Ten Underrated Devy Picks
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Developmental drafts have already begun and there are a number of players who don’t appear to be carrying the value you’d expect. There are also many others who could pan out perfectly, but they carry some bust risk that aren’t grabbing the attention you’d expect. Here are some players who are currently undervalued or flying under the radar that represent solid options in developmental drafts for those eligible for the NFL Draft in 2015:
Top Tier Players
Duke Johnson, RB Miami
From a talent perspective, Johnson is a top back in the 2015 eligible class alongside Mike Davis, Todd Gurley, TJ Yeldon and Melvin Gordon. He was a top pick in developmental drafts with no eligibility restrictions last season. Despite these two factors, in the one round drafts I’ve participated in thus far, I’ve seen him go undrafted or I’ve taken him myself with the final pick. Yes, he’s expected to miss spring practice due to the fractured ankle that held him out of a number of games to close the 2013 season, but he’s reportedly on target to be ready for the Fall and will be cleared to get back on the field this month. He’s expected to be a key to Miami’s offense and should put together another solid season. He’s a very safe pick at the end of the first round (or as an early second rounder). I’d be comfortable taking him in the mid-first round in draft eligible leagues given his natural abilities.
Devin Funchess, WR Michigan[inlinead]
Funchess is a match-up nightmare at 6’5” and 235 pounds. He played tight end last season, but was often split out wide. He struggles with consistency and drops too many passes, but he’s a physical freak. In 2014, he’s moving to wide receiver given the lack of a top option on Michigan’s roster and has already lost some weight. The junior receiver improved significantly in 2013 posting 748 yards on 47 receptions and the Wolverines expect another jump in production as their top receiver in 2014. As a prospect, he’s likely a better receiving tight end option, but regardless, he’ll continue to be a joker option that’s difficult to cover. He was drafted in only one of the developmental drafts I’ve participated in thus far (also by me) and given his tremendous potential, he’s very much worth a later first round pick.
Devante Parker, WR Louisville
Parker is certainly a well-known player, but his value doesn’t seem to be sticking for the one round developmental leagues. He should be a late first/second round pick in next year’s NFL draft and is a safe option given his athleticism, size and ability to make plays in the air. Despite that, he’s gone undrafted in the one round developmental drafts I’ve seen thus far. Parker is a player who could end up being slated in the top six of rookie drafts at this time next year, so he’s a nice value pick at the end of the first.
Middle of the Pack Potential Risers
Shock Linwood, RB Baylor
Linwood was third on the depth chart last season with Lache Seastrunk the starter, but he’ll assume the starting role in 2014. Given that he finished 2013 with almost 900 yards on 125 carries, he’s a back who could shoot up draft boards a year from now. In fact, he’s already played well as a starter when presented with the opportunity. Linwood started three games in 2013 when the two backs ahead of him went down with injuries. Against the likes of Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, he put up 398 yards rushing on 66 carries. He’s definitely on the smaller side at 5’8”, but he’s nice and compact weighing 200 pounds and he looks to be fast enough. I expect he’ll shoot up draft boards in 2014 making him a great later pick.
Quinshad Davis, WR UNC
Davis put together two 750 yard seasons over his first two seasons and is now primed for a breakout. He could use some added weight on his 6’4” 205 frame, but with Eric Ebron moving on, Davis should see an increase in targets this season. He’s now the top pass catcher in the Tarheels’ offense and is likely to experience a production increase to go along with some national attention. He’s a solid pick with upside given the upcoming opportunity.
Ty Montgomery, WR Stanford
Montgomery is a big compact receiver who possesses significant speed. He’s a playmaker who showed significant improvement from his sophomore to junior year in 2013 when he put up 950 yards receiving and ten touchdowns. He’s been called ‘Brandin Cooks on roids’ as an indication of his playmaking ability and style. He’s out this spring with arm and leg injuries, but he’ll be ready for the fall and could be another receiver who experiences a value jump.
Keith Marshall, RB Georgia
This pick is a bit tricky given his ACL injury last season and the fact that it sounds as if he’ll sit out the 2014 season. The power and speed Marshall has is tremendous and a year off may end up working in his favor. With Todd Gurley expected to dominate touches in 2014, a redshirt season for Marshall may give him two years of eligibility after Gurley moves on. That, of course, assumes Gurley declares for the draft after his junior season, but that also appears likely. This is a kid who ran for over 750 yards and eight touchdowns on 120 carries two years ago in the Georgia’s “Gurshall” tandem. If he takes the reins after Gurley moves on, Marshall could see a significant boost in value as their lead back.
Boom/Bust Potential
D’haquille Williams, WR Auburn
Much of the focus is on Sammie Coates, but Williams comes into Auburn in 2014 as the top JUCO prospect. There is a ton of buzz that’s been circling this kid given his size/speed combo at 6’3”, 215 pounds and his tremendous ball skills. Almost every quote from his teammates thus far references his ability to get up in the air, attack the ball and make plays. Already, coaches are impressed with his work ethic through spring practices, so keep an eye on Williams. If you’re looking for a sleeper with a big potential boom, he’s a nice option at the end of the first or into the second/third round of devy drafts.
Tyreek Hill, RB/WR Oklahoma State
This pick could pay off handsomely given how players like Brandin Cooks and Tavon Austin have garnered attention. There have been numerous articles out of Oklahoma suggesting Hill will be used as an offensive weapon. At 5’9”, 185 pounds, the comparisons to Brandin Cooks and Tavon Austin are inevitable. In particular, the current expectation is he’ll be used much like Austin was in both the slot and the backfield. With his track speed, Hill could shoot up draft boards and become a steal for developmental owners. He comes with risk, but if you’re looking for a boom, Hill is a great candidate.
Kenneth Dixon, RB Louisiana Tech
Dixon was dynamite in his freshman season with roughly 1,200 yards and 27 touchdowns. He struggled in his sophomore year in 2013 when the team changed from the WAC to Conference USA. He ended up short of 1,000 yards and missed a number of games with an ankle injury. Dixon has prototypical size at 5’10” 210 pounds and is a solid all around back who is effective both on the ground and in the passing game out of the backfield. Dixon is a favorite sleeper of mine headed into the 2014 season given his past production and his dual-threat ability. I likely wouldn’t spend a first round pick on Dixon, but he’s someone to monitor or grab in multiple-round drafts.
