Devy Deep Dive: Wide Receivers

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Devy Deep Dive: Wide Receivers

Check out the QB entry to read about some background information on general Devy, Prep-to-Pro (P2P)/Campus-to-Canton (C2C), and College Fantasy Football (CFF) leagues. You’ll also find a short description of my approach to ranking the college landscape, and how you should use the information in your pursuits. Without afurther delay, let’s restart the Devy Deep Dive with the WRs.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
1Jaxon Smith-NjigbaOhio StateRockwall2020
2Xavier WorthyTexasCentral East2021
3Kayshon BoutteLSUWestgate2020
4Jordan AddisonUSCTuscarora2020
5Jermaine Burton 📌AlabamaCalabasas/IMG2020
Player Spotlight: Jermaine Burton
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile84th86th71stN/A

Jermaine Burton was born in Orlando but moved to the Atlanta-area when he was a toddler. That wouldn’t be the last of the geographical transitions in Burton’s lifetime. He began his career as a freshman at Hapeville Charter High in Atlanta, Georgia. Burton transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, transferred again to Calabasas as a junior, went back to IMG Academy briefly as a senior, and finally returned to Calabasas to close out his career.

Burton originally committed to LSU but, five days after making an official 11th-hour visit to Athens and on the first day of the early signing period, he chose to be closer to where he grew up and flipped his commitment to Georgia. Following the most recent FBS national championship, Burton departed the Bulldogs, the winning team, to join the Alabama roster that he had just defeated. But it was only a matter of time before Burton transferred out of Athens since the passing game wasn’t the primary focus of Todd Monken’s offense. Particularly since the defense so effectively shut the door on the opposition’s scoring.

Another important factor feeding into Burton’s UA transfer decision was history. Since 1969, only two WRs have been selected in the first round from a Georgia roster (A.J. Green in 2011 and Lindsay Scott in 1982). Alabama, on the other hand, has delivered seven of its WRs selected in the first round over the last nine years. Burton originally campaigned from the transfer portal as a packaged deal with fellow UGA QB JT Daniels – the owner of one of the strongest arms in the country. But Burton couldn’t pass up on a chance to catch passes from Bryce Young in Tuscaloosa.

Since I’ve already had a chance to evaluate Burton’s tape in depth, I can provide a detailed breakdown. Burton’s athleticism underlines his ability to attack on silky vertical routes, gaining the separation on the subtle shifts necessary to evade corners waiting to put hands on him. He offers outstanding get-off from jam attempts. However, opposing defenses have been forced to respect the UGA run game, limiting Burton’s opportunities and production across from single coverage (chart below).

Burton’s body density, traits, and ball skills, particularly on deep throws, are instant check marks in his favor. His short-area burst transitions through rapid foot turnover into routes. Those ​​routes are crisp and fast. Burton’s focus on gathering, sinking and opening to his QB quickly highlights his football IQ. A leg injury in Week 5 last season forced him to miss the majority of 3.5 games, further stunting his counting stats. A final season working as the No. 1 for Young will quickly correct the issues with Burton’s Cover 1 and 3 efficiencies. He’s a sure-fire first-round selection for the 2023 draft.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
6Marvin Harrison Jr.Ohio StateLa Salle2021
7Josh DownsNorth CarolinaNorth Gwinnett2020
8Emeka Egbuka 📌Ohio StateSteilacoom2021
9Luther BurdenMissouriEast St. Louis2022
10Tyler HarrellAlabamaColumbus2018
Player Spotlight: Emeka Egbuka
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile86th59th46thN/A

Scouted as the WR1 from the 2021 recruiting class, Emeka Egbuka, averaged 26.4 FPG during a Steilacoom HS career that, detailed in the chart below, included his freshman season. As with many high schools during the 2020 season, Steilacoom did not play the season of the COVID outbreak. Testing with 4.42-speed as a 17-year-old, Egbuka is currently the favorite to start at X for the Buckeyes, Chris Olave’s former spot. It’s possible that Egbuka could produce much earlier than expected considering that 67.3 FPG were split between Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Olave, and Garrett Wilson. To do so, the true sophomore must first capture that starting role.

Egbuka is currently in an outstanding former five-star talent camp battle with Julian Fleming, the WR1 from the ‘20 recruiting class, to start at that split-end vacancy. In my view, Egbuka is the most game-ready of the two since Fleming has been slow to mature. Egbuka’s not quite on the full-on breakout path as Harrison, but we don’t want to wait too long into start-ups or we’ll miss out. Should an injury befall JSN or Harrison, Egbuka’s value would instantly skyrocket in Devy formats. That fact just underscores the inevitability of his eventual ascension towards the top five.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
11Quentin JohnstonTCUTemple2020
12A.T. Perry 📌Wake ForestPark Vista2018
13Evan StewartTexas A&MFrisco Liberty2022
14Mario Williams Jr.USCPlant City2021
15Cedric TillmanTennesseeBishop Gorman2018
Player Spotlight: A.T. Perry
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile62nd38th62ndN/A

In CFF formats, A.T. Perry is taken down among the top-three at the position. While he’s further down the board in Devy, that may end up being a mistake. His speed (4.60) and explosiveness (37.5” vertical) at 6-foot-5 is just crazy. Perry may have a touch of DK Metcalf’s subpar change of direction (COD), but that hasn’t prevented Metcalf from beasting at the NFL level. ATP broke out in ‘21 after the Demon Deacons lost Donavon Greene to an ACL injury during the opening kickoff of the season. With Jaquarii Roberson taking his talents to the Dallas Cowboys, his role as Sam Hartman’s WR1 is cemented in stone.

