Whether it is a quarterback receiving a public vote of confidence, a running back being mentioned as part of a committee, or a young player generating legitimate breakout buzz, these updates can cause values to shift before anyone takes a meaningful snap. The key is determining which comments deserve our attention and which ones should simply be filed away as typical offseason hype. Using the media day reports. I will look at potential changes in roles, depth-chart developments, injury updates, offensive philosophy, and any other information that could affect a player’s outlook in C2C, CFF, or Devy formats.

There will be plenty of information to sort through, but the goal is simple: identify the updates that actually matter and explain how dynasty managers should react.

Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy Cleared to Return, but Timeline Remains Uncertain

This is a very encouraging update for Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy, especially when you consider where things stood earlier in the offseason. Hardy was shot at a concert in Mississippi, required emergency surgery, and there was real concern that he could miss the entire 2026 season. The fact that he has already been medically cleared to begin working his way back is a major positive. Eli Drinkwitz shared at SEC Media Days that Hardy has been back around the team facility and working through his rehabilitation. The biggest complication has been that the bullet struck a bone, making this a much different recovery than a normal football injury. There is no clear blueprint for how quickly a player can return from something like this, which is why Missouri is still being careful with the timeline.

The current expectation is that Hardy’s return-to-play process could take somewhere between five and eight weeks. Even then, the Tigers may not immediately know whether he is ready to handle a full workload or if it will take additional time for him to return to form. Still, this news feels much more positive than many expected. A few months ago, the conversation was about whether Hardy would play at all this season. Now the discussion has shifted toward when he could return and how quickly he can get back to being one of the best running backs in college football.

Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, leading the SEC in rushing and finishing as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. He was expected to be the centerpiece of Missouri’s offense heading into 2026, especially with the Tigers replacing starters at quarterback, wide receiver, and along the offensive line. Jamal Roberts will still have an important role in the backfield, and Missouri will likely avoid rushing Hardy back before he is completely ready. Roberts could see a larger workload early in the season, but Hardy remains the player this offense will eventually want to build around.

C2C, CFF, and Devy Impact

For CFF managers, this update should be viewed as good news. Hardy may still miss time or begin the year with a limited workload, but the possibility of him returning this season now feels much more realistic. He should probably be moved down slightly in seasonal rankings because of the uncertainty, but this is not a situation where I would completely remove him from draft boards.

In C2C leagues, Hardy remains a strong asset. His 2025 production showed what his ceiling can look like, and the fact that he is already progressing toward a return makes him more of a hold than a player managers should be looking to move. Roberts is also worth rostering because he could provide early-season production and serve as protection for Hardy managers.

From a Devy perspective, the biggest thing is getting Hardy healthy. He has already put together a season that proved he can produce at a high level in the SEC. Missing a few games would not erase that. The larger concern would be whether the injury impacts his explosiveness or keeps him from looking like the same player once he returns.

There are still questions, but this update is much better than the alternative. Hardy went from potentially missing the entire season to having a realistic path back onto the field. Considering everything he has been through, that is a significant win.

Talyn Taylor Could Emerge as Georgia’s Next Breakout Wide Receiver

Dear Readers,

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That’s not a league. That’s a lottery with extra steps.

Trading is the last real skill edge in fantasy football. Rankings are free. Projections are free. Everybody’s reading the same articles and listening to the same podcasts, which means everybody’s draft board looks 90% identical. The waiver wire is a coin flip dressed up as strategy. But trading? Trading is a negotiation between two humans, and most humans are bad at negotiating. If you get even a little bit good at it, you have an advantage that no amount of content consumption can erase.

And here’s the part I genuinely believe: getting good at trading makes your league more fun for everybody. A league that trades is a league that talks, argues, laughs, and shows up. You’re not just building your roster. You’re building the thing that keeps twelve grown adults texting each other in February.

So this is my attempt at a handbook. Not “here’s who to buy low,” because you can find that anywhere and it expires in a week anyway. This is about the craft itself. The psychology, the mechanics, the etiquette. The stuff that’s true in 2026 and will still be true in 2036. I’ve pulled from the actual literature here, hostage negotiators, behavioral economists, the people who study why humans make the decisions they make, because it turns out your league chat is just a small, dumb version of every negotiating table on Earth.

Read it once a year. Preferably in your pajamas, with coffee, before you send your first offer of the season. Big decisions deserve comfortable pants.

Part One: Your Enemy Is Your Own Brain

Before you can trade well with other people, you have to understand why you’re bad at valuing your own roster. And you are. So am I. So is everyone. This isn’t an insult, it’s biology.

The endowment effect, or: why your bench is not a museum

In 1990, the economists Daniel Kahneman, Jack Knetsch, and Richard Thaler ran a famous experiment. They gave half a classroom of students coffee mugs, then let the mug owners set selling prices while everyone else set buying prices. Same mug. Same room. Same day. The owners demanded roughly twice what the buyers were willing to pay.

Nothing about the mug changed when it landed in someone’s hands. Ownership itself inflated its value.

Now think about your roster. You drafted these players. You watched their college tape. You defended your picks in the group chat. Every player on your team has a little story attached to him, and those stories are worth exactly zero points. When you catch yourself saying “I just can’t move him, I’ve had him since his rookie year,” you are the mug owner. Congratulations. The mug does not love you back.

The practical fix is boring but it works: value your own players at what the market says, not what your heart says. If you’d have to think hard before trading FOR a guy at his current price, you probably shouldn’t be turning down that price when someone offers it for him.

Loss aversion, or: why your leaguemates won’t say yes to fair offers

Kahneman and Amos Tversky’s prospect theory work, the research that eventually won Kahneman a Nobel, established something that explains about 80% of dead trade negotiations: losses hurt roughly twice as much as equivalent gains feel good.

This is why a perfectly fair 1 for 1 offer dies in someone’s inbox. Your leaguemate doesn’t evaluate your offer as “player A versus player B.” He evaluates it as “the pain of losing MY guy versus the pleasure of gaining YOUR guy,” and the pain side of that ledger gets doubled before he even starts thinking. A trade that’s dead even on paper feels like a loss to both sides. That’s the actual reason fantasy leagues are frozen solid, and it’s why the classic advice to “just send fair offers” is a recipe for getting ignored.

The implication is useful once you make peace with it: to get a deal done, the other manager usually needs to feel like he’s winning by a little. And that’s fine! Your job is to find trades where you can afford to let him feel that way, where the piece you’re giving up matters less to your roster construction than the piece you’re getting matters to yours. Which brings us to the single most important idea in this entire handbook.

Part Two: Trade Rosters, Not Players

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

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Until Adam Schefter reported recently that multiple teams felt like Stribling was the best wideout in the draft, and the Rams had their eyes on him. The buzz will continue to mount because Stribling’s skill set is perfect for the best version of the Shanahan offense. Here’s why.

