2018 Devy Preview: SEC

Welcome to the 2018 Devy Preview series! College football is just around the corner, dynasty leagues are gearing up for the NFL season, and it’s time to get excited for football again! If you haven’t ever tried a “Devy” league, that’s okay. The goal of this series is simply to help you find the NFL stars of the future. But! If you are a fellow Devy league fanatic like me, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy jotting down some names of current college football studs to watch for and target in future drafts!

We’ll be diving into all of the “Power Five” conferences and the best players in the “Group of Five” conferences over the next several weeks as the college football season approaches. If you’re unfamiliar with “Devy” formats the concept is simple. Developmental (Devy) leagues allow owners to roster current college football players before they ever declare for the NFL Draft. They’re a ton of fun! I highly recommend the format if you haven’t given it a try. Also, if you want to check out some of the top-ranked devy players you can find those here!

Since the SEC just sent two teams to the College Football Playoff, I thought it would be fitting to feature them in the 2018 Devy Preview series first. So without further ado, let’s take a look at each team in the SEC and the playmakers to watch for!

Alabama

It wouldn’t be right to kick off SEC talks with any other team besides the defending national champions. The Crimson Tide did lose Calvin Ridley, Bo Scarbrough, Robert Foster, and a few others to the NFL and graduation, but they’re stacked with returning talent.

The most dramatic aspect of the Alabama offense will likely be the quarterback battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts. However, Tagovailoa is the clearly superior devy prospect to target. He likely starts every game in 2018 leaving Hurts as an afterthought. Expect Tagovailoa to be a top two or three quarterback prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft class.

It’s no surprise, but Alabama is still flush with running back talent. Damien Harris is the clear favorite to lead the backfield touches again in 2018. However, former five-star recruit Najee Harris is in for a major uptick in production as well. Both Damien and Najee Harris are valued as top-30 devy prospects already, but could boost their stock even further with impressive 2018 numbers. Damien Harris is a near lock to be a top-five running back in the 2019 NFL Draft class. Najee Harris has a ton of competition in 2020, but should still be at least a day two pick when his time comes as well.

The wide receiver room is still stacked for the Crimson Tide too. The interesting part will be seeing who truly emerges as the alpha in 2018. Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and Devonta Smith all saw very limited targets in 2018, but they all bring a unique skill-set. Jeudy may have the highest pro upside as he brings physicality and solid route running to the table. Ruggs likely projects to a slot receiver in the NFL, but he scored on half his receptions in 2017 thanks to his remarkable explosiveness. Smith may be the odd man out on the target totem pole despite scoring the winning touchdown in the National Championship. Smith likely lines up at outside wide receiver and wins with speed when necessary.

Other Notables: Brian Robinson may be a great target in deeper drafts as he’ll likely be the second running back that Alabama pairs with Najee Harris in 2019. Josh Jacobs is probably just an afterthought in 2018 and in the NFL. Tyrell Shavers (redshirted 2017) is a 6’6” monster of a wide receiver who could work onto the field in the red zone. Irv Smith Jr. is a sneaky talented tight end who could end up on an NFL roster one day too.

Georgia

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The Bulldogs may end up with some kind of quarterback battle themselves thanks to the ridiculous recruiting of Kirby Smart. Jake Fromm and Justin Fields both likely have an NFL future ahead of them, so juggling them may prove difficult. However, Jake Fromm showed that he can make some ridiculous throws when necessary in 2017 as he nearly led Georgia to a national title. Given Georgia’s schedule, Fromm likely keeps the lead job through 2018 (and beyond, really). Fields will have his day, but Georgia would be wise to redshirt him with the new flexible redshirt rules (where a player can see the field in four games). Both quarterbacks are top 15 devy players at the position.

D’Andre Swift could actually be the best running back in college football. That may seem strong given his limited workload behind Nick Chubb and Sony Michel last year, but Swift has it all. He has the build, speed, balance, vision, and passing game chops to be a true feature. He will lead the Bulldog running backs in both rushing and receiving by wide margins. The other backs are certainly talented, but they are probably just a slight step down from Swift. That may seem like blasphemy to Zamir White fans, but he’s coming off a torn ACL and hasn’t seen a college field yet. Elijah Holyfield will probably slot in as the number two running back (at least early on) in 2018. He’ll need to perform well if he wants to see any decent amount of draft capital in 2019. James Cook, another highly touted freshman recruit, may work in some early, but could also be eventually redshirted. All four backs likely land in the NFL, but D’Andre Swift and Zamir White are the true blue chips to own in devy leagues.