Any uptick in the 59th-most targets/game (6.1) he saw last season would be huge for a kid that scored the eighth-most FPG (21.0) as a redshirt junior. Wake and Perry will get Greene back this season to help divert away a portion of the safety attention. The only concern I have is undeserved. Roberson went undrafted after assembling an impressive statistical career and athletic profile for the Demon Deacons. It would be a massive turn of events if Perry went undrafted — especially if he can post the type of redshirt senior season that I believe he will, to place an emphatic stamp on his collegiate career.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
16Parker Washington 📌Penn StateFort Bend Travis2020
17Kyion GrayesOhio StateChandler2022
18Chris MarshallTexas A&MFort Bend Marshall2022
19Tetairoa McMillanArizonaServite2022
20Marvin MimsOklahomaLone Star2020
Player Spotlight: Parker Washington
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile66th66th58thN/A

Whether or not Parker Washington emerges as the No. 1 WR in Mike Yurcich’s offense – which has typically been a perimeter option at split end or flanker – this season with Jahan Dotson taking his talents to the NFL shouldn’t affect his standing with NFL scouts. Even in CFF, I am not a subscriber of the specific role in an OCs offense instantly equating to production. My process always focuses on betting on the superior talent. The superior WR talent on the roster for Penn State is Washington. He’s a poor man’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Write it on the board, Washington is a future NFL starter in the slot. The overwhelming factor that could handicap Washington’s production isn’t the OC, it’s the presence of Sean Clifford’s arm liability under center.

Even though Washington is the superior playmaker, KeAndre Lambert-Smith is talented in his own right. Washington has proven himself to be difficult to cover and will be provided with his opportunity to be the guy this season. KLS provided 75th-percentile speed (4.50), a 100th-percentile shuttle time (3.83), and 73rd-percentile vertical (39 ¼”) at his Nike+ Opening Final. The pair should have no trouble complementing one another, it’s just entirely expected that only one will emerge with the big numbers. They both still have bright NFL futures beyond the Clifford debacle.

You can see the highs and lows of Washington’s collegiate coverage success below. With Clifford delivering the ball, these rankings are entirely understandable. Clifford can be counted on for at least one wildly inaccurate throw on each drive. However, Clifford does pony up enough catchable balls to keep his WR1’s belly full. Had a competent QB been running the offense when Dotson was around – cough… Will Levis, Jahan’s numbers would have been far better. Regardless, Washington still isn’t drawing enough attention as a potential ‘23 first- or early second-rounder. If Washington stays another year, he’ll get to work with future stud phenom Drew Allar.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
21Jacorey BrooksAlabamaIMG/B.T. Washington2021
22Lorenzo Styles Jr. 📌Notre DamePickerington Central2021
23Brenen ThompsonTexasSpearman2022
24Bru McCoyTennesseeMater Dei2019
25Aaron AndersonAlabamaEdna Karr2022
Player Spotlight: Lorenzo Styles Jr.
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile79thN/AN/A77th

We don’t have enough reps from Lorenzo Styles Jr. with Notre Dame to properly evaluate his coverage success, and we don’t even have his production numbers from his Pickerington Central HS days. We do know he was selected as the Co-Offensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-State honors by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association during his senior year at Pickerington Central. He was also the Ohio All-Central District Division I Offensive Player of the Year and First Team Ohio All-Central District Division I.

We also know that his father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., played linebacker at Ohio State and, after declaring a year early, was selected in the third round of the 1995 draft by the Atlanta Falcons. His father compiled a six-year NFL career between the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams. The highlight of his playing career was as a member of the Rams’ team that won Super Bowl XXXIV 23-16 over the Tennessee Titans. Styles Sr. went on to the coaching ranks, eventually working as an assistant coach for the Pickerington Central team while both of his sons played for the Tigers.

Styles Jr. ended up choosing Notre Dame over OSU, while his younger brother, Sonny Styles, reclassified from the ‘23 recruiting class to join the Buckeyes this spring. Fighting Irish OC Tommy Rees has a WR alignment language uniquely crafted for his offense. The W-receiver – boundary-side perimeter – within his spread philosophy has been the leading receiver now for six-straight seasons. The stars had been aligned for Joe Wilkins Jr. to capture the sought-after role. That’s until the dreaded Lisfranc injury ended his spring. Deion Colzie and ‘22 four-star recruit Tobias Merriweather were originally anticipated to play behind Wilkins at W. The injury to Wilkins led to a complete re-shuffling of the depth chart.

As for the next man up at W-receiver, some rumors were spread that Braden Lenzy could slide into the role. Lenzy has a ton of athleticism that he’s been unable to show off due to an extensive injury history. That’s when Styles emerged to a level that could have even thrust him ahead of a healthy Wilkins at W. Styles played in every game last season, he just didn’t see consistent targets. But we do have that ‘21 tape and the videos from the spring to see firsthand the kind of force Styles is about to become. As you can see from the Tweeted video below, attempting to cover this kid in man did not work out well for the corner. It may appear that he’s sticking tight to Styles, but the corner is being manipulated throughout the route. Tracking down the deep stuff is not the border of Styles’ game. He’s just as dangerous with the ball in his hands.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
26Jayden ReedMichigan StateNaperville Central2018
27Zay FlowersBoston CollegeNSU University2019
28Xavier HutchinsonIowa StateBartram Trail2018
29Dontay Demus Jr.MarylandFriendship Collegiate2018
30Jaylon Robinson 📌Ole MissAll Saints Episcopal2018
Player Spotlight: Jaylon Robinson
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile70th94th42ndN/A

Jaylon Robinson chose to take his talents to Ole Miss. It’s a decision that could prove to be ingenious, landing an opportunity to show off talents against SEC competition and to work with Lane Kiffin. “Speedy” averaged 18.9 FPG for UCF as a redshirt sophomore following a transfer from Oklahoma. During his HS days at All Saints Episcopal, Robinson averaged 16.3 and 24.6 FPG, respectively, over his final two seasons. During his Nike+ Opening combine, the redshirt senior was timed with 4.54-speed and the third-fastest pro shuttle (3.88) among all Devy wideouts. Robinson fought through injury at UCF last season, but he is primed for the type of big season in Oxford that should draw a ton of NFL attention.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
31Julian FlemingOhio StateSouthern Columbia2020
32Arian SmithGeorgiaLakeland2020
33Jalin Hyatt 📌TennesseeDutch Fork2020
34Ryan O'KeefeUCFRound Rock2019
35Ainias SmithTexas A&MDulles2019
Player Spotlight: Jalin Hyatt
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile100thN/AN/A100th

