Devy 100: 10-6

Rob Willette Posted On October 1, 2020

The tagline here at DLF is telling: There is no off-season. The edict goes double for devy leagues. From the initial Signing Day in December through fall camps in August, there is an overwhelming amount of information to digest in order to make an informed decision. It is what makes it such a challenge yet so rewarding when a prospect you have invested in for years pays off.

The Devy 100 is intended to be a preliminary deep dive into the best dynasty assets college football has to offer. Even with a list this large, there will surely be omissions and plenty of movement throughout the year as players develop a more robust profile. This is not to hedge my bets (well – maybe a tad) but to illustrate the purpose of such a list. Alas, we get to the 100. Feel free to @RobWillette24 with your hate mail, which I will assuredly ignore.

10: David Bell, WR Purdue Boilermakers (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: A powerful, refined receiver despite his youth, Bell exploded onto the scene for the Boilermakers, thriving both with and without Rondale Moore lining up across from him. Bell tallied over 1,000 yards receiving as a true freshman thanks to incredible savvy and a remarkable ability to be unperturbed at the catch point.

Bell’s rugged game is his hallmark, and he relishes the physical challenge of working through defenders. He is not a premier athlete at this point, though it is something that may come with time. Bell is so advanced it may not matter, and he is well on his way to becoming one of college football’s premier receivers.

2020/2021 Outlook: With Moore opting back in, there is no opportunity for Bell to earn the massive target share he was ticketed for. But he is still a featured piece in this offense, the 1B to Moore’s 1A. His sophomore season figures to be a big one.

9: George Pickens, WR Georgia Bulldogs (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: A bowl season breakout star, Pickens is one of the toolsiest receivers in college football. He combines a hulking 6’3” frame with a general disrespect for defenders who care to attempt to contain him. Pickens is unstoppable when asked to go up and get the football, utilizing his size and strength to perfection while showcasing elite body control.

Pickens is unlikely to win any track meets but he is smooth in space and can chew up yardage with his long frame. He is a ball of clay ready to be molded and has already shown dominant film despite being an incomplete player.

2020/2021 Outlook: Georgia’s quarterback room is a major mystery, but anyone under center should quickly identify Pickens as the man to target. Pickens has been lauded for adding maturity both on and off the field this off-season, which should allow him to cement himself as one of the SEC’s best playmakers.

8: Najee Harris, RB Alabama Crimson Tide (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Harris had the look of a three-and-done player out of high school, and after a productive three-year run in Tuscaloosa he surprisingly opted to return to campus for his senior campaign. Harris has improved every year, going from battering ram to a battering ram who can also weave in and out of traffic with nimble feet and incredible compete level.

Despite his status as a behemoth, Harris is poetic in his movements and showcases soft hands in the passing game and an ability to turn from receiver to runner in an instant. He is extremely well-rounded, a safe bet to be a productive three down runner at the next level with potentially yet untapped upside.

2020/2021 Outlook: It is ‘Bama. Of course they’re deep at running back. But Harris is the main man in this backfield, and will earn a majority of the touches when games are competitive. He’ll fall short of Derrick Henry’s insane workload from his Heisman campaign but 20 touches per week is well within reach.

7: Seth Williams, WR Auburn Tigers (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Big, physical, and downright mean, Williams likes to batter his opponents into a bloody pulp over the course of sixty minutes. Williams is supersized at 6’3” and 224 pounds and uses every ounce as he battles defenders. He’s displayed excellent speed as a perimeter receiver, routinely dusting defenders with explosive breaks off the line of scrimmage.

Williams grew immensely from year one to year two, and is one of the more physically imposing receivers in the nation. He profiles as a true number one receiver at the NFL level.

2020/2021 Outlook: Williams has dominated the Auburn receiving pecking order for much of the last two seasons. His 2020 outlook is dependent on increased accuracy from Bo Nix, though Nix did not hold him back in 2019. Any improvement from Nix sends Williams’ production soaring as a junior with elite traits.

6: Chuba Hubbard, RB Oklahoma State Cowboys (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Another surprise returnee, Hubbard heads back to Stillwater with absolutely nothing to prove. The Canadian import has thrived for the Cowboys, showcasing high-level explosive ability as well as a natural affinity for the receiving game.

Few can match Hubbard’s elite long speed, and he has added a bit of vinegar to his game between the tackles since arriving on campus. With his combination of athleticism, production, and character, Hubbard can challenge to be the first back taken off the board.

2020/2021 Outlook: Oklahoma State has a ton of returning talent, which will elevate Hubbard as much as he will elevate himself. From a statistical standpoint, we’ve already seen Hubbard thrive. He has ample film. The goal for 2020 is to simply stay healthy and perhaps improve his pad level without compromising the traits which make him great.