The wide receiver situation just got a lot more exciting for Georgia with the addition of former five-star recruit Demetris Robertson joining the team. However, unless his hardship waiver request is granted, Robertson won’t see the field until 2019. This is highly unlikely given the nature and reasoning behind his transfer from California. He will immediately be the most talented wide receiver the moment he does indeed step onto the field for Georgia. Beyond Robertson Georgia still has Terry Godwin, Riley Ridley, Mecole Hardman, and Jeremiah Holloman. It’s a fun, fast, athletic group of wide receivers, but none are currently top devy assets. Godwin would continue stepping up and earn a mid-round draft selection in 2019. It will be interesting to see which of the other three steps up into the WR2 spot for Georgia now.

Other Notables: Isaac Nauta was once a highly thought of tight end for future NFL stardom but he disappointed in 2017. He’ll need a big year to regain any momentum towards a brighter future. Luke Ford, Georgia’s freshman tight end recruit, may have an NFL future too, but he’ll need to avoid irrelevance in the receiving game as well.

[The rest of the SEC has noticeably fewer talented players from this point on]

Florida

The Gator quarterbacks aren’t likely future NFL starters, but they certainly have some interesting skill position players.

Jordan Scarlett was one of several Florida players involved in a scandal that ended in their suspension for the entire 2017 season. Scarlett was set to be the lead runner and perhaps eclipse 1,000 yards as a junior had he been eligible to play. He certainly has a lot to prove if he wants to be considered in the mid rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. However, to do so he’ll have to hold off Lamical Perine (2017 leading rusher for Florida) and the promising, young Malik Davis who is recovering from injury. Both Scarlett and Davis are likely superior prospects to Perine, but all three could land on an NFL roster one day. Expect Scarlett to see the bulk of the work this year as Florida eases Davis back in and uses Perine to keep everyone fresh.

Tyrie Cleveland has real NFL athleticism as a prototypical outside wide receiver. The Florida offense has failed to feature him thus far, but 2018 is the “now or never” year to make a big splash. Expect to hear his name early and often as the driving force for Florida’s passing game. His stock has fallen in devy circles due to his lackluster numbers, but he could easily be a day two pick with a good showing this season.

Other Notables: Freshman running back Dameon Pierce may make some noise in a few games before his inevitable redshirt. Depending on how other Florida wide receivers are performing freshman Jacob Copeland could see an early breakout just out of necessity. Both tight ends – C’yontai Lewis and Kyle Pitts – could see significant work as coach Dan Mullen likes to utilize the tight end position in creative ways.

Auburn

Jarrett Stidham is one of a couple of SEC quarterbacks with the potential to be a number one draft pick next spring if all goes perfectly. Value him this way in all leagues (especially superflex). He may be given a little more freedom to push downfield this year. It should be a fun year through the air for the Tigers.

It may not be as fun on the ground this year though. Kam Martin showed some competence when called upon in 2017, but Auburn coaches have already expressed concerns with his ability to carry a significant carry load. There are several other options who could see some carries, but the Tigers added two talented freshman running backs in Harold Joiner and Asa Martin. One or both of them should be considered the future of the backfield. Joiner is a risk to possibly switch positions, but also has the feature back build you want to see. Asa is probably the sneaky value pick for devy purposes though.

At wide receiver, the Tigers have at least five decent playmakers, but none incredibly exciting for future NFL prospects. Ryan Davis may land a slot role at the next level, but that’s his only shot. Nate Craig-Myers was supposed to a top talent, but has yet to show consistency. Darius Slayton has adequate size and has shown big-play ability at times (22 yards per reception in 2017), but also not incredibly consistent. Both Craig-Myers and Slayton need a big year to earn potential draft consideration.

Missouri

Drew Lock is the other SEC quarterback vying for the top spot in the 2019 NFL Draft. He’ll have to overcome a new offensive coordinator and the loss of J’Mon Moore this season, but he has a shot. Lock will most definitely be on an NFL roster next year. He may not be perfect, but he can make any throw and is more mobile than he looks.