Nice and clean. It’s always an excellent sign when we see a player post an incredible time in the 40, and further backs that up on the track with an equally phenomenal 100-meter time. That’s the type of speed portfolio that Jalin Hyatt presents. He recorded the fastest 40-time among all Devy WRs with his 4.31 at the 2018 Nike+ Opening Regionals. Hyatt was aged 16 years, seven months, and three days when he recorded a 40-time that would measure in 87th-percentile vs. NFL Combine WRs from the last 10 years. Just over one year later, Hyatt ran a 10.46-second 100m for Dutch Fork HS at 17 years, six months, and 19 days, which is the fastest recorded time for a Devy WR as a HS junior.

As you likely suspected, Hyatt is pretty good at football, as well. He averaged 15.2, 23.6, and 26.4 FPG during his final three years, respectively, at Dutch Fork – the top-ranked program in South Carolina over that stretch. He ended his Silver Foxes career by setting the all-time record for receiving yards (3,624) and TDs (57). He also helped Dutch Fork to South Carolina 5A state titles during all four years at the school.

Hyatt showcased the type of skills that led to his HS success during his true freshman season at Tennessee with 30% of his receptions traveling at least 20 air yards. Velus Jones Jr. bumped Hyatt down the depth chart during his breakout ‘21 season but, after submitting a head-turning spring performance, Hyatt has placed the coveted interior targets from Hendon Hooker on lockdown.

The Tennessee offense will be one of the most explosive in the country, powered by one of the top-three wideout trios between Cedric Tillman, Hyatt, and Bru McCoy. NFL scouts will be in attendance at every one of the Volunteers’ games. All we need is for Hyatt to generate the type of numbers his background verifies, since we know he’ll bring the potential to reset Combine speed records when that time arrives.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
36Brenden Rice 📌USCHamilton2020
37Ladd McConkeyGeorgiaNorth Murray2020
38Rakim JarrettMarylandSt. John's2020
39Agiye HallTexasBloomingdale/IMG/ Armwood2021
40Adonai MitchellGeorgiaCane Ridge2021
Player Spotlight: Brenden Rice
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile59th58th30th81st

Just playing football with the heavy burden as the offspring of the greatest WR to ever play the game (Jerry Rice, of course) must be substantial pressure. Doing it at the highest level, at the same position as his father, and enjoying a mini-breakout to close out his true sophomore season with Colorado is extraordinary. Brenden Rice averaged 16.2 FPG for Hamilton HS as a senior. Five games into the ‘21 season working with an inexperienced and underperforming QB, the only thing Rice had to show for his efforts were a 61-yard TD reception and 81-yard punt return TD, both earned in Week 15 against Utah during the ‘20 season.

Everything changed from Weeks 7-11 last season. Rice generated an average 2.6/47.6/0.6 line and 11.7 FPG. It was enough for Lincoln Riley to bring him to USC as his featured Y-receiver. Even if, as I am anticipating, Riley unveils a base 10-personnel offense (Jordan Addison at X, Mario Williams Jr. at Z, Gary Bryant Jr. at A, and Brenden Rice at Y), the targets will be in short supply. In addition to the many talented WR mouths to feed, Travis Dye – one of the top-three receiving backs in the country – will see a healthy target share of his own from Caleb Williams.

What we want from Rice during the upcoming season is to provide further signs of his game developing. Rice already provided 4.62-second 40 and 4.20-second shuttle times at 6-foot-2 and 200-plus pounds a month after his 17th birthday. He cemented the impact of that speed timing 10 days prior, registering the 19th-fastest 100m time (10.78) for Chandler HS. It’s a beautiful combination of all-time pedigree, speed to burn, and opportunity to play his final seasons for one of the top offensive minds across all of football.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
41Jordan Anthony 📌KentuckyTylertown2022
42Stefan CobbsBoise StateKeller Fossil Ridge2018
43Kris ThorntonJames MadisonOsbourn2018
44Bryce Ford-WheatonWest VirginiaHolly Springs2018
45Antwane Wells Jr.South CarolinaHighland Springs2020
Player Spotlight: Jordan Anthony
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
PercentileN/AN/AN/A100th

Checking out the athletic table above, FPG production chart below on Jordan Anthony, we are led to drawing two conclusions. The first is that Anthony only provided a single season of noteworthy play during his four years at Tylertown HS. The second is that he may be the fastest player in the country after posting the fastest 100m time among all Devy players, regardless of position, with a personal best of 10.14. Anthony is No. 2 in the world for under 18 in the 100m and No. 3 in the world for under 18 in the 200m. He ended last season named to the ‘21 Boys High School All-America Team. Investments into Anthony will not be made without risk. Like Texas’ Brenan Thompson, Anthony brings the type of speed to the table that cannot be ignored.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
46Arland Bruce IVIowaAnkeny/Olathe North2021
47Jacob CowingArizonaMaricopa2019
48Dont'e ThorntonOregonMount Saint Joseph2021
49Kevin ColemanJackson StateSt. Mary's2022
50Puka Nacua 📌BYUOrem2019
Player Spotlight: Puka Nacua
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile66th40th56th60th

Built like a 6-foot-1 RB, Puka Nacua is a star in the making. The former Washington transfer will align all over the formation, dropping efficiency all over the field. Nakua tapped out at a healthy 35.7 FPG as a senior for Dixie HS in 2018. Since then he’s averaged at least 10 FPG over each of his three collegiate seasons. Nacua just concluded a season with 3.41 YPRR (ninth-most) and a 135.6 TPR (sixth-highest). He converted targeting on 27% of the routes when he was on the field (OTF%, 32nd-most), most recently into 14.5 FPG. With 44% of the ‘21 targets up for grabs, don’t be shocked when he threatens 20+ during the upcoming season.

