft data
+        draft_data = await draft_service.get_draft_data()
+        if not draft_data:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.error(
+                "Draft Not Found",
+                "Could not retrieve draft configuration."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Check if already unpaused
+        if not draft_data.paused:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.warning(
+                "Not Paused",
+                "The draft is not currently paused."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Resume the draft
+        updated = await draft_service.resume_draft(draft_data.id)
+
+        if not updated:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.error(
+                "Resume Failed",
+                "Failed to resume the draft."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Build success message
+        description = "The draft has been **resumed**.\n\nPicks are now allowed."
+
+        # Add timer info if active
+        if updated.timer and updated.pick_deadline:
+            deadline_timestamp = int(updated.pick_deadline.timestamp())
+            description += f"\n\n⏱️ **Timer Active** - Current deadline <t:{deadline_timestamp}:R>"
+
+            # Ensure monitor is running
+            monitor_status = self._ensure_monitor_running()
+            description += monitor_status
+
+        embed = EmbedTemplate.success("Draft Resumed", description)
+        await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
+
+    @app_commands.command(name="resync-sheet", description="Resync all picks to Google Sheet")
+    @league_admin_only()
+    @logged_command("/draft-admin resync-sheet")
+    async def draft_admin_resync_sheet(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        """
+        Resync all draft picks from database to Google Sheet.
+
+        Used for recovery if sheet gets corrupted, auth fails, or picks were
+        missed during the draft. Clears existing data and repopulates from database.
+        """
+        await interaction.response.defer()
+
+        config = get_config()
+
+        # Check if sheet integration is enabled
+        if not config.draft_sheet_enabled:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.warning(
+                "Sheet Disabled",
+                "Draft sheet integration is currently disabled."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Check if sheet is configured for current season
+        sheet_url = config.get_draft_sheet_url(config.sba_season)
+        if not sheet_url:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.error(
+                "No Sheet Configured",
+                f"No draft sheet is configured for season {config.sba_season}."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Get all picks with player data for current season
+        all_picks = await draft_pick_service.get_picks_with_players(config.sba_season)
+
+        if not all_picks:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.warning(
+                "No Picks Found",
+                "No draft picks found for the current season."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Filter to only picks that have been made (have a player)
+        completed_picks = [p for p in all_picks if p.player is not None]
+
+        if not completed_picks:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.warning(
+                "No Completed Picks",
+                "No draft picks have been made yet."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
+            return
+
+        # Prepare pick data for batch write
+        pick_data = []
+        for pick in completed_picks:
+            orig_abbrev = pick.origowner.abbrev if pick.origowner else (pick.owner.abbrev if pick.owner else "???")
+            owner_abbrev = pick.owner.abbrev if pick.owner else "???"
+            player_name = pick.player.name if pick.player else "Unknown"
+            swar = pick.player.wara if pick.player else 0.0
+
+            pick_data.append((
+                pick.overall,
+                orig_abbrev,
+                owner_abbrev,
+                player_name,
+                swar
+            ))
+
+        # Get draft sheet service
+        draft_sheet_service = get_draft_sheet_service()
+
+        # Clear existing sheet data first
+        cleared = await draft_sheet_service.clear_picks_range(
+            config.sba_season,
+            start_overall=1,
+            end_overall=config.draft_total_picks
+        )
+
+        if not cleared:
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.warning(
+                "Clear Failed",
+                "Failed to clear existing sheet data. Attempting to write picks anyway..."
+            )
+            # Don't return - try to write anyway
+
+        # Write all picks in batch
+        success_count, failure_count = await draft_sheet_service.write_picks_batch(
+            config.sba_season,
+            pick_data
+        )
+
+        # Build result message
+        total_picks = len(pick_data)
+        if failure_count == 0:
+            description = (
+                f"Successfully synced **{success_count}** picks to the draft sheet.\n\n"
+                f"[View Draft Sheet]({sheet_url})"
+            )
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.success("Resync Complete", description)
+        elif success_count > 0:
+            description = (
+                f"Synced **{success_count}** picks ({failure_count} failed).\n\n"
+                f"[View Draft Sheet]({sheet_url})"
+            )
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.warning("Partial Resync", description)
+        else:
+            description = (
+                f"Failed to sync any picks. Check logs for details.\n\n"
+                f"[View Draft Sheet]({sheet_url})"
+            )
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.error("Resync Failed", description)
+
+        await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
+
 
 async def setup(bot: commands.Bot):
     """Setup function for loading the draft admin commands."""
-    bot.tree.add_command(DraftAdminGroup())
+    bot.tree.add_command(DraftAdminGroup(bot))
diff --git a/commands/draft/board.py b/commands/draft/board.py
index f89421d..6d5386f 100644
--- a/commands/draft/board.py
+++ b/commands/draft/board.py
@@ -71,8 +71,11 @@ class DraftBoardCommands(commands.Cog):
             await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
             return
 
+        # Get sheet URL
+        sheet_url = config.get_draft_sheet_url(config.sba_season)
+
         # Create draft board embed
-        embed = await create_draft_board_embed(round_number, picks)
+        embed = await create_draft_board_embed(round_number, picks, sheet_url)
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
 
 
diff --git a/commands/draft/list.py b/commands/draft/list.py
index 3a70110..42cc376 100644
--- a/commands/draft/list.py
+++ b/commands/draft/list.py
@@ -266,9 +266,17 @@ class DraftListCommands(commands.Cog):
             await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
             return
 
-        # Success message
-        description = f"Removed **{player_obj.name}** from your draft queue."
-        embed = EmbedTemplate.success("Player Removed", description)
+        # Get updated list
+        updated_list = await draft_list_service.get_team_list(
+            config.sba_season,
+            team.id
+        )
+
+        # Success message with full draft list
+        success_msg = f"✅ Removed **{player_obj.name}** from your draft queue."
+        embed = await create_draft_list_embed(team, updated_list)
+        embed.description = f"{success_msg}\n\n{embed.description}"
+
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
 
     @discord.app_commands.command(
@@ -329,6 +337,7 @@ class DraftListCommands(commands.Cog):
         # Success message
         description = f"Cleared **{len(current_list)} players** from your draft queue."
         embed = EmbedTemplate.success("Queue Cleared", description)
+        embed.set_footer(text="Use /draft-list-add to build your queue")
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
 
 
diff --git a/commands/draft/picks.py b/commands/draft/picks.py
index 837d272..0463b20 100644
--- a/commands/draft/picks.py
+++ b/commands/draft/picks.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ from discord.ext import commands
 from config import get_config
 from services.draft_service import draft_service
 from services.draft_pick_service import draft_pick_service
+from services.draft_sheet_service import get_draft_sheet_service
 from services.player_service import player_service
 from services.team_service import team_service
 from utils.logging import get_contextual_logger
@@ -159,6 +160,15 @@ class DraftPicksCog(commands.Cog):
             await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
             return
 
+        # Check if draft is paused
+        if draft_data.paused:
+            embed = await create_pick_illegal_embed(
+                "Draft Paused",
+                "The draft is currently paused. Please wait for an administrator to resume."
+            )
+            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
+            return
+
         # Get current pick
         current_pick = await draft_pick_service.get_pick(
             config.sba_season,
@@ -173,15 +183,32 @@ class DraftPicksCog(commands.Cog):
             await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
             return
 
-        # Validate user is on the clock
+        # Validate user is on the clock OR has a skipped pick
+        pick_to_use = current_pick  # Default: use current pick if on the clock
+
         if current_pick.owner.id != team.id:
-            # TODO: Check for skipped picks
-            embed = await create_pick_illegal_embed(
-                "Not Your Turn",
-                f"{current_pick.owner.sname} is on the clock for {format_pick_display(current_pick.overall)}."
+            # Not on the clock - check for skipped picks
+            skipped_picks = await draft_pick_service.get_skipped_picks_for_team(
+                config.sba_season,
+                team.id,
+                draft_data.currentpick
+            )
+
+            if not skipped_picks:
+                # No skipped picks - can't draft
+                embed = await create_pick_illegal_embed(
+                    "Not Your Turn",
+                    f"{current_pick.owner.sname} is on the clock for {format_pick_display(current_pick.overall)}."
+                )
+                await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
+                return
+
+            # Use the earliest skipped pick
+            pick_to_use = skipped_picks[0]
+            self.logger.info(
+                f"Team {team.abbrev} using skipped pick #{pick_to_use.overall} "
+                f"(current pick is #{current_pick.overall})"
             )
-            await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
-            return
 
         # Get player
         players = await player_service.get_players_by_name(player_name, config.sba_season)
@@ -215,19 +242,19 @@ class DraftPicksCog(commands.Cog):
             await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
             return
 
-        is_valid, projected_total = await validate_cap_space(roster, player_obj.wara)
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, player_obj.wara, team)
 
         if not is_valid:
             embed = await create_pick_illegal_embed(
                 "Cap Space Exceeded",
-                f"Drafting {player_obj.name} would put you at {projected_total:.2f} sWAR (limit: {config.swar_cap_limit:.2f})."
+                f"Drafting {player_obj.name} would put you at {projected_total:.2f} sWAR (limit: {cap_limit:.2f})."
             )
             await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
             return
 
-        # Execute pick
+        # Execute pick (using pick_to_use which may be current or skipped pick)
         updated_pick = await draft_pick_service.update_pick_selection(
-            current_pick.id,
+            pick_to_use.id,
             player_obj.id
         )
 
@@ -248,32 +275,145 @@ class DraftPicksCog(commands.Cog):
         if not updated_player:
             self.logger.error(f"Failed to update player {player_obj.id} team")
 
+        # Write pick to Google Sheets (fire-and-forget with notification on failure)
+        await self._write_pick_to_sheets(
+            draft_data=draft_data,
+            pick=pick_to_use,
+            player=player_obj,
+            team=team,
+            guild=interaction.guild
+        )
+
+        # Determine if this was a skipped pick
+        is_skipped_pick = pick_to_use.overall != current_pick.overall
+
         # Send success message
         success_embed = await create_pick_success_embed(
             player_obj,
             team,
-            current_pick.overall,
-            projected_total
+            pick_to_use.overall,
+            projected_total,
+            cap_limit
         )
+
+        # Add note if this was a skipped pick
+        if is_skipped_pick:
+            success_embed.set_footer(
+                text=f"📝 Making up skipped pick (current pick is #{current_pick.overall})"
+            )
+
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=success_embed)
 
-        # Post draft card to ping channel
-        if draft_data.ping_channel:
+        # Post draft card to ping channel (only if different from command channel)
+        if draft_data.ping_channel and draft_data.ping_channel != interaction.channel_id:
             guild = interaction.guild
             if guild:
                 ping_channel = guild.get_channel(draft_data.ping_channel)
                 if ping_channel:
-                    draft_card = await create_player_draft_card(player_obj, current_pick)
+                    draft_card = await create_player_draft_card(player_obj, pick_to_use)
+
+                    # Add skipped pick context to draft card
+                    if is_skipped_pick:
+                        draft_card.set_footer(
+                            text=f"📝 Making up skipped pick (current pick is #{current_pick.overall})"
+                        )
+
                     await ping_channel.send(embed=draft_card)
 
-        # Advance to next pick
-        await draft_service.advance_pick(draft_data.id, draft_data.currentpick)
+        # Only advance the draft if this was the current pick (not a skipped pick)
+        if not is_skipped_pick:
+            await draft_service.advance_pick(draft_data.id, draft_data.currentpick)
 
         self.logger.info(
             f"Draft pick completed: {team.abbrev} selected {player_obj.name} "
-            f"(pick #{current_pick.overall})"
+            f"(pick #{pick_to_use.overall})"
+            + (f" [skipped pick makeup]" if is_skipped_pick else "")
         )
 
+    async def _write_pick_to_sheets(
+        self,
+        draft_data,
+        pick,
+        player,
+        team,
+        guild: Optional[discord.Guild]
+    ):
+        """
+        Write pick to Google Sheets (fire-and-forget with ping channel notification on failure).
+
+        Args:
+            draft_data: Current draft configuration
+            pick: The draft pick being used
+            player: Player being drafted
+            team: Team making the pick
+            guild: Discord guild for notification channel
+        """
+        config = get_config()
+
+        try:
+            draft_sheet_service = get_draft_sheet_service()
+            success = await draft_sheet_service.write_pick(
+                season=config.sba_season,
+                overall=pick.overall,
+                orig_owner_abbrev=pick.origowner.abbrev if pick.origowner else team.abbrev,
+                owner_abbrev=team.abbrev,
+                player_name=player.name,
+                swar=player.wara
+            )
+
+            if not success:
+                # Write failed - notify in ping channel
+                await self._notify_sheet_failure(
+                    guild=guild,
+                    channel_id=draft_data.ping_channel,
+                    pick_overall=pick.overall,
+                    player_name=player.name,
+                    reason="Sheet write returned failure"
+                )
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.warning(f"Failed to write pick to sheets: {e}")
+            # Notify in ping channel
+            await self._notify_sheet_failure(
+                guild=guild,
+                channel_id=draft_data.ping_channel,
+                pick_overall=pick.overall,
+                player_name=player.name,
+                reason=str(e)
+            )
+
+    async def _notify_sheet_failure(
+        self,
+        guild: Optional[discord.Guild],
+        channel_id: Optional[int],
+        pick_overall: int,
+        player_name: str,
+        reason: str
+    ):
+        """
+        Post notification to ping channel when sheet write fails.
+
+        Args:
+            guild: Discord guild
+            channel_id: Ping channel ID
+            pick_overall: Pick number that failed
+            player_name: Player name
+            reason: Failure reason
+        """
+        if not guild or not channel_id:
+            return
+
+        try:
+            channel = guild.get_channel(channel_id)
+            if channel and hasattr(channel, 'send'):
+                await channel.send(
+                    f"⚠️ **Sheet Sync Failed** - Pick #{pick_overall} ({player_name}) "
+                    f"was not written to the draft sheet. "
+                    f"Use `/draft-admin resync-sheet` to manually sync."
+                )
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Failed to send sheet failure notification: {e}")
+
 
 async def setup(bot: commands.Bot):
     """Load the draft picks cog."""
diff --git a/commands/draft/status.py b/commands/draft/status.py
index de83105..376a196 100644
--- a/commands/draft/status.py
+++ b/commands/draft/status.py
@@ -71,8 +71,11 @@ class DraftStatusCommands(commands.Cog):
             else:
                 lock_status = "🔒 Pick in progress (system)"
 
+        # Get draft sheet URL
+        sheet_url = config.get_draft_sheet_url(config.sba_season)
+
         # Create status embed
-        embed = await create_draft_status_embed(draft_data, current_pick, lock_status)
+        embed = await create_draft_status_embed(draft_data, current_pick, lock_status, sheet_url)
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
 
     @discord.app_commands.command(
@@ -133,13 +136,17 @@ class DraftStatusCommands(commands.Cog):
         if roster and roster.get('active'):
             team_roster_swar = roster['active'].get('WARa')
 
+        # Get sheet URL
+        sheet_url = config.get_draft_sheet_url(config.sba_season)
+
         # Create on the clock embed
         embed = await create_on_the_clock_embed(
             current_pick,
             draft_data,
             recent_picks,
             upcoming_picks,
-            team_roster_swar
+            team_roster_swar,
+            sheet_url
         )
 
         await interaction.followup.send(embed=embed)
diff --git a/commands/utilities/charts.py b/commands/utilities/charts.py
index 9e144f9..e3b1b9c 100644
--- a/commands/utilities/charts.py
+++ b/commands/utilities/charts.py
@@ -608,9 +608,10 @@ class ChartCategoryGroup(app_commands.Group):
         categories = self.chart_service.get_categories()
 
         if not categories:
-            embed = EmbedTemplate.info(
+            embed = EmbedTemplate.create_base_embed(
                 title="📊 Chart Categories",
-                description="No categories defined. Use `/chart-categories add` to create one."
+                description="No categories defined. Use `/chart-categories add` to create one.",
+                color=EmbedColors.INFO
             )
             await interaction.response.send_message(embed=embed, ephemeral=True)
             return
diff --git a/config.py b/config.py
index 48f46a8..2bd898f 100644
--- a/config.py
+++ b/config.py
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 """
 Configuration management for Discord Bot v2.0
 """
+import os
+from typing import Optional
+
 from pydantic_settings import BaseSettings, SettingsConfigDict
 
