The Devy Fantasy Football Top 100: 60-56

Bryson Nesbit

Rob Willette Posted On April 17, 2023

For many fantasy football managers, the period immediately 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.

60. DeVontez Walker, WR North Carolina (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: After a standout season with the Kent State Golden Flashes, Devontez Walker has taken his talents to the ACC, joining a North Carolina team that faces the challenge of replacing the dominant Josh Downs. Unlike Downs, Walker has the frame of a prototypical outside receiver. He stands at 6’3” and has the vertical speed to challenge defenders and make big plays downfield. He averaged 15.9 yards per reception for Kent State and routinely hit on splash plays.

Walker exits the MAC to join the ACC in an attempt to boost his draft stock. The fit is perfect. North Carolina returns a high-end quarterback in Drake Maye and has a ton of vacated targets available. While the jump from the MAC is a big one and we have seen plenty of transfer receiver flops, the bet here is Walker makes a smooth transition as he puts himself on the NFL draft radar.

2023 Outlook: As referenced, Josh Downs is off to the NFL. The former Tar Heel racked up 195 grabs over the past two seasons with over 1,000 yards in each. North Carolina also loses Antoine Green, leaving their wide receiver room needing a star to emerge. Walker is the best fit to be the top option in this passing game with fellow transfer Nate McCollum as well as J.J. Jones, Kobe Paysour, and Andre Greene Jr. working around him.

59. Kaden Prather, WR Maryland (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: A transfer from West Virginia, nothing about Kaden Prather’s first two years in Morgantown pop off the screen. He caught 52 passes in 2022, yet at only 9.6 yards per grab. West Virginia’s struggles with the forward pass turned Prather into a possession receiver, denying him the opportunity to showcase his wares. While Prather would have been the clear top target for the Mountaineers in 2023, the move to Maryland makes sense when you consider the limited ceiling of the West Virginia passing game.

While tall receivers can often be a bit sluggish out of the breaks, Prather shows no such limitations. He can glide off the line of scrimmage and uses light feet to chew up yards after the catch. Listed at 6’4” and 211 pounds, Prather has the size to manhandle corners and operate as a redzone weapon. An expanded role within a far more electric offense should allow Prather the opportunity to become a legitimate NFL prospect.

2023 Outlook: With the Terrapins replacing Rakim Jarrett and Prather fitting the mold of an ‘X’ receiver, the former Mountaineer should step right in as a top receiver for Maryland. With the experienced Taulia Tagovailoa returning and off back-to-back 3,000 yard passing seasons, Prather will finally have an opportunity to showcase his full toolkit.

58. Bryson Nesbit, TE North Carolina (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: We are a sucker for tight ends who can stretch the field and do their best work in the passing game, and few fit the mold better than Bryson Nesbit. As a true sophomore in 2022, Nesbit posted a 35/507/4 line, rare production from a tight end, let alone one so early in his career. Nesbit operated as a true field-stretcher, notching 14.5 yards per catch as he devastated defenses up the seam.

Nesbit is a natural detaching from the line of scrimmage and creating problems out of the slot. After looking more like a power forward type out of high school, he has become a threat after the catch, utilizing speed and power to create extra yards. Nesbit’s game has grown quickly and he will get every chance to develop in North Carolina’s potent attack. Brock Bowers stands as the king of next year’s draft class, but TE2 could very well be Nesbit by next April.

2023 Outlook: Nesbit has already posted a breakout season and the Tar Heels return Drake Maye under center. While North Carolina brought in gifted transfer receivers, they turn over much of their receiver room and Maye has developed a rapport with Nesbit. His third year on campus should be his best yet as he looks toward the 2024 NFL Draft.

57. Malachi Nelson, QB USC (2026 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Lincoln Riley’s quarterback factory is going nowhere anytime soon, with Malachi Nelson hitting campus this fall and operating as the heir apparent to Caleb Williams. Nelson has been a high-end prospect for some time which has almost led to some prospect fatigue, though he still checks in as the 5th-ranked quarterback in the 247 Composite. A combination of talent and the ability to work with Riley give Nelson an incredibly high ceiling.

At 6’3” and 185 pounds, Nelson does not have an imposing frame but has room to add plenty of muscle. His loose throwing motion allows him to toss darts all over the field and threaten the defense at every level. He is not nearly the runner Caleb Williams is, but he has the ability to threaten defenses if they give him space and uses his feet well within the pocket. Nelson is a key part of the plan to make the Trojans a national power once again.

2023 Outlook: USC returns Heisman favorite (and 2022 winner) Caleb Williams. Barring injury, Nelson is not seeing the field extensively in 2023. However, he should win the backup battle and enter games in mop-up duty. Our first real opportunity to see him should be in 2024.

56. Dominic Lovett, WR Georgia (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Yet another transfer receiver, Dominic Lovett is staying in the SEC after moving from Missouri to Georgia. There is little in Lovett’s physical profile which gets anyone weak in the knees. He is listed at 5’10” and 197 pounds and is unlikely to beat too many defensive backs in a footrace.

Where he wins is simple: he has incredible burst and the savvy to get open with ease. His surprisingly large catch radius allows him to pluck footballs outside of his frame and he plays with a toughness you simply cannot teach. Overall athleticism is a far lesser concern when it comes to receivers, and Lovett displays plenty of skills in the athleticism department. Lovett wins at every level with smarts, quicks, and a high competitive level. He should thrive in Athens.

2023 Outlook: Despite a second consecutive national championship, the Bulldogs once again lost a prominent receiver to the transfer portal in Adonai Mitchell. The staple of the receiving room is Ladd McConkey, and he is flanked by speedster Arian Smith and possession receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. However, neither of the latter two names are as established as Lovett. Lovett should battle fellow transfer RaRa Thomas to work to the top of the passing game hierarchy.

Be sure to check out our complete Devy Fantasy Football Rankings