Nacua’s career YPRR average currently sits as the ninth-best, his FPs/route (FP/Rt) is 14th and his targeted passer rating (TPR) is the 22nd-best among returning WRs. It would be nice to see a boost to his FP/Rt across from Cover 1, and it’s surprising that Nacua has yet to tap into his healthy BMI inside the red zone. Beyond that, opposing defenses throwing zone coverages at Nacua beware. Ranks of fifth-best against Cover 2, 17th across from Cover 4, and the top overall mark when facing Cover 6 magnify Nacua’s standing as a serious NFL talent.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
51Isaiah NeyorTexasArlington Lamar2019
52Gary Bryant Jr.USCCentennial2020
53Tyrese ChambersFlorida InternationalBaltimore Polytech.2018
54Christian LearyAlabamaEdgewater2021
55Roman Wilson 📌MichiganSt. Louis2020
56Shazz PrestonAlabamaSt. James2022
57Antonio Gates Jr.Michigan StateDearborn Fordson2022
58KeAn. Lambert-SmithPenn StateMaury2020
59Nathaniel DellHoustonMainland2020
60Tayvion RobinsonKentuckyCox2019
Player Spotlight: Roman Wilson
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile92nd85th58th86th

We have the combination of extraordinary athleticism merged with untapped upside with Roman Wilson. During his prep days, Wilson hit maturity during his final two years at Hawaii powerhouse Saint Louis HS in Honolulu with 19.3 and 18.1 FPG, respectively. The Crusaders – a nationally ranked top-five program – sent the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Marcus Mariota, Tyson Alualu, and Kamalei Correa to current NFL rosters, while Jayden de Laura (Arizona) and Chevan Cordeiro (San Jose State) represent solid CFF contributors. Wilson has the opportunity to become the top wideout representative from the school, granted he can translate his talents to best Kaipo McGuire’s previous two-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts (1997-98).

Wilson shredded the field at the ‘18 Nike+ Opening Regionals with the third-fastest 40-time, sixth-fastest pro shuttle, and 20th-highest vertical jump among Devy WRs. If those measurements weren’t enough to represent his elite athleticism, Wilson ran the eighth-fastest 100m time (10.68) among Devy WRs at the 11th-grade level. That’s a collection of physical assessments that should do the trick when the time comes for his Combine showing. The final hurdle will be measured in live action.

As you can see in the chart below, Wilson does have a bit of work to do. However, at the time of this article’s publication, Wilson is the frontrunner to secure the starting role at flanker. During Wilson’s Michigan career, he has flipped the 298th-most targets/game into the 68th-most YPRR and 88th-most FP/Rt. That’s a clear indication that Wilson is capable of producing in excess of the opportunity he’s been provided, to date.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
61Kelvontay DixonSMUCarthage2020
62A.J. HenningMichiganLincoln-Way East2020
63Braden LenzyNotre DameTigard2018
64Trey PalmerNebraskaKentwood2019
65Kaleb WebbTennesseeMcEachern2022
66Caleb BurtonOhio StateLake Travis2022
67Kendrick LawAlabamaCaptain Shreve2022
68Rome OdunzeWashingtonBishop Gorman2020
69Ronnie BellMichiganPark Hill2018
70Dante Wright 📌Colorado StateNavarre2019
Player Spotlight: Dante Wright
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile84th91st62nd71st

There may not be a more underappreciated WR in college football than Dante Wright. First of all, take a gander at those beautiful athletic percentiles in the table above. Between Michael Gallup, Trey McBride, and Wright, Colorado State has crushed the recruiting trail over the last six years as it relates to signing prominent athletes for a G5 program. The issue facing Wright is, in spite of averaging 16.4, 18.4, and 12.7 FPG the last three seasons, respectively, for the Rams, a new regime led by Jay Norvell and Matt Mumme brought transfers with them from Nevada – most notably Melquan Stovall – that are penciled into the starting lineup ahead of Wright.

It’s true that Wright’s production slipped last season. That said, the offense under Steve Addazio’s control the last two seasons was riddled with questionable decision-making. Precisely as my process attracts me to the talent toward determining my imminent CFF breakouts, Wright’s superior talent should inevitably force its way into the lineup over Stovall. Wright is the complete package. He’ll soon join Gallup and McBride as prominent CSU fantasy contributors in the NFL.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
71Teddy Knox 📌SMUThe Woodlands/ Southern Lab2021
72Dontayvion WicksVirginiaPlaquemine2019
73C.J. WilliamsUSCMater Dei2022
74Corey RuckerSouth CarolinaYazoo County2020
75Beaux CollinsClemsonSt. John Bosco2021
76JoJo EarleAlabamaAledo2021
77Lavel Davis Jr.VirginiaWoodland2020
78Armani WinfieldBaylorLewisville2022
79Josh VannSouth CarolinaTucker2018
80Kaden SaundersPenn StateWesterville South2022
Player Spotlight: Teddy Knox
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile86th0th52nd100th

As we extend our search into the next 100-or-so WR prospects, the absolutes are replaced by wideouts that fit into three categories:

  1. Those that have supplied quality collegiate production without the athleticism that would portend to more than a taste of an NFL future
  2. Those that lack quality collegiate production, but offering enough enticing athleticism that cannot be simply eliminated from consideration
  3. Teenage prospects with average-or-unreported athletic testing and futures that are entirely projection-based

A transfer splitting Teddy Knox’s HS career played a significant role in his production failure. Knox is only a redshirt freshman, but he fits as a tweener between the second-and-third categories above. Even without the prep production, Knox scored a four-star reputation when he yielded what stands as the sixth-fastest 40-yard time (4.42) among all Devy wideouts during his ‘19 Nike+ Opening Regionals. To place an emphatic stamp on his verified speed, Knox didn’t just run the fastest 100m from all Devy WRs during their sophomore year, Knox’s 10.40 represents the fifth-fastest time regardless of grade.