 # Baseball position constants (static, not configurable)
@@ -84,6 +87,12 @@ class BotConfig(BaseSettings):
     # Google Sheets settings
     sheets_credentials_path: str = "/app/data/major-domo-service-creds.json"
 
+    # Draft Sheet settings (for writing picks to Google Sheets)
+    # Sheet IDs can be overridden via environment variables: DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_12, DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_13, etc.
+    draft_sheet_enabled: bool = True  # Feature flag - set DRAFT_SHEET_ENABLED=false to disable
+    draft_sheet_worksheet: str = "Ordered List"  # Worksheet name to write picks to
+    draft_sheet_start_column: str = "D"  # Column where pick data starts (D, E, F, G for 4 columns)
+
     # Giphy API settings
     giphy_api_key: str = "H86xibttEuUcslgmMM6uu74IgLEZ7UOD"
     giphy_translate_url: str = "https://api.giphy.com/v1/gifs/translate"
@@ -113,6 +122,42 @@ class BotConfig(BaseSettings):
         """Calculate total picks in draft (derived value)."""
         return self.draft_rounds * self.draft_team_count
 
+    def get_draft_sheet_key(self, season: int) -> Optional[str]:
+        """
+        Get the Google Sheet ID for a given draft season.
+
+        Sheet IDs are configured via environment variables:
+        - DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_12 for season 12
+        - DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_13 for season 13
+        - etc.
+
+        Returns None if no sheet is configured for the season.
+        """
+        # Default sheet IDs (hardcoded as fallback)
+        default_keys = {
+            12: "1OF-sAFykebc_2BrcYCgxCR-4rJo0GaNmTstagV-PMBU",
+            13: "1vWJfvuz9jN5BU2ZR0X0oC9BAVr_R8o-dWZsF2KXQMsE"
+        }
+
+        # Check environment variable first (allows runtime override)
+        env_key = os.getenv(f"DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_{season}")
+        if env_key:
+            return env_key
+
+        # Fall back to hardcoded default
+        return default_keys.get(season)
+
+    def get_draft_sheet_url(self, season: int) -> Optional[str]:
+        """
+        Get the full Google Sheets URL for a given draft season.
+
+        Returns None if no sheet is configured for the season.
+        """
+        sheet_key = self.get_draft_sheet_key(season)
+        if sheet_key:
+            return f"https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/{sheet_key}"
+        return None
+
 
 # Global configuration instance - lazily initialized to avoid import-time errors
 _config = None
diff --git a/models/draft_data.py b/models/draft_data.py
index 2dcbe36..058f79e 100644
--- a/models/draft_data.py
+++ b/models/draft_data.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ class DraftData(SBABaseModel):
 
     currentpick: int = Field(0, description="Current pick number in progress")
     timer: bool = Field(False, description="Whether draft timer is active")
+    paused: bool = Field(False, description="Whether draft is paused (blocks all picks)")
     pick_deadline: Optional[datetime] = Field(None, description="Deadline for current pick")
     result_channel: Optional[int] = Field(None, description="Discord channel ID for draft results")
     ping_channel: Optional[int] = Field(None, description="Discord channel ID for draft pings")
@@ -32,16 +33,26 @@ class DraftData(SBABaseModel):
     
     @property
     def is_draft_active(self) -> bool:
-        """Check if the draft is currently active."""
-        return self.timer
-    
+        """Check if the draft is currently active (timer running and not paused)."""
+        return self.timer and not self.paused
+
     @property
     def is_pick_expired(self) -> bool:
         """Check if the current pick deadline has passed."""
         if not self.pick_deadline:
             return False
         return datetime.now() > self.pick_deadline
-    
+
+    @property
+    def can_make_picks(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if picks are allowed (not paused)."""
+        return not self.paused
+
     def __str__(self):
-        status = "Active" if self.is_draft_active else "Inactive"
+        if self.paused:
+            status = "PAUSED"
+        elif self.timer:
+            status = "Active"
+        else:
+            status = "Inactive"
         return f"Draft {status}: Pick {self.currentpick} ({self.pick_minutes}min timer)"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/models/draft_list.py b/models/draft_list.py
index 920570f..709675e 100644
--- a/models/draft_list.py
+++ b/models/draft_list.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ Draft preference list model
 
 Represents team draft board rankings and preferences.
 """
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Optional, Dict, Any
 from pydantic import Field
 
 from models.base import SBABaseModel
@@ -21,6 +21,32 @@ class DraftList(SBABaseModel):
     team: Team = Field(..., description="Team object")
     player: Player = Field(..., description="Player object")
 
+    @classmethod
+    def from_api_data(cls, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> 'DraftList':
+        """
+        Create DraftList instance from API data, ensuring nested objects are properly handled.
+
+        The API returns nested team and player objects. We need to ensure Player.from_api_data()
+        is called so that player.team_id is properly extracted from the nested team object.
+        Without this, Pydantic's default construction doesn't call from_api_data() on nested
+        objects, leaving player.team_id as None.
+        """
+        if not data:
+            raise ValueError("Cannot create DraftList from empty data")
+
+        # Make a copy to avoid modifying original
+        draft_list_data = data.copy()
+
+        # Handle nested team object
+        if 'team' in draft_list_data and isinstance(draft_list_data['team'], dict):
+            draft_list_data['team'] = Team.from_api_data(draft_list_data['team'])
+
+        # Handle nested player object - CRITICAL for team_id extraction
+        if 'player' in draft_list_data and isinstance(draft_list_data['player'], dict):
+            draft_list_data['player'] = Player.from_api_data(draft_list_data['player'])
+
+        return cls(**draft_list_data)
+
     @property
     def team_id(self) -> int:
         """Extract team ID from nested team object."""
diff --git a/models/draft_pick.py b/models/draft_pick.py
index 3a39dc5..948fb3a 100644
--- a/models/draft_pick.py
+++ b/models/draft_pick.py
@@ -2,9 +2,15 @@
 Draft pick model
 
 Represents individual draft picks with team and player relationships.
+
+API FIELD MAPPING:
+The API returns fields without _id suffix (origowner, owner, player).
+When the API short_output=false, these fields contain full Team/Player objects.
+When short_output=true (or default), they contain integer IDs.
+We use Pydantic aliases to handle both cases.
 """
-from typing import Optional
-from pydantic import Field
+from typing import Optional, Any, Dict, Union
+from pydantic import Field, field_validator, model_validator
 
 from models.base import SBABaseModel
 from models.team import Team
@@ -13,21 +19,79 @@ from models.player import Player
 
 class DraftPick(SBABaseModel):
     """Draft pick model representing a single draft selection."""
-    
+
     season: int = Field(..., description="Draft season")
     overall: int = Field(..., description="Overall pick number")
     round: int = Field(..., description="Draft round")
-    
-    # Team relationships - IDs are required, objects are optional
+
+    # Team relationships - IDs extracted from API response
+    # API returns "origowner" which can be int or Team object
     origowner_id: int = Field(..., description="Original owning team ID")
     origowner: Optional[Team] = Field(None, description="Original owning team (populated when needed)")
-    
+
+    # API returns "owner" which can be int or Team object
     owner_id: Optional[int] = Field(None, description="Current owning team ID")
     owner: Optional[Team] = Field(None, description="Current owning team (populated when needed)")
-    
-    # Player selection
+
+    # Player selection - API returns "player" which can be int or Player object
     player_id: Optional[int] = Field(None, description="Selected player ID")
     player: Optional[Player] = Field(None, description="Selected player (populated when needed)")
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_api_data(cls, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> 'DraftPick':
+        """
+        Create DraftPick from API response data.
+
+        Handles API field mapping:
+        - API returns 'origowner', 'owner', 'player' (without _id suffix)
+        - These can be integer IDs or full objects depending on short_output setting
+        """
+        if not data:
+            raise ValueError("Cannot create DraftPick from empty data")
+
+        # Make a copy to avoid modifying the original
+        parsed = dict(data)
+
+        # Handle origowner: can be int ID or Team object
+        if 'origowner' in parsed:
+            origowner = parsed.pop('origowner')
+            if isinstance(origowner, dict):
+                # Full Team object from API
+                parsed['origowner'] = Team.from_api_data(origowner)
+                parsed['origowner_id'] = origowner.get('id', origowner)
+            elif isinstance(origowner, int):
+                # Just the ID
+                parsed['origowner_id'] = origowner
+            elif origowner is not None:
+                parsed['origowner_id'] = int(origowner)
+
+        # Handle owner: can be int ID or Team object
+        if 'owner' in parsed:
+            owner = parsed.pop('owner')
+            if isinstance(owner, dict):
+                # Full Team object from API
+                parsed['owner'] = Team.from_api_data(owner)
+                parsed['owner_id'] = owner.get('id', owner)
+            elif isinstance(owner, int):
+                # Just the ID
+                parsed['owner_id'] = owner
+            elif owner is not None:
+                parsed['owner_id'] = int(owner)
+
+        # Handle player: can be int ID or Player object (or None)
+        if 'player' in parsed:
+            player = parsed.pop('player')
+            if isinstance(player, dict):
+                # Full Player object from API
+                parsed['player'] = Player.from_api_data(player)
+                parsed['player_id'] = player.get('id', player)
+            elif isinstance(player, int):
+                # Just the ID
+                parsed['player_id'] = player
+            elif player is not None:
+                parsed['player_id'] = int(player)
+
+        return cls(**parsed)
     
     @property
     def is_traded(self) -> bool:
diff --git a/models/team.py b/models/team.py
index 10f9ace..a21d365 100644
--- a/models/team.py
+++ b/models/team.py
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ class Team(SBABaseModel):
     thumbnail: Optional[str] = Field(None, description="Team thumbnail URL")
     color: Optional[str] = Field(None, description="Primary team color")
     dice_color: Optional[str] = Field(None, description="Dice rolling color")
+    salary_cap: Optional[float] = Field(None, description="Team-specific salary cap (None uses default)")
     