Damarea Crockett and Larry Roundtree III will make for a fun and important tandem for the Missouri Tigers in the backfield. Crockett exploded onto the scene as a true freshman with over 1,000 yards, but then missed most of 2017 with an injury. Roundtree was a functional backup last year behind Ish Witter, and will likely retain that backup role. Crockett could be a top-five running back in the 2019 class. Roundtree could end up being drafted on day two.

Emanuel Hall is the wide receiver to watch on the Tigers. He averaged nearly 25 yards per reception last year, but now gets to be the lead option. He has nasty deep speed. If he adds some layers to his game Hall could be an early NFL Draft selection in 2019.

Albert Okwuegbunam (Oak-woo-aye-boo-nom) grabbed 11 touchdowns last season for the Tigers making his mark as one of the best tight ends in the nation. And although he is just a redshirt sophomore, Okwuegbunam is draft eligible in 2019. He likely stays and stacks his stats before entering the NFL Draft though. Expect him to be the TE1 in the 2020 NFL Draft.

South Carolina

All you really need to pay attention to on this roster is the wide receiver position. Yes, Jake Bentley may sneak into the final rounds of some NFL Draft class as a decent backup quarterback. But really, the wide receivers are just incredible on this team.

Bryan Edwards broke out as a true freshman before he was even 18 years old. Standing at 6’3”, 215 pounds, Edwards possesses the outside wide receiver body type. He has a ridiculous 40” (or more) vertical, wins in contested situations, and just clocked a ridiculous 22mph at a summer event for the team. He could be the next big superstar wide receiver the NFL needs.

Deebo Samuel should be back from injury ready to function as South Carolina’s lead target hog and possible kick returner. He doesn’t profile like a stud wide receiver, but he could be a solid WR3 or slot option in the NFL here soon.

After Edwards and Samuel are gone, OrTre Smith and Shi Smith should step in and be the next generation of solid wide receivers for the Gamecocks. Both will contribute some in 2018 as well.

Vanderbilt

The running back situation is the one to watch in 2018. Now that Ralph Webb is gone a new lead runner could emerge in a spot with decent opportunity. Former four-star recruit and sophomore Jamauri Wakefield was the most impressive backup running back in 2017 and impressed some in the spring game. Khari Blasingame, a former linebacker, posted a putrid 3.3 yards per carry last season. He belongs as a backup, but may see some work anyway. Transfer Ke’Shawn Vaughn could offer the most balanced skill set as a runner and receiver, but he looked out of place in the spring game. Whichever back leads Vanderbilt could earn some devy hype here soon.

Kalija Lipscomb was already the most talented wide receiver on Vanderbilt’s roster in 2017, but now he has most of the targets to himself. Trent Sherfield, C.J. Duncan, and Caleb Scott are all gone. Lipscomb could see nearly 40% share of the receiving offense in 2018.

And last but not least, Jared Pinkney, the team’s best tight end could see a significant target share as well. In a college football landscape severely lacking tight end production Pinkney could easily garner real NFL attention with a strong season. He already grabbed 22 receptions for 279 yards and three touchdowns just a year ago.

Ole Miss

Ole Miss is yet another SEC school with some of the best wide receivers in the country. AJ Brown, Dekaylin Metcalf, and DaMarkus Lodge could all be drafted as early as 2019. If quarterback Jordan Ta’amu can keep getting the ball to his studs the Ole Miss offense should be pretty prolific through the air this season. Brown is the best route runner of the crew, and is built pretty thick like a running back. He projects to be true do-it-all WR1 in the NFL that can line up anywhere (although he’s mostly big slot in college). Metcalf is a huge athletic specimen trying to hone his wide receiver craft. If he figures it all out he may have the highest upside of any wide receiver in college football. Lodge is likely just a depth wide receiver who can slide outside as a team’s third option when needed. All three should see 40 or more receptions this year.

Mississippi State

Nick Fitzgerald is a fun, mobile quarterback that likely projects to be a backup or short-term NFL starter in the perfect situation. He is an absolute joy to watch in college though. He’s logged two seasons in a row with at least 900 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Expect more of that this season.

Mississippi State also has a couple running backs to get excited about too. Aeris Williams has the feature back size NFL teams will love. Plus he’ll likely drop another 1000 yards on the ground in 2018. However, his backup could be even better. Kylin Hill was a top 15 running back prospect in the nation coming into college. His burst and strength will earn him a few more touches this season. He’ll be the lead back in 2019.