Knox took a redshirt last season at Mississippi State, then chose to transfer to SMU under the coaching expertise of Rhett Lashlee. The depth on the Mustangs’ roster at WR is disgusting, so that will be a hurdle Knox will be forced to overcome. But you simply cannot coach speed, and Knox possesses speed that at least a handful of NFL franchises will happily develop.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
81Antonio HarmonMississippi StateKosciusko2021
82Barion BrownKentuckyPearl-Cohn2022
83Seven McGeeOregonCentennial/East/ Narbonne2021
84Monaray BaldwinBaylorShoemaker2021
85J.Michael Sturdivant 📌CaliforniaLewisville Marcus2021
86Taj HarrisRutgersPalmyra2018
87Isaiah BondAlabamaBuford2022
88Jacob CopelandMarylandEscambia/Pine Forest2018
89Adam RandallClemsonMyrtle Beach2022
90Andrel AnthonyMichiganEast Lansing2021
Player Spotlight: J.Michael Sturdivant
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile53rd45th39th89th

J.Michael Sturdivant is a fit within the third category above. He ran a total of 10 routes as a true freshman for California following his transition from Lewisville Marcus HS. It was with the Marauders that Sturdivant put on a masterful display of marked improvements during each of his four seasons. He set the standard at Marcus with his 188 career receptions. His father, Michael Sturdivant, got a taste of os preseason action in the NFL, while his uncle, Floyd Little, is a Hall of Fame RB that spent his career playing for the Denver Broncos.

Sturdivant failed to perform much better than average at the ‘19 Nike+ Opening Regionals. However, like many of the available pre-collegiate athletic measurements, it’s important to qualify the testing since participants will vary between 15-to-17 years of age. Sturdivant was 16 years, seven months, and eight days at the time of his testing. It’s far more noteworthy that Sturdivant recorded the third-fastest 100m (10.39) time among the big boys (senior year Devy WRs) at 18 years, eight months, and two days. That’s a level of speed that is guaranteed to get a shot on an NFL roster.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
91Kobe PrenticeAlabamaCalera2022
92Tobias MerriweatherNotre DameUnion2022
93Xzavier HendersonFloridaColumbus2020
94Jalen McMillanWashingtonSan Joaquin Memor.2020
95Cornelius JohnsonMichiganBrunswick2019
96Antonio WilliamsClemsonDutch Fork2022
97E.J. WilliamsClemsonCentral-Phenix City2020
98Jalen CropperFresno StateBuchanan2019
99Rashee RiceSMURichland2019
100Myles Price 📌Texas TechLewisville The Colony2020
Player Spotlight: Myles Price
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile63rd39th19th78th

Some of the CFF sharps out there are drafting Myles Price as though he is set to blow up as a top-24 overall performer this season. The fact that he is the frontrunner to be the No. 1 receiver for Joey McGuire and Zach Kittley’s Air Raid offense is a clear attraction. It’s true that drafting Price to the college-side of your P2P/C2C roster should be represented well in FPG output, with up to three years of eligibility remaining. The concern with the price is in the athleticism department. He did run a 78th-percentile 100m as a senior at Lewisville The Colony HS, but the testing he submitted at his ‘19 Nike+ Opening Regionals fell short of impressing. That’s particularly true in the COD, short-area burst, and explosiveness departments.

At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Price will have his work cut out for him to avoid the slot-only label when entering the NFL. In order to succeed in an NFL slot, plus COD and short-area burst are vital to overcoming smaller defensive backs. Price has shown signs in both of his first two seasons in Lubbock of some impressive ball skills, so the potential for growth as a playmaker and an athlete are present. That just doesn’t eliminate the considerable risk in investing early Devy draft capital wagering that he’ll provide a meaningful NFL career.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
101Kearis JacksonGeorgiaPeach County2018
102Mookie CooperMissouriPattonville2020
103Tyler Scott 📌CincinnatiNorton2020
104Darrius ClemonsMichiganWestview2022
105M. Rosemy-JacksaintGeorgiaSt. Thomas Aquinas2020
106Te'Vailance HuntArkansas StateTexarkana Texas2018
107Ja'Khi DouglasFlorida StateTerrebonne2020
108Dane KeyKentuckyFrederick Douglass2022
109A. Huggins-BruceLouisvilleDillon2021
110Antoine GreenNorth CarolinaRockledge2018
111Kojo AntwiOhio StateLambert2022
112Braydon JohnsonOklahoma StateArlington Bowie2017
113Jalen KnoxOle MissMansfield Timberview2018
114Mycah PittmanFlorida StateCalabasas2019
115Chris Hilton Jr.LSUZachary2021
116Ali Jennings IIIOld DominionHighland Springs2019
117Dante CephasKent StatePenn Hills2019
118Matthew GoldenHoustonKlein Cain2022
119Jordan WhittingtonTexasCuero2019
120Joseph NgataClemsonFolsom2019
121Kaleb BrownOhio StateSt. Rita (Chicago)2022
122Ajou AjouUSFHarry Ainlay/Clearw.2020
123Jordan WatkinsOle MissButler Trad./De Sales2020
124Troy FranklinOregonMenlo-Atherton2021
125Jordan HudsonTCUGarland2022
Player Spotlight: Tyler Scott
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile72nd35th78th85th

Allow me to quickly toss a scenario at you regarding the Devy participants with CFF-heavy backgrounds. Rather than drafting with either a focus on supplying your NFL roster with a Devy BPA (Best Player Available) or at least a balanced approach, you focus your P2P/C2C start-up on filling your college roster with a completely stacked collection of the top CFF talents available. Let’s say you even manage to take home a championship on the college side one season. Would that title stand up as sacrificing the next five, 10, perhaps even 15 years' worth of annual buy-ins when your NFL roster is littered with UDFAs?