     @classmethod
     def from_api_data(cls, data: dict) -> 'Team':
diff --git a/services/CLAUDE.md b/services/CLAUDE.md
index 41e65e3..7a32cc9 100644
--- a/services/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/services/CLAUDE.md
@@ -377,6 +377,65 @@ class SheetsService:
     async def read_box_score(scorecard: pygsheets.Spreadsheet) -> Dict[str, List[int]]
 ```
 
+#### DraftSheetService Key Methods (NEW - December 2025)
+```python
+class DraftSheetService(SheetsService):
+    """
+    Service for writing draft picks to Google Sheets.
+    Extends SheetsService to reuse authentication and async patterns.
+    """
+    async def write_pick(
+        season: int,
+        overall: int,
+        orig_owner_abbrev: str,
+        owner_abbrev: str,
+        player_name: str,
+        swar: float
+    ) -> bool
+    """Write a single pick to the draft sheet. Returns True on success."""
+
+    async def write_picks_batch(
+        season: int,
+        picks: List[Tuple[int, str, str, str, float]]
+    ) -> Tuple[int, int]
+    """Batch write picks for resync operations. Returns (success_count, failure_count)."""
+
+    async def clear_picks_range(
+        season: int,
+        start_overall: int = 1,
+        end_overall: int = 512
+    ) -> bool
+    """Clear a range of picks from the sheet before resync."""
+
+    def get_sheet_url(season: int) -> Optional[str]
+    """Get the draft sheet URL for display in embeds."""
+```
+
+**Integration Points:**
+- `commands/draft/picks.py` - Writes pick to sheet after successful draft selection
+- `tasks/draft_monitor.py` - Writes pick to sheet after auto-draft
+- `commands/draft/admin.py` - `/draft-admin resync-sheet` for bulk recovery
+
+**Fire-and-Forget Pattern:**
+Draft sheet writes are non-critical (database is source of truth). On failure:
+1. Log the error
+2. Notify ping channel with warning message
+3. Suggest `/draft-admin resync-sheet` for recovery
+4. Never block the draft pick itself
+
+**Configuration:**
+```python
+# config.py settings
+draft_sheet_enabled: bool = True  # Feature flag
+draft_sheet_worksheet: str = "Ordered List"  # Worksheet name
+draft_sheet_start_column: str = "D"  # Starting column
+
+# Season-specific sheet IDs via environment variables
+# DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_12, DRAFT_SHEET_KEY_13, etc.
+config.get_draft_sheet_key(season)  # Returns sheet ID or None
+config.get_draft_sheet_url(season)  # Returns full URL or None
+```
+
 **Transaction Rollback Pattern:**
 The game submission services implement a 3-state transaction rollback pattern:
 1. **PLAYS_POSTED**: Plays submitted → Rollback: Delete plays
diff --git a/services/__init__.py b/services/__init__.py
index f41f6ea..39af11d 100644
--- a/services/__init__.py
+++ b/services/__init__.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from .player_service import PlayerService, player_service
 from .league_service import LeagueService, league_service
 from .schedule_service import ScheduleService, schedule_service
 from .giphy_service import GiphyService
+from .draft_sheet_service import DraftSheetService, get_draft_sheet_service
 
 # Wire services together for dependency injection
 player_service._team_service = team_service
@@ -21,5 +22,6 @@ __all__ = [
     'PlayerService', 'player_service',
     'LeagueService', 'league_service',
     'ScheduleService', 'schedule_service',
-    'GiphyService', 'giphy_service'
+    'GiphyService', 'giphy_service',
+    'DraftSheetService', 'get_draft_sheet_service'
 ]
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/services/draft_pick_service.py b/services/draft_pick_service.py
index abbd664..e7508a0 100644
--- a/services/draft_pick_service.py
+++ b/services/draft_pick_service.py
@@ -33,6 +33,33 @@ class DraftPickService(BaseService[DraftPick]):
         super().__init__(DraftPick, 'draftpicks')
         logger.debug("DraftPickService initialized")
 
+    def _extract_items_and_count_from_response(self, data):
+        """
+        Override to handle API quirk: GET returns 'picks' instead of 'draftpicks'.
+
+        Args:
+            data: API response data
+
+        Returns:
+            Tuple of (items list, total count)
+        """
+        if isinstance(data, list):
+            return data, len(data)
+
+        if not isinstance(data, dict):
+            logger.warning(f"Unexpected response format: {type(data)}")
+            return [], 0
+
+        # Get count
+        count = data.get('count', 0)
+
+        # API returns items under 'picks' key (not 'draftpicks')
+        if 'picks' in data and isinstance(data['picks'], list):
+            return data['picks'], count or len(data['picks'])
+
+        # Fallback to standard extraction
+        return super()._extract_items_and_count_from_response(data)
+
     async def get_pick(self, season: int, overall: int) -> Optional[DraftPick]:
         """
         Get specific pick by season and overall number.
@@ -181,6 +208,52 @@ class DraftPickService(BaseService[DraftPick]):
             logger.error(f"Error getting available picks: {e}")
             return []
 
+    async def get_skipped_picks_for_team(
+        self,
+        season: int,
+        team_id: int,
+        current_overall: int
+    ) -> List[DraftPick]:
+        """
+        Get skipped picks for a team (picks before current that have no player selected).
+
+        A "skipped" pick is one where:
+        - The pick overall is LESS than the current overall (it has passed)
+        - The pick has no player_id assigned
+        - The pick's current owner is the specified team
+
+        NOT cached - picks change during draft.
+
+        Args:
+            season: Draft season
+            team_id: Team ID to check for skipped picks
+            current_overall: Current overall pick number in the draft
+
+        Returns:
+            List of skipped DraftPick instances owned by team, ordered by overall (ascending)
+        """
+        try:
+            # Get all picks owned by this team that are before the current pick
+            # and have not been selected
+            params = [
+                ('season', str(season)),
+                ('owner_team_id', str(team_id)),
+                ('overall_end', str(current_overall - 1)),  # Before current pick
+                ('player_taken', 'false'),  # No player selected
+                ('sort', 'order-asc')  # Earliest skipped pick first
+            ]
+
+            picks = await self.get_all_items(params=params)
+            logger.debug(
+                f"Found {len(picks)} skipped picks for team {team_id} "
+                f"before pick #{current_overall}"
+            )
+            return picks
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Error getting skipped picks for team {team_id}: {e}")
+            return []
+
     async def get_recent_picks(
         self,
         season: int,
@@ -252,6 +325,35 @@ class DraftPickService(BaseService[DraftPick]):
             logger.error(f"Error getting upcoming picks: {e}")
             return []
 
+    async def get_picks_with_players(self, season: int) -> List[DraftPick]:
+        """
+        Get all picks for a season with player data included.
+
+        Used for bulk operations like resync-sheet. Returns all picks
+        for the season regardless of whether they have been selected.
+
+        NOT cached - picks change during draft.
+
+        Args:
+            season: Draft season
+
+        Returns:
+            List of all DraftPick instances for the season
+        """
+        try:
+            params = [
+                ('season', str(season)),
+                ('sort', 'order-asc')
+            ]
+
+            picks = await self.get_all_items(params=params)
+            logger.debug(f"Found {len(picks)} picks for season {season}")
+            return picks
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Error getting all picks for season {season}: {e}")
+            return []
+
     async def update_pick_selection(
         self,
         pick_id: int,
diff --git a/services/draft_service.py b/services/draft_service.py
index d47f23a..991334a 100644
--- a/services/draft_service.py
+++ b/services/draft_service.py
@@ -338,6 +338,82 @@ class DraftService(BaseService[DraftData]):
             logger.error(f"Error resetting draft deadline: {e}")
             return None
 
+    async def pause_draft(self, draft_id: int) -> Optional[DraftData]:
+        """
+        Pause the draft, blocking all picks (manual and auto) and stopping the timer.
+
+        When paused:
+        - /draft command will reject picks with "Draft is paused" message
+        - Auto-draft monitor will skip auto-drafting
+        - Timer is stopped (deadline set far in future)
+        - On resume, timer will restart with fresh deadline
+
+        Args:
+            draft_id: DraftData database ID
+
+        Returns:
+            Updated DraftData with paused=True and timer stopped
+        """
+        try:
+            # Pause the draft AND stop the timer
+            # Set deadline far in future so it doesn't expire while paused
+            updates = {
+                'paused': True,
+                'timer': False,
+                'pick_deadline': datetime.now() + timedelta(days=690)
+            }
+            updated = await self.update_draft_data(draft_id, updates)
+
+            if updated:
+                logger.info("Draft paused - all picks blocked and timer stopped")
+            else:
+                logger.error("Failed to pause draft")
+
+            return updated
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Error pausing draft: {e}")
+            return None
+
+    async def resume_draft(self, draft_id: int) -> Optional[DraftData]:
+        """
+        Resume the draft, allowing picks again and restarting the timer.
+
+        When resumed:
+        - Timer is restarted with fresh deadline based on pick_minutes
+        - All picks (manual and auto) are allowed again
+
+        Args:
+            draft_id: DraftData database ID
+
+        Returns:
+            Updated DraftData with paused=False and timer restarted
+        """
+        try:
+            # Get current draft data to get pick_minutes setting
+            current_data = await self.get_draft_data()
+            pick_minutes = current_data.pick_minutes if current_data else 2
+
+            # Resume the draft AND restart the timer with fresh deadline
+            new_deadline = datetime.now() + timedelta(minutes=pick_minutes)
+            updates = {
+                'paused': False,
+                'timer': True,
+                'pick_deadline': new_deadline
+            }
+            updated = await self.update_draft_data(draft_id, updates)
+
+            if updated:
+                logger.info(f"Draft resumed - timer restarted with {pick_minutes}min deadline")
+            else:
+                logger.error("Failed to resume draft")
+
+            return updated
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Error resuming draft: {e}")
+            return None
+
 
 # Global service instance
 draft_service = DraftService()
diff --git a/services/draft_sheet_service.py b/services/draft_sheet_service.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..61af59b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/services/draft_sheet_service.py
@@ -0,0 +1,312 @@
+"""
+Draft Sheet Service
+
+Handles writing draft picks to Google Sheets for public tracking.
+Extends SheetsService to reuse authentication and async patterns.
+"""
+import asyncio
+from typing import List, Optional, Tuple
+
+from config import get_config
+from exceptions import SheetsException
+from services.sheets_service import SheetsService
+from utils.logging import get_contextual_logger
+
+
+class DraftSheetService(SheetsService):
+    """Service for writing draft picks to Google Sheets."""
+
+    def __init__(self, credentials_path: Optional[str] = None):
+        """
+        Initialize draft sheet service.
+
+        Args:
+            credentials_path: Path to service account credentials JSON
+                             If None, will use path from config
+        """
+        super().__init__(credentials_path)
+        self.logger = get_contextual_logger(f'{__name__}.DraftSheetService')
+        self._config = get_config()
+
+    async def write_pick(
+        self,
+        season: int,
+        overall: int,
+        orig_owner_abbrev: str,
+        owner_abbrev: str,
+        player_name: str,
+        swar: float
+    ) -> bool:
+        """
+        Write a single draft pick to the season's draft sheet.
+
+        Data is written to columns D-G (4 columns):
+        - D: Original owner abbreviation (for traded picks)
+        - E: Current owner abbreviation
+        - F: Player name
+        - G: Player sWAR value
+
+        Row number is calculated as: overall + 1 (pick 1 goes to row 2).
+
+        Args:
+            season: Draft season number
+            overall: Overall pick number (1-512)
+            orig_owner_abbrev: Original owner team abbreviation
+            owner_abbrev: Current owner team abbreviation
+            player_name: Name of the drafted player
+            swar: Player's sWAR (WAR Above Replacement) value
+
+        Returns:
+            True if write succeeded, False otherwise
+        """
+        if not self._config.draft_sheet_enabled:
+            self.logger.debug("Draft sheet writes are disabled")
+            return False
+
+        sheet_key = self._config.get_draft_sheet_key(season)
+        if not sheet_key:
+            self.logger.warning(f"No draft sheet configured for season {season}")
+            return False
+
+        try:
+            loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
+
+            # Get pygsheets client
+            sheets = await loop.run_in_executor(None, self._get_client)
+
+            # Open the draft sheet by key
+            spreadsheet = await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                sheets.open_by_key,
+                sheet_key
+            )
+
+            # Get the worksheet
+            worksheet = await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                spreadsheet.worksheet_by_title,
+                self._config.draft_sheet_worksheet
+            )
+
+            # Prepare pick data (4 columns: orig_owner, owner, player, swar)
+            pick_data = [[orig_owner_abbrev, owner_abbrev, player_name, swar]]
+
+            # Calculate row (overall + 1 to leave row 1 for headers)
+            row = overall + 1
+            start_column = self._config.draft_sheet_start_column
+            cell_range = f'{start_column}{row}'
+
+            # Write the pick data
+            await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                lambda: worksheet.update_values(crange=cell_range, values=pick_data)
+            )
+
+            self.logger.info(
+                f"Wrote pick {overall} to draft sheet",
+                season=season,
+                overall=overall,
+                player=player_name,
+                owner=owner_abbrev
+            )
+            return True
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(
+                f"Failed to write pick to draft sheet: {e}",
+                season=season,
+                overall=overall,
+                player=player_name
+            )
+            return False
+
+    async def write_picks_batch(
+        self,
+        season: int,
+        picks: List[Tuple[int, str, str, str, float]]
+    ) -> Tuple[int, int]:
+        """
+        Write multiple draft picks to the sheet in a single batch operation.
+
+        Used for resync operations to repopulate the entire sheet from database.
+
+        Args:
+            season: Draft season number
+            picks: List of tuples (overall, orig_owner_abbrev, owner_abbrev, player_name, swar)
+
+        Returns:
+            Tuple of (success_count, failure_count)
+        """
+        if not self._config.draft_sheet_enabled:
+            self.logger.debug("Draft sheet writes are disabled")
+            return (0, len(picks))
+
+        sheet_key = self._config.get_draft_sheet_key(season)
+        if not sheet_key:
+            self.logger.warning(f"No draft sheet configured for season {season}")
+            return (0, len(picks))
+
+        if not picks:
+            return (0, 0)
+
+        try:
+            loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
+
+            # Get pygsheets client
+            sheets = await loop.run_in_executor(None, self._get_client)
+
+            # Open the draft sheet by key
+            spreadsheet = await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                sheets.open_by_key,
+                sheet_key
+            )
+
+            # Get the worksheet
+            worksheet = await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                spreadsheet.worksheet_by_title,
+                self._config.draft_sheet_worksheet
+            )
+
+            # Sort picks by overall to write in order
+            sorted_picks = sorted(picks, key=lambda p: p[0])
+
+            # Build batch data - each pick goes to its calculated row
+            # We'll write one row at a time to handle non-contiguous picks
+            success_count = 0
+            failure_count = 0
+
+            for overall, orig_owner, owner, player_name, swar in sorted_picks:
+                try:
+                    pick_data = [[orig_owner, owner, player_name, swar]]
+                    row = overall + 1
+                    start_column = self._config.draft_sheet_start_column
+                    cell_range = f'{start_column}{row}'
+
+                    await loop.run_in_executor(
+                        None,
+                        lambda cr=cell_range, pd=pick_data: worksheet.update_values(
+                            crange=cr, values=pd
+                        )
+                    )
+                    success_count += 1
+                except Exception as e:
+                    self.logger.error(f"Failed to write pick {overall}: {e}")
+                    failure_count += 1
+
+            self.logger.info(
+                f"Batch write complete: {success_count} succeeded, {failure_count} failed",
+                season=season,
+                total_picks=len(picks)
+            )
+            return (success_count, failure_count)
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Failed to initialize batch write: {e}", season=season)
+            return (0, len(picks))
+
+    async def clear_picks_range(
+        self,
+        season: int,
+        start_overall: int = 1,
+        end_overall: int = 512
+    ) -> bool:
+        """
+        Clear a range of picks from the draft sheet.
+
+        Used before resync to clear existing data.
+
+        Args:
+            season: Draft season number
+            start_overall: First pick to clear (default: 1)
+            end_overall: Last pick to clear (default: 512 for 32 rounds * 16 teams)
+
+        Returns:
+            True if clear succeeded, False otherwise
+        """
+        if not self._config.draft_sheet_enabled:
+            self.logger.debug("Draft sheet writes are disabled")
+            return False
+
+        sheet_key = self._config.get_draft_sheet_key(season)
+        if not sheet_key:
+            self.logger.warning(f"No draft sheet configured for season {season}")
+            return False
+
+        try:
+            loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
+
+            # Get pygsheets client
+            sheets = await loop.run_in_executor(None, self._get_client)
+
+            # Open the draft sheet by key
+            spreadsheet = await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                sheets.open_by_key,
+                sheet_key
+            )
+
+            # Get the worksheet
+            worksheet = await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                spreadsheet.worksheet_by_title,
+                self._config.draft_sheet_worksheet
+            )
+
+            # Calculate range (4 columns: D through G)
+            start_row = start_overall + 1
+            end_row = end_overall + 1
+            start_column = self._config.draft_sheet_start_column
+
+            # Convert start column letter to end column (D -> G for 4 columns)
+            end_column = chr(ord(start_column) + 3)
