There is a growing movement in the Dynasty community toward “devy” players. The term “devy” refers to developmental players carried on the dynasty league rosters. These devy players are usually college players but can even be high school athletes. Each week, we will look at a different set of devy rankings.
One major consideration for devy leagues, especially at the running back position, is the age of the player. There are instances where one draft prospect is three years older than another. In these cases, we give preference to the younger player. The tailback with the far less mileage could set up for a longer professional career. In addition, let's consider why a player might be several years older than others. The two main reasons are injuries needing redshirt year(s) and how young a player is when he “breaks out”. This is a topic we will delve into in a future article, but the younger the player is when he has the first stellar season the better.
This series of articles will focus on players who should be considered on their respective NFL prospects not college production. We will begin the series with a look at the running backs who will be eligible for the 2016 NFL Draft.
5. Mike Williams (Clemson) – Williams would have been the second or third receiver on this list had he not had the very serious neck injury. The 6'3”, 205 pound receiver is a budding superstar. The injury could lead him to stay in school another year. Williams will want to show that he is fully healed.
4. Corey Davis (Western Michigan) – Davis is the younger brother of Titus Davis, who starred at Central Michigan before playing a little in the NFL. Corey Davis is still very young (20 years of age) but a mature route-runner who understands how to give his quarterback space to throw the ball. Davis uses his big frame (6'2”, 205 pounds) to shield defenders away from the ball. The two questions Davis must answer are: Is he fast and explosive enough to create separate? and were the outstanding college numbers due to playing against inferior competition? We expect Davis to positively answer both questions as a professional.
3. Tyler Boyd (Pittsburgh) – After the suspension, Boyd will need to prove that his off-the-field problems are a thing of the past. For those that did not know, Boyd was arrested in June for Driving Under the Influence. He has a slight build (6'2”, 185 pounds) and will need to add weight before the NFL Combine. Those who look just at the college numbers will be disappointed in Boyd. However, the Pittsburgh Panthers do not have talent at the quarterback position. This has impacted Boyd's numbers negatively. He earned first team All ACC honors a year ago as a wide receiver, and second team honors as a returner. The ability to contribute as a returner will help Boyd's draft stock.
2. Braxton Miller (Ohio State) – Yes, this ranking is a surprise to many. Miller just transitioned to the receiver position in the last few months after starting as a quarterback for the Buckeyes. The combination of 4.47 speed (in the 40-yard dash) and size (6'3”, 210) should help NFL teams fantasize about ways to use the Ohio State star. His spin move against Virginia Tech had jaws dropped. Miller needs to show continued development as a route runner. In addition, since it was injury that enabled Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett to see the field, Miller needs to show that he can remain healthy after taking big hits in the middle of the field.
1. Laquon Treadwell (Mississippi) – Treadwell is still extremely young, just turning 20 years of age this past June. He is a physical specimen who uses his imposing size (6'3”, 215 pounds) to out-muscle defenders. Many compare Treadwell's game to that of Alshon Jeffery. In addition, he runs solid routes. The one concern is whether Treadwell has the speed to be a top NFL receiver.
Honorable Mention
Rashard Higgins (Colorado State) – Higgins is a speedster who is long and lean. He catches the ball well while on the run. Higgins should be a solid yards after the catch receiver in the NFL.
Michael Thomas (Ohio State) - Thomas is a solid, possession receiver who runs great routes. He is solidly built (6'3”, 205 pounds) and has good hands.
Josh Doctson (Texas Christian) – Doctson is a red-zone star with the ability to go up and get high passes on fade routes. He uses his height (6'4”) and jump over smaller defensive backs. Doctson will shine at the NFL Combine with his explosive ability, but will need to add weight to his 190-pound frame.
Tajae Sharpe (UMass) – Sharpe has been very productive against lesser competition. He is able to produce big plays after the catch. Unless Sharpe can show good speed in the 40-yard dash, he is looking like a Day 3 pick in the NFL Draft.
Corey Coleman (Baylor) – The redshirt Junior is putting up huge numbers this season. In his first two games of the season (against lesser competition), Coleman caught 11 passes for 360 yards and five touchdowns. He is very fast, but lacks the prototypical size NFL teams desire. Coleman stands 5'11”, 190 pounds and will need to show that he can be more than a speed receiver.
Pharoh Cooper (South Carolina) – Cooper's NFL prospects may be determined by which team drafts him. He is a versatile player, able to be an effective slot receiver and even carry the football. His lack of size will limit the number of carries Cooper can handle. We like his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, but Cooper will need to show that he is more than a Dexter McCluster-type of player.
De'Runnya Wilson (Mississippi State) – Wilson is a big (6'5”, 215 pounds) receiver who should dominate college cornerbacks. But, he has struggled with catching contested throws. Many consider Wilson to be a similar player as Kelvin Benjamin, but Benjamin was a much more physical player, using his size to an advantage. Wilson does not impose his will on the smaller defenders similarly. While he is ultra productive, there is the worry that will not be fast or physical enough to be a star in the NFL.
D'haquille Williams (Auburn) – Few receivers came into the season with as high of expectations as Williams. He is a physical freak (6'3”, 216 pounds with good speed) who is able to dominate games at times. The Auburn senior needs to improve in two big areas of the wide receiver position: route running and dropped passes. He is far less polished as a route runner and drops a lot of passes. The poor play of quarterback Jeremy Johnson is not helping matters, either. But, for Williams to be a considered for a first round pick, he needs to develop as a receiver. The athleticism is apparent.
Leonte Carroo (Rutgers) – Carroo is as talented as most on this list. The 6'1”, 200 pound senior has consistently produced solid numbers even in a less-than-stellar offense. However, he is now suspended from the Rutgers football team after his arrest for assaulting an ex-girlfriend. Even if Carroo is cleared of the charges, which is a big “if”, NFL teams will be leery of his character.
That will do it for the 2016 wide receiver draft class. Next week, we will look at the 2016 tight end draft class.
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