What Stribling Does Well

I’ve long been a fan of Stribling, getting into multiple debates (friendly, mostly) in our Discord throughout draft season, and especially post-draft. Stribling was inside my top-five wideouts. I had him ranked ahead of Denzel Boston. We’ll see how that plays out, but I was so bullish on him because of his unique skill set in a class full of mediocrity. Here’s what I wrote in our guide:

Stribling was the most surprising evaluation of the entire class, as he graded out significantly higher than expected before the NFL Scouting Combine, and emerged as an even more complete prospect. He’s one of the most elite athletes at the position, with a 4.36s 40-yard dash highlighting his biggest strength. He’s a nightmare to cover on deep balls, as he can blow right past coverage. With the Ole Miss offense, he wasn’t utilized as a deep threat, but rather as an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands. 63.5% of his targets were under 10 yards, and he excelled at every level. When asked to run intermediate and deep routes, he averaged 16.22 yards per route run. To put that into perspective, Jordyn Tyson averaged 9.16, and Makai Lemon averaged 14.82. Stribling isn’t just a speed guy, though. He’s fluid in and out of breaks, especially when pushing vertically and breaking off for comebacks. He’s excellent at generating yards after the catch, combining his elite speed with physicality. He’s not elusive with the ball in his hands, but it generally doesn’t matter. He’s not an elite route runner, but he does enough at his size to believe he can be an impact player. He’s strong, consistently fighting off physical corners. He’s arguably the most underrated player in this receiving class, though how he’s deployed at the next level is critical to his career path.

It’s hard to nail down his biggest strength, mostly because he was utilized in completely different ways in college, excelling in both styles and roles. He’s The Flash with the ball in his hands, and he’s physical enough to be a meaningful yards-after-the-catch player (more on this later). He can also push a defense vertically without much issue, putting safeties on high alert and creating space underneath for his teammates. Stribling’s average depths of target during his two years at Oklahoma State were 14.3 and 14.7, respectively. In 2024, his final (and arguably, sole meaningful) year there, he ranked 10th in the nation in that stat. In 2025, Lane Kiffin had different plans for him. The goal of the Ole Miss offense was to get the ball in his hands and allow him to make plays. In both situations, he was an excellent player after the catch. His 400 yards after the catch in 2025 ranked 32nd nationally. Kendrick Law was the only player ahead of him with fewer targets. Essentially, Kiffin wanted to get the ball into his fast guys’ hands and let them make life easier for their quarterback. It worked, and Stribling had an outstanding season, but it made his evaluation slightly more complicated. He’s not an overly elusive player; he’s a big-bodied wideout with a wide catch radius on top of the “small boy” skill set. His routes aren’t always the most crisp, but he has enough throttle and pace to create advantages against corners. When he pushes vertically, he sells the hell out of his routes so it’s easier to break off into comebacks and curls.

When you combine that with his elite athleticism, the ceiling is massive. Stribling ran a fast 40-yard dash, yes, but he was also explosive on his jumps. Where he was a little less consistent was in the agility testing, which we’ve already discussed. Still, a 4.36-second 40 time at 6’2, 207 is nothing to sneeze at, despite most dynasty managers’ propensity to do so.

I failed to mention how excellent a blocker Stribling is in that scouting report, but that’s one area where Shanahan and company are going to be drooling over. With how much the 49ers run the ball, it’s hard to imagine Stribling comes off the field in 12-personnel with his excellent, physical blocking.

The Best Version of the Shanahan Offense

While NFL offenses are regularly evolving - especially Kyle Shanahan’s - there’s typically a “most ideal” version that we as fans get to see for a season or two. The 49ers rarely have trouble on offense. In 2025, they ranked:

• 8th in Total Yards

• 11th in Yards Per Play

• 11th in Points Per Game

• 4th in Passing Yards

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, that’s not even remotely close to the best version of the 49ers’ offense. In 2023, with everyone relatively healthy, they ranked:

• 1st in Total Yards

• 1st in Yards Per Play

• 2nd in Points Per Game

• 4th in Passing Yards

Dear Readers,

You’ve reached the end of the free preview! If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

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For years, dynasty managers could build around an incredibly stable group of elite assets. The top quarterbacks rarely moved. Wide receivers held value for years. Even aging veterans maintained surprisingly strong market insulation.

That foundation is beginning to crack.

The next generation of stars has arrived, while many of the players who defined the last five years are entering a completely different phase of their dynasty lifecycle. That doesn’t mean they’re no longer productive. It means the market is beginning to value them differently.

That shift creates opportunity.

In the latest episode of the TDR Show: The Dynasty Investor, Jay Stein and I break down how the dynasty market is changing, where value is beginning to move, and how managers can stay ahead of the next wave instead of reacting after it happens.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the dynasty market feels different than it did just a year ago

• Which elite assets still have true value insulation

• The veterans beginning to lose long-term market protection

• The next generation of cornerstone dynasty players

• How to think about dynasty windows by position

• Players we believe are currently overvalued and undervalued

🎧 Listen to the podcast

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A Quick Preview

One of the biggest takeaways from this discussion is that every position is changing in a different way. Quarterback still offers some of the safest long-term investments, but even that position is beginning to experience more turnover than we’re accustomed to seeing. Running back remains the fastest-moving market in dynasty. Young elite backs like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs have become foundational assets, while another wave led by Ashton Jeanty, Jeremiyah Love, Omarion Hampton, and Quinshon Judkins is already pushing upward. Wide receiver has historically been the safest place to park dynasty value, but that insulation isn’t quite as automatic anymore. Veterans are aging, younger stars are climbing, and the gap between tiers is becoming much thinner. Tight end may actually be experiencing the biggest transition of all. The league is moving from the Travis Kelce and George Kittle era toward a new foundation led by Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Tyler Warren, and Colston Loveland. Every position tells a slightly different story, but they all point toward the same conclusion. The dynasty market is changing.

Subscriber Only Thoughts

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

Substack is our most affordable option at just $7/month and gives you access to all of our written content.

For those who want everything in one place, the website offers three membership tiers ($8/$12/$16) and includes all written content plus exclusive tools, rankings, features, and community access.

However you choose to support us, we truly appreciate you being part of what we’re building and trusting us to help you win.

The Devy Royale Website

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Our initial release will focus on the Power Four conferences and is designed to help managers across several different formats, including traditional CFF leagues, C2C leagues, weekly lineup formats, and best ball drafts.

The goal is not to create one perfect answer for every player. College football is too unpredictable for that. Depth charts change, coaching staffs rotate players, injuries happen, and roles can look completely different from one week to the next. Instead, we wanted to build a tool that gives managers a strong starting point based on projected opportunity, team context, market expectations, and a range of possible outcomes.

How the TDR CFF Projections Work

The TDR projections combine a returner usage model with a team-volume role engine and current market consensus. That means the model looks beyond a player’s raw production from the previous season. Returning statistics are important, but they do not always tell us what a player’s role will look like moving forward. A running back may have limited production because he was playing behind an established starter. A wide receiver may be stepping into an offense that lost most of its targets. A quarterback may be joining a new system with a much higher passing volume. A player’s previous stat line matters, but opportunity and team environment matter just as much. Our model attempts to account for those changes by evaluating expected usage within each offense. It then blends that information with market consensus to keep the projections connected to how the broader CFF and C2C communities are currently valuing players. Each player’s projection is simulated 20,000 times to create a range of potential outcomes. Instead of only presenting one final number, the projections help illustrate a player’s expected production, floor, and ceiling. That range is especially useful in college fantasy football, where weekly volatility can be much greater than it is in the NFL.

How CFF Managers Should Use the Projections

The projections should be treated as a resource, not a final answer. They are designed to help managers make more informed decisions by adding context to rankings, ADP, depth-chart reports, and personal player evaluations. In seasonal CFF drafts, the projections can help managers compare players at the same position and identify where projected production may not match the current market. If one player is being drafted several rounds ahead of another but carries a similar projection, that could reveal an opportunity to wait at the position. The same process can also help identify potential reaches. A player may have a recognizable name or plenty of offseason hype, but his projected role may not support his current draft cost.