+
+            cell_range = f'{start_column}{start_row}:{end_column}{end_row}'
+
+            # Clear the range by setting empty values
+            # We create a 2D array of empty strings
+            num_rows = end_row - start_row + 1
+            empty_data = [['', '', '', ''] for _ in range(num_rows)]
+
+            await loop.run_in_executor(
+                None,
+                lambda: worksheet.update_values(
+                    crange=f'{start_column}{start_row}',
+                    values=empty_data
+                )
+            )
+
+            self.logger.info(
+                f"Cleared picks {start_overall}-{end_overall} from draft sheet",
+                season=season
+            )
+            return True
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Failed to clear draft sheet: {e}", season=season)
+            return False
+
+    def get_sheet_url(self, season: int) -> Optional[str]:
+        """
+        Get the full Google Sheets URL for a given draft season.
+
+        Args:
+            season: Draft season number
+
+        Returns:
+            Full URL to the draft sheet, or None if not configured
+        """
+        return self._config.get_draft_sheet_url(season)
+
+
+# Global service instance - lazily initialized
+_draft_sheet_service: Optional[DraftSheetService] = None
+
+
+def get_draft_sheet_service() -> DraftSheetService:
+    """Get the global draft sheet service instance."""
+    global _draft_sheet_service
+    if _draft_sheet_service is None:
+        _draft_sheet_service = DraftSheetService()
+    return _draft_sheet_service
diff --git a/services/player_service.py b/services/player_service.py
index 569047a..117cd94 100644
--- a/services/player_service.py
+++ b/services/player_service.py
@@ -245,15 +245,35 @@ class PlayerService(BaseService[Player]):
     async def is_free_agent(self, player: Player) -> bool:
         """
         Check if a player is a free agent.
-        
+
         Args:
             player: Player instance to check
-            
+
         Returns:
             True if player is a free agent
         """
         return player.team_id == get_config().free_agent_team_id
-    
+
+    async def get_top_free_agents(self, season: int, limit: int = 5) -> List[Player]:
+        """
+        Get top free agents sorted by sWAR (wara) descending.
+
+        Args:
+            season: Season number (required)
+            limit: Maximum number of players to return (default 5)
+
+        Returns:
+            List of top free agent players sorted by sWAR
+        """
+        try:
+            free_agents = await self.get_free_agents(season)
+            # Sort by wara descending and take top N
+            sorted_fa = sorted(free_agents, key=lambda p: p.wara if p.wara else 0.0, reverse=True)
+            return sorted_fa[:limit]
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to get top free agents: {e}")
+            return []
+
     async def get_players_by_position(self, position: str, season: int) -> List[Player]:
         """
         Get players by position.
diff --git a/tasks/CLAUDE.md b/tasks/CLAUDE.md
index 63b8724..3f75f71 100644
--- a/tasks/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/tasks/CLAUDE.md
@@ -231,16 +231,27 @@ When voice channels are cleaned up (deleted after being empty):
 - Prevents duplicate error messages
 - Continues operation despite individual scorecard failures
 
-### Draft Monitor (`draft_monitor.py`) (NEW - October 2025)
+### Draft Monitor (`draft_monitor.py`) (Updated December 2025)
 **Purpose:** Automated draft timer monitoring, warnings, and auto-draft execution
 
-**Schedule:** Every 15 seconds (only when draft timer is active)
+**Schedule:** Smart polling intervals based on time remaining:
+- **30 seconds** when >60s remaining on pick
+- **15 seconds** when 30-60s remaining
+- **5 seconds** when <30s remaining
 
 **Operations:**
 - **Timer Monitoring:**
-  - Checks draft state every 15 seconds
+  - Auto-starts when timer enabled via `/draft-admin timer`
+  - Auto-starts when `/draft-admin set-pick` used with active timer
   - Self-terminates when `draft_data.timer = False`
-  - Restarts when timer re-enabled via `/draft-admin`
+  - Uses `_ensure_monitor_running()` helper for consistent management
+
+- **On-Clock Announcements:**
+  - Posts announcement embed when pick advances
+  - Shows team name, pick info, and deadline
+  - Displays team sWAR and cap space
+  - Lists last 5 picks
+  - Shows top 5 roster players by sWAR
 
 - **Warning System:**
   - Sends 60-second warning to ping channel
@@ -255,6 +266,8 @@ When voice channels are cleaned up (deleted after being empty):
   - Advances to next pick after auto-draft
 
 #### Key Features
+- **Auto-Start:** Starts automatically when timer enabled or pick set
+- **Smart Polling:** Adjusts check frequency based on urgency
 - **Self-Terminating:** Stops automatically when timer disabled (resource efficient)
 - **Global Lock Integration:** Acquires same lock as `/draft` command
 - **Crash Recovery:** Respects 30-second stale lock timeout
@@ -301,8 +314,30 @@ async with draft_picks_cog.pick_lock:
    - Validate cap space
    - Attempt to draft player
    - Break on success
-5. Advance to next pick
-6. Release lock
+5. Write pick to Google Sheets (fire-and-forget)
+6. Advance to next pick
+7. Release lock
+
+#### Google Sheets Integration
+The monitor writes picks to the draft sheet after successful auto-draft:
+- Uses **fire-and-forget** pattern (non-blocking)
+- Failures logged but don't block draft
+- Same service as manual `/draft` command
+- Sheet write occurs before pick advancement
+
+```python
+# After successful auto-draft execution
+sheet_success = await draft_sheet_service.write_pick(
+    season=config.sba_season,
+    overall=pick.overall,
+    orig_owner_abbrev=original_owner.abbrev,
+    owner_abbrev=team.abbrev,
+    player_name=player.name,
+    swar=player.wara
+)
+if not sheet_success:
+    logger.warning(f"Sheet write failed for auto-draft pick #{pick.overall}")
+```
 
 #### Channel Requirements
 - **ping_channel** - Where warnings and auto-draft announcements post
diff --git a/tasks/draft_monitor.py b/tasks/draft_monitor.py
index e1e21a7..28d1684 100644
--- a/tasks/draft_monitor.py
+++ b/tasks/draft_monitor.py
@@ -14,10 +14,14 @@ from discord.ext import commands, tasks
 from services.draft_service import draft_service
 from services.draft_pick_service import draft_pick_service
 from services.draft_list_service import draft_list_service
+from services.draft_sheet_service import get_draft_sheet_service
 from services.player_service import player_service
 from services.team_service import team_service
+from services.roster_service import roster_service
 from utils.logging import get_contextual_logger
+from utils.helpers import get_team_salary_cap
 from views.embeds import EmbedTemplate, EmbedColors
+from views.draft_views import create_on_clock_announcement_embed
 from config import get_config
 
 
@@ -50,10 +54,35 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
         """Stop the task when cog is unloaded."""
         self.monitor_loop.cancel()
 
-    @tasks.loop(seconds=15)
+    def _get_poll_interval(self, time_remaining: float) -> int:
+        """
+        Get the appropriate polling interval based on time remaining.
+
+        Args:
+            time_remaining: Seconds until deadline
+
+        Returns:
+            Poll interval in seconds:
+            - 30s when > 60s remaining
+            - 15s when 30-60s remaining
+            - 5s when < 30s remaining
+        """
+        if time_remaining > 60:
+            return 30
+        elif time_remaining > 30:
+            return 15
+        else:
+            return 5
+
+    @tasks.loop(seconds=30)
     async def monitor_loop(self):
         """
-        Main monitoring loop - checks draft state every 15 seconds.
+        Main monitoring loop - checks draft state with dynamic intervals.
+
+        Polling frequency increases as deadline approaches:
+        - Every 30s when > 60s remaining
+        - Every 15s when 30-60s remaining
+        - Every 5s when < 30s remaining
 
         Self-terminates when draft timer is disabled.
         """
@@ -71,6 +100,11 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
                 self.monitor_loop.cancel()
                 return
 
+            # CRITICAL: Skip auto-draft if paused (but keep monitoring)
+            if draft_data.paused:
+                self.logger.debug("Draft is paused - skipping auto-draft actions")
+                return
+
             # Check if we need to take action
             now = datetime.now()
             deadline = draft_data.pick_deadline
@@ -82,6 +116,12 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
             # Calculate time remaining
             time_remaining = (deadline - now).total_seconds()
 
+            # Adjust polling interval based on time remaining
+            new_interval = self._get_poll_interval(time_remaining)
+            if self.monitor_loop.seconds != new_interval:
+                self.monitor_loop.change_interval(seconds=new_interval)
+                self.logger.debug(f"Adjusted poll interval to {new_interval}s (time remaining: {time_remaining:.0f}s)")
+
             if time_remaining <= 0:
                 # Timer expired - auto-draft
                 await self._handle_expired_timer(draft_data)
@@ -180,25 +220,43 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
                 )
                 # Advance to next pick
                 await draft_service.advance_pick(draft_data.id, draft_data.currentpick)
+                # Post on-clock announcement for next team
+                await self._post_on_clock_announcement(ping_channel, draft_data)
+                # Reset warning flags
+                self.warning_60s_sent = False
+                self.warning_30s_sent = False
                 return
 
             # Try each player in order
             for entry in draft_list:
                 if not entry.player:
+                    self.logger.debug(f"Draft list entry has no player, skipping")
                     continue
 
                 player = entry.player
 
+                # Debug: Log player team_id for troubleshooting
+                self.logger.debug(
+                    f"Checking player {player.name}: team_id={player.team_id}, "
+                    f"FA team_id={config.free_agent_team_id}, "
+                    f"team.id={player.team.id if player.team else 'None'}"
+                )
+
                 # Check if player is still available
                 if player.team_id != config.free_agent_team_id:
-                    self.logger.debug(f"Player {player.name} no longer available, skipping")
+                    self.logger.debug(
+                        f"Player {player.name} no longer available "
+                        f"(team_id={player.team_id} != FA={config.free_agent_team_id}), skipping"
+                    )
                     continue
 
                 # Attempt to draft this player
                 success = await self._attempt_draft_player(
                     current_pick,
                     player,
-                    ping_channel
+                    ping_channel,
+                    draft_data,
+                    guild
                 )
 
                 if success:
@@ -207,6 +265,8 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
                     )
                     # Advance to next pick
                     await draft_service.advance_pick(draft_data.id, draft_data.currentpick)
+                    # Post on-clock announcement for next team
+                    await self._post_on_clock_announcement(ping_channel, draft_data)
                     # Reset warning flags
                     self.warning_60s_sent = False
                     self.warning_30s_sent = False
@@ -219,6 +279,11 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
             )
             # Advance to next pick anyway
             await draft_service.advance_pick(draft_data.id, draft_data.currentpick)
+            # Post on-clock announcement for next team
+            await self._post_on_clock_announcement(ping_channel, draft_data)
+            # Reset warning flags
+            self.warning_60s_sent = False
+            self.warning_30s_sent = False
 
         except Exception as e:
             self.logger.error("Error auto-drafting player", error=e)
@@ -227,7 +292,9 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
         self,
         draft_pick,
         player,
-        ping_channel
+        ping_channel,
+        draft_data,
+        guild
     ) -> bool:
         """
         Attempt to draft a specific player.
@@ -236,6 +303,8 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
             draft_pick: DraftPick to update
             player: Player to draft
             ping_channel: Discord channel for announcements
+            draft_data: Draft configuration (for result_channel)
+            guild: Discord guild (for channel lookup)
 
         Returns:
             True if draft succeeded
@@ -252,7 +321,7 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
                 return False
 
             # Validate cap space
-            is_valid, projected_total = await validate_cap_space(roster, player.wara)
+            is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, player.wara)
 
             if not is_valid:
                 self.logger.debug(
@@ -282,18 +351,110 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
                 self.logger.error(f"Failed to update player {player.id} team")
                 return False
 
-            # Post to channel
+            # Write pick to Google Sheets (fire-and-forget)
+            await self._write_pick_to_sheets(draft_pick, player, ping_channel)
+
+            # Post to ping channel
             await ping_channel.send(
                 content=f"🤖 AUTO-DRAFT: {draft_pick.owner.abbrev} selects **{player.name}** "
                         f"(Pick #{draft_pick.overall})"
             )
 
+            # Post draft card to result channel (same as regular /draft picks)
+            if draft_data.result_channel:
+                result_channel = guild.get_channel(draft_data.result_channel)
+                if result_channel:
+                    from views.draft_views import create_player_draft_card
+                    draft_card = await create_player_draft_card(player, draft_pick)
+                    draft_card.set_footer(text="🤖 Auto-drafted from draft list")
+                    await result_channel.send(embed=draft_card)
+                else:
+                    self.logger.warning(f"Could not find result channel {draft_data.result_channel}")
+
             return True
 
         except Exception as e:
             self.logger.error(f"Error attempting to draft {player.name}", error=e)
             return False
 
+    async def _post_on_clock_announcement(self, ping_channel, draft_data) -> None:
+        """
+        Post the on-clock announcement embed for the next team.
+
+        Called after advance_pick() to announce who is now on the clock.
+
+        Args:
+            ping_channel: Discord channel to post in
+            draft_data: Current draft configuration (will be refreshed)
+        """
+        try:
+            config = get_config()
+
+            # Refresh draft data to get updated currentpick and deadline
+            updated_draft_data = await draft_service.get_draft_data()
+            if not updated_draft_data:
+                self.logger.error("Could not refresh draft data for announcement")
+                return
+
+            # Get the new current pick
+            next_pick = await draft_pick_service.get_pick(
+                config.sba_season,
+                updated_draft_data.currentpick
+            )
+
+            if not next_pick or not next_pick.owner:
+                self.logger.error(f"Could not get pick #{updated_draft_data.currentpick} for announcement")
+                return
+
+            # Get recent picks (last 5 completed)
+            recent_picks = await draft_pick_service.get_recent_picks(
+                config.sba_season,
+                updated_draft_data.currentpick - 1,  # Start from previous pick
+                limit=5
+            )
+
+            # Get team roster for sWAR calculation
+            team_roster = await roster_service.get_team_roster(next_pick.owner.id, "current")
+            roster_swar = team_roster.total_wara if team_roster else 0.0
+            cap_limit = get_team_salary_cap(next_pick.owner)
+
+            # Get top 5 most expensive players on team roster
+            top_roster_players = []
+            if team_roster:
+                all_players = team_roster.all_players
+                sorted_players = sorted(all_players, key=lambda p: p.wara if p.wara else 0.0, reverse=True)
+                top_roster_players = sorted_players[:5]
+
+            # Get sheet URL
+            sheet_url = config.get_draft_sheet_url(config.sba_season)
+
+            # Create and send the embed
+            embed = await create_on_clock_announcement_embed(
+                current_pick=next_pick,
+                draft_data=updated_draft_data,
+                recent_picks=recent_picks if recent_picks else [],
+                roster_swar=roster_swar,
+                cap_limit=cap_limit,
+                top_roster_players=top_roster_players,
+                sheet_url=sheet_url
+            )
+
+            # Mention the team's GM if available
+            gm_mention = ""
+            if next_pick.owner.gmid:
+                gm_mention = f"<@{next_pick.owner.gmid}> "
+
+            await ping_channel.send(content=gm_mention, embed=embed)
+            self.logger.info(f"Posted on-clock announcement for pick #{updated_draft_data.currentpick}")
+
+            # Reset poll interval to 30s for new pick
+            if self.monitor_loop.seconds != 30:
+                self.monitor_loop.change_interval(seconds=30)
+                self.logger.debug("Reset poll interval to 30s for new pick")
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error("Error posting on-clock announcement", error=e)
+
     async def _send_warnings_if_needed(self, draft_data, time_remaining: float):
         """
         Send warnings at 60s and 30s remaining.
@@ -350,6 +511,65 @@ class DraftMonitorTask:
         except Exception as e:
             self.logger.error("Error sending warnings", error=e)
 
+    async def _write_pick_to_sheets(self, draft_pick, player, ping_channel) -> None:
+        """
+        Write pick to Google Sheets (fire-and-forget with notification on failure).
+
+        Args:
+            draft_pick: The draft pick being used
+            player: Player being drafted
+            ping_channel: Discord channel for failure notification
+        """
+        config = get_config()
+
+        try:
+            draft_sheet_service = get_draft_sheet_service()
+            success = await draft_sheet_service.write_pick(
+                season=config.sba_season,
+                overall=draft_pick.overall,
+                orig_owner_abbrev=draft_pick.origowner.abbrev if draft_pick.origowner else draft_pick.owner.abbrev,
+                owner_abbrev=draft_pick.owner.abbrev,
+                player_name=player.name,
+                swar=player.wara
+            )
+
+            if not success:
+                # Write failed - notify in ping channel
+                await self._notify_sheet_failure(
+                    ping_channel=ping_channel,
+                    pick_overall=draft_pick.overall,
+                    player_name=player.name
+                )
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.warning(f"Failed to write pick to sheets: {e}")
+            await self._notify_sheet_failure(
+                ping_channel=ping_channel,
+                pick_overall=draft_pick.overall,
+                player_name=player.name
+            )
+
+    async def _notify_sheet_failure(self, ping_channel, pick_overall: int, player_name: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Post notification to ping channel when sheet write fails.
+
+        Args:
+            ping_channel: Discord channel to notify
+            pick_overall: Pick number that failed
+            player_name: Player name
+        """
+        if not ping_channel:
+            return
