Three Wide Receivers to Buy, Sell, or Hold in Devy Leagues

We have had a short break since our last buy, sell, or hold for Devy Leagues. Last time out, Nick talked about running backs, and this week I will be talking about my favorite position, wide receiver.

Both college and NFL teams are moving toward spread offenses, which makes wide receivers more critical. Now it is not just the big physical receivers who play outside like Julio Jones or AJ Green. Smaller, shiftier receivers are all the craze. There are so many receivers in the college game to choose from, but I will talk about three. Let’s get into it for all you Devy degenerates!

BUY: Keon Coleman, Michigan State

Keon Coleman was an afterthought his freshman year on a team with Kenneth Walker and Jayden Reed. In 2022, with Walker gone, the offense had to find itself, and Coleman had a much more significant role with 58 catches, 798 yards, and seven touchdowns. There was inconsistent quarterback play, and the team regressed in 2022. There are questions if the Spartans gave Mel Tucker an extension too early. Because of that, Coleman decided to transfer to an up-and-coming team at FSU.

He will get an immediate quarterback upgrade with Jordan Travis and could be the go-to receiver. Only one receiver had over 500 yards for the Seminoles last year. The offense was 23rd in the nation in passing yards but only 74th in attempts, according to teamrankings.com. The offense was made on big plays but with a weapon like Coleman, and I see the offense passing the ball more often in 2023. I believe Coleman will eclipse 1,000 yards easily and shoot above his current ranking of WR38. Go get him now before the camp hype raises the price on him.

Keon Coleman is going to be a fun prospect to watch this year. pic.twitter.com/VdAT9MYIKc

— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) June 5, 2023

SELL: Troy Franklin, Oregon

Troy Franklin bounced back from a disappointing freshman year with just under 900 yards and nine touchdowns. With a new coach and quarterback, you saw why Franklin was so highly touted as a recruit. The only issue is it was feast or famine all year. He had five games of 80 yards or more and six games under 50 yards.

While Bo Nix played well this year, I am not sure how much better it can get, and I don’t know if we ever see Franklin’s true potential at Oregon. He is WR6 in our current Devy Rankings, and I think this is a perfect time to sell high. I would rather have Luther Burden, Barion Brown, or many of the talented freshman receivers behind him. He played 75% of his snaps out wide this last year, and I just don’t know if he translates to an outside Alpha receiver in the NFL.

Chart Courtesy of DLF Devy Rankings.

HOLD:  JoJo Earle, TCU

Not too long ago, Alabama had three of the top six wide receiver recruits in 2021. Only one still remains on the team in Ja’Corey Brooks. JoJo Earle looks for a new start by transferring to TCU. I am not sure what you could get in a trade for Earle, but I would definitely hold. We saw how the TCU offense impressed in the first year under Sonny Dykes. They lose Quentin Johnston to the NFL, along with their other top two receivers in yards.

There is an excellent opportunity for Earle to step into the main role. Even with a new quarterback coming in, Dykes has a proven track record. He moved TCU into the top 50 in passing yards last year and has SMU in the top 15 the two years previous. He only has 30 targets in his first two years but has tons of speed and could shoot up Devy Boards with a strong season under Dykes.