Wide receiver is always pretty bleak for Mississippi State and this year is no different. However, if JUCO transfer Stephen Guidry hits the ground running in 2018 he’ll garner some NFL Draft attention right away. At 6’4” and maybe 200 pounds Guidry boasts the most physically imposing presence in the wide receiver group.

LSU

The Tigers offense may struggle this year unless some playmakers step up in a big way. Their quarterback situation is murky at best. They don’t have the typical Leonard Fournette or Derrius Guice monster in the backfield. And their best wide receiver may be a transfer.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire likely gets the first crack at leading the backfield, but the real upside target in devy may be true freshman, Chris Curry. His physical running style and contact balance feels more like an LSU running back. Expect him to take significant snaps by year’s end.

At wide receiver, LSU has quite the mess behind recent transfer Jonathan Giles. Giles had an incredible 2016 season with Texas Tech where he compiled 1,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. He may see less volume at LSU, but he can win at all levels of the field thanks to his route running and legit deep speed. The only other incredibly interesting wide receiver on the team is freshman Terrace Marshall. He may not make a huge splash in 2018, but Marshall was the third highest rated receiver in the country according to the 247Sports Composite Ranking. At 6’3”, 192 pounds, with speed and smooth breaks to kill, Marshall certainly looks like the future for the Tigers.

Tennessee

The Tennessee Volunteers look like they may struggle in the early stages of the new Jeremy Pruitt era. Outside of just a few offensive weapons, they need some help.

Ty Chandler (former four-star running back recruit) should be the lead running back, and most definitely possesses the highest pro upside of any offensive weapon the team. He’s a tad undersized to ever be a high-end fantasy football asset, but his explosive athleticism, kick return ability, and receiving ability should land him somewhere in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft one day.

Tennessee has two decent wide receivers too, but quarterback Jarrett Guarantano will need to be able to get the ball to them. Jauan Jennings has made some big plays for the Volunteers on a few occasions, but has never put together a huge season. At 6’3”, 209 pounds, Jennings has learned to master jump ball situations and his deep game, but he needs to improve route running to warrant significant draft capital. Marquez Callaway as a pleasant surprise for the Volunteers after Jennings was injured early. He was able to account for more than 30% of the Tennessee receiving offense in games where he was healthy. If he puts together an even slightly improved 2018 season NFL buzz will begin.

Texas A&M

These last three teams really only have a couple of intriguing players up for future NFL consideration. Texas A&M has running back Trayveon Williams and wide receiver Jhamon Ausbon. Williams shot out of a cannon as a freshman with 1,057 yards on the ground and 19 receptions for 91 yards. Sadly his efficiency disappeared last season. He logged more carries, but managed about 250 fewer yards on the ground. He should be able to bounce back with new head coach Jimbo Fisher calling plays. Fisher loves his running backs. Ausbon is just a sophomore, but he could be the only solid option for the Aggies now that Christian Kirk and Damion Ratley are gone. Ausbon could realistically see 35% of the total receiving offense. If he does, Ausbon will likely be considered the top wide receiver for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Kentucky

The Wildcats haven’t been known for providing the world with a ton of exciting NFL prospects, but they might just have two come out in the same draft class. Benny Snell doesn’t boast flashy athleticism for a running back, but he does possess vision, decisiveness, and solid technique to finish with a little extra yardage than expected. He’s already logged two 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 32 total rushing touchdowns. Expect another monster season from Snell on his way to being drafted in the mid rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. C.J. Conrad plays the H-Back and lead tight end role for Kentucky’s strange gadget offense. He may not translate to the NFL as the typical in-line tight end, but his versatility as a blocker and savvy route running could earn him early snaps on Sundays.

Arkansas

Last, and almost certainly least in every way imaginable we have the Arkansas Razorbacks. They’re not only the worst team in the SEC, but they’re also the least interesting for devy and dynasty. Running back Devwah Whaley was supposed to be good for a second, but he’s like a late day three NFL Draft selection even if this season goes well. Chase Hayden may provide a beacon of hope for the future of Razorback football though. He was starting to string together some good runs as a true freshman last season before he got hurt. I fully expect him to lead the backfield by year’s end for Arkansas.

As always, find me on Twitter @FF_TravisM. Look for videos from me using the hashtag #TouchdownTime. And yes, I love to chat about these players. I want to learn from you! Thanks for reading, and keeping living that Dynasty Life!

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