In C2C leagues, the projections can help separate college production from long-term NFL value. Those are not always the same thing. Some players may be outstanding college fantasy options without carrying strong NFL profiles. Others may be highly valued devy assets who are not projected to be elite CFF producers during the upcoming season. Understanding that difference is one of the most important parts of building a successful C2C roster.

For best ball drafts, managers can use the floor and ceiling projections to build a more balanced portfolio. High-ceiling players are valuable because their spike weeks automatically enter the lineup, but a roster filled entirely with volatile options can still become difficult to manage. Combining reliable weekly producers with explosive players creates a more complete build. The projections can also become a valuable weekly resource during the season. Matchups, injuries, and changing roles will always matter, but having a baseline expectation for each player makes it easier to evaluate start-or-sit decisions.

What the Projections Can Help You Find

One of the most valuable parts of any projection set is identifying where the numbers differ from the market. That can include players being drafted too early, players being overlooked, and positional tiers that may not be as large as they initially appear. The projections can help managers answer questions such as:

• Which quarterbacks are most likely to combine passing volume with rushing production?

• Which running backs have the safest workloads?

• Which receivers are positioned to lead their teams in targets?

• Which tight ends have enough involvement to create a meaningful positional advantage?

• Which players have the widest range between their projected floor and ceiling?

Those differences can shape draft strategy. A player with a strong median projection and a narrow range of outcomes may be safer in a weekly lineup league. A player with a lower floor but an elite ceiling may be more attractive in tournaments or best ball formats. There is no universal way to use projections. The most important thing is understanding how the information fits the format you are playing.

Our Top Projected Quarterback - Utah QB Devon Dampier

Devon Dampier enters the season as the highest-ranked quarterback in our Power Four projections, and it is not difficult to understand why. His combination of passing production, rushing volume, and proven experience gives him one of the strongest fantasy profiles in the country. Our model projects Dampier to average 221 passing yards, 1.79 passing touchdowns, 77.6 rushing yards, and 0.79 rushing touchdowns per game. That works out to 26.9 fantasy points per game, which is 10 percent higher than his current market expectation. His simulated outcomes also show the upside that comes with his dual-threat ability, with a weekly range stretching from a 12.4-point floor to a 45.7-point ceiling.

Dampier already showed what this offense can look like with him leading it. During his first season at Utah, he threw for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 63.5 percent of his passes. More importantly, he cut his interceptions down to five after turnovers had been one of the biggest concerns surrounding his game at New Mexico. He remained one of the most dangerous rushing quarterbacks in college football as well, adding 835 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. That rushing production gives him a weekly advantage that most quarterbacks simply cannot match. Even when the passing numbers are not there, he can still create a strong fantasy performance with his legs.

What makes his 2026 outlook even more interesting is that Dampier produced those numbers while dealing with a sports hernia and an ankle injury for much of last season. He has since undergone surgery, and Utah expects to have a healthier version of its starting quarterback this fall. If improved health allows him to become more consistent as a passer while maintaining his rushing workload, there is room for his production to climb. There will be some changes around him, including a new offensive coordinator, but the offense should continue to be built around what Dampier does best. He is comfortable creating outside the pocket, can throw accurately while moving, and consistently puts pressure on defenses as a runner.

His current ADP sits at 49.2, which makes him one of the more interesting values near the top of our projections. The market is clearly treating him as a strong CFF quarterback, but our model believes he still has room to outperform that price. Dampier offers exactly what fantasy managers should be looking for at the position: a secure starting role, an offense that runs through him, proven production, and elite rushing upside. That combination makes him our top projected Power Four quarterback for the 2026 season.

Our Top Projected Running Back: Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss

Kewan Lacy enters the season as the highest-ranked running back in our Power Four projections, and his place at the top is built around one of the strongest workload profiles in college football. Our model projects Lacy to average 21.9 rushing attempts, 108.1 rushing yards, 1.54 rushing touchdowns, 2.2 receptions, and 13.6 receiving yards per game. That works out to 23.6 fantasy points per game, which is 10 percent higher than his current market expectation. His simulated outcomes also give him a weekly range stretching from a 12.4-point floor to a 37.4-point ceiling.

Lacy is coming off a dominant first season at Ole Miss. After playing a limited role as a freshman at Missouri, he became the centerpiece of the Rebels’ offense and finished with 306 carries for 1,567 yards and 24 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 29 receptions for 177 yards, showing he can stay involved beyond his work as a runner.

His ability to handle more than 300 carries while remaining productive is a major reason he leads our projections. Lacy can create tough yards between the tackles, but he also has enough burst to break into the second level and turn a well-blocked play into a much larger gain. He brings the type of combination CFF managers want from an early running back selection: volume, explosiveness, and a clear path to touchdowns.

There has been significant change at Ole Miss following Lane Kiffin’s departure, which naturally adds some uncertainty to the offense. Lacy’s decision to remain in Oxford was still a major win for the program, especially with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss also returning. The presence of a proven quarterback should prevent defenses from completely loading the box and give Lacy room to operate inside.

Ole Miss also added several running backs during the offseason, which could lead to a lighter workload than the 306 carries he handled last year. That does not necessarily have to be a negative. The added depth should allow the Rebels to keep Lacy fresher without removing him from his role as the clear centerpiece of the backfield. The larger concern would be losing short-yardage or goal-line opportunities, but our model still expects him to remain one of the most productive touchdown scorers in the country.

The one area that could push his ceiling even higher is the passing game. Lacy was involved as a receiver last season, but he was not heavily featured. A small increase in receptions would give him another way to produce when Ole Miss falls behind or faces a difficult defensive front. Unlike Devon Dampier, Lacy is not being overlooked by the market. His current ADP is 2.4, placing him firmly near the top of CFF drafts. You will have to spend a premium pick to acquire him, but our projections believe the price is justified. Lacy offers proven production, a secure role, touchdown upside, and the ability to handle one of the largest workloads in the Power Four. That combination makes him our top projected running back for the 2026 season.

Our Top Projected Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Jeremiah Smith enters the season as the highest-ranked wide receiver in our Power Four projections, and there is not much debate about why he sits at the top. Since arriving at Ohio State, he has been one of the most productive and dominant players in college football, regardless of position. Our model projects Smith to average 9.0 targets, 7.3 receptions, 101.8 receiving yards, and 1.04 receiving touchdowns per game. That works out to 23.9 fantasy points per game, which is 13 percent higher than his current market expectation. His simulated outcomes also give him a weekly range stretching from a 13.3-point floor to a 36.7-point ceiling.

Smith has already produced 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns through his first two college seasons. He now enters his junior year within reach of several major Ohio State career receiving records, which shows just how productive he has been in such a short period. His freshman season immediately established him as one of the top receivers in the country. Smith finished with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns while helping Ohio State win a national championship. He did not need an extended adjustment period or a gradual increase in responsibility. From the moment he stepped onto the field, he looked capable of controlling games against the best defenses in college football.

