The Devy Fantasy Football Top 100: 50-46

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.

50. Bo Nix, QB Oregon (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Part of the national consciousness for seemingly close to a decade now, the first several chapters of the Nix story were one of flashes of brilliance overshadowed by long bouts of inconsistency. The highs and lows had such separation between them it seemed he was merely following a script. Then came Nix’s transfer to Oregon, a move which proved wise as he started putting his immense tools together and found a new level many expected did not exist.

Nix’s high-energy style is the key to his success. He is bouncy outside of the pocket and can create plays with sheer will. With a plus arm and solid athleticism, he jumps off the screen as an intriguing prospect whose physical tools can carry him even when the mechanics are iffy. Of course, his frenetic play style has often been a negative, leading to inconsistent reads and some hero ball which does not always lend itself to good quarterback play. The positive is he greatly improved in this area in 2022 and appears to be harnessing the good traits while limiting the bad. If he can take another step, Nix will be a hot commodity come 2024.

2023 Outlook: After a big 2022, Nix is getting Heisman hype. Despite his defensive background, head coach Dan Lanning understands the importance of moving the football and piling up points. In his second year in the system – despite the loss of offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham – Nix should continue to thrive.

49. Trevor Etienne, RB Florida (2025 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: The younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, Trevor Etienne wasted little time removing himself from the shadow of his older sibling. Despite the name-brand value, you could argue Etienne was unheralded as a recruit. He was a three-star recruit throughout much of the process prior to surging to a composite four-star recruit, turning down a Clemson offer to forge his own path at Florida.

Like his brother, Etienne has excellent burst to the second level yet plays with a bit more thump, routinely finishing runs with power. His slashing style meshes well with Billy Napier’s system and makes him pop whenever he touches the football. If the Gators can expand his receiving work (only nine receptions for 66 yards in 2022) Etienne could develop into a well-rounded weapon with elite running skills.

2023 Outlook: Billy Napier has made committees his thing and it will not change in 2023. Montrell Johnson is not quite as gifted as Etienne, but he has now had two strong campaigns for Napier, both at Louisiana and in Gainesville. A relatively even split should be expected, though Etienne will get plenty of work and opportunity to grow his game.

48. Justice Haynes, RB Alabama (2026 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Nick Saban never lets his backfield run out of talent, and Haynes may be one of the best he has landed in recent cycles. Haynes has rare juice in the backfield, flying to the second level and demonstrating a toughness seldom found in a back his size (5’11”, 200). While he is not a bruiser, he smoothly disengages from tackles and has the frame to carry up to 215 pounds.

Haynes plays with tempo, utilizing excellent footwork to slash through the defense and pick up chunk gains. He is a nightmare for defenders in tight spaces and leaves them empty-handed as they attempt to wrap up in the open field. While he did not get much opportunity as a receiver at the high school level, his skill set would portend him a potential star if he can add high-level receiving skills to his repertoire. Already an elite pure runner, Haynes has the foundation to be an elite college back.

2023 Outlook: The Crimson Tide’s depth chart at running back is a little bit more wide-open than normal at this point of the off-season. While senior Jase McClellan looks to move into a featured role, he has never surpassed 126 touches in a season and has questions to answer with regards to his ability to handle a full workload. Haynes could battle Jamarion Miller and Roydell Williams for touches and it is not hard to see him winning the competition given his college-ready game.

47. Miyan Williams, RB Ohio State (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: Williams is a man who knows what he is. His game is predicated on power and the ability to finish runs with purpose. His no-nonsense style allowed him to carry the Ohio State offense as lead runner TreVeyon Henderson struggled with injuries. Williams ran for 825 yards and 14 scores, building on a strong sophomore season that rose him to national prominence.

While power is his game, he is not limited to merely running over people. Williams is quick to the hole and utilizes light feet to make subtle cuts as the defense approaches. His aggressive style lends itself to picking up the yardage blocked for him, and he uses his frame to create after contact. While his receiving profile is very limited, his two-down skills portend a role at the NFL level, and he still has ample room to grow his game.

2023 Outlook: Williams has earned a prominent role in this backfield. While Henderson is the more gifted runner, Williams has a workhorse profile. He will do the dirty work for the Buckeyes as they lean on a two-man backfield.

46. Oronde Gadsden II, WR Syracuse (2024 Draft-Eligible)

Profile: I have arthritis in my fingers as I type this. If the presence of Asante Samuel Jr or the emergence of Marvin Harrison Jr were not enough to make you feel like a geriatric, along comes another offspring of a former NFL player in the form of Oronde Gadsden II.

The younger Gadsden is a mammoth human being, standing at 6’5” and 216 pounds. He excelled in his sophomore season, racking up 61 receptions for 969 yards and six scores. His size is an obvious asset. He uses his frame to shield defenders and make plays on the perimeter; however, he can also stick his foot in the dirt and break off a sharp route as he provides his quarterback with a wide catch radius in the middle of the field. Gadsden meets the football at its highest point and possesses the type of strong, arrogant hands you’d want to see in a jumbo receiver. Despite a relatively small profile given Syracuse’s status as a second-tier Power 5 program, Gadsden II is a legit prospect on the rise as we hit 2023.

2023 Outlook: After dominating looks in 2022, Gadsden II is established as the team’s best playmakers. The Orange return starting quarterback Garrett Shrader, giving Gadsden II familiarity under center. Another big season is in store as he gears up for the 2024 NFL Draft.