Developing Assets: Week Four

Ryan McDowell Posted On September 21, 2013

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With the NFL and college football seasons now both in full swing, it can be difficult to convince your significant other that two full days should be spent on the couch, drink in one hand, remote in the other. Considering that most Saturday afternoons of the fall feature huge matchups of college football powerhouse teams that you just can’t miss, this may be the week you want to spend some family time, and save your football viewing for Sunday.

Yes, there are very few must see games in this fourth week of the college football season, though most teams are beginning their conference schedule. For those degenerates out there who can’t get enough college football and dynasty draft preparation, enjoy the games!

A Look Back

Devy of the Week: Brett Hundley, QB UCLA

Playing in a tough atmosphere, on the road at Nebraska, UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley turned in a great performance, leading the Bruins back from a 21-3 second quarter deficit. Hundley was outdueled early in the game by Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez, but really got things going in the second half, where the Bruins scored most of the thirty-eight unanswered points to get the 41-21 win.

Hundley was terrific, throwing for nearly 300 yards and three scores to go along with his sixty-one rushing yards. With today’s focus on running quarterbacks in the NFL, Hundley’s talent is already exciting dynasty owners.

Disappointment of the Week: Amari Cooper, WR ALA

Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper was one of the most talked about and highly drafted players in developmental leagues this past off-season. In fact, many dynasty owners I trust have told me he is their top overall devy player. Maybe my expectations were too high for the true sophomore, but through two games, Cooper has just six receptions for seventy-two yards, while DeAndrew White, returning from a knee injury that cost him most of the 2012 season, is the team’s leading receiver. The Crimson Tide have also been very run heavy early in the season. I’m sure Cooper will have some monster games, maybe even this week, with starting running back TJ Yeldon suspended for the game’s opening quarter, and maybe this serves as a reminder to temper our expectations for these young college players.

On the Rise: DeVaris Daniels, WR ND

Last week, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame scored a big win over Purdue and wide receiver DeVaris Daniels played a major role in that effort, catching eight balls for 167 yards and two scores. At 6’2” and just over 200 pounds, Daniels has always had the build to succeed at wide receiver for the Irish, but has never broken through as a consistent pass catching option. He will easily eclipse his numbers from a year ago and might even do that before October rolls around. Daniels has 299 yards on the season, along with four touchdowns and he’s looking more and more like a future NFL receiver.

A Look Ahead

Wake Up and Watch: Vanderbilt vs. Massachusetts (ESPNEWS, 12:00)

As I mentioned, the pickings are slim this week, especially in the early games. The noon pick features Vanderbilt for one reason, wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Matthews was the SEC’s leading receiver a year ago and has started the season off right in 2013. In each of Vanderbilt’s three games, Matthews has amassed over 100 yards receiving to go along with two touchdowns. The bottom line is that Vanderbilt will not be featured in many high profile games, so this is your best shot to see Matthews in action.

At 6’3” and 200 pounds, Matthews is a big target for his quarterback, Austyn Carta-Samuels and uses his body well. While he doesn’t possess elite speed, he can get behind the defense to catch the occasional deep ball and is a reliable red zone target. Matthews is on track to be the top senior wide receiver in the spring’s NFL draft and could be selected in the first round.

If You Can Only Watch One: LSU vs. Auburn (ESPN, 7:45)

LSU opens play in the Southeastern Conference later tonight with a matchup against another set of Tigers, these from Auburn. Both teams feature solid defenses and some skill players who are flying under the radar when it comes to their future fantasy prospects.

The game features a battle of quarterbacks who both began their career at the University of Georgia, but eventually moved on. The Bayou Bengals are led by senior Zach Mettenburger who struggled last season, his first with the Tigers. Mettenburger has been much better this year, but the challenges will be tougher now that the team is beginning conference play.

Mettenburger has thrown nine touchdown passes and all have gone to his two favorite wide receivers, both of whom should be drafted next spring. First, junior Odell Beckham, Jr. leads the team in receiving yards, while teammate Jarvis Landry, also a junior, has more receptions and touchdowns. With an improved Mettenburger and a high ranking, continued success could lead to both wideouts joining Mettenburger in the 2014 NFL draft.

The Auburn Tigers meanwhile are led by junior Nick Marshall, who’s in his first season as the starter, and has the team off to a 3-0 start. The other player to watch on the Auburn offense is bruising running back Tre Mason, who was able to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards a season ago. With a weak class at running back, another 1,000 yard season could spell the end of Mason’s time in Auburn.

Stay Up Late For: New Mexico St. vs. UCLA (PAC12, 10:30)

I’ve already mentioned the great comeback win for the Bruins last week. If you missed that game, here’s another chance to see future first round draft pick quarterback Brett Hundley as UCLA faces New Mexico State in one of the day’s late games. Hundley’s impressive play has put him in the conversation with other top draft eligible quarterbacks like Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota and Tahj Boyd. The big question for Hundley is will the redshirt sophomore make himself eligible for the draft or return to the City of Angels for another season.

Devy Stock Watch

The first year each player is NFL draft eligible is noted in parentheses. I’ve also included how the player fared in last week’s action.

1. Todd Gurley, RB UGA (2015) Bye

2. Sammy Watkins, WR CLEM (2014) Bye

3. TJ Yeldon, RB ALA (2015) 149 rushing yard, 1 touchdown

4. Amari Cooper, WR ALA (2015) 34 receiving yards

5. Marqise Lee, WR USC (2014) 90 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

6. Teddy Bridgewater, QB UL (2014) 250 pass yards, 1 touchdown

7. Lache Seastrunk, RB BAY (2014) Bye

8. Melvin Gordon, RB WISC (2014) 193 rush yards, 2 touchdowns

9. Duke Johnson, RB MIA (2015) Bye

10. Marcus Mariota, QB OREG (2014) 456 passing yards, 4 touchdowns

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.