What makes Smith such a safe projection is that his role is already established. Ohio State continues to recruit and develop talented receivers, but Smith is clearly the centerpiece of the passing game. He combines elite talent with the type of target volume we want from a premium CFF selection. At 9.0 projected targets per game, Smith should have enough opportunities to create a reliable weekly floor. His ability to produce downfield and win in the red zone raises the ceiling well beyond that baseline. He does not need 12 or 13 targets every week to deliver an elite fantasy performance because he can turn a limited number of opportunities into explosive plays and touchdowns. The biggest question is not whether Smith can produce. It is whether Ohio State’s quarterback play and offensive structure will allow him to reach the highest end of his range consistently. Even with changes around the offense, the Buckeyes have every reason to keep the passing game centered on their best player. Smith has already shown he can produce with different quarterbacks and alongside other future NFL receivers.

Unlike some players who lead our projections, Smith is not available at a discount. His current ADP is 1.2, placing him near the very top of CFF drafts. Managers are paying for a player expected to provide both weekly stability and overall WR1 upside. That price is expensive, but our projections still have him outperforming the market. Smith offers proven production, a secure target share, touchdown upside, and one of the highest weekly ceilings in the Power Four. That combination makes him our top projected wide receiver for the 2026 season.

Our Top Projected Tight End: Terrance Carter, Texas Tech

Terrance Carter comes in as the highest-ranked tight end in our Power Four projections, though this is probably the closest race of any position we have covered. There is not a huge gap separating the top tight ends, which makes Carter’s edge at the top even more interesting. Our model projects Carter to average 5.6 targets, 4.4 receptions, 52.0 receiving yards, and 0.44 receiving touchdowns per game. That works out to 12.4 fantasy points per game, which is 15 percent higher than his current market expectation. His simulated outcomes also show a weekly range stretching from a 7.8-point floor to a 17.7-point ceiling.

Carter heads to Texas Tech after a productive run at Louisiana, where he showed he could be more than just a traditional in-line tight end. He has already proven he can be a real factor in the passing game, and that is what makes him such an appealing fantasy option heading into this season. He brings a strong mix of size, athleticism, and versatility, which should fit nicely in a Texas Tech offense that has plenty of ways to create mismatches. That fit is a big reason he lands at the top of our projections. Texas Tech is expected to put up points, and Carter steps into an offense with an established quarterback in Behren Morton and multiple weapons on the outside. Defenses are not going to be able to key in on him every snap, which should create chances for him to work the middle of the field and find room underneath. If the Red Raiders use more two-tight-end looks, that should only help keep him involved consistently.

What stands out most with Carter is that he offers more than the typical touchdown-dependent tight end profile. He is not just someone you are hoping catches a short score near the goal line. Our projections see a player who can earn steady targets and chip in enough weekly volume to matter, which is important at a position that can get thin very quickly. At the same time, this is still a position where the margins are small. Carter may be our TE1, but tight end is much tighter than quarterback, running back, or wide receiver. That means managers should not treat him like he is in a tier completely by himself. The advantage is there, but it is a narrower one. His current ADP sits at 64.2, which puts him in a reasonable range for managers who want to secure one of the top tight ends without having to overpay too early. Our model believes he is still a value at that price. Carter offers receiving ability, a strong offensive environment, and a path to consistent involvement in one of the more exciting offenses in the Big 12. Even in a tightly packed tight end group, that is enough to make him our top projected tight end for the 2026 season.

This Is Only the Beginning

This is the first year we have created our own CFF projections, and we view this as the beginning of something we can continue building and improving. The college fantasy football community continues to grow. Managers are looking for reliable tools that can help them draft, evaluate their rosters, and make better decisions throughout the year. We want The Devy Royale to become one of those trusted resources. The free version of this article provides a look at how the projections were created, how managers can use them, and our top projected player at each position.

The complete TDR CFF projections include the full Power Four player pool, positional rankings, projected statistics, and floor and ceiling outcomes generated through 20,000 simulations.

You can access the full projections through our website, where you get access to every article, every tool, and every available resource. Whether you are preparing for a traditional CFF draft, building a C2C roster, entering a best ball tournament, or searching for an edge in your weekly league, these projections are designed to give you another trusted resource throughout the 2026 season.

The Devy Royale Website

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Christian and I walk through our personal top-five rankings, comparing where we agree, where we differ, and which tight ends have the clearest paths to gaining value. Names like Jamari Johnson, Peter Clarke, Trey’Dez Green, DJ Vonnahme, Brody Foley, and Luke Reynolds all bring something different to the table. Some offer receiving upside and mismatch potential. Others bring size, blocking value, red-zone ability, or the kind of two-way skill set that can keep them on the field early.

This group is interesting because the evaluations are not all the same. Jamari Johnson brings receiver-level value and move tight end upside. Peter Clarke has the physicality, run-blocking profile, and enough receiving production to matter. Trey’Dez Green has rare size and touchdown upside. DJ Vonnahme, Brody Foley, and Luke Reynolds each have paths to rising if their roles continue to expand in 2026.

This episode is not just about ranking tight ends. It is about understanding the profiles. We discuss each player’s strengths, concerns, statistical context, devy value, and what they need to prove this season to move up the board. Whether you are trying to get ahead in devy drafts, C2C leagues, dynasty rookie prep, or just want to know which tight ends could be next, this is the starting point for the 2027 tight end conversation.

If you want to go even deeper, everything we do lives on the site: rankings, ADP, tools, guides, articles, and much more at The Devy Royale. That’s the full TDR ecosystem.

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This is only Episode 6. We’re just getting started. If you want to watch the full episode, you can find the video below. Let us know your biggest takeaway from the show.

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That is what makes these battles so important for dynasty managers. This is not just about identifying who will be listed as the starter. It is about understanding which players have the most to gain, which ones are in danger of losing value, and where the market could shift once camp reports begin influencing rankings and trade prices. A rookie running back earning passing-down work could suddenly become significantly more valuable. A young wide receiver falling behind an established veteran could lose months of offseason momentum. A quarterback competition could impact an entire group of skill-position players. There will be plenty of competitions worth following over the next several weeks, but some underrated battles stand out as situations I want to pinpoint before camp begins. Each one has the potential to change roles, alter player values, and reshape how dynasty managers view the players involved.

Before the depth charts settle and the hype starts taking over, these are some training camp battles that could reshape dynasty rankings.

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Los Angeles Chargers Tight Ends: Oronde Gadsden II vs. Charlie Kolar vs. David Njoku

The Chargers might have one of the most interesting tight end rooms heading into training camp. Oronde Gadsden II is coming off an encouraging rookie season, Charlie Kolar was signed to a significant three-year deal, and David Njoku gives the offense another proven receiving option. All three players bring something different to the offense, which is exactly why this battle matters for dynasty managers. Gadsden is clearly the most valuable dynasty asset of the group right now. He finished his rookie season with 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns, but the overall numbers do not completely capture how impressive he looked at times. From Week 6 through Week 9, Gadsden caught 24 passes for 377 yards and two touchdowns. He was the TE1 in fantasy scoring during that stretch and looked like a player capable of becoming one of Justin Herbert’s primary receiving weapons.