You’ll find plenty of CFF superstars after the top-100 wideouts that will never get a sniff of a starting role in the NFL. It’s better to view post-100 WRs in groups of 25-or-50 rather than a strict ranking of the next BPA. For Tyler Scott, the ‘22 season will be huge for him to capitalize on the promise he displayed at Norton HS. Scott generated ridiculous air-and-ground numbers as a prep, as well as recording 4.52-speed and a 40” vertical as a 17-year-old at his Nike+ Opening Regionals. Alec Pierce just proved that the NFL has their eyes on Cincinnati wideouts displaying that type of athleticism, even without jaw-dropping production. Scott is penciled in to start at split end for the Bearcats this season so he’ll have up to three years of eligibility to polish that reputation with meaningful reps.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
126Andre Greene Jr.North CarolinaSt. Christopher's2022
127Frank Ladson Jr.MiamiSouth Dade2019
128Elijah CanionPurdueChaminade-Madonna2020
129Donavon GreeneWake ForestMount Airy2019
130Talyn ShettronOklahoma StateEdmond Santa Fe2022
131Tychaun ChapmanNorth CarolinaLandstown2022
132Emery Simmons 📌IndianaSouthview/Trinity2019
133Brian Thomas Jr.LSUWalker2021
134Noah ThomasTexas A&MClear Springs2022
135Zavion ThomasMississippi StateJohn Ehret2022
136Chimere DikeWisconsinWaukesha North2020
137Keanu HillBYUEuless Trinity2019
138Kris HutsonOregonSt. John Bosco2021
139Deuce SpannFlorida StateLakewood2020
140Isaiah SategnaArkansas RazorbacksFayetteville2022
141Key'Shawn SmithMiamiLincoln2020
142Khafre BrownUSFWest Mecklenburg2019
143Deion ColzieNotre DameAthens Academy2021
144De'Nylon MorrissetteGeorgiaNorth Cobb2022
145Shaleak KnottsMarylandMonroe2022
146Rara ThomasMississippi StateEufaula2021
147Bryson GreenOklahoma StateAllen2021
148Tyler MorrisMichiganNazareth Academy2022
149Malik NabersLSUSouthside/Comeaux2021
150Marquez DortchMississippi StateGeorge County2022
Player Spotlight: Emery Simmons
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile79th51st78thN/A

Trusting offensive skill positions from Indiana delivering talent to the NFL is not for the faint of heart. At least in the NFL draft-era, Antwaan Randle El, Tevin Coleman, and Jordan Howard stand as the top representatives. If we’re being honest, do any of those three represent names you want on your Devy roster? Even in their prime? I thought as much. They each had their redraft usefulness at points in their careers, but none of them ever stood as must-haves in Devy. We can become enamored with the athletic testing from Emery Simmons, or we can take a look at the coverage production table below and know that he flopped with Sam Howell under center. Simmons will rely on Connor Bazelak and/or Jack Tuttle to build his NFL reputation. If he’s your flavor, more power to you. I’ll pass.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
150Marquez DortchMississippi StateGeorge County2022
151Jake BoboUCLABelmont Hill School2018
152D.J. AllenTCUGladewater2022
153Jayden BallardOhio StateMassillon Wash.2021
154Chris Autman-BellMinnesotaBishop McNamara2017
155Tyrone Tracy Jr.PurdueDecatur Central2018
156Germie BernardMichigan StateLiberty2022
157Zavier BettsTransfer PortalBellevue West2020
158Brennan PresleyOklahoma StateBixby2020
159Deion SmithTransfer PortalJackson/Provine2021
160Kobe HudsonUCFTroup County2020
161Jayden GibsonOklahomaWest Orange2022
162Ze'Vian CapersAuburnDenmark/S. Forsyth2018
163Cole SpeerGeorgiaCalhoun2022
164Ja'Marion WayneMissouriParkway West2022
165Xavier WeaverUSFOrlando Christian2019
166Michael WilsonStanfordChaminade2018
167Dee WigginsLouisvilleMiami Southridge/Killian2018
168Dominic LovettMissouriEast St. Louis2021
169Thaiu Jones-BellAlabamaMiami Carol City2020
170Sam PinckneyCoastalGreenwood2018
171Quan LeeUCFF.W. Buchholz2022
172Dacari CollinsClemsonWestlake/McEachern/Woodward2021
173Omari KellyAuburnHewitt-Trussville2022
174Wesley GrimesWake ForestMillbrook2022
175Tyler JohnsonPenn StateMagna Vista2022
176Landon IbietaLSUMandeville2022
177Renard BellWashington StateCathedral2016
178Zakhari Franklin 📌UTSACedar Hill2019
179Javon IvoryMemphisClarke County2019
180Rashad RochelleRutgersSpringfield2022
181De'Zhaun StriblingWashington StateKapolei2021
182Keylon StokesTulsa GoldenManvel2017
183Beau CorralesSMUGeorgetown2017
184Duece WattsTulanePetal2018
185Brian CobbsUtah StateHayfield2018
186Jadan BlueVirginia TechMt. St. Joseph/ Peddie School2017
187Jaelen GillBoston CollegeWesterville South2018
188Tyler HudsonLouisvilleKlein Oak2019
189Mac HippenhammerMiami (OH)Nelson R. Snider2017
190Traeshon HoldenAlabamaSt. Frances/Narbonne2020
191Tahj WashingtonUSCMarshall2019
192Jayshon JacksonBall StateSimeon (Chicago)2018
193Jadon ThompsonCincinnatiNaperville Central2020
194Justin ShorterFloridaSouth Brunswick2018
195Dakereon JoynerSouth CarolinaFort Dorchester2018
196Giles JacksonWashingtonFreedom2019
197Konata MumpfieldPittsburghDacula2020
198Corey CroomsWestern MichiganHillcrest2019
199Hassan BeydounEastern MichiganDearborn Fordson2018
200Malachi CorleyWestern KentuckyCampbellsville2020
Player Spotlight: Zakhari Franklin
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
PercentileN/AN/AN/AN/A