+
+        try:
+            await ping_channel.send(
+                f"⚠️ **Sheet Sync Failed** - Pick #{pick_overall} ({player_name}) "
+                f"was not written to the draft sheet. "
+                f"Use `/draft-admin resync-sheet` to manually sync."
+            )
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Failed to send sheet failure notification: {e}")
+
 
 # Task factory function
 def setup_draft_monitor(bot: commands.Bot) -> DraftMonitorTask:
diff --git a/tests/test_models.py b/tests/test_models.py
index cee5161..34f734a 100644
--- a/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/tests/test_models.py
@@ -474,6 +474,68 @@ class TestDraftListModel:
         assert top_pick.is_top_ranked is True
         assert lower_pick.is_top_ranked is False
 
+    def test_draft_list_from_api_data_extracts_player_team_id(self):
+        """
+        Test that DraftList.from_api_data() properly extracts player.team_id from nested team object.
+
+        This is critical for auto-draft functionality. The API returns player data with a nested
+        team object (not a flat team_id). Without the custom from_api_data(), Pydantic's default
+        construction doesn't call Player.from_api_data(), leaving player.team_id as None.
+
+        Bug fixed: Auto-draft was failing because player.team_id was None, causing all players
+        to be incorrectly marked as "not available" (None != 547 always True).
+        """
+        # Simulate API response format - nested objects, NOT flat IDs
+        api_response = {
+            'id': 303,
+            'season': 13,
+            'rank': 1,
+            'team': {
+                'id': 548,
+                'abbrev': 'WV',
+                'sname': 'Black Bears',
+                'lname': 'West Virginia Black Bears',
+                'season': 13
+            },
+            'player': {
+                'id': 12843,
+                'name': 'George Springer',
+                'wara': 0.31,
+                'image': 'https://example.com/springer.png',
+                'season': 13,
+                'pos_1': 'CF',
+                # Note: NO flat team_id here - it's nested in 'team' below
+                'team': {
+                    'id': 547,  # Free Agent team
+                    'abbrev': 'FA',
+                    'sname': 'Free Agents',
+                    'lname': 'Free Agents',
+                    'season': 13
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        # Create DraftList using from_api_data (what BaseService calls)
+        draft_entry = DraftList.from_api_data(api_response)
+
+        # Verify nested objects are created
+        assert draft_entry.team is not None
+        assert draft_entry.player is not None
+
+        # CRITICAL: player.team_id must be extracted from nested team object
+        assert draft_entry.player.team_id == 547, \
+            f"player.team_id should be 547 (FA), got {draft_entry.player.team_id}"
+
+        # Verify the nested team object is also populated
+        assert draft_entry.player.team is not None
+        assert draft_entry.player.team.id == 547
+        assert draft_entry.player.team.abbrev == 'FA'
+
+        # Verify DraftList's own team data
+        assert draft_entry.team.id == 548
+        assert draft_entry.team.abbrev == 'WV'
+        assert draft_entry.team_id == 548  # Property from nested team
+
 
 class TestModelCoverageExtras:
     """Additional model coverage tests."""
diff --git a/tests/test_services_draft.py b/tests/test_services_draft.py
index 938c713..a3cc56e 100644
--- a/tests/test_services_draft.py
+++ b/tests/test_services_draft.py
@@ -39,13 +39,14 @@ def create_draft_data(**overrides) -> dict:
     """
     Create complete draft data matching API response format.
 
-    API returns: id, currentpick, timer, pick_deadline, result_channel,
+    API returns: id, currentpick, timer, paused, pick_deadline, result_channel,
                  ping_channel, pick_minutes
     """
     base_data = {
         'id': 1,
         'currentpick': 25,
         'timer': True,
+        'paused': False,  # New field for draft pause feature
         'pick_deadline': (datetime.now() + timedelta(minutes=10)).isoformat(),
         'result_channel': '123456789012345678',  # API returns as string
         'ping_channel': '987654321098765432',    # API returns as string
@@ -450,6 +451,160 @@ class TestDraftService:
         assert patch_call[0][1]['ping_channel'] == 111111111111111111
         assert patch_call[0][1]['result_channel'] == 222222222222222222
 
+    # -------------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # pause_draft() tests
+    # -------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_pause_draft_success(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test successfully pausing the draft.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - PATCH is called with paused=True, timer=False, and far-future deadline
+        - Updated draft data with paused=True is returned
+        - Timer is stopped when draft is paused (prevents deadline expiry during pause)
+        """
+        updated_data = create_draft_data(paused=True, timer=False)
+        mock_client.patch.return_value = updated_data
+
+        result = await service.pause_draft(draft_id=1)
+
+        assert result is not None
+        assert result.paused is True
+        assert result.timer is False
+
+        # Verify PATCH was called with all pause-related updates
+        patch_call = mock_client.patch.call_args
+        patch_data = patch_call[0][1]
+        assert patch_data['paused'] is True
+        assert patch_data['timer'] is False
+        assert 'pick_deadline' in patch_data  # Far-future deadline set
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_pause_draft_failure(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test handling of failed pause operation.
+
+        Verifies service returns None when PATCH fails.
+        """
+        mock_client.patch.return_value = None
+
+        result = await service.pause_draft(draft_id=1)
+
+        assert result is None
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_pause_draft_api_error(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test error handling when pause API call fails.
+
+        Verifies service returns None on exception rather than crashing.
+        """
+        mock_client.patch.side_effect = Exception("API unavailable")
+
+        result = await service.pause_draft(draft_id=1)
+
+        assert result is None
+
+    # -------------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # resume_draft() tests
+    # -------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_resume_draft_success(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test successfully resuming the draft.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Current draft data is fetched to get pick_minutes
+        - PATCH is called with paused=False, timer=True, and fresh deadline
+        - Timer is restarted when draft is resumed
+        """
+        # First call: get_draft_data to fetch pick_minutes
+        current_data = create_draft_data(paused=True, timer=False, pick_minutes=5)
+        mock_client.get.return_value = {'count': 1, 'draftdata': [current_data]}
+
+        # Second call: patch returns updated data
+        updated_data = create_draft_data(paused=False, timer=True, pick_minutes=5)
+        mock_client.patch.return_value = updated_data
+
+        result = await service.resume_draft(draft_id=1)
+
+        assert result is not None
+        assert result.paused is False
+        assert result.timer is True
+
+        # Verify PATCH was called with all resume-related updates
+        patch_call = mock_client.patch.call_args
+        patch_data = patch_call[0][1]
+        assert patch_data['paused'] is False
+        assert patch_data['timer'] is True
+        assert 'pick_deadline' in patch_data  # Fresh deadline set
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_resume_draft_failure(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test handling of failed resume operation.
+
+        Verifies service returns None when PATCH fails.
+        """
+        # First call: get_draft_data succeeds
+        current_data = create_draft_data(paused=True, timer=False)
+        mock_client.get.return_value = {'count': 1, 'draftdata': [current_data]}
+
+        # PATCH fails
+        mock_client.patch.return_value = None
+
+        result = await service.resume_draft(draft_id=1)
+
+        assert result is None
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_resume_draft_api_error(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test error handling when resume API call fails.
+
+        Verifies service returns None on exception rather than crashing.
+        """
+        # First call: get_draft_data succeeds
+        current_data = create_draft_data(paused=True, timer=False)
+        mock_client.get.return_value = {'count': 1, 'draftdata': [current_data]}
+
+        # PATCH fails with exception
+        mock_client.patch.side_effect = Exception("API unavailable")
+
+        result = await service.resume_draft(draft_id=1)
+
+        assert result is None
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_pause_resume_roundtrip(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test pausing and then resuming the draft.
+
+        Verifies the complete pause/resume workflow:
+        1. Pause stops the timer
+        2. Resume restarts the timer with fresh deadline
+        """
+        # First pause - timer should be stopped
+        paused_data = create_draft_data(paused=True, timer=False)
+        mock_client.patch.return_value = paused_data
+
+        pause_result = await service.pause_draft(draft_id=1)
+        assert pause_result.paused is True
+        assert pause_result.timer is False
+
+        # Then resume - timer should be restarted
+        # resume_draft first fetches current data to get pick_minutes
+        mock_client.get.return_value = {'count': 1, 'draftdata': [paused_data]}
+        resumed_data = create_draft_data(paused=False, timer=True)
+        mock_client.patch.return_value = resumed_data
+
+        resume_result = await service.resume_draft(draft_id=1)
+        assert resume_result.paused is False
+        assert resume_result.timer is True
+
 
 # =============================================================================
 # DraftPickService Tests
@@ -775,6 +930,89 @@ class TestDraftPickService:
         assert patch_data['player_id'] is None
         assert 'overall' in patch_data  # Full model required
 
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_get_skipped_picks_for_team_success(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test retrieving skipped picks for a team.
+
+        Skipped picks are picks before the current overall that have no player selected.
+        Returns picks ordered by overall (ascending) so earliest skipped pick is first.
+        """
+        # Team 5 has two skipped picks (overall 10 and 15) before current pick 25
+        skipped_pick_1 = create_draft_pick_data(
+            pick_id=10, overall=10, round_num=1, player_id=None,
+            owner_team_id=5, include_nested=False
+        )
+        skipped_pick_2 = create_draft_pick_data(
+            pick_id=15, overall=15, round_num=1, player_id=None,
+            owner_team_id=5, include_nested=False
+        )
+
+        mock_client.get.return_value = {
+            'count': 2,
+            'picks': [skipped_pick_1, skipped_pick_2]
+        }
+
+        result = await service.get_skipped_picks_for_team(
+            season=12,
+            team_id=5,
+            current_overall=25
+        )
+
+        # Verify results
+        assert len(result) == 2
+        assert result[0].overall == 10  # Earliest skipped pick first
+        assert result[1].overall == 15
+        assert result[0].player_id is None
+        assert result[1].player_id is None
+
+        # Verify API call
+        mock_client.get.assert_called_once()
+        call_args = mock_client.get.call_args
+        params = call_args[1]['params']
+        # Should request picks before current (overall_end=24), owned by team, with no player
+        assert ('overall_end', '24') in params
+        assert ('owner_team_id', '5') in params
+        assert ('player_taken', 'false') in params
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_get_skipped_picks_for_team_none_found(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test when team has no skipped picks.
+
+        Returns empty list when all prior picks have been made.
+        """
+        mock_client.get.return_value = {
+            'count': 0,
+            'picks': []
+        }
+
+        result = await service.get_skipped_picks_for_team(
+            season=12,
+            team_id=5,
+            current_overall=25
+        )
+
+        assert result == []
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_get_skipped_picks_for_team_api_error(self, service, mock_client):
+        """
+        Test graceful handling of API errors.
+
+        Returns empty list on error rather than raising exception.
+        """
+        mock_client.get.side_effect = Exception("API Error")
+
+        result = await service.get_skipped_picks_for_team(
+            season=12,
+            team_id=5,
+            current_overall=25
+        )
+
+        # Should return empty list on error, not raise
+        assert result == []
+
 
 # =============================================================================
 # DraftListService Tests
@@ -1279,6 +1517,72 @@ class TestDraftDataModel:
         assert active.is_draft_active is True
         assert inactive.is_draft_active is False
 
+    def test_is_draft_active_when_paused(self):
+        """
+        Test that is_draft_active returns False when draft is paused.
+
+        Even if timer is True, is_draft_active should be False when paused
+        because no picks should be processed.
+        """
+        paused_with_timer = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=1, timer=True, paused=True, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+        paused_no_timer = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=1, timer=False, paused=True, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+        active_not_paused = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=1, timer=True, paused=False, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+
+        assert paused_with_timer.is_draft_active is False
+        assert paused_no_timer.is_draft_active is False
+        assert active_not_paused.is_draft_active is True
+
+    def test_can_make_picks_property(self):
+        """
+        Test can_make_picks property correctly reflects pause state.
+
+        can_make_picks should be True only when not paused,
+        regardless of timer state.
+        """
+        # Not paused - can make picks
+        not_paused = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=1, timer=True, paused=False, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+        assert not_paused.can_make_picks is True
+
+        # Paused - cannot make picks
+        paused = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=1, timer=True, paused=True, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+        assert paused.can_make_picks is False
+
+        # Not paused, timer off - can still make picks (manual draft)
+        manual_draft = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=1, timer=False, paused=False, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+        assert manual_draft.can_make_picks is True
+
+    def test_draft_data_str_shows_paused_status(self):
+        """
+        Test that __str__ displays paused status when draft is paused.
+
+        Users should clearly see when the draft is paused.
+        """
+        paused = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=25, timer=True, paused=True, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+        active = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=25, timer=True, paused=False, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+        inactive = DraftData(
+            id=1, currentpick=25, timer=False, paused=False, pick_minutes=2
+        )
+
+        assert "PAUSED" in str(paused)
+        assert "Active" in str(active)
+        assert "Inactive" in str(inactive)
+
     def test_is_pick_expired_property(self):
         """Test is_pick_expired property."""
         # Expired deadline
diff --git a/tests/test_services_draft_sheet.py b/tests/test_services_draft_sheet.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96478fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_services_draft_sheet.py
@@ -0,0 +1,349 @@
+"""
+Tests for DraftSheetService
+
+Tests the Google Sheets integration for draft pick tracking.
+Uses mocked pygsheets to avoid actual API calls.
+"""
+import pytest
+from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock, patch
+from typing import Tuple, List
+
+from services.draft_sheet_service import DraftSheetService, get_draft_sheet_service
+
+
+class TestDraftSheetService:
+    """
+    Test suite for DraftSheetService.
+
+    Tests write_pick(), write_picks_batch(), clear_picks_range(), and get_sheet_url().
+    All tests mock pygsheets to avoid actual Google Sheets API calls.
+    """
+
+    @pytest.fixture
+    def mock_config(self):
+        """
+        Create a mock config with draft sheet settings.
+
+        Provides:
+        - draft_sheet_enabled: True
+        - sba_season: 12
+        - draft_sheet_worksheet: "Ordered List"
+        - draft_sheet_start_column: "D"
+        - draft_total_picks: 512
+        """
+        config = MagicMock()
+        config.draft_sheet_enabled = True
+        config.sba_season = 12
+        config.draft_sheet_worksheet = "Ordered List"
+        config.draft_sheet_start_column = "D"
+        config.draft_total_picks = 512
+        config.sheets_credentials_path = "/app/data/test-creds.json"
+        config.get_draft_sheet_key = MagicMock(return_value="test-sheet-key-123")
+        config.get_draft_sheet_url = MagicMock(
+            return_value="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/test-sheet-key-123"
+        )
+        return config
+
+    @pytest.fixture
+    def mock_pygsheets(self):
+        """
+        Create mock pygsheets client, spreadsheet, and worksheet.
+
+        Provides:
+        - sheets_client: Mock pygsheets client
+        - spreadsheet: Mock spreadsheet
+        - worksheet: Mock worksheet with update_values method
+        """
+        worksheet = MagicMock()
+        worksheet.update_values = MagicMock()
+
+        spreadsheet = MagicMock()
+        spreadsheet.worksheet_by_title = MagicMock(return_value=worksheet)
+
+        sheets_client = MagicMock()
+        sheets_client.open_by_key = MagicMock(return_value=spreadsheet)
+
+        return {
+            'client': sheets_client,
+            'spreadsheet': spreadsheet,
+            'worksheet': worksheet
+        }
+
+    @pytest.fixture
+    def service(self, mock_config, mock_pygsheets):
+        """
+        Create DraftSheetService instance with mocked dependencies.
+
+        The service is set up with:
+        - Mocked config
+        - Mocked pygsheets client (via _get_client override)
+        """
+        with patch('services.draft_sheet_service.get_config', return_value=mock_config):
+            service = DraftSheetService()
+            service._config = mock_config
+            service._sheets_client = mock_pygsheets['client']
+            return service
+
+    # ==================== write_pick() Tests ====================
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_write_pick_success(self, service, mock_pygsheets):
+        """
+        Test successful write of a single draft pick to the sheet.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Correct cell range is calculated (D + overall + 1)
+        - Correct data is written (4 columns)
+        - Returns True on success
+        """
+        result = await service.write_pick(
+            season=12,
+            overall=1,
+            orig_owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            player_name="Mike Trout",
+            swar=8.5
+        )
+
+        assert result is True
+        # Verify worksheet was accessed
