Devy 100: 20-16

Rob Willette Posted On September 7, 2019

As dynasty owners putter about the interwebs discussing short shuttle times and dissecting the nuances of the Dominator Rating, Devy owners are intently watching Spring Practices and eyeing key positional battles. They say dynasty football never sleeps, but devy football never even rests. From Signing Day (both of them) to fall camp, devy calendars are chock-full of important dates.

The Devy 100 is a breakdown of some of the best collegiate talent around. Players will be missed; others will emerge. My rankings will be cursed from Juneau, Alaska to Key West, Florida. Yet hopefully it provides a modicum of assistance to those navigating the murky waters of deep leagues, struggling to identify their 10th round selection as they decide between Auburn’s third-string running back and an incoming freshman receiver at Ohio State. Without any further inane ramblings, on to the list.

20. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC Trojans

The Skinny: The seat under Clay Helton may be the hottest in the nation, but it is not due to USC’s talent level. St. Brown was a five-star recruit in the 2018 cycle and has not disappointed. He demonstrates elite route running, body control, and hands. He’s electric out of his breaks, creating separation with the ease of the last spaghetti noodle separating from a fork. Showcasing an advanced understanding of the nuances of the position, he complements his football intelligence with plus athleticism. He’s a dynamic talent who could contribute early at the NFL level.

2019 Outlook: While USC is deep at receiver, it should be the youngest St. Brown who emerges as the top receiver. He offers the most versatility of the receivers and lacks the warts of Tyler Vaughns and Michael Pittman. Even though JT Daniels is now on the shelf, it should be another productive season for St. Brown.

19. Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State Buckeyes

The Skinny: No stranger to elite recruits all across the field, the Buckeyes landed arguably their best receiver in the Meyer/Day Era when Wilson committed to Ohio State. The Texas native does not jump off the screen with his slender frame. Nonetheless, he plays like a gargantuan receiver, routinely climbing the ladder to make highlight-reel plays. He is a nightmare after the catch, utilizing effortless fluidity and surprising strength to chew up yardage in the open field. An advanced receiver for his age with athleticism seeping out of every pore, Wilson is poised to become a star in Columbus.

2019 Outlook: While he is ready to contribute, the depth chart does him no favors. Chris Olave emerged late in his freshman season, K.J. Hill is locked-in as a target hog, and the Buckeyes have their usual assortment of all-purpose weapons at the ready. Wilson’s role should grow as the season goes on, but he will likely lack a true breakout profile as a true freshman.

18. Tyler Johnson, WR Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Skinny: A Golden Gopher in the top 20 of any ranking looks bizarre, yet Johnson has earned his lofty status after three seasons of production under two coaching staffs and a variety of different quarterbacks. An accomplished high school basketball player, his hoops acumen is apparent on the football field when he contorts his body to adjust to the football and uses excellent footwork to embarrass defenders at the line of scrimmage. Not a premier athlete, he wins with savvy and ferociousness, though he can be slippery in the open field with his agility and length. Perhaps best served as a 1B type of receiver at the next level, he is nonetheless an excellent prospect whose hype will never exceed his pedigree.

2019 Outlook: The Golden Gophers have a condensed passing offense. It is Johnson and Rashod Bateman soaking up targets at the top of the chart with a few depth pieces behind them. Minnesota is not all of a sudden going to become a passing juggernaut, but another year of maturity from quarterback Tanner Morgan should help Johnson post his best season yet.

17. Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama Crimson Tide

The Skinny: Already inundated with talent at receiver, it was expected to be a quiet freshman season for Waddle. Instead, he was simply too explosive to keep off the field, trailing only Jerry Jeudy in receiving yards for one of the nation’s most efficient offenses. His acceleration is simply breathtaking; he escapes defenders faster than Drake escapes parental responsibilities. Unlike many players with great burst, he doesn’t lose steam as he rolls downfield. His long speed is elite, and he makes it look effortless. Despite a small frame, he is incredibly strong and possesses great balance, often pin-balling off defenders to shimmy for extra yards. An elite playmaker at the collegiate level, there are ample reasons to expect him to continue to dazzle at the next level.

2019 Outlook: Alabama is again loaded at receiver. And again, it should not matter for Waddle. He’s a unique player within their offense and they’ll manufacture touches for him. While the monster breakout may not arrive until 2020, 2019 sets up as another productive campaign for the true sophomore.

16. Seth Williams, WR Auburn Tigers

The Skinny: He was a work in progress for much of his freshman season, but oh heavens, the ceiling. Williams is simply a nightmare for corners to handle, the ultimate size/speed specimen who can run by you, run through you, and jump over you. He carries the weight on his 210 pound frame well and uses his size to box out overmatched defenders. Williams has work to do in the finer points of the game, but his early production and athletic prowess speak to a receiver who could be a high-end prospect come 2021.

2019 Outlook: The Auburn offense is in transition, handing over the reins to true freshman Bo Nix. Williams, however, stands out as the only receiver in Auburn’s position room equipped to handle the number one receiver role. The numbers may be pedestrian as Nix acclimates himself to the collegiate level, but Williams’ stock figures to rise as his sophomore season unfolds.