That is the upside dynasty managers are still buying into. The problem is that the Chargers did not enter the offseason acting like they were completely satisfied with the position. They added Kolar on a three-year, $24.3 million contract and later signed Njoku. That creates a crowded room, especially with Mike McDaniel taking over the offense and potentially leaning heavily on multiple-tight-end formations. Kolar is the player I find most interesting in this battle. I wrote and talked about him months ago because I have always felt there was more receiving ability there than we saw in Baltimore. He was stuck behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, which made it difficult for him to earn consistent opportunities. What we do know is that he has developed into one of the better blocking tight ends in the league, and that could get him onto the field immediately in McDaniel’s outside-zone offense.

The contract also matters. Teams do not usually hand out more than $24 million to a player they only view as a situational blocker. Kolar has never caught more than 10 passes in an NFL season, so expecting a massive fantasy breakout might be aggressive. Still, his blocking ability could allow him to earn the most consistent snap share of the group. If he also starts getting opportunities as a receiver, his dynasty value could rise quickly from where it currently sits.

Njoku is the wild card. He turns 30 this summer and is coming off a disappointing season, but we have already seen him produce at a high level. Before last year, he had averaged at least 10.1 PPR points per game in three consecutive seasons. He is still athletic enough to be a factor in the passing game, and Herbert will be the best quarterback situation he has had in years. The question is whether Njoku was brought in to have a meaningful weekly role or simply give the Chargers another experienced option. His one-year contract makes him less important for dynasty than Gadsden or Kolar, but he could still become frustrating if he takes away red-zone targets and passing-down snaps. For dynasty managers, Gadsden is the player with the most to gain and the most to lose. If he separates himself as the clear receiving tight end during training camp, his value could start climbing again. He is young, attached to Herbert, and already showed that he can produce when given consistent opportunities. There is a real chance he ends up being a value at his current price because managers are worried about the additions of Kolar and Njoku.

There is also a scenario where this becomes a true three-player rotation and nobody earns enough routes or targets to become a reliable fantasy starter. That would be the worst possible outcome for Gadsden because his dynasty value is built around the idea that he can eventually become a difference-making receiving tight end. The biggest thing I will be watching is not necessarily who is listed as the starter. Kolar could technically start because of his blocking ability without becoming the best fantasy option. What matters is who runs the most routes, who is on the field in obvious passing situations, and who Herbert looks toward in the red zone. Right now, I am still willing to bet on Gadsden’s talent and what he showed as a rookie. He could be one of the better tight end values in dynasty if the crowded depth chart is creating a discount. Kolar remains one of my favorite deep stashes because the contract and scheme fit suggest the Chargers have plans for him. Njoku is more of a short-term option for contenders, but his presence makes this one of the most important tight end battles to follow throughout training camp.

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

Substack is our most affordable option at just $7/month and gives you access to all of our written content.

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For years, the devy community has not had a reliable, centralized ADP database. Most managers have built their understanding of the market through whichever rankings site, podcast, or content platform they subscribe to. That has created major differences in player values from league to league and has kept market inefficiencies relatively high.

The closest thing the format previously had may have been the old Devy Watch website, but that platform is no longer around. Since then, devy managers have largely been left to piece together the market on their own.

That is what makes the current ADP data from Blue Chip so interesting.

The community is actively using the platform to draft, which gives us an opportunity to study real selections rather than relying only on rankings or individual opinions. As more drafts are completed, we can begin to see where the market agrees, where it may be getting too aggressive, and where managers can still find unique buying opportunities.

This article is not about treating ADP as a perfect ranking system. It is about using the information to better understand the current devy market. By studying where players are being selected, we can identify values, question inflated prices, and uncover opportunities that may not be obvious at first glance.

You can check out Blue Chip and start drafting here:

Blue Chip Website

Round 1

1.01 Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
1.02 Malachi Toney, WR, Miami
1.03 Arch Manning, QB, Texas
1.04 Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
1.05 Dakorien Moore, WR, Oregon
1.06 Bo Jackson, RB, Ohio State
1.07 Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
1.08 Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
1.09 Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
1.10 Bryant Wesco Jr., WR, Clemson
1.11 Ezavier Crowell, RB, Alabama
1.12 Chris Henry Jr., WR, Ohio State

Best Value: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

It is hard to find a true value in the first round, but Moore at 1.08 stands out to me. There is a legitimate chance he ends up as the QB1 in the 2027 NFL Draft, which makes this price feel more than reasonable. Moore threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 71.8% of his passes in 2025. He is a calm and polished pocket passer with a quick release, excellent touch, and the ability to attack every level of the field. He also does a good job diagnosing pressure before the snap and can create accurate throws when forced off his spot. The biggest concern is how his mechanics and decision-making hold up when pressure gets to him quickly. He is also not going to add much as a runner, and his arm strength is good rather than elite. Still, Moore could have entered the NFL Draft and received top-five consideration. Returning to Oregon gives him another year to improve those areas on a loaded roster, and the upside at 1.08 is too good to pass up.

Biggest Reach: Ezavier Crowell, RB, Alabama

I am nitpicking here because I understand the upside with Crowell, but if I had to identify one reach in the first round, it would be him. Crowell is a former five-star recruit who rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored 28 touchdowns during his final high school season, so the talent is not the issue. Alabama also has an open backfield after struggling to run the ball last year, which gives him a path to early touches. My concern is that we are paying a premium before we have seen him play a college snap. Alabama’s offensive line has not been dominant in the run game recently, the offense finished near the bottom of the SEC in rushing production last season, and Crowell is already dealing with a spring injury. I also prefer Savion Hiter as a prospect and would have taken him ahead of Crowell. Crowell could absolutely make this look wrong, but taking him this early requires a lot to go right immediately.

Most Interesting Pick: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas

Coleman is a great selection at 1.04, but as we discussed during our 2027 rankings show, there is still a lot of projection built into his current value. Coleman has already produced 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns through two seasons, and he did that while dealing with constant instability at quarterback at Auburn. The physical talent is obvious. He has the size, body control, ball-tracking ability, and speed to create explosive plays and win in contested situations. He can make difficult catches look routine and has the movement skills to create yards after the catch. The consistency still needs to improve, especially with drops and disappearing for stretches, but the move to Texas gives him a much better environment. He now gets to play with Arch Manning in a loaded offense alongside Ryan Wingo. Coleman has the talent to become a first-round NFL Draft pick, but this selection is betting that the production finally catches up to the traits.

Round 2

2.01 Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
2.02 Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
2.03 Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
2.04 Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan
2.05 Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
2.06 Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, QB, California
2.07 Justice Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech
2.08 Andrew Marsh, WR, Michigan
2.09 Dallas Wilson, WR, Florida
2.10 Tristen Keys, WR, Tennessee
2.11 Savion Hiter, RB, Michigan
2.12 Darian Mensah, QB, Miami

Best Value: Savion Hiter, RB, Michigan

Hiter should be the first running back selected from the 2027 class, and getting him at 2.07 feels like one of the best values in the draft. I view him as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick and one of the best running back prospects we have seen in recent years. Hiter arrived at Michigan as the No. 1 running back and No. 12 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class, and he should earn meaningful snaps immediately behind Jordan Marshall. Marshall was excellent last season, rushing for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he also dealt with injuries down the stretch. Even if Marshall stays healthy, Michigan has consistently shown that it can support two productive backs. Donovan Edwards recorded 128 carries as the RB2 in 2024, while Marshall received 150 carries in that role last season before taking over for Justice Haynes. Hiter is talented enough to force his way onto the field early, and this backfield could wear teams down as the season progresses. I know it is an aggressive comparison, but Hiter has the type of complete profile that reminds me of Bijan Robinson at the same stage.

Biggest Reach: Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan

Underwood is still being drafted too high for me because I have real concerns about where he is as a quarterback. The physical tools are obvious. He has elite size, a powerful arm, and the athleticism to create outside the structure of the offense. The issue is that his freshman season exposed several areas that still need significant development. Underwood completed just 60.3% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and his footwork, pocket mechanics, and decision-making were inconsistent throughout the year. He frequently threw off his back foot, struggled to read the middle of the field, and made too many risky decisions when the first option was not available. Michigan’s previous staff did not do him many favors, and the receiving corps dropped 29 passes, so there is important context behind the numbers. The new coaching staff and offensive coordinator Jason Beck could help unlock him, but we did not see much evidence of a major leap during the spring. Underwood has the talent to eventually become a top quarterback, but taking him this early assumes the developmental jump is coming before he has actually shown it.

Most Interesting Pick: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami

This is the highest I have seen Mensah selected, and while I think it is probably too early, I love the aggressiveness of the pick. Mensah is coming off a huge 2025 season in which he threw for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only six interceptions while leading Duke to an ACC championship. He now moves to Miami and enters one of the best situations in college football. The Hurricanes have helped transfer quarterbacks improve their NFL Draft stock in recent years, and Mensah will be reunited with former Duke receivers Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate. That familiarity should make the transition easier, while Mark Fletcher Jr. gives Miami enough balance to prevent defenses from focusing entirely on the passing game. Mensah is calm against pressure, protects the football, and consistently creates explosive plays downfield. There are still questions about his true accuracy on deeper throws, and some of his production was helped by receivers winning contested situations. Still, he has a legitimate opportunity to become a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, and this selection is betting on that rise before the rest of the market fully catches up.

Round 3

3.01 Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville
3.02 Caleb Hawkins, RB, Oklahoma State
3.03 Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
3.04 Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
3.05 Keelon Russell, QB, Alabama
3.06 Beau Sparks, WR, Texas State
3.07 Mario Craver, WR, Texas A&M
3.08 T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson
3.09 Wyatt Young, WR, Oklahoma State
3.10 Jared Curtis, QB, Vanderbilt
3.11 Ousmane Kromah, RB, Florida State
3.12 CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame

Best Value: Keelon Russell, QB, Alabama

If Russell wins the starting job at Alabama, I think he could easily become a top-five pick in devy drafts next offseason. Russell only appeared in two games as a backup in 2025, but he completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns while adding 17 yards on the ground. The sample is obviously small, but the talent is not difficult to see. He has a quick release, natural arm strength, and the ability to attack every area of the field. His mobility is what really separates him because he can extend plays, create outside the pocket, and turn broken situations into explosive gains. Russell also plays with good poise and has already shown that he is willing to stand in the pocket and deliver throws under pressure. He still needs to become more consistent with his footwork and avoid relying on his athleticism when the first read is not there, but that is normal for a young quarterback. He was one of the most decorated players in the 2025 recruiting class, and if he takes control of this offense, his value could rise very quickly.

Biggest Reach: Beau Sparks, WR, Texas State

Sparks is a good college football player, but this is way too early for me in devy. I get it with C2C or CFF but not this format. Sparks is coming off a huge 2025 season in which he caught 84 passes for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming the first Texas State receiver to top 1,000 yards during the program’s FBS era. He should remain highly productive in 2026 with Brad Jackson and Chris Dawn Jr. returning in what should be one of the more explosive offenses in the country. The problem is that we are drafting him like a premium long-term asset when most of his value is tied to immediate college production. He is already an older prospect, and I am not convinced his NFL ceiling is strong enough to justify taking him this high. Sparks can absolutely help a CFF roster next season, but there are younger players with stronger devy profiles and more long-term upside still available at this point in the draft.

Most Interesting Pick: Jared Curtis, QB, Vanderbilt

I am not sure I can get behind Curtis going ahead of Keisean Henderson, but this is still one of the most interesting picks in the round. Curtis is a five-star freshman with legitimate NFL size, a strong arm, and enough mobility to add value when plays break down. He finished his high school career with more than 9,500 passing yards and 2,100 rushing yards while leading Nashville Christian to consecutive state championships. The opportunity at Vanderbilt is also interesting because Diego Pavia is gone, and Curtis enrolled early with a real chance to compete for the starting job immediately. The upside is obvious, especially in Tim Beck’s offense, but there is some risk in the profile that makes me nervous. Curtis can trust his arm too much, and there are moments where his mechanics and decision-making remind me a little bit of Dylan Raiola. That does not mean he cannot become a high-level quarterback, but I would rather take Henderson’s overall profile and situation at this point.

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

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Here are some thoughts I’ve gathered through the first couple of months of scouting.

Five Players Look Like No-Doubt First-Rounders… If You Ignore Their Positions

The top of the class isn’t full of well-known names like in past years. Guys like Joe Alt and Penei Sewell generated buzz early with elite measurables, recruiting profiles, and early-career film. The top player on my offensive tackle board heading into this year is Iowa’s Trevor Lauck, a player who ranked as the 29th-best tackle in the country as a recruit (not bad, but not an awe-inspiring five-star) and has just one year of film to suggest he’s an elite player. That one year was incredible, though. Lauck allowed just six pressures on 303 pass blocking reps in 2025, and the film matches the skill set. At 6-foot-5, Lauck has the length, mobility, and frame to be an impact player in both facets of the game. He’s an elite athlete with excellent feet on his drops, and can move upfield with pace as a run blocker, though he’s still working through some technical issues there. Lauck gets after it, consistently flashing violent hands, getting defenders to the ground, and generally being a bully.

Just behind Lauck is pass-blocking phenom Jordan Seaton, a former Colorado Buffaloes member who will join Lane Kiffin at LSU this fall. Seaton is one of the worst run blockers I’ve evaluated, and he has a significant amount of work to do on this front. He looks like a lost puppy when he’s out in space. His pass-blocking technique is among the best I’ve seen in the last three classes. With jaw-dropping movement skills, flexibility, and foot speed, Seaton is a brick wall in pass protection. His hand placement is excellent, and he anchors better than anyone in the class. His run-blocking technique is a heavy red mark on the evaluation, though, as his athleticism hasn’t translated into vision, patience, and balance when he’s pulling upfield to create lanes for his running backs. 2027 will determine Seaton’s true ceiling, as he’ll get nasty edge defenders in his chest while run blocking for Harlem Berry and company.

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

Substack is our most affordable option at just $7/month and gives you access to all of our written content.

For those who want everything in one place, the website offers three membership tiers ($8/$12/$16) and includes all written content plus exclusive tools, rankings, features, and community access.

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For C2C managers, though, this is not just a college football rule change. This is a market shift. Quarterback is the position where this could matter most because there are already players in college football who now gain an extra year of eligibility they were not originally expected to have. The biggest winners could be quarterbacks who did not redshirt early in their careers. Those players were previously on a tighter timeline. They played right away, burned a season, and were moving toward the end of their college careers. Now, under this new rule, some of those quarterbacks could stick around for an extra season.

For quarterbacks who are not locked into early-round NFL Draft status, an extra year creates real value. It gives them more time to develop, more time to produce, more time to improve their draft stock, and in today’s college football world, more time to earn money. For C2C, that changes the way we should be thinking about quarterback targets. Some players who looked like short-term college assets may now have another season of value. Some quarterbacks who felt like bridge options could turn into multi-year producers. Some older starters who were being discounted because of eligibility may suddenly deserve another look.

The old C2C quarterback stash game still matters, but this rule adds another layer. We still want young upside. We still want NFL traits. We still want rushing ability and strong offensive environments. But we also need to identify quarterbacks who may gain an extra year of production because of this rule. That is where the market may be slow to adjust.

This rule is not going to change everything overnight, but it will change how programs manage quarterback rooms and how long some productive quarterbacks stay in college football. In C2C, getting ahead of those changes is where the edge can be found. Here are the quarterbacks who benefit from this rule.

Before we get into the individual quarterback targets, the key is understanding the balance between how much college eligibility they have left and what their NFL Draft outlook actually looks like.

Not every quarterback with extra eligibility is automatically a C2C value. Some players may leave early if they push into the NFL Draft conversation. Others may stay in school longer than the market currently expects, and that is where the edge starts to show up.

That is the bet with this group.

If a quarterback has two, three, or even four years of possible eligibility remaining and he is not viewed as a locked-in early NFL Draft pick, there is real hidden value. He could give you more college production than managers are pricing in right now. He could earn more NIL money, develop longer, improve his draft stock, and stay fantasy-relevant in C2C leagues for multiple seasons.

That is why these quarterbacks may need to be valued differently than they currently are. The market can be slow to adjust to rule changes, especially when managers are still thinking through the old eligibility model. If some of these quarterbacks stay in school longer than expected, they become more than short-term college assets. They become multi-year production bets with room to grow. That is the edge we are trying to find here.

CJ Bailey, NC State

Eligibility outlook: 3 more years

CJ Bailey is one of the more interesting names in this group because he is already getting some NFL Draft buzz, but under this new rule, he could still be an NCAA play for the next three seasons.

That matters in C2C. Bailey is the type of quarterback who gains value because he gives you both paths. If he stays in school, you could be looking at a stable multi-year college fantasy asset. If he hits his ceiling, then you are probably looking at a future first-round NFL Draft pick. That is the type of profile I want to be early on, especially if the market is not fully pricing in the extra eligibility piece yet.

The production is already there. Bailey threw for 3,105 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions as a sophomore while completing 68.8% of his passes. He had multiple passing touchdowns in nine games and added six rushing scores. He is not just a statue either. At 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, Bailey has enough mobility to matter, and through two seasons at NC State, he is already closing in on 500 career rushing yards with 11 touchdowns on the ground.

The full profile is strong. Through two years with the Wolfpack, Bailey has 5,519 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. He finished 2025 with a 79.4 QBR, 11.4 yards per completion, 377 non-sack rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns. That is a pretty solid foundation for a quarterback who could still have three seasons left in college football.

It has not been perfect, though. The Notre Dame and Miami games showed the downside. Those were the two best defenses he faced, and he struggled badly, throwing five interceptions while NC State generated only 14 total points across those matchups. That is the part of the evaluation that keeps him from being a clean prospect right now.

But the highs are real. Bailey torched Virginia and Wake Forest, and he had seven games with a QBR of 86.0 or higher. When he is comfortable, he looks like one of the more exciting quarterbacks in college football. The size, production, efficiency, and rushing touchdown equity all give him a real ceiling. For C2C, that is why Bailey is such an important target to talk through. He is not just a one-year rental. He is not just a future NFL bet. He might be both. If he takes another step in 2026, the NFL conversation gets louder. If he stays in school longer than expected, you could be holding a quarterback with multiple years of strong college production. That is where the value is. Bailey has enough NFL upside to keep his market insulated, but enough remaining eligibility to give C2C managers a longer runway than they may realize.

Demond Williams, Washington

Eligibility outlook: 3 more years

Demond Williams is the exact type of quarterback this rule could make more valuable in C2C. Is he an NFL quarterback? I have my doubts. At his size, even if he believes he is, I am not sure the NFL is going to view him that way. That matters when we talk about long-term value, but it also creates the C2C angle. If Williams is not a clean NFL projection, then why are we assuming he leaves early? Why are we not treating him like a potential three-year college fantasy weapon?

That is where the value is. Williams is an elite college quarterback. He brings a level of speed and rushing upside that can swing matchups, and his 2025 production showed exactly why he matters in this format. He threw for 3,065 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while completing 69.5% of his passes. He also added 818 non-sack rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. That is not just useful production. That is the type of dual-threat profile that can anchor a C2C lineup.

Now, there are concerns. Williams still has to prove he can win the big games and play cleaner against top defenses. Washington was excellent when things were rolling, averaging 45.1 points per game in its nine wins, but the offense completely disappeared against the best defenses on the schedule. Against Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Oregon, Washington averaged just 9.3 points per game and went 0-4. That is the next step for him. The transfer portal situation also adds a little weirdness to the profile. Briefly entering the portal after what was described as “really bad advice” is not nothing. He will have to win the locker room back and show he is fully bought in. For a quarterback who relies so much on confidence, rhythm, and leadership, that part matters.

Still, for C2C, I am willing to bet on the college production. Williams may not be the clean NFL bet that some managers want, but he might not need to be. If he stays in school for multiple seasons, he could be one of the better college fantasy quarterbacks in the country. The rushing floor is real. The passing production is already good. The ceiling is there if he improves against better defenses. That is the edge with Williams. The NFL might discount him. C2C managers should not. If he is going to be an elite college quarterback for the next few seasons, then he needs to be valued like one.

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

Substack is our most affordable option at just $7/month and gives you access to all of our written content.

For those who want everything in one place, the website offers three membership tiers ($8/$12/$16) and includes all written content plus exclusive tools, rankings, features, and community access.

However you choose to support us, we truly appreciate you being part of what we’re building and trusting us to help you win.

The Devy Royale Website

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For this article, we are going position by position and looking at one player at each spot who is entering a defining dynasty season. These are not automatic sells. They are not all bad players. Some are still young. Some have flashed. Some still have a clear path to becoming useful dynasty pieces. The problem is that their value windows are starting to tighten.

At quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end, there are players who need 2026 to answer a real question. If they hit, the market could come back quickly. If they disappoint again, dynasty managers may not get another clean exit window. The clock is ticking.

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

TDR Ranking: QB24
KTC Ranking: QB23

Picking one quarterback was tough for this exercise. There are plenty of names that could qualify here. Cam Ward, Tyler Shough, Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, and Michael Penix Jr. all have some level of pressure attached to this season.

For me, though, the pick is Bryce Young. The Panthers picked up Young’s fifth-year option, so this is not a situation where Carolina is completely out on him. He is still under contract through 2027. But that does not mean his dynasty value is safe. This still feels like a crossroads season for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Young has taken small steps forward during his time as the starter, but the problem is that the steps have not been big enough. Last season, he set career highs in passing yards, touchdown passes, and completion percentage. He also posted the lowest sack rate of his career. That all sounds good on the surface.

The issue is the overall production still has not been enough. Young averaged just 188.2 passing yards per game and 6.3 yards per attempt last season. There were also games where it felt like Dave Canales was trying to protect him and keep the offense from putting too much on his plate. Young attempted 25 or fewer passes in half of his starts, which tells you a lot about where this offense was.

That has carried over to fantasy. Young has finished as the QB29, QB24, and QB25 in fantasy points per game across his first three seasons. There have been flashes, and there are moments where you still see why he went first overall. He can create outside of structure, he can move around, and when things break down, he still has some of that playmaking ability that made him such a good prospect.

But we are doing a lot of heavy lifting to paint the optimistic picture. At some point, the production has to match the excuses. Young is still young. He turns 25 in July. Carolina has not exactly given him elite supporting casts during his career. The offensive environment has been inconsistent. All of that matters.

The problem is that the numbers we care about still do not paint a great picture. His passing success rate, yards per attempt, yards per game, touchdown rate, passer rating, and sack rate all sit near the bottom when compared to quarterbacks with similar early-career starting experience since 2000. That is hard to ignore.

This is why 2026 matters so much. Carolina’s offense should be better around him. Tetairoa McMillan already looks like a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver after a strong rookie season. Jalen Coker showed some flashes when healthy. Chris Brazzell gives them another vertical element. The wide receiver room is not elite, but it is better than what Young has had in previous seasons.

There are still concerns, though. The tight end room does not really move the needle, and the offensive line has some real questions. Ikem Ekwonu’s injury is a big deal, and the Panthers are going to have to figure out the left tackle spot. For a quarterback who has already had issues with pressure and consistency, that matters. The offensive structure is also a concern for fantasy. Canales and Brad Idzik are back, but the results have not been good enough. Carolina has been near the bottom of the league in total offense and scoring the last two seasons, and last year they leaned more run-heavy. Unless Young forces this offense to open up, I do not know if the volume is going to be there for a real fantasy ceiling.

That leaves Young in a weird spot. There is still a path to a solid QB2 season. The weapons are better. He can give you some modest rushing production. If the efficiency finally takes a jump, he could stabilize his value and remind people why he was once viewed as a cornerstone dynasty asset.

But the downside is pretty clear too. We have already seen Young get benched once in his career. If he struggles again this season, I do not know how patient Carolina will be. The fifth-year option gives him time on paper, but another middling season would make it hard for dynasty managers to keep treating him like a long-term starter.

That is why the clock is ticking. Young does not have to become an elite fantasy quarterback overnight, but he does need to show he is more than a low-end QB2 who needs everything around him to be perfect. If he takes a real step, there is still value to be gained. If he gives us another season of modest production, limited ceiling, and shaky efficiency, the market may finally stop waiting.

Dynasty League Trades 12 Team/SF TE Premium

• Bryce Young FOR Ted Hurst/Matthew Stafford

• Bryce Young FOR 2027 1st

• Bryce Young FOR Parker Washington/2027 2nd

• Bryce Young FOR DJ Moore

• Bryce Young FOR 2027 2nd

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At The Devy Royale, most of our work is usually centered around devy, C2C, dynasty, and NFL Draft value. This format is different. CFF Underdog best ball is not about ranking the best long-term assets. It is not about building the cleanest devy portfolio. It is about weekly scoring, roster construction, spike weeks, and understanding where the market is leaving value.

The full rankings are now live on The Devy Royale website, but I wanted to use this article to talk through some of my favorite values in drafts right now.

The Devy Royale

The format matters. These are 20-round drafts with a starting lineup of 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX, 1 Superflex, and 12 bench spots. The scoring is built around fantasy production: 0.5 points per reception, 1 point per 10 rushing or receiving yards, 1 point per 25 passing yards, 4 points for passing touchdowns, 6 points for rushing or receiving touchdowns, -1 for interceptions, -2 for lost fumbles, and 2 points for two-point conversions. The contest also uses a playoff-style structure, with Week 1-11 as Round 1, then Week 12, Week 13, and Week 14 as advancing rounds.

That changes the way we should draft.

Quarterbacks matter more because of the Superflex spot. In most weeks, you want a quarterback in that spot if you can get one. That does not mean we should blindly push every quarterback up the board, though. The room can still over-draft the position. If a quarterback lacks rushing upside, has job security questions, or is priced near his ceiling, I am fine letting someone else take that risk.

Running backs still matter because volume dries up quickly. Wide receivers need either target volume or explosive weekly upside. Tight end is thin, but that does not mean every early tight end is worth chasing. Best ball also changes how we look at volatility. Since the format automatically uses your highest-scoring players each week, spike weeks become more valuable than they would be in a managed lineup league.

Here are some of my current values in Underdog drafts right now!

Quarterback

Auburn QB Byrum Brown

TDR CFF Ranking: Overall 79, QB19

Byrum Brown is one of my favorite quarterback values because this format rewards exactly what he brings to the table. He enters his final season with 7,690 passing yards and 2,265 rushing yards in his college career. He has already reached 3,000 passing yards twice, and last season he rushed for over 1,000 yards. That matters in a Superflex best ball format. Brown does not need Auburn to be a great team. He just needs this offense to run through him, and that is exactly what should happen.

The Auburn offense is going to look different under Alex Golesh. This thing is going to play fast, create volume, and put Brown in position to produce every week. Golesh brought over several players from last year’s USF offense, including multiple receivers Brown already has timing with. That matters. Brown knows the system, he can handle the tempo, and he gives you rushing production that can separate in this format. At QB19 in our rankings, he is a player I want to be ahead of the market on.

Alabama QB Keelon Russell

TDR CFF Ranking: Overall 129, QB31

Keelon Russell is one of my favorite picks in these drafts because he has true league-winning upside if he wins the Alabama starting job. That is the bet. You are not drafting him because he is safe today. You are drafting him because if he beats out Austin Mack, his price is going to look ridiculous. Russell was a five-star recruit, redshirted behind Ty Simpson, and then gave everyone a reminder of the talent during the spring game.

The spring game buzz matters because the ceiling is obvious. Russell threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns, and Alabama’s offense looked different when he was out there. The arm talent, timing, and playmaking ability are all there. He still has to win the job, so there is risk. But in a 20-round best ball draft, especially with a Superflex spot, this is the kind of quarterback swing I want to make. If Russell starts, he is not going to be priced like QB31 for long.

Cincinnati QB JC French

TDR CFF Ranking: Overall 240, QB53

JC French is the deep quarterback dart I do not mind taking late. He is not a flashy name, and he is probably not going to be pushed up draft boards like some of the bigger Power Four quarterbacks. That is fine. He has real experience, he has produced before, and he brings enough rushing ability to matter in this format. At Georgia Southern, he threw for 5,882 yards and 38 touchdowns, and last season he added 315 rushing yards with six rushing scores.

That is what makes him interesting as a late best ball pick. French is expected to be right in the mix to start at Cincinnati, and if he wins the job, you are getting a starting quarterback at a dirt-cheap cost. He is more floor than ceiling as a passer, but the rushing touchdowns give him a path to usable weeks. In Superflex, those late starting quarterbacks matter. He is not someone you need to force, but at QB53 in our rankings, he is the kind of late shot that can help fill out a quarterback room.

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If you missed the first piece in this series, go check out our Power Four article where we looked at the players already on the biggest stages who can still change the shape of the 2027 NFL Draft class.

Now we are shifting to the G6 and Independent ranks. This is where the conversation gets even more interesting. These players are not always getting the same early draft buzz. They are not always playing in the games everyone is watching. Some are dominant producers at smaller programs. Some are transfers who need one more jump. Some have traits that pop off the screen. Some just need the right moment, the right matchup, or the right all-star week