Devy Roundup: Week Two
Next year’s NFL draft is going to be so much fun! Each fall, I try not to get too hyped for next year’s draft class but the players in the projected 2020 class are exceptional. There are elite playmakers at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver plus some potential at tight end as well.
Not only will this class be talented but it looks very deep too. First-round dynasty picks have become increasingly difficult to acquire but savvy owners will collect second and third-round picks and be happy they did next spring.
MY RANKINGS
Below is a preview of my Top 25 Devy rankings. You can find my full set here. I fixed a couple of issues with them so I will start updating the “Change” column next week.
Players I am higher on compared to the market include Chuba Hubbard, Kylin Hill, and Trey Sermon. All three backs have good size, versatility, and receiving skills.
You can see how much the 2020 class dominates my rankings, but make no mistake there are some elite players in the 2021 class as well. Both project well compared to somewhat of a down class this past year.
Top performers
Below are some of the top performers of the week. Of course, I could not list everyone who played well, but here are a few who stood out. This week’s list is filled with mostly top-ranked devy players. You can find the full set of statistics here.
Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin (135 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 2 rec, 48 yards, 2 TDs)
We already knew Jonathan Taylor is an exceptional runner. The most encouraging part of his stellar performance was his involvement in the passing game. After reports of Wisconsin wanting to involve Taylor more in that area, it was great to see them follow through in week one. If Taylor can continue to show progress in the passing game his upside is limitless.
Kylin Hill, RB Mississippi State (197 yards rushing, 1 TD, 1 rec, 10 yards)
Most of the hype was centered on the electrifying performances of Jonathan Taylor, Chuba Hubbard, and Travis Etienne but Kylin Hill quietly put up a solid game himself. I am a big fan of his all-around skill set as well as the power and physicality he runs with.
Travis Etienne, RB Clemson (205 yards rushing, 3 TDs, 1 rec, 3 yards)
Travis Etienne looked in mid-season form on Thursday night. He dominated on the ground and showcased his elite speed, burst, and athleticism. It remains to be seen whether he can get more involved in the passing game though.
Jalen Hurts, QB Oklahoma (332 yards passing, 3 TDs, 176 yards rushing, 3 TDs)
Hurts might have had the most dominant performance of the week as he racked up over 500 total yards and six touchdowns. Head coach Lincoln Riley is an offensive mastermind. Jalen Hurts is going to need to thank Riley for helping Hurts’s draft stock improve so much this year. He looked like a completely different quarterback than when he was at Alabama.
Bo Nix, QB Auburn (177 yards passing, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 42 yards rushing)
It was not the statistics that made Bo Nix’s Saturday night performance impressive, but rather the way he handled himself throughout the game. After struggling early, as most true freshmen do, Nix displayed great resilience as he rallied his team and threw the game-winning touchdown in the closing minutes. The future is bright for this kid.
Justin Fields, QB Ohio State (234 yards passing, 4 TDs, 61 yards rushing, 1 TD)
It was a great debut for Justin Fields, who made his first career start for the Buckeyes. He displayed his versatility throwing and running on Saturday. Do not forget he was neck and neck with Trevor Lawrence for the honor of being 2018’s top high school recruit. He is one of my biggest buys this year. Finally getting his chance to start, I could see him ending the season much closer to Lawrence in devy rankings than he currently is.
Chuba Hubbard, RB Oklahoma State (221 yards rushing, 3 TDs)
Chuba Hubbard dominated the Oregon State defense all night while showcasing his speed, burst, and athleticism. Justice Hill was a great running back for the Cowboys for the past few years but Hubbard has the potential to be even better.
MARQUEE MATCHUPS
As usual, many collegiate teams use the first week or two as somewhat of a “preseason,” playing weaker non-conference teams to ease into the new season. As a result, there are not as many marquee matchups as there usually are. However, below are some of the games I will be sure to tune into for this upcoming week’s slate. You can check out the full week two schedule here.
#12 Texas A&M @ #1 Clemson – 9/7 @ 3:30 PM EST on ABC
Trying to win in Death Valley is almost always tough but if quarterback Kellen Mond can play like he did last week the Aggies have a chance. Trevor Lawrence will look to bounce back way after an uncharacteristically poor performance in week one. I am betting he does in a big way.
#24 Nebraska @ Colorado – 9/7 @ 3:30 PM EST on FOX
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez will look to bounce back as well after a rough outing in week one. The Cornhuskers have some playmakers on offense including JD Spielman and Wan’Dale Robinson.
Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault was held in check for most of week one but hopefully Colorado can give him more touches in this one. He is one of the most exciting playmakers in the country.
#6 LSU @ #10 Texas – 9/7 @ 7:30 PM EST on ABC
LSU quarterback Joe Burrow looked sharp in week one and has a nice trio of receivers to throw to: Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall, and Ja’Marr Chase. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is currently the starter but it is only a matter of time before true freshman John Emery makes his presence felt and starts earning more touches.
It is a bummer Texas running back Jordan Whittington is dealing with another sports hernia injury that will keep him out of action for four-to-six weeks. Sophomore Keaontay Ingram will handle a bulk of the carries and looked good last week. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger has a ton of weapons in the passing game, including Brennan Eagles, Collin Johnson, Devin Duvernay and Jake Smith. This should be a fun one.
- Devy Roundup: Week 14 - November 26, 2019
- Devy Roundup: Week 13 - November 20, 2019
- Devy Roundup: Week 12 - November 12, 2019