Ranking Zakhari Franklin at 178 may have been the most difficult task while compiling the top-350. Even now, I want to push him way up my board. In formats deep enough to extend beyond the top-125 WRs, I’ll admit that Franklin will have my attention. He reset the UTSA record books while excelling against Cover 1, 3, and inside the red zone. Jalen Tolbert was one of the absolute steals from the ‘21 draft. What sets the two apart is that Tolbert provided pre-collegiate testing that let us know he was far more than a CFF asset preying on G5 defenses. We don’t have any type of athletic measurements on Franklin. If it turns out that athleticism matches his production, this rank as the 178th-best Devy wideout will look foolish in review.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
201Broc ThompsonPurdueBen Davis2018
202Grant DuboseCharlottePark Crossing2019
203Jalon CalhounDukeGreenville Southside2019
204Tez JohnsonTroyPinson Valley2020
205Justin McGriffUtah StateJefferson2018
206Jaylen HallWestern KentuckyDakota2017
207Jaden BrayOklahoma StateNorman2021
208Elijah CooksSan Jose StateAtascadero2017
209Jake BaileySMUSt. John Bosco2019
210Marcell BarbeeTexas StatePueblo South2018
211Jeff ForemanArkansas StateDel City2019
212Joshua CephusUTSASpring Dekaney2019
213Justin LockhartSan Jose StateJunip. Serra/La Salle2019
214Jerand BradleyTexas TechDeSoto2021
215Tyrin SmithUTEPCibolo Steele2020
216Jeremiah HunterCaliforniaCentral East2020
217Isaiah WilliamsIllinoisTrinity Catholic2018
218Thayer ThomasNC StateHeritage2017
219Avery DavisNotre DameCedar Hill2017
220Jordan KerleySMURound Rock McNeil2019
221Matteo CarriereCentral MichiganAlpharetta2022
222Micah DavisTransfer PortalHarrison2020
223Malik HeathOle MissCallaway2018
224Gavin HolmesBaylorJustin Northwest2017
225TJ SheffieldPurdueIndependence2019
226Devaughn VeleUtahRancho Bernardo2019
227Smoke HarrisLouisiana TechWest Feliciana2018
228Kaden Prather 📌West VirginiaDeMatha/NW Germantown2021
229Jacolby GeorgeMiami (FL)Plantation2021
230Jason BrownleeSouthern MissWest Point2018
231Demario DouglasLibertyMandarin2019
232Loic FouonjiTexas TechMidland Legacy (Lee)2020
233Tre HarrisLouisiana TechComeaux2020
234Jared WaynePittsburghClearwater Academy2019
235Joe Wilkins Jr.Notre DameNorth Fort Myers2018
236Corey GammageMarshallAtlantic2018
237Jyaire ShorterNorth TexasEllison2018
238De'Corian ClarkUTSAFort Worth Wyatt2019
239Ke'Shawn WilliamsWake ForestSpringside Chestnut Hill2020
240Latreal JonesSouthern MissTaylorsville2019
241Damien AlfordSyracuseMcArthur2020
242Jimmy Horn Jr.USFSanford Seminole2021
243Jeremiah AaronWest VirginiaNatchitoches Central (Pearland)2020
244Cody JacksonHoustonRichmond Foster2021
245Chance MorrowLouisvilleWest Charlotte2022
246Chas NimrodTennesseeBentonville2022
247Xavier WhiteTexas TechDodge City/Monterey2018
248Terrell VaughnUtah StateNewbury Park2019
249Reggie FleurimaNorthwesternNaperville Central2022
250Ketron Jackson Jr.ArkansasRoyse City2021
Player Spotlight: Kaden Prather
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile62nd17th12thN/A

We do have testing numbers on Kaden Prather. While he showcased better-than-average speed, the indicators point to basement-level COD and explosion. Adequate straight-line speed will afford him a few NFL looks, for sure. Capitalizing on those opportunities will require a strict adherence to refining that athleticism or any invested draft capital may as well be tossed in the trash. It certainly doesn’t ease concerns that he only provided a single season of quality output as a prep.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
251Devonta LeeLouisiana TechAmite2019
252Kaedin RobinsonAppalachian StateChrist School2021
253Dorian SingerArizonaPinnacle/Tartan2021
254Jaylon BardenPittsburghWestside2020
255Jalil FarooqOklahomaHenry A. Wise2021
256Ja'Varrius JohnsonAuburnHewitt-Trussville2019
257Elijah HigginsStanfordAustin Bowie2019
258Dominick BlaylockGeorgiaWalton2019
259Keytaon ThompsonVirginiaLandry-Walker2017
260Theo WeaseOklahomaAllen2019
261Terrell BynumUSCSt. John Bosco/ Servite2017
262Javon BakerUCFMcEachern/ Creekside2020
263Trayvon RudolphNorthern IllinoisCrete-Monee2020
264Kyron Ware-HudsonUSCMater Dei2021
265Tory HortonColorado StateWashington Union2020
266Gunner RomneyBYUChandler2018
267Mitchell TinsleyPenn StateLee's Summit2018
268Anthony IveyPenn StateManheim Township2022
269Jesse Matthews 📌San Diego StateChristian2018
270Michael Jackson IIIUSCDesert Pines2021
271Jaden WalleyMississippi StateD'Iberville2020
272Christian WellsAppalachian StateUniversity School2019
273De'Andre ColemanCoastal CarolinaHueytown2022
274Trevon WestOklahomaArlington Lamar2020
275Ontaria WilsonFlorida StateTurner County2017
276Brady BoydTexas TechSouthlake Carroll2021
277Shae WyattTulaneMillard West2017
278Jayden McGowanVanderbiltLaurens2022
279NyNy DavisUtah StateEtowah2021
280Mekhi FoxColorado StatePasadena2022
281Curtis DevillePurdueIowa2022
282Braden SmithLouisvilleNorthwest Rankin2017
283Joseph Manjack IVHoustonTomball Memorial2021
284Quincy BrownTCUDestrehan2021
285Andre JohnsonArizona StateTolleson Union2019
286Cameron CamperIndianaLancaster2019
287Jay MaclinNorth TexasKirkwood2020
288Zion BowensHawaiiLong Beach Poly2020
289Jalyn WitcherPresbyterianPulaski Academy2021
290Jakob HerresRichmondEaston Area2018
291Trent WhittemoreFloridaBuchholz2019
292Tanner KnueEastern MichiganMason2018
293Michael MathisonWestern KentuckyNewton2019
294Aaron BedgoodCoastal CarolinaRichmond Hill2019
295Dallas DixonCentral MichiganTolleson Union2017
296Bradley RoznerRiceNeedville2016
297Caleb SneadLibertyHeritage (Lynchburg)2017
298Gabriel RogersMemphisCallaway2017
299Matt LandersArkansasSt. Petersburg/ Farragut/Lakewood2018
300Isaiah WinsteadEast CarolinaHighland Springs/ Henrico2017
Player Spotlight: Jesse Matthews
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
PercentileN/AN/AN/AN/A

