Devy 100: 5-1

Rob Willette Posted On November 20, 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 tenth-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.

5. Justyn Ross, WR Clemson Tigers

The Skinny: Already a College Football Playoff legend, Ross was one of Clemson’s duo of super freshman who helped the Tigers obliterate the competition during the national semi-finals and finals. He looks like he was built in a wide receiver lab. His frame is ready-made for the NFL, and he’ll surely appeal to fantasy owners who prefer that their receivers tower over the competition. Ross’ sure hands and play strength endeared him to Trevor Lawrence, and he has enough speed to take full advantage of his unique physical gifts. A big receiver with elite early production, he has already cemented himself as a devy darling despite not being eligible until 2021.

2019 Outlook: Ross has been remarkably consistent in 2019, typically racking up stats prior to hitting the bench as Clemson blows out its latest overmatched ACC opponent. The true breakout is expected in 2020, when Clemson will still be deep at wide receiver but without target hog Tee Higgins.

4. Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama Crimson Tide

The Skinny: You’ve likely seen the highlights. Jeudy is one of the more GIFable players in college football, operating like an NFL Blitz player in the open field with crazy agility and creativity. His movement skills allow him to embarrass corners in the intermediate game and blow past them in the open field. His explosiveness helps him profile as a true number one receiver at the next level, a big play waiting to happen virtually every snap. He will have to tack on some good weight, but his lithe frame is hardly an impediment to stardom. Jeudy has a refined enough game to be a team’s alpha receiver in his rookie season.

2019 Outlook: The Alabama passing game has continued to put up absurd numbers, and Jeudy has been one of the big benefactors. The Dominator Rating is not going to be as kind to him due to the Tide being loaded with talent, but it should not negate the fact that he has had a fantastic season. He’s poised to be a first round pick, potentially in the top ten.

3. CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma Sooners

The Skinny: Perhaps no college receiver “looks the part” of a future star as much as Lamb. His sinewy frame belies incredible play strength, and his fiercely competitive nature allows him to routinely win at the catch point and rack up yardage after the catch. He is smooth in and out of routes, and even though the Sooner offense does not demand he be a technician, the foundation is there for him to excel off the line of scrimmage. He may not test as a premier athlete, but it is really the only knock on Lamb and a minor one when you put together his entire profile.

2019 Outlook: Lamb has adjusted to life without Marquise Brown just fine. He has dominated the Big 12 and the looks from Jalen Hurts. A monster junior season has him poised to be a first round pick, and likely a high one.

2. Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin Badgers

The Skinny: A standout from his first day on campus, Taylor has put the Wisconsin offense on his back for three years, operating as a rare size/speed specimen who can punish defenders and run by them. He may be the nation’s most natural runner, consistently demonstrating patience, working in sync with his lineman before exploding through the hole and obliterating defenders at the second-level. Much has been made about the two foibles in his game: receiving ability and ball security. He’s improved immensely in both areas over the duration of his career and appears dedicated to making his game as well-rounded as possible. He’s one of the more bulletproof prospects in America.

2019 Outlook: Taylor had one big box to check with regards to pass-catching. He’s crossed it off in a big way, doubling his total from his first two years combined and showing increased comfort in the passing game. With a thorough profile and obvious talent, he has a case to be the top rookie pick in 2020 drafts.

1. D’Andre Swift, RB Georgia Bulldogs

The Skinny: Few backs make it look as easy as Swift. His patience combined with his acceleration make it seem as though he is toying with the defense, simply playing possum until an opportunity presents itself. Despite being a strong, agile, aggressive runner, it is his receiving ability that sets him apart. He has soft hands and is as comfortable lining up out wide as he is operating in the running game. As well-rounded as they come and with explosive traits, he is a talented workhorse who should contribute from day one.

2019 Outlook: While he is closing in on a career-high number of carries, Swift still gets enough breaks in Georgia’s backfield to alleviate concerns over his long-term wear. It is not he is not capable of it; there’s just no need to utilize him as the single lead back given Georgia’s depth and style. Swift is poised to be one of the first – if not the first – runner off the board in 2020 and a high draft pick who checks all the boxes you’re looking for in a prospect.