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Welcome to the Cornerstone Report where we will check in on the young players in football (2023-eligible college players, rookies, and sophomores) each week! As the hottest commodities in dynasty and devy, these players can make or break your teams in the future.
Here are some of the top headlines and reports for the future of the league…
Kayshon Boutte, WR LSU reverses course and heads to the draft
In a surprise move this past week, Boutte announced his intentions to enter the draft and has already signed with an agent. A former top devy prospect, Boutte has struggled with injuries and an ineffective offense at times the past two years. Despite this, he has flashed exceptional talent. Similar to George Pickens last year, Boutte could end up becoming a real steal. Ultimately, his inclusion helps strengthen the 2023 rookie class as a whole.
Bryce Young, QB Alabama makes statement in Sugar Bowl
Questions had been popping up about the rookie quarterback class and if it might be a tad overrated. Being the likely top pick, the focus was on Young to help answer that concern in the Sugar Bowl against Kansas State. He certainly did with an exceptional game. Throwing accurate passes to different points of the field and utilizing his athleticism in the pocket, Young looks like the real deal and a true NFL QB. Other than answering questions about his size, he should step in with huge fantasy upside both as a runner and passer.
CJ Stroud, QB Ohio State tears up Georgia defense
Standing next to Young on most QB boards is Stroud, who went up against the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff. Most expected an average performance, but Stroud answered many of the criticisms laid at him. He navigated the pocket well with top defenders barreling down on him. His rushing ability was shown off with a few key scrambles. On top of that were accurate passes on the move where his wide receivers could get them. With such a clutch game, fantasy owners should breathe easier knowing there are elite QB prospects in this class.
Deuce Vaughn, RB Kansas State declares for the draft
Vaughn’s diminutive status will be hotly debated in fantasy circles, but there is no doubt he is talented. This past week in the Sugar Bowl, he had an 88-yard TD run, the longest given up by Alabama in 20 seasons. With two straight 1,400-yard rushing seasons and a top pass-catching skillset, Vaughn may be a unicorn. The 2023 RB class is very strong and deep, and Vaughn’s inclusion helps.
Desmond Ridder, QB ATL gets first victory
In a tryout for the job next year, Ridder has struggled to get his footing for the Falcons. This past week for the Cardinals, he flashed some of the skillset that led him to be the second QB off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite only throwing for 169 yards, Ridder had a 73% completion percentage and executed the offense well. He has not shown the rushing upside to be useful for fantasy, there could be potential if he starts next season.
DeVonta Smith, WR PHI has third straight 100-yard game
Many left Smith for dead when the Eagles traded for AJ Brown, but with three straight 100-yard games, Smith has become a central part of the passing offense. Whether the QB is Jalen Hurts or Gardner Minshew, Smith has continued to show an ability to get open and big plays. Still undervalued in dynasty, he can be a true top-tier asset moving forward.