+        mock_pygsheets['spreadsheet'].worksheet_by_title.assert_called_with("Ordered List")
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_write_pick_disabled(self, service, mock_config):
+        """
+        Test that write_pick returns False when feature is disabled.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns False when draft_sheet_enabled is False
+        - No API calls are made
+        """
+        mock_config.draft_sheet_enabled = False
+
+        result = await service.write_pick(
+            season=12,
+            overall=1,
+            orig_owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            player_name="Mike Trout",
+            swar=8.5
+        )
+
+        assert result is False
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_write_pick_no_sheet_configured(self, service, mock_config):
+        """
+        Test that write_pick returns False when no sheet is configured for season.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns False when get_draft_sheet_key returns None
+        - No API calls are made
+        """
+        mock_config.get_draft_sheet_key = MagicMock(return_value=None)
+
+        result = await service.write_pick(
+            season=13,  # Season 13 has no configured sheet
+            overall=1,
+            orig_owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            player_name="Mike Trout",
+            swar=8.5
+        )
+
+        assert result is False
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_write_pick_api_error(self, service, mock_pygsheets):
+        """
+        Test that write_pick returns False and logs error on API failure.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns False on exception
+        - Exception is caught and logged (not raised)
+        """
+        mock_pygsheets['spreadsheet'].worksheet_by_title.side_effect = Exception("API Error")
+
+        result = await service.write_pick(
+            season=12,
+            overall=1,
+            orig_owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            owner_abbrev="HAM",
+            player_name="Mike Trout",
+            swar=8.5
+        )
+
+        assert result is False
+
+    # ==================== write_picks_batch() Tests ====================
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_write_picks_batch_success(self, service, mock_pygsheets):
+        """
+        Test successful batch write of multiple picks.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - All picks are written
+        - Returns correct success/failure counts
+        """
+        picks = [
+            (1, "HAM", "HAM", "Player 1", 2.5),
+            (2, "NYY", "NYY", "Player 2", 3.0),
+            (3, "BOS", "BOS", "Player 3", 1.5),
+        ]
+
+        success_count, failure_count = await service.write_picks_batch(
+            season=12,
+            picks=picks
+        )
+
+        assert success_count == 3
+        assert failure_count == 0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_write_picks_batch_empty_list(self, service):
+        """
+        Test batch write with empty picks list.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns (0, 0) for empty list
+        - No API calls are made
+        """
+        success_count, failure_count = await service.write_picks_batch(
+            season=12,
+            picks=[]
+        )
+
+        assert success_count == 0
+        assert failure_count == 0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_write_picks_batch_disabled(self, service, mock_config):
+        """
+        Test batch write when feature is disabled.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns (0, total_picks) when disabled
+        """
+        mock_config.draft_sheet_enabled = False
+        picks = [
+            (1, "HAM", "HAM", "Player 1", 2.5),
+            (2, "NYY", "NYY", "Player 2", 3.0),
+        ]
+
+        success_count, failure_count = await service.write_picks_batch(
+            season=12,
+            picks=picks
+        )
+
+        assert success_count == 0
+        assert failure_count == 2
+
+    # ==================== clear_picks_range() Tests ====================
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_clear_picks_range_success(self, service, mock_pygsheets):
+        """
+        Test successful clearing of picks range.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns True on success
+        - Correct range is cleared
+        """
+        result = await service.clear_picks_range(
+            season=12,
+            start_overall=1,
+            end_overall=512
+        )
+
+        assert result is True
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_clear_picks_range_disabled(self, service, mock_config):
+        """
+        Test clearing when feature is disabled.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns False when disabled
+        """
+        mock_config.draft_sheet_enabled = False
+
+        result = await service.clear_picks_range(
+            season=12,
+            start_overall=1,
+            end_overall=512
+        )
+
+        assert result is False
+
+    # ==================== get_sheet_url() Tests ====================
+
+    def test_get_sheet_url_configured(self, service, mock_config):
+        """
+        Test get_sheet_url returns URL when configured.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns correct URL format
+        """
+        url = service.get_sheet_url(season=12)
+
+        assert url == "https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/test-sheet-key-123"
+
+    def test_get_sheet_url_not_configured(self, service, mock_config):
+        """
+        Test get_sheet_url returns None when not configured.
+
+        Verifies:
+        - Returns None for unconfigured season
+        """
+        mock_config.get_draft_sheet_url = MagicMock(return_value=None)
+
+        url = service.get_sheet_url(season=99)
+
+        assert url is None
+
+
+class TestGlobalServiceInstance:
+    """
+    Test suite for the global service instance pattern.
+
+    Tests get_draft_sheet_service() lazy initialization.
+    """
+
+    def test_get_draft_sheet_service_returns_instance(self):
+        """
+        Test that get_draft_sheet_service returns a DraftSheetService instance.
+
+        Note: This creates a real service instance but won't make API calls
+        without being used.
+        """
+        with patch('services.draft_sheet_service.get_config') as mock_config:
+            mock_config.return_value.sheets_credentials_path = "/test/path.json"
+            mock_config.return_value.draft_sheet_enabled = True
+
+            # Reset global instance
+            import services.draft_sheet_service as service_module
+            service_module._draft_sheet_service = None
+
+            service = get_draft_sheet_service()
+
+            assert isinstance(service, DraftSheetService)
+
+    def test_get_draft_sheet_service_returns_same_instance(self):
+        """
+        Test that get_draft_sheet_service returns the same instance on subsequent calls.
+
+        Verifies singleton pattern for global service.
+        """
+        with patch('services.draft_sheet_service.get_config') as mock_config:
+            mock_config.return_value.sheets_credentials_path = "/test/path.json"
+            mock_config.return_value.draft_sheet_enabled = True
+
+            # Reset global instance
+            import services.draft_sheet_service as service_module
+            service_module._draft_sheet_service = None
+
+            service1 = get_draft_sheet_service()
+            service2 = get_draft_sheet_service()
+
+            assert service1 is service2
diff --git a/tests/test_utils_draft_helpers.py b/tests/test_utils_draft_helpers.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4217509
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_utils_draft_helpers.py
@@ -0,0 +1,534 @@
+"""
+Unit tests for draft helper functions in utils/draft_helpers.py.
+
+These tests verify:
+1. calculate_pick_details() correctly handles linear and snake draft formats
+2. calculate_overall_from_round_position() is the inverse of calculate_pick_details()
+3. validate_cap_space() correctly validates roster cap space with team-specific caps
+4. Other helper functions work correctly
+
+Why these tests matter:
+- Draft pick calculations are critical for correct draft order
+- Cap space validation prevents illegal roster configurations
+- These functions are used throughout the draft system
+"""
+
+import pytest
+from utils.draft_helpers import (
+    calculate_pick_details,
+    calculate_overall_from_round_position,
+    validate_cap_space,
+    format_pick_display,
+    get_next_pick_overall,
+    is_draft_complete,
+    get_round_name,
+)
+
+
+class TestCalculatePickDetails:
+    """Tests for calculate_pick_details() function."""
+
+    def test_round_1_pick_1(self):
+        """
+        Overall pick 1 should be Round 1, Pick 1.
+
+        Why: First pick of the draft is the simplest case.
+        """
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(1)
+        assert round_num == 1
+        assert position == 1
+
+    def test_round_1_pick_16(self):
+        """
+        Overall pick 16 should be Round 1, Pick 16.
+
+        Why: Last pick of round 1 in a 16-team draft.
+        """
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(16)
+        assert round_num == 1
+        assert position == 16
+
+    def test_round_2_pick_1(self):
+        """
+        Overall pick 17 should be Round 2, Pick 1.
+
+        Why: First pick of round 2 (linear format for rounds 1-10).
+        """
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(17)
+        assert round_num == 2
+        assert position == 1
+
+    def test_round_10_pick_16(self):
+        """
+        Overall pick 160 should be Round 10, Pick 16.
+
+        Why: Last pick of linear draft section.
+        """
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(160)
+        assert round_num == 10
+        assert position == 16
+
+    def test_round_11_pick_1_snake_begins(self):
+        """
+        Overall pick 161 should be Round 11, Pick 1.
+
+        Why: First pick of snake draft. Same team as Round 10 Pick 16
+        gets first pick of Round 11.
+        """
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(161)
+        assert round_num == 11
+        assert position == 1
+
+    def test_round_11_pick_16(self):
+        """
+        Overall pick 176 should be Round 11, Pick 16.
+
+        Why: Last pick of round 11 (odd snake round = forward order).
+        """
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(176)
+        assert round_num == 11
+        assert position == 16
+
+    def test_round_12_snake_reverses(self):
+        """
+        Round 12 should be in reverse order (snake).
+
+        Why: Even rounds in snake draft reverse the order.
+        """
+        # Pick 177 = Round 12, Pick 16 (starts with last team)
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(177)
+        assert round_num == 12
+        assert position == 16
+
+        # Pick 192 = Round 12, Pick 1 (ends with first team)
+        round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(192)
+        assert round_num == 12
+        assert position == 1
+
+
+class TestCalculateOverallFromRoundPosition:
+    """Tests for calculate_overall_from_round_position() function."""
+
+    def test_round_1_pick_1(self):
+        """Round 1, Pick 1 should be overall pick 1."""
+        overall = calculate_overall_from_round_position(1, 1)
+        assert overall == 1
+
+    def test_round_1_pick_16(self):
+        """Round 1, Pick 16 should be overall pick 16."""
+        overall = calculate_overall_from_round_position(1, 16)
+        assert overall == 16
+
+    def test_round_10_pick_16(self):
+        """Round 10, Pick 16 should be overall pick 160."""
+        overall = calculate_overall_from_round_position(10, 16)
+        assert overall == 160
+
+    def test_round_11_pick_1(self):
+        """Round 11, Pick 1 should be overall pick 161."""
+        overall = calculate_overall_from_round_position(11, 1)
+        assert overall == 161
+
+    def test_round_12_pick_16_snake(self):
+        """Round 12, Pick 16 should be overall pick 177 (snake reverses)."""
+        overall = calculate_overall_from_round_position(12, 16)
+        assert overall == 177
+
+    def test_inverse_relationship_linear(self):
+        """
+        calculate_overall_from_round_position should be inverse of calculate_pick_details
+        for linear rounds (1-10).
+
+        Why: These functions must be inverses for draft logic to work correctly.
+        """
+        for overall in range(1, 161):  # All linear picks
+            round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(overall)
+            calculated_overall = calculate_overall_from_round_position(round_num, position)
+            assert calculated_overall == overall, f"Failed for overall={overall}"
+
+    def test_inverse_relationship_snake(self):
+        """
+        calculate_overall_from_round_position should be inverse of calculate_pick_details
+        for snake rounds (11+).
+
+        Why: These functions must be inverses for draft logic to work correctly.
+        """
+        for overall in range(161, 257):  # First 6 snake rounds
+            round_num, position = calculate_pick_details(overall)
+            calculated_overall = calculate_overall_from_round_position(round_num, position)
+            assert calculated_overall == overall, f"Failed for overall={overall}"
+
+
+class TestValidateCapSpace:
+    """Tests for validate_cap_space() function."""
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_valid_under_cap(self):
+        """
+        Drafting a player that keeps team under cap should be valid.
+
+        Why: Normal case - team is under cap and pick should be allowed.
+        The 26 cheapest players are summed (all 3 in this case since < 26).
+        """
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': [
+                    {'id': 1, 'name': 'Player 1', 'wara': 5.0},
+                    {'id': 2, 'name': 'Player 2', 'wara': 4.0},
+                ],
+                'WARa': 9.0
+            }
+        }
+        new_player_wara = 3.0
+
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, new_player_wara)
+
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert projected_total == 12.0  # 3 + 4 + 5 (all players, sorted ascending)
+        assert cap_limit == 32.0  # Default cap
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_invalid_over_cap(self):
+        """
+        Drafting a player that puts team over cap should be invalid.
+
+        Why: Must prevent illegal roster configurations.
+        With 26 players all at 1.5 WAR, sum = 39.0 which exceeds 32.0 cap.
+        """
+        # Create roster with 25 players at 1.5 WAR each
+        players = [{'id': i, 'name': f'Player {i}', 'wara': 1.5} for i in range(25)]
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': players,
+                'WARa': 37.5  # 25 * 1.5
+            }
+        }
+        new_player_wara = 1.5  # Adding another 1.5 player = 26 * 1.5 = 39.0
+
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, new_player_wara)
+
+        assert is_valid is False
+        assert projected_total == 39.0  # 26 * 1.5
+        assert cap_limit == 32.0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_team_specific_cap(self):
+        """
+        Should use team's custom salary cap when provided.
+
+        Why: Some teams have different caps (expansion, penalties, etc.)
+        """
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': [
+                    {'id': 1, 'name': 'Player 1', 'wara': 10.0},
+                    {'id': 2, 'name': 'Player 2', 'wara': 10.0},
+                ],
+                'WARa': 20.0
+            }
+        }
+        team = {'abbrev': 'EXP', 'salary_cap': 25.0}  # Expansion team with lower cap
+        new_player_wara = 6.0  # Total = 26.0 which exceeds 25.0 cap
+
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, new_player_wara, team)
+
+        assert is_valid is False  # Over custom 25.0 cap
+        assert projected_total == 26.0  # 6 + 10 + 10 (sorted ascending)
+        assert cap_limit == 25.0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_team_with_none_cap_uses_default(self):
+        """
+        Team with salary_cap=None should use default cap.
+
+        Why: Backwards compatibility for teams without custom caps.
+        """
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': [
+                    {'id': 1, 'name': 'Player 1', 'wara': 10.0},
+                ],
+                'WARa': 10.0
+            }
+        }
+        team = {'abbrev': 'STD', 'salary_cap': None}
+        new_player_wara = 5.0
+
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, new_player_wara, team)
+
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert projected_total == 15.0  # 5 + 10
+        assert cap_limit == 32.0  # Default
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_cap_counting_logic_cheapest_26(self):
+        """
+        Only the 26 CHEAPEST players should count toward cap.
+
+        Why: League rules - expensive stars can be "excluded" if you have
+        enough cheap depth players. This rewards roster construction.
+        """
+        # Create 27 players: 1 expensive star (10.0) and 26 cheap players (1.0 each)
+        players = [{'id': 0, 'name': 'Star', 'wara': 10.0}]  # Expensive star
+        for i in range(1, 27):
+            players.append({'id': i, 'name': f'Cheap {i}', 'wara': 1.0})
+
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': players,
+                'WARa': sum(p['wara'] for p in players)  # 10 + 26 = 36
+            }
+        }
+        new_player_wara = 1.0  # Adding another cheap player
+
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, new_player_wara)
+
+        # With 28 players total, only cheapest 26 count
+        # Sorted ascending: 27 players at 1.0, then 1 at 10.0
+        # Cheapest 26 = 26 * 1.0 = 26.0 (the star is EXCLUDED)
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert projected_total == 26.0
+        assert cap_limit == 32.0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_invalid_roster_structure(self):
+        """
+        Invalid roster structure should raise ValueError.
+
+        Why: Defensive programming - catch malformed data early.
+        """
+        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Invalid roster structure"):
+            await validate_cap_space({}, 1.0)
+
+        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Invalid roster structure"):
+            await validate_cap_space(None, 1.0)
+
+        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Invalid roster structure"):
+            await validate_cap_space({'other': {}}, 1.0)
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_empty_roster(self):
+        """
+        Empty roster should allow any player (well under cap).
+
+        Why: First pick of draft has empty roster.
+        """
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': [],
+                'WARa': 0.0
+            }
+        }
+        new_player_wara = 5.0
+
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, new_player_wara)
+
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert projected_total == 5.0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_tolerance_boundary(self):
+        """
+        Values at or just below cap + tolerance should be valid.
+
+        Why: Floating point tolerance prevents false positives.
+        """
+        # Create 25 players at 1.28 WAR each = 32.0 total
+        players = [{'id': i, 'name': f'Player {i}', 'wara': 1.28} for i in range(25)]
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': players,
+                'WARa': 32.0
+            }
+        }
+
+        # Adding 0.0 WAR player keeps us at exactly cap - should be valid
+        is_valid, projected_total, _ = await validate_cap_space(roster, 0.0)
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert abs(projected_total - 32.0) < 0.01
+
+        # Adding 0.002 WAR player puts us just over tolerance - should be invalid
+        is_valid, _, _ = await validate_cap_space(roster, 0.003)
+        assert is_valid is False
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_star_exclusion_scenario(self):
