Developing Assets: Looking Ahead

Ryan McDowell

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With the college football regular season all but over and only one game remaining, today we’ll take yet another look at how some of the top college players are currently valued in devy and dynasty leagues. With many owners looking towards the off-season and rookie draft orders now largely decided, I will focus heavily on what potential 2014 rookie draft might look like, along with 2014 developmental drafts.

As always, the year noted is the earliest year the player will be draft eligible, unless the player has already made a decision regarding their eligibility.

Quarterback:

  1. Jameis Winston, FSU (2015)
  2. Teddy Bridgewater, UL (2014)
  3. Marcus Mariota, OREG (2015)
  4. Derek Carr, FRES (2014)
  5. Brett Hundley, UCLA (2014)

Among the quarterbacks, Florida State’s Jameis Winston finds his way back to the top of the heap following his continued strong play which will likely lead to a Heisman Trophy later today. Also, the resolution of the sexual assault charges levied against Winston helps clarify his value among dynasty owners. Fresno State senior quarterback Derek Carr also makes an appearance in the top five with rumors that he could be one of the top five draft picks in the spring draft.

Running Back:

  1. Todd Gurley, UGA (2015)
  2. Melvin Gordon, WISC (2014)
  3. TJ Yeldon, ALA (2015)
  4. Alex Collins, ARK (2016)
  5. Thomas Tyner, OREG (2016)
  6. Kenyan Drake, ALA (2015)
  7. Mike Davis, S CAR (2015)
  8. Lache Seastrunk, BAY (2014)
  9. Carlos Hyde, OSU (2014)
  10. Jeremy Hill, LSU (2014)
  11. Ka’Deem Carey, ARZ (2014)
  12. Jonathan Gray, TEX (2015)
  13. Bishop Sankey, WAS (2014)
  14. Matt Jones, FLA (2015)
  15. Keith Marshall, UGA (2015)
  16. Tre Mason, AUB (2014)
  17. DeAnthony Thomas, OREG (2014)
  18. Duke Johnson, MIA (2015)
  19. Devonta Freeman, FSU (2014)
  20. Jay Ajayi, BOI (2014)
  21. Barry Sanders, Jr., STAN (2015)
  22. Andre Williams, BC (2014)
  23. James Wilder, Jr., FSU (2014)
  24. Charles Sims, WVU (2014)
  25. Marion Grice, ASU (2014)

While there is little change at the top of the running back list, many backs that will likely be a part of the upcoming draft are quickly rising. Ohio State’s Carlos Hyde has been amazing this season and Auburn’s Tre Mason has finished so strongly that he’ll be in New York later today for the Heisman Trophy presentation.

Wide Receiver:

  1. Sammy Watkins, CLEM (2014)
  2. Laquan Treadwell, MISS (2016)
  3. Amari Cooper, ALA (2015)
  4. Dorial Green-Beckham, MIZZ (2015)
  5. Mike Evans, TXAM (2014)
  6. Marqise Lee, USC (2014)
  7. Stefon Diggs, MARY (2015)
  8. Jordan Matthews, VAN (2014)
  9. Allen Robinson, PSU (2014)
  10. Devante Adams, FRES (2014)
  11. Nelson Algohor, USC (2015)
  12. Brandin Cooks, OREG ST (2014)
  13. Devante Parker, UL (2014)
  14. Odell Beckham, LSU (2014)
  15. Kenny Lawler, CAL (2015)
  16. Stacy Coley, MIA (2016)
  17. Ricky Seals-Jones, TXAM (2016)
  18. Donte Moncrief, MISS (2014)
  19. Kelvin Benjamin, FSU (2014)
  20. Brandon Coleman, RUT (2014)
  21. Quinshad Davis, UNC (2015)
  22. Jarvis Landry, LSU (2014)
  23. Rashad Greene, FSU (2014)
  24. Shaq Roland, S CAR (2015)
  25. Leonte Carroo, RUT (2015)

The big mover among the wide receivers is Missouri sophomore Dorial Green-Beckham, who finished the season in a strong way. Brandon Coleman of Rutgers tumbles down the list and it appears he’ll stay in school for another year.

Tight End:

  1. Jace Amaro, TXTECH (2014)
  2. Eric Ebron, UNC (2014)
  3. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, WAS (2014)
  4. Devin Funchess, MICH (2015)
  5. OJ Howard, ALA (2016)

There is no change among the tight end position with both Jace Amaro and Eric Ebron looking like first round NFL draft picks, and possible first round dynasty rookie picks as well.

2014 Rookie Rankings:

  1. Sammy Watkins, CLEM
  2. Melvin Gordon, WISC
  3. Marqise Lee, USC
  4. Mike Evans, TXAM
  5. Lache Seastrunk, BAY
  6. Jordan Matthews, VAN
  7. Jace Amaro, TXTECH
  8. Allen Robinson, PSU
  9. Devante Adams, FRES
  10. Eric Ebron, UNC
  11. Jeremy Hill, LSU
  12. Ka’Deem Carey, ARZ
  13. Teddy Bridgewater, UL
  14. Bishop Sankey, WAS
  15. Brandin Cooks, OREG ST
  16. Devante Parker, UL
  17. Odell Beckham, LSU
  18. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, WAS
  19. Donte Moncrief, MISS
  20. Derek Carr, FRES

At this point, the 2014 rookie draft top tier looks five players deep, though we are still awaiting decisions, specifically from Wisconsin sophomore running back Melvin Gordon. The first round, like many startup drafts, will be very wide receiver heavy with even second and third tier wideouts like Devante Adams and Brandin Cooks offering high upside.

2014 Devy Rankings:

  1. Todd Gurley, RB UGA
  2. TJ Yeldon, RB ALA
  3. Amari Cooper, WR ALA
  4. Laquan Treadwell, WR MISS
  5. Jameis Winston, QB FSU
  6. Stefon Diggs, WR MARY
  7. Alex Collins, RB ARK
  8. Thomas Tyner, RB OREG
  9. Mike Davis, RB S CAR
  10. Devin Funchess, TE MICH
  11. Kenyan Drake, RB ALA
  12. Nelson Algohor, WR USC

Here’s a look at a possible devy draft that could take place in August. The majority of these players are true sophomores and will likely be a part of the 2015 NFL draft.

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