Devy 100: 60-56

Rob Willette

It is time for the annual installment of the Devy 100, the third-most ballyhooed set of devy rankings completed within the greater Southwest Minneapolis area. As always, whittling this down to a mere one hundred was no simple task. If there is anybody you believe was omitted erroneously, feel free to pop in the comments and express your displeasure.

The Devy 100 is designed for the community of DLF to be as informed as possible about all the college prospects and future dynasty stars whether they play in devy leagues or not. Remember, all this information becomes archived in our library of content and goes into our annual Rookie Draft Guide for you to review when each of these players becomes eligible for traditional rookie drafts.

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60. Mike Weber, RB Ohio State Buckeyes

Profile: Despite a breakout redshirt freshman season, Mike Weber took a step backwards from a production standpoint in 2017. A hamstring injury wiped out much of his preseason and J.K. Dobbins simply turned out to be too good to take off the field. While Weber played second-fiddle for much of the year, there were improvements in his game. He demonstrated a bit more burst and open field wiggle, even running away from defenders in the open field. He had the look of more of a limited power back during his first season in Columbus.

A compact runner, Weber is adept at bullying defenders and fights for those key yards which keep the offense ahead of the chains. While not an explosive runner, Weber has made strides in his overall game. I view him as a runner with long-term high-end backup running back upside; the type of back who can succeed as a starter in short spurts. While it is certainly not a sexy profile, those guys have value in devy drafts.

2018 Outlook: Even with Dobbins in town, there will be ample work for Mike Weber. The Buckeyes are breaking in a new quarterback and given the blowout potential they have, carries will not be scarce. Production is not as pivotal for Weber in 2018 in juxtaposition to how he continues to improve. Add a bit more athleticism, continue to demonstrate plus receiving skills, and he enters the 2019 Draft as a quality prospect.

59. Chase Claypool, WR Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Profile: Long, lean, and an accomplished contortionist, Chase Claypool looks like a factory-made receiver. The tools are tantalizing. Seldom do receivers this large move so smoothly or make circus catches look routine. Of course, if it had all come together, he would be ranked far higher than this.

Coach Brian Kelly indicated this spring Claypool needs to stay on script, indicating he’s perhaps still learning the nuances of the position and the preparation it takes to be great. By all accounts, however, Claypool works hard and he’s an extremely aggressive blocker, a trait which speaks to his competitiveness. On potential alone Claypool is worth a look. The size and physical tools will garner enough attention to give him value, even without elite production.

2018 Outlook: Both Ian Book and Brandon Wimbush have starting experience, though neither is likely to make this a high-octane passing offense. Wimbush in particular struggled with accuracy during the 2017 season and it torpedoed the entire Irish offense. It is hard to see Claypool posting big numbers given the issues Notre Dame has under center, though at the very least you’d like to see him be the clear top option in the passing game hierarchy with Equanimeous St. Brown and Kevin Stepherson gone.

58. L.J. Scott, RB Michigan State Spartans

Profile: L.J. Scott entered 2017 poised to become a player in the 2018 draft class. A sluggish campaign which was marred by fumbles and lost playing time led Scott to return to East Lansing for his senior season.

A rugged back with nimble feet and soft hands, Scott checks a lot of boxes from a feature back perspective yet may lack a standout trait which propels him near the top of a rather pedestrian 2019 running back class. Still, big, slashing backs with the ability to stay on the field in all situations have value and there is still starter upside for one of the conference’s best runners.

2018 Outlook: Scott will enter his fourth straight year as the lead back for the Spartans, and will be doing so for what figures to be a contender in the Big Ten East. He will get ample exposure. Outside of the obvious health factor, improved ball security along with dominating touches in the Michigan State backfield will be keys if he is to battle for day two consideration.

57. Demetris Robertson, WR Pending

Profile: No, Pending is not a new Group of Five program ready to join the Mountain West. It is the only description for Demetris Robertson, who opted to transfer from Cal in late June, an inopportune time for any transfer. 247Sport’s top receiver in the 2016 cycle, the Georgia native was immensely productive as a true freshman. His explosive natural talent allowed him to thrive despite limited experience and polish at the position.

While his production thus far is largely reliant on tools, he demonstrated the ability to be a precise route-runner at various high school camps. In time, he could complement his premier athletic tools with the gifts of a technician. The transfer is an obvious roadblock in his development. Players with a mysterious future have to be moved down a few pegs until there is more clarity.

2018 Outlook: Barring late changes to the transfer rules or a waiver being granted, we will not see Robertson in 2018. It is concerning, as we have not seen him much since 2016 and two years essentially away from game action is far from ideal. There’s still plenty to like here, though what could have been a breakout year cementing him as a top prospect for the 2019 Draft has turned into a lost year with throws his future into question.

56. Kamryn Babb, WR Ohio State Buckeyes

Profile: Few receivers in the 2018 cycle are as entertaining to watch as Kamryn Babb. A highly competitive and physical receiver, Babb is a menace after the catch and plays the game at a different pace than his peers. A majority of his senior season was wiped out by an ACL injury. Had he competed in his final year, I feel his consensus ranking would have pushed closer to five stars.

2018 Outlook: The Buckeyes lack a standout, yet they have an incredibly crowded receiver room. They have stockpiled talent over the past few years and competition will be fierce. It seems a long shot Babb will make a year one contribution given he is coming off a lost season, though we thought the same of J.K. Dobbins last year. If he is ready, he will play, as the Buckeyes are desperate for playmakers on the perimeter to elevate their passing game.

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rob willette