+        """
+        Test realistic scenario where an expensive star is excluded from cap.
+
+        Why: This is the key feature - teams can build around stars by
+        surrounding them with cheap depth players.
+        """
+        # 26 cheap players at 1.0 WAR each
+        players = [{'id': i, 'name': f'Depth {i}', 'wara': 1.0} for i in range(26)]
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': players,
+                'WARa': 26.0
+            }
+        }
+
+        # Drafting a 10.0 WAR superstar
+        # With 27 players, cheapest 26 count = 26 * 1.0 = 26.0 (star excluded!)
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, 10.0)
+
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert projected_total == 26.0  # Star is excluded from cap calculation
+        assert cap_limit == 32.0
+
+
+class TestFormatPickDisplay:
+    """Tests for format_pick_display() function."""
+
+    def test_format_pick_1(self):
+        """First pick should display correctly."""
+        result = format_pick_display(1)
+        assert result == "Round 1, Pick 1 (Overall #1)"
+
+    def test_format_pick_45(self):
+        """Middle pick should display correctly."""
+        result = format_pick_display(45)
+        assert "Round 3" in result
+        assert "Overall #45" in result
+
+    def test_format_pick_161(self):
+        """First snake pick should display correctly."""
+        result = format_pick_display(161)
+        assert "Round 11" in result
+        assert "Overall #161" in result
+
+
+class TestGetNextPickOverall:
+    """Tests for get_next_pick_overall() function."""
+
+    def test_next_pick(self):
+        """Next pick should increment by 1."""
+        assert get_next_pick_overall(1) == 2
+        assert get_next_pick_overall(160) == 161
+        assert get_next_pick_overall(512) == 513
+
+
+class TestIsDraftComplete:
+    """Tests for is_draft_complete() function."""
+
+    def test_draft_not_complete(self):
+        """Draft should not be complete before total picks."""
+        assert is_draft_complete(1, total_picks=512) is False
+        assert is_draft_complete(511, total_picks=512) is False
+        assert is_draft_complete(512, total_picks=512) is False
+
+    def test_draft_complete(self):
+        """Draft should be complete after total picks."""
+        assert is_draft_complete(513, total_picks=512) is True
+        assert is_draft_complete(600, total_picks=512) is True
+
+
+class TestGetRoundName:
+    """Tests for get_round_name() function."""
+
+    def test_round_1(self):
+        """Round 1 should just say 'Round 1'."""
+        assert get_round_name(1) == "Round 1"
+
+    def test_round_11_snake_begins(self):
+        """Round 11 should indicate snake draft begins."""
+        result = get_round_name(11)
+        assert "Round 11" in result
+        assert "Snake" in result
+
+    def test_regular_round(self):
+        """Regular rounds should just show round number."""
+        assert get_round_name(5) == "Round 5"
+        assert get_round_name(20) == "Round 20"
+
+
+class TestRealTeamModelIntegration:
+    """Integration tests using the actual Team Pydantic model."""
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_validate_cap_space_with_real_team_model(self):
+        """
+        validate_cap_space should work with real Team Pydantic model.
+
+        Why: End-to-end test with actual production model.
+        """
+        from models.team import Team
+
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': [
+                    {'id': 1, 'name': 'Star', 'wara': 8.0},
+                    {'id': 2, 'name': 'Good', 'wara': 4.0},
+                ],
+                'WARa': 12.0
+            }
+        }
+
+        # Team with custom cap of 20.0
+        team = Team(
+            id=1,
+            abbrev='EXP',
+            sname='Expansion',
+            lname='Expansion Team',
+            season=12,
+            salary_cap=20.0
+        )
+
+        # Adding 10.0 WAR player: sorted ascending [4.0, 8.0, 10.0] = 22.0 total
+        # 22.0 > 20.0 cap, so invalid
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, 10.0, team)
+
+        assert is_valid is False
+        assert projected_total == 22.0  # 4 + 8 + 10
+        assert cap_limit == 20.0
+
+        # Adding 5.0 WAR player: sorted ascending [4.0, 5.0, 8.0] = 17.0 total
+        # 17.0 < 20.0 cap, so valid
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, 5.0, team)
+
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert projected_total == 17.0  # 4 + 5 + 8
+        assert cap_limit == 20.0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_realistic_draft_scenario(self):
+        """
+        Test a realistic draft scenario where team has built around stars.
+
+        Why: Validates the complete workflow with real Team model and
+        demonstrates the cap exclusion mechanic working as intended.
+        """
+        from models.team import Team
+
+        # Team has 2 superstars (8.0, 7.0) and 25 cheap depth players (1.0 each)
+        players = [
+            {'id': 0, 'name': 'Superstar 1', 'wara': 8.0},
+            {'id': 1, 'name': 'Superstar 2', 'wara': 7.0},
+        ]
+        for i in range(2, 27):
+            players.append({'id': i, 'name': f'Depth {i}', 'wara': 1.0})
+
+        roster = {
+            'active': {
+                'players': players,
+                'WARa': sum(p['wara'] for p in players)  # 8 + 7 + 25 = 40.0
+            }
+        }
+
+        team = Team(
+            id=1,
+            abbrev='STR',
+            sname='Stars',
+            lname='All-Stars Team',
+            season=12,
+            salary_cap=None  # Use default 32.0
+        )
+
+        # Draft another 1.0 WAR depth player
+        # With 28 players, only cheapest 26 count
+        # Sorted: [1.0 x 26, 7.0, 8.0] - cheapest 26 = 26 * 1.0 = 26.0
+        is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit = await validate_cap_space(roster, 1.0, team)
+
+        assert is_valid is True
+        assert projected_total == 26.0  # Both superstars excluded!
+        assert cap_limit == 32.0
diff --git a/tests/test_utils_helpers.py b/tests/test_utils_helpers.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f667e14
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_utils_helpers.py
@@ -0,0 +1,421 @@
+"""
+Unit tests for salary cap helper functions in utils/helpers.py.
+
+These tests verify:
+1. get_team_salary_cap() returns correct cap values with fallback behavior
+2. exceeds_salary_cap() correctly identifies when WAR exceeds team cap
+3. Edge cases around None values and floating point tolerance
+
+Why these tests matter:
+- Salary cap validation is critical for league integrity during trades/drafts
+- The helper functions centralize logic previously scattered across commands
+- Proper fallback behavior ensures backwards compatibility
+"""
+
+import pytest
+from utils.helpers import (
+    DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP,
+    SALARY_CAP_TOLERANCE,
+    get_team_salary_cap,
+    exceeds_salary_cap
+)
+
+
+class TestGetTeamSalaryCap:
+    """Tests for get_team_salary_cap() function."""
+
+    def test_returns_team_salary_cap_when_set(self):
+        """
+        When a team has a custom salary_cap value set, return that value.
+
+        Why: Some teams may have different caps (expansion teams, penalties, etc.)
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 35.0}
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == 35.0
+
+    def test_returns_default_when_salary_cap_is_none(self):
+        """
+        When team.salary_cap is None, return the default cap (32.0).
+
+        Why: Most teams use the standard cap; None indicates no custom value.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': None}
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+        assert result == 32.0
+
+    def test_returns_default_when_salary_cap_key_missing(self):
+        """
+        When the salary_cap key doesn't exist in team dict, return default.
+
+        Why: Backwards compatibility with older team data structures.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'sname': 'Test Team'}
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+    def test_returns_default_when_team_is_none(self):
+        """
+        When team is None, return the default cap.
+
+        Why: Defensive programming - callers may pass None in edge cases.
+        """
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(None)
+        assert result == DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+    def test_returns_default_when_team_is_empty_dict(self):
+        """
+        When team is an empty dict, return the default cap.
+
+        Why: Edge case handling for malformed team data.
+        """
+        result = get_team_salary_cap({})
+        assert result == DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+    def test_respects_zero_salary_cap(self):
+        """
+        When salary_cap is explicitly 0, return 0 (not default).
+
+        Why: Zero is a valid value (e.g., suspended team), distinct from None.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'BANNED', 'salary_cap': 0.0}
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == 0.0
+
+    def test_handles_integer_salary_cap(self):
+        """
+        When salary_cap is an integer, return it as-is.
+
+        Why: API may return int instead of float; function should handle both.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 30}
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == 30
+
+
+class TestExceedsSalaryCap:
+    """Tests for exceeds_salary_cap() function."""
+
+    def test_returns_false_when_under_cap(self):
+        """
+        WAR of 30.0 should not exceed default cap of 32.0.
+
+        Why: Normal case - team is under cap and should pass validation.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 32.0}
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(30.0, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_returns_false_when_exactly_at_cap(self):
+        """
+        WAR of exactly 32.0 should not exceed cap (within tolerance).
+
+        Why: Teams should be allowed to be exactly at cap limit.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 32.0}
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(32.0, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_returns_false_within_tolerance(self):
+        """
+        WAR slightly above cap but within tolerance should not exceed.
+
+        Why: Floating point math may produce values like 32.0000001;
+        tolerance prevents false positives from rounding errors.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 32.0}
+        # 32.0005 is within 0.001 tolerance of 32.0
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(32.0005, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_returns_true_when_over_cap(self):
+        """
+        WAR of 33.0 clearly exceeds cap of 32.0.
+
+        Why: Core validation - must reject teams over cap.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 32.0}
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(33.0, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+    def test_returns_true_just_over_tolerance(self):
+        """
+        WAR just beyond tolerance should exceed cap.
+
+        Why: Tolerance has a boundary; values beyond it must fail.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 32.0}
+        # 32.002 is beyond 0.001 tolerance
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(32.002, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+    def test_uses_team_custom_cap(self):
+        """
+        Should use team's custom cap, not default.
+
+        Why: Teams with higher/lower caps must be validated correctly.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'EXPANSION', 'salary_cap': 28.0}
+        # 30.0 is under default 32.0 but over custom 28.0
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(30.0, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+    def test_uses_default_cap_when_team_cap_none(self):
+        """
+        When team has no custom cap, use default for comparison.
+
+        Why: Backwards compatibility - existing teams without salary_cap field.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': None}
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(33.0, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(31.0, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_handles_none_team(self):
+        """
+        When team is None, use default cap for comparison.
+
+        Why: Defensive programming for edge cases.
+        """
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(33.0, None)
+        assert result is True
+
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(31.0, None)
+        assert result is False
+
+
+class TestPydanticModelSupport:
+    """Tests for Pydantic model support in helper functions."""
+
+    def test_get_team_salary_cap_with_pydantic_model(self):
+        """
+        Should work with Pydantic models that have salary_cap attribute.
+
+        Why: Team objects in the codebase are often Pydantic models,
+        not just dicts. The helper must support both.
+        """
+        class MockTeam:
+            salary_cap = 35.0
+            abbrev = 'TEST'
+
+        team = MockTeam()
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == 35.0
+
+    def test_get_team_salary_cap_with_pydantic_model_none_cap(self):
+        """
+        Pydantic model with salary_cap=None should return default.
+
+        Why: Many existing Team objects have salary_cap=None.
+        """
+        class MockTeam:
+            salary_cap = None
+            abbrev = 'TEST'
+
+        team = MockTeam()
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+    def test_get_team_salary_cap_with_object_missing_attribute(self):
+        """
+        Object without salary_cap attribute should return default.
+
+        Why: Defensive handling for objects that don't have the attribute.
+        """
+        class MockTeam:
+            abbrev = 'TEST'
+
+        team = MockTeam()
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+    def test_exceeds_salary_cap_with_pydantic_model(self):
+        """
+        exceeds_salary_cap should work with Pydantic-like objects.
+
+        Why: Draft and transaction code passes Team objects directly.
+        """
+        class MockTeam:
+            salary_cap = 28.0
+            abbrev = 'EXPANSION'
+
+        team = MockTeam()
+        # 30.0 exceeds custom cap of 28.0
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(30.0, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+        # 27.0 does not exceed custom cap of 28.0
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(27.0, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+
+class TestEdgeCases:
+    """Tests for edge cases and boundary conditions."""
+
+    def test_negative_salary_cap(self):
+        """
+        Negative salary cap should be returned as-is (even if nonsensical).
+
+        Why: Function should not validate business logic - just return the value.
+        If someone sets a negative cap, that's a data issue, not a helper issue.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'BROKE', 'salary_cap': -5.0}
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == -5.0
+
+    def test_negative_wara_under_cap(self):
+        """
+        Negative WAR should not exceed any positive cap.
+
+        Why: Teams with negative WAR (all bad players) are clearly under cap.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 32.0}
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(-10.0, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_negative_wara_with_negative_cap(self):
+        """
+        Negative WAR vs negative cap - WAR higher than cap exceeds it.
+
+        Why: Edge case where both values are negative. -3.0 > -5.0 + 0.001
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'BROKE', 'salary_cap': -5.0}
+        # -3.0 > -4.999 (which is -5.0 + 0.001), so it exceeds
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(-3.0, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+        # -6.0 < -4.999, so it does not exceed
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(-6.0, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_very_large_salary_cap(self):
+        """
+        Very large salary cap values should work correctly.
+
+        Why: Ensure no overflow or precision issues with large numbers.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'RICH', 'salary_cap': 1000000.0}
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == 1000000.0
+
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(999999.0, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(1000001.0, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+    def test_very_small_salary_cap(self):
+        """
+        Very small (but positive) salary cap should work.
+
+        Why: Some hypothetical penalty scenario with tiny cap.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TINY', 'salary_cap': 0.5}
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(0.4, team)
+        assert result is False
+
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(0.6, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+    def test_float_precision_boundary(self):
+        """
+        Test exact boundary of tolerance (cap + 0.001).
+
+        Why: Ensure the boundary condition is handled correctly.
+        The check is wara > (cap + tolerance), so exactly at boundary should NOT exceed.
+        """
+        team = {'abbrev': 'TEST', 'salary_cap': 32.0}
+        # Exactly at cap + tolerance = 32.001
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(32.001, team)
+        assert result is False  # Not greater than, equal to
+
+        # Just barely over
+        result = exceeds_salary_cap(32.0011, team)
+        assert result is True
+
+
+class TestRealTeamModel:
+    """Tests using the actual Team Pydantic model from models/team.py."""
+
+    def test_with_real_team_model(self):
+        """
+        Test with the actual Team Pydantic model used in production.
+
+        Why: Ensures the helper works with real Team objects, not just mocks.
+        """
+        from models.team import Team
+
+        team = Team(
+            id=1,
+            abbrev='TEST',
+            sname='Test Team',
+            lname='Test Team Long Name',
+            season=12,
+            salary_cap=28.5
+        )
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == 28.5
+
+    def test_with_real_team_model_none_cap(self):
+        """
+        Real Team model with salary_cap=None should use default.
+
+        Why: This is the most common case in production.
+        """
+        from models.team import Team
+
+        team = Team(
+            id=2,
+            abbrev='STD',
+            sname='Standard Team',
+            lname='Standard Team Long Name',
+            season=12,
+            salary_cap=None
+        )
+        result = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+        assert result == DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+    def test_exceeds_with_real_team_model(self):
+        """
+        exceeds_salary_cap with real Team model.
+
+        Why: End-to-end test with actual production model.
+        """
+        from models.team import Team
+
+        team = Team(
+            id=3,
+            abbrev='EXP',
+            sname='Expansion',
+            lname='Expansion Team',
+            season=12,
+            salary_cap=28.0
+        )
+        # 30.0 exceeds 28.0 cap
+        assert exceeds_salary_cap(30.0, team) is True
+        # 27.0 does not exceed 28.0 cap
+        assert exceeds_salary_cap(27.0, team) is False
+
+
+class TestConstants:
+    """Tests for salary cap constants."""
+
+    def test_default_salary_cap_value(self):
+        """
+        DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP should be 32.0 (league standard).
+
+        Why: Ensures constant wasn't accidentally changed.
+        """
+        assert DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP == 32.0
+
+    def test_tolerance_value(self):
+        """
+        SALARY_CAP_TOLERANCE should be 0.001.
+
+        Why: Tolerance must be small enough to catch real violations