Jesse Matthews joined San Diego State as a walk-on. His first two seasons with the Spartans definitely had their moments, just not much consistency. Matthews’ ‘21 season began without inspiring much confidence. After 10 games, it would have been advised to pay him no attention. That all changed over his last four games. While facing quality programs in three (Boise State, Utah State, and UTSA), Matthews shredded his quartet of opponents for a combined 37/465/7 line and 31.4 FPG. With SDSU upgrading the QB position with Virginia Tech transfer Braxton Burmeister, perhaps Matthews can make further strides in his game toward drawing some interest.

RankPlayerCollegeHSRecruiting Class
301CJ DanielsLibertyParkview2020
302Joe ScatesMemphisDayton Dunbar2018
303Luke McCaffreyRiceValor Christian2019
304Bud HollowayLouisiana TechOak Grove2021
305Lawrence Keys IIITulaneMcDonogh 352018
306Jaylen JonesVirginia TechJefferson2021
307DeAngelo WilsonWestern KentuckyBowling Green2017
308Sam JamesWest VirginiaRichmond Hill2018
309Caleb ChapmanOregon DucksClearbrook2018
310Al'Vonte WoodardSam HoustonHouston Lamar2018
311C.J. JohnsonEast CarolinaD.H. Conley2019
312Demond Demas 📌Transfer PortalTomball2020
313Malik KnowlesKansas StateMansfield Lake Ridge2018
314Kobe PaysourNorth CarolinaKings Mt./Gaffney2021
315Carlos CarriereCentral MichiganAlpharetta2017
316Thomas ZsirosToledoSt. John's Jesuit2021
317Winston Wright Jr.Florida StateMemorial Day2019
318Kyren LacyLSUThibodaux2020
319La'Vontae ShenaultAlabama StateDeSoto2019
320J.J. SparkmanTexas Tech RedCaptain Shreve2020
321Shedrick JacksonAuburnHoover2018
322Quaydarius DavisJackson StateDallas Skyline2021
323Jake SmithUSCNotre Dame Prep2019
324Nicholas AndersonOklahomaKaty2022
325Milton WrightTransfer PortalChristian Academy2019
326Joshua MooreTransfer PortalYoakum2018
327Jadon HaselwoodArkansasCedar Grove2019
328Troy OmeireTexasFort Bend Austin2020
329Jonathan MingoOle MissBrandon2019
330Xavier WilliamsUtah StateChaminade-Madonna2018
331Johnny WilsonFlorida StateCalabasas2020
332Billy Kemp IVVirginiaHighland Springs2018
333I. Garcia-CastanedaNebraskaTwentynine Palms2019
334Dylan WrightMinnesotaWest Mesquite2019
335Xayvion BradshawVirginia TechGraham2022
336Xavier LegetteSouth CarolinaMullins2019
337Isaiah BrevardOregonSouthaven2021
338Justius LoweOregonLake Oswego/Lincoln2022
339Moose MuhammadTexas A&MMyers Park/ Providence Day2020
340Kyle FordUSCOrange Lutheran2019
341Roderick Daniels Jr.SMUDuncanville2021
342Cody HagenBYUCorner Canyon2022
343Jaray JenkinsLSUJena2018
344Trea ShropshireUABZachary2018
345Brycen TremayneStanfordVenice2018
346Omar ManningNebraskaLancaster2017
347Chase LaneTexas A&MSt. Pius/College Park2017
348Kam BrownUCLAColleyville Heritage2019
349Tre MosleyMichigan StateWest Bloomfield2019
350Josh KellyFresno StateSan Joaquin Mem.2019
Player Spotlight: Demond Demas
40-timePro ShuttleVertical100m
Percentile84th70th85thN/A

Demond Demas had it all coming out of HS. He was ruled ineligible to play during his senior year after transferring from North Forest to Tomball. But Demas already cemented his status as a five-star prospect for the monster production from his junior year and the mouth-watering athletic testing from his Nike+ Opening Regional. Holding Demas on our Devy rosters was a no-brainer during the last two seasons. That all changed when he was arrested for assaulting a female. It’s possible that Demas will serve whatever punishment is handed down, and receive the necessary mental health counseling to get his life back on track. Whether it will be enough to also rehabilitate his football career is entirely up in the air.

With a dedicated focus on studying game film and a faithful commitment to metrics & analytics, Huber’s specialties include DFS (college and NFL), Devy & Dynasty formats, and second-to-none fantasy analysis of high school prospects.