The Devy Fantasy Football Top 100: 70-66

For many fantasy football managers, the period following the Super Bowl is a chance to relax, reflect, and disconnect from the rollercoaster which is a fantasy football season. For dynasty managers, there may be no busier time. In fact, some say there is no off-season. It is a mantra I have seen somewhere. I cannot quite put my finger on it.

For devy managers? Clear your schedule, because the work starts now. The devy community now has to juggle two Signing Days and a transfer portal which creates unceasing player movement. It is both fun and impossible to manage, yet we persevere. Below are the top devy talents in the land, contained within an infallible list that requires no criticism.

70. CJ Donaldson, RB West Virginia (2025 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: You can forgive devy managers for glossing over Donaldson. He was not a well-known recruit. He was listed at tight end prior to embarking on his career at West Virginia. His freshman season, however, welcomed him to the party. He rushed for 526 yards and eight scores, becoming an essential part of the Mountaineer offense, including standout efforts in two of their toughest games of the year against TCU and Pittsburgh.

At 6’2” and 240 pounds, Donaldson is a massive human being who rumbles downhill, sending defenders scurrying in fear. He possesses burst which belies his size, hitting the hole with authority and nimbly working his way to the second level. While he was not granted much opportunity as a receiver, his background as a tight end lends evidence to his upside as a pass-catcher. Making his debut more impressive is the fact his season was wiped away after seven games due to injury; his numbers could have been massive had he finished the campaign. Donaldson is an impressive prospect whose value is still all too depressed.

2023 Outlook: Fresh off a fantastic debut and built to handle a heavy workload, Donaldson looks poised to lead this backfield. Tony Mathis Jr offers a different look as more of a slashing runner and Justin Johnson and Jaylen Anderson both got some run in 2022. Donaldson, however, is this backfield’s most gifted runner. He should separate from the pack and lead a committee.

69. Ja’Corey Brooks, WR Alabama (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: We have yet to see a full season of dominance from Brooks – as many expected after he checked in as a composite five-Star recruit out of high school – but he has flashed elite tools and was always more of a long-term play as a prospect. Despite not posting the elite numbers we have become accustomed to from Alabama’s top receivers, Brooks has earned more trust as his career has gone on and demonstrates excellent effort on the field, contributing in many ways which do not show up on the boxscore.

Of course, as fantasy managers, all we care about is the box score. There is ample reason to believe Brooks will have a significant role at the NFL level, however. He is a long-limbed receiver who moves effortlessly and has made a number of impressive grabs during his time in Tuscaloosa. He profiles well as an outside receiver who can work the boundary and has some juice after the catch. His stock has perhaps dropped a bit, though it is far too early to write him off as a high-end prospect.

2023 Outlook: After finishing second on the Tide in receiving in 2022 (by a mere three yards) Brooks looks ready to pace the team. While Jermaine Burton returns (the man who just happened to eclipse him by three yards), it feels Brooks has much more of a development arc left than Burton. We of course have questions as to who starts under center for Nick Saban’s crew, but we can expect them to be competent as a baseline and a new star as a ceiling. Brooks’ best is yet to come.

68. Dante Moore, QB UCLA (2026 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Even in a loaded class, Moore has a skillset that stands out. He is unflappable. A collapsing pocket means very little to him; he calmly surveys the field and demonstrates incredible toughness, taking big hits while delivering big-time throws. The maturity is evident based on the way he carries himself on and off the field, and he profiles as a readymade college starter.

After initially being committed to Oregon, Moore reneged and signed with UCLA. It is a major coup for Chip Kelly, who has finally built some momentum in Los Angeles and has never exactly been known for his recruiting prowess. Moore is immediately the face of the program and profiles as a multi-year starter with an NFL future.

2023 Outlook: True freshman starters at the quarterback position are rare, though not unheard of. Moore is the rare talent who may actually be considered a favorite heading into summer and fall. Even if Moore does not start game one, he figures to earn the gig before long. This is now his team.

67. Dallan Hayden, RB Ohio State (2025 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Attrition at the running back position led to some unexpected opportunities for true freshman Hayden, and he did not disappoint. His slashing, physical style proved a good fit for an Ohio State offense that likes to spread teams out and threaten them on the perimeter. He did not look any bit like a freshman, running with confidence and seldom hesitating to pick his spots in the defense.

Taking advantage of injuries to TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, Hayden showed he can be a pivotal part of the Buckeye offense moving forward. While he is unlikely to ever be one of the more physically imposing athletes on the field, he wins with his compete level and the innate desire to pick up every yard possible. He can be a heart and soul type who piles up big years in Columbus.

2023 Outlook: The aforementioned Henderson and Williams are back, leaving Hayden likely grabbing whichever scraps he can behind them. He will still factor in, but it would not be surprising if he fails to surpass his 2022 touch total.

66. Johntay Cook II, WR Texas (2026 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Young receivers often have a penchant for attempting to simply be a better athlete than the man across from them. It can lead to big plays yet can also illustrate a learning curve will be required before they make their mark at the next level. Cook II has no such learning curve. He is a nuanced route-runner who combines his easy movements with strong hands and elite ball skills.

Quicker than fast, Cook is devastating off the line of scrimmage, creating tempo in his routes and exploding out of his breaks. His long arms create a large catch radius despite merely average height, and his sinewy frame has room to add good bulk over the next several years. An advanced technician with good athleticism and by all accounts a tireless work ethic, Cook has star potential in Austin.

2023 Outlook: The Longhorns have an established depth chart at wide receiver. Xavier Worthy is a star on the outside, and transfer Adonai Mitchell figures to start across from him with Jordan Whittington operating out of the slot. Opportunity will be scarce, though Cook may force the issue with a strong fall camp. He may compete with Isaiah Neyor for ancillary looks in the passing game.