+        but large enough to handle floating point imprecision.
+        """
+        assert SALARY_CAP_TOLERANCE == 0.001
diff --git a/utils/draft_helpers.py b/utils/draft_helpers.py
index 8cd4386..60dbc1c 100644
--- a/utils/draft_helpers.py
+++ b/utils/draft_helpers.py
@@ -110,15 +110,16 @@ def calculate_overall_from_round_position(round_num: int, position: int) -> int:
 
 async def validate_cap_space(
     roster: dict,
-    new_player_wara: float
-) -> Tuple[bool, float]:
+    new_player_wara: float,
+    team=None
+) -> Tuple[bool, float, float]:
     """
     Validate team has cap space to draft player.
 
     Cap calculation:
     - Maximum 32 players on active roster
     - Only top 26 players count toward cap
-    - Cap limit: 32.00 sWAR total
+    - Cap limit: Team-specific or default 32.00 sWAR
 
     Args:
         roster: Roster dictionary from API with structure:
@@ -129,15 +130,18 @@ async def validate_cap_space(
                 }
             }
         new_player_wara: sWAR value of player being drafted
+        team: Optional team object/dict for team-specific salary cap
 
     Returns:
-        (valid, projected_total): True if under cap, projected total sWAR after addition
+        (valid, projected_total, cap_limit): True if under cap, projected total sWAR, and cap limit used
 
     Raises:
         ValueError: If roster structure is invalid
     """
+    from utils.helpers import get_team_salary_cap, SALARY_CAP_TOLERANCE
+
     config = get_config()
-    cap_limit = config.swar_cap_limit
+    cap_limit = get_team_salary_cap(team)
     cap_player_count = config.cap_player_count
 
     if not roster or not roster.get('active'):
@@ -150,31 +154,34 @@ async def validate_cap_space(
     current_roster_size = len(current_players)
     projected_roster_size = current_roster_size + 1
 
-    # Maximum zeroes = 32 - roster size
-    # Maximum counted = 26 - zeroes
-    max_zeroes = 32 - projected_roster_size
-    max_counted = min(cap_player_count, cap_player_count - max_zeroes)  # Can't count more than cap_player_count
+    # Cap counting rules:
+    # - The 26 CHEAPEST (lowest WAR) players on the roster count toward the cap
+    # - If roster has fewer than 26 players, all of them count
+    # - If roster has 26+ players, only the bottom 26 by WAR count
+    # - This allows expensive stars to be "excluded" if you have enough cheap depth
+    players_counted = min(projected_roster_size, cap_player_count)
 
-    # Sort all players (including new) by sWAR descending
+    # Sort all players (including new) by sWAR ASCENDING (cheapest first)
     all_players_wara = [p['wara'] for p in current_players] + [new_player_wara]
-    sorted_wara = sorted(all_players_wara, reverse=True)
+    sorted_wara = sorted(all_players_wara)  # Ascending order
 
-    # Sum top N players
-    projected_total = sum(sorted_wara[:max_counted])
+    # Sum bottom N players (the cheapest ones)
+    projected_total = sum(sorted_wara[:players_counted])
 
     # Allow tiny floating point tolerance
-    is_valid = projected_total <= (cap_limit + 0.00001)
+    is_valid = projected_total <= (cap_limit + SALARY_CAP_TOLERANCE)
 
     logger.debug(
         f"Cap validation: roster_size={current_roster_size}, "
         f"projected_size={projected_roster_size}, "
-        f"max_counted={max_counted}, "
+        f"players_counted={players_counted}, "
         f"new_player_wara={new_player_wara:.2f}, "
         f"projected_total={projected_total:.2f}, "
+        f"cap_limit={cap_limit:.2f}, "
         f"valid={is_valid}"
     )
 
-    return is_valid, projected_total
+    return is_valid, projected_total, cap_limit
 
 
 def format_pick_display(overall: int) -> str:
diff --git a/utils/helpers.py b/utils/helpers.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ccdeaba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/utils/helpers.py
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+"""
+Helper functions for Discord Bot v2.0
+
+Contains utility functions for salary cap calculations and other common operations.
+"""
+from typing import Union
+from config import get_config
+
+# Get default values from config
+_config = get_config()
+
+# Salary cap constants - default from config, tolerance for float comparisons
+DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP = _config.swar_cap_limit  # 32.0
+SALARY_CAP_TOLERANCE = 0.001  # Small tolerance for floating point comparisons
+
+
+def get_team_salary_cap(team) -> float:
+    """
+    Get the salary cap for a team, falling back to the default if not set.
+
+    Args:
+        team: Team data - can be a dict or Pydantic model with 'salary_cap' attribute.
+
+    Returns:
+        float: The team's salary cap, or DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP (32.0) if not set.
+
+    Why: Teams may have custom salary caps (e.g., for expansion teams or penalties).
+    This centralizes the fallback logic so all cap checks use the same source of truth.
+    """
+    if team is None:
+        return DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+    # Handle both dict and Pydantic model (or any object with salary_cap attribute)
+    if isinstance(team, dict):
+        salary_cap = team.get('salary_cap')
+    else:
+        salary_cap = getattr(team, 'salary_cap', None)
+
+    if salary_cap is not None:
+        return salary_cap
+    return DEFAULT_SALARY_CAP
+
+
+def exceeds_salary_cap(wara: float, team) -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if a WAR total exceeds the team's salary cap.
+
+    Args:
+        wara: The total WAR value to check
+        team: Team data - can be a dict or Pydantic model
+
+    Returns:
+        bool: True if wara exceeds the team's salary cap (with tolerance)
+
+    Why: Centralizes the salary cap comparison logic with proper floating point
+    tolerance handling. All cap validation should use this function.
+    """
+    cap = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+    return wara > (cap + SALARY_CAP_TOLERANCE)
diff --git a/views/draft_views.py b/views/draft_views.py
index 9ee08d6..264deb5 100644
--- a/views/draft_views.py
+++ b/views/draft_views.py
@@ -23,7 +23,8 @@ async def create_on_the_clock_embed(
     draft_data: DraftData,
     recent_picks: List[DraftPick],
     upcoming_picks: List[DraftPick],
-    team_roster_swar: Optional[float] = None
+    team_roster_swar: Optional[float] = None,
+    sheet_url: Optional[str] = None
 ) -> discord.Embed:
     """
     Create "on the clock" embed showing current pick info.
@@ -34,6 +35,7 @@ async def create_on_the_clock_embed(
         recent_picks: List of recent draft picks
         upcoming_picks: List of upcoming draft picks
         team_roster_swar: Current team sWAR (optional)
+        sheet_url: Optional Google Sheets URL for draft tracking
 
     Returns:
         Discord embed with pick information
@@ -67,10 +69,11 @@ async def create_on_the_clock_embed(
 
     # Add team sWAR if provided
     if team_roster_swar is not None:
-        config = get_config()
+        from utils.helpers import get_team_salary_cap
+        cap_limit = get_team_salary_cap(current_pick.owner)
         embed.add_field(
             name="Current sWAR",
-            value=f"{team_roster_swar:.2f} / {config.swar_cap_limit:.2f}",
+            value=f"{team_roster_swar:.2f} / {cap_limit:.2f}",
             inline=True
         )
 
@@ -99,6 +102,14 @@ async def create_on_the_clock_embed(
                 inline=False
             )
 
+    # Draft Sheet link
+    if sheet_url:
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="📊 Draft Sheet",
+            value=f"[View Full Board]({sheet_url})",
+            inline=False
+        )
+
     # Add footer
     if current_pick.is_traded:
         embed.set_footer(text="📝 This pick was traded")
@@ -109,7 +120,8 @@ async def create_on_the_clock_embed(
 async def create_draft_status_embed(
     draft_data: DraftData,
     current_pick: DraftPick,
-    lock_status: str = "🔓 No pick in progress"
+    lock_status: str = "🔓 No pick in progress",
+    sheet_url: Optional[str] = None
 ) -> discord.Embed:
     """
     Create draft status embed showing current state.
@@ -118,14 +130,22 @@ async def create_draft_status_embed(
         draft_data: Current draft configuration
         current_pick: Current DraftPick
         lock_status: Lock status message
+        sheet_url: Optional Google Sheets URL for draft tracking
 
     Returns:
         Discord embed with draft status
     """
-    embed = EmbedTemplate.info(
-        title="Draft Status",
-        description=f"Currently on {format_pick_display(draft_data.currentpick)}"
-    )
+    # Use warning color if paused
+    if draft_data.paused:
+        embed = EmbedTemplate.warning(
+            title="Draft Status - PAUSED",
+            description=f"Currently on {format_pick_display(draft_data.currentpick)}"
+        )
+    else:
+        embed = EmbedTemplate.info(
+            title="Draft Status",
+            description=f"Currently on {format_pick_display(draft_data.currentpick)}"
+        )
 
     # On the clock
     if current_pick.owner:
@@ -135,8 +155,13 @@ async def create_draft_status_embed(
             inline=True
         )
 
-    # Timer status
-    timer_status = "✅ Active" if draft_data.timer else "⏹️ Inactive"
+    # Timer status (show paused state prominently)
+    if draft_data.paused:
+        timer_status = "⏸️ PAUSED"
+    elif draft_data.timer:
+        timer_status = "✅ Active"
+    else:
+        timer_status = "⏹️ Inactive"
     embed.add_field(
         name="Timer",
         value=f"{timer_status} ({draft_data.pick_minutes} min)",
@@ -158,6 +183,14 @@ async def create_draft_status_embed(
             inline=True
         )
 
+    # Pause status (if paused, show prominent warning)
+    if draft_data.paused:
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="Pause Status",
+            value="🚫 **Draft is paused** - No picks allowed until admin resumes",
+            inline=False
+        )
+
     # Lock status
     embed.add_field(
         name="Lock Status",
@@ -165,6 +198,14 @@ async def create_draft_status_embed(
         inline=False
     )
 
+    # Draft Sheet link
+    if sheet_url:
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="Draft Sheet",
+            value=f"[View Sheet]({sheet_url})",
+            inline=False
+        )
+
     return embed
 
 
@@ -258,14 +299,15 @@ async def create_draft_list_embed(
             inline=False
         )
 
-    embed.set_footer(text="Use /draft-list to manage your auto-draft queue")
+    embed.set_footer(text="Commands: /draft-list-add, /draft-list-remove, /draft-list-clear")
 
     return embed
 
 
 async def create_draft_board_embed(
     round_num: int,
-    picks: List[DraftPick]
+    picks: List[DraftPick],
+    sheet_url: Optional[str] = None
 ) -> discord.Embed:
     """
     Create draft board embed showing all picks in a round.
@@ -273,6 +315,7 @@ async def create_draft_board_embed(
     Args:
         round_num: Round number
         picks: List of DraftPick for this round
+        sheet_url: Optional Google Sheets URL for draft tracking
 
     Returns:
         Discord embed with draft board
@@ -299,7 +342,10 @@ async def create_draft_board_embed(
                 player_display = "TBD"
 
             team_display = pick.owner.abbrev if pick.owner else "???"
-            picks_str += f"**Pick {pick.overall % 16 or 16}:** {team_display} - {player_display}\n"
+            round_pick = pick.overall % 16 or 16
+            # Format: `RR.PP (#OOO)` - padded for alignment (rounds 1-99, picks 1-16, overall 1-999)
+            pick_info = f"{round_num:>2}.{round_pick:<2} (#{pick.overall:>3})"
+            picks_str += f"`{pick_info}` {team_display} - {player_display}\n"
 
         embed.add_field(
             name="Picks",
@@ -307,6 +353,14 @@ async def create_draft_board_embed(
             inline=False
         )
 
+    # Draft Sheet link
+    if sheet_url:
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="Draft Sheet",
+            value=f"[View Full Board]({sheet_url})",
+            inline=False
+        )
+
     embed.set_footer(text="Use /draft-board [round] to view different rounds")
 
     return embed
@@ -345,7 +399,8 @@ async def create_pick_success_embed(
     player: Player,
     team: Team,
     pick_overall: int,
-    projected_swar: float
+    projected_swar: float,
+    cap_limit: float | None = None
 ) -> discord.Embed:
     """
     Create embed for successful pick.
@@ -355,33 +410,44 @@ async def create_pick_success_embed(
         team: Team that drafted player
         pick_overall: Overall pick number
         projected_swar: Projected team sWAR after pick
+        cap_limit: Team's salary cap limit (optional, uses helper if not provided)
 
     Returns:
         Discord success embed
     """
+    from utils.helpers import get_team_salary_cap
+
     embed = EmbedTemplate.success(
-        title="Pick Confirmed",
-        description=f"{team.abbrev} selects **{player.name}**"
+        title=f"{team.sname} select **{player.name}**",
+        description=format_pick_display(pick_overall)
     )
 
+    if team.thumbnail is not None:
+        embed.set_thumbnail(url=team.thumbnail)
+    
+    embed.set_image(url=player.image)
+
     embed.add_field(
-        name="Pick",
-        value=format_pick_display(pick_overall),
+        name="Player ID",
+        value=f"{player.id}",
         inline=True
     )
 
     if hasattr(player, 'wara') and player.wara is not None:
         embed.add_field(
-            name="Player sWAR",
+            name="sWAR",
             value=f"{player.wara:.2f}",
             inline=True
         )
 
-    config = get_config()
+    # Use provided cap_limit or get from team
+    if cap_limit is None:
+        cap_limit = get_team_salary_cap(team)
+
     embed.add_field(
         name="Projected Team sWAR",
-        value=f"{projected_swar:.2f} / {config.swar_cap_limit:.2f}",
-        inline=True
+        value=f"{projected_swar:.2f} / {cap_limit:.2f}",
+        inline=False
     )
 
     return embed
@@ -389,7 +455,8 @@ async def create_pick_success_embed(
 
 async def create_admin_draft_info_embed(
     draft_data: DraftData,
-    current_pick: Optional[DraftPick] = None
+    current_pick: Optional[DraftPick] = None,
+    sheet_url: Optional[str] = None
 ) -> discord.Embed:
     """
     Create detailed admin view of draft status.
@@ -397,14 +464,24 @@ async def create_admin_draft_info_embed(
     Args:
         draft_data: Current draft configuration
         current_pick: Current DraftPick (optional)
+        sheet_url: Optional Google Sheets URL for draft tracking
 
     Returns:
         Discord embed with admin information
     """
-    embed = EmbedTemplate.info(
-        title="⚙️ Draft Administration",
-        description="Current draft configuration and state"
-    )
+    # Use warning color if paused
+    if draft_data.paused:
+        embed = EmbedTemplate.create_base_embed(
+            title="⚙️ Draft Administration - PAUSED",
+            description="Current draft configuration and state",
+            color=EmbedColors.WARNING
+        )
+    else:
+        embed = EmbedTemplate.create_base_embed(
+            title="⚙️ Draft Administration",
+            description="Current draft configuration and state",
+            color=EmbedColors.INFO
+        )
 
     # Current pick
     embed.add_field(
@@ -413,11 +490,20 @@ async def create_admin_draft_info_embed(
         inline=True
     )
 
-    # Timer status
-    timer_emoji = "✅" if draft_data.timer else "⏹️"
+    # Timer status (show paused prominently)
+    if draft_data.paused:
+        timer_emoji = "⏸️"
+        timer_text = "PAUSED"
+    elif draft_data.timer:
+        timer_emoji = "✅"
+        timer_text = "Active"
+    else:
+        timer_emoji = "⏹️"
+        timer_text = "Inactive"
+
     embed.add_field(
         name="Timer Status",
-        value=f"{timer_emoji} {'Active' if draft_data.timer else 'Inactive'}",
+        value=f"{timer_emoji} {timer_text}",
         inline=True
     )
 
@@ -428,6 +514,14 @@ async def create_admin_draft_info_embed(
         inline=True
     )
 
+    # Pause status (prominent if paused)
+    if draft_data.paused:
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="Pause Status",
+            value="🚫 **PAUSED** - No picks allowed\nUse `/draft-admin resume` to allow picks",
+            inline=False
+        )
+
     # Channels
     ping_channel_value = f"<#{draft_data.ping_channel}>" if draft_data.ping_channel else "Not configured"
     embed.add_field(
@@ -460,6 +554,124 @@ async def create_admin_draft_info_embed(
             inline=False
         )
 
+    # Draft Sheet link
+    if sheet_url:
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="Draft Sheet",
+            value=f"[View Sheet]({sheet_url})",
+            inline=False
+        )
+
     embed.set_footer(text="Use /draft-admin to modify draft settings")
 
     return embed
+
+
+async def create_on_clock_announcement_embed(
+    current_pick: DraftPick,
+    draft_data: DraftData,
+    recent_picks: List[DraftPick],
+    roster_swar: float,
+    cap_limit: float,
+    top_roster_players: List[Player],
+    sheet_url: Optional[str] = None
+) -> discord.Embed:
+    """
+    Create announcement embed for when a team is on the clock.
+
+    Used to post in the ping channel when:
+    - Timer is enabled and pick advances
+    - Auto-draft completes
+    - Pick is skipped
+
+    Args:
+        current_pick: The current DraftPick (team now on the clock)
+        draft_data: Current draft configuration (for timer/deadline info)
+        recent_picks: Last 5 completed picks
+        roster_swar: Team's current total sWAR
+        cap_limit: Team's salary cap limit
+        top_roster_players: Top 5 most expensive players on the team's roster
+        sheet_url: Optional Google Sheets URL for draft tracking
+
+    Returns:
+        Discord embed announcing team is on the clock
+    """
+    if not current_pick.owner:
+        raise ValueError("Pick must have owner")
+
+    team = current_pick.owner
+
+    # Create embed with team color if available
+    team_color = int(team.color, 16) if team.color else EmbedColors.PRIMARY
+    embed = EmbedTemplate.create_base_embed(
+        title=f"⏰ {team.lname} On The Clock",
+        description=format_pick_display(current_pick.overall),
+        color=team_color
+    )
+
+    # Set team thumbnail
+    if team.thumbnail:
+        embed.set_thumbnail(url=team.thumbnail)
+
+    # Deadline field (if timer active)
+    if draft_data.timer and draft_data.pick_deadline:
+        deadline_timestamp = int(draft_data.pick_deadline.timestamp())
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="⏱️ Deadline",
+            value=f"<t:{deadline_timestamp}:T> (<t:{deadline_timestamp}:R>)",
+            inline=True
+        )
+
+    # Team sWAR
+    embed.add_field(
+        name="💰 Team sWAR",
+        value=f"{roster_swar:.2f} / {cap_limit:.2f}",
+        inline=True
+    )
+
+    # Cap space remaining
+    cap_remaining = cap_limit - roster_swar
+    embed.add_field(
+        name="📊 Cap Space",
+        value=f"{cap_remaining:.2f}",
+        inline=True
+    )
+
+    # Last 5 picks
+    if recent_picks:
+        recent_str = ""
+        for pick in recent_picks[:5]:
+            if pick.player and pick.owner:
+                recent_str += f"**#{pick.overall}** {pick.owner.abbrev} - {pick.player.name}\n"
+        if recent_str:
+            embed.add_field(
+                name="📋 Last 5 Picks",
+                value=recent_str,
+                inline=False
+            )
+
+    # Top 5 most expensive players on team roster
+    if top_roster_players:
+        expensive_str = ""
+        for player in top_roster_players[:5]:
+            pos = player.pos_1 if hasattr(player, 'pos_1') and player.pos_1 else "?"
+            expensive_str += f"**{player.name}** ({pos}) - {player.wara:.2f}\n"
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="🌟 Top Roster sWAR",
+            value=expensive_str,
+            inline=False
+        )
+
+    # Draft Sheet link
+    if sheet_url:
+        embed.add_field(
+            name="📊 Draft Sheet",
+            value=f"[View Full Board]({sheet_url})",
+            inline=False
+        )
+
+    # Footer with pick info
+    if current_pick.is_traded:
+        embed.set_footer(text="📝 This pick was acquired via trade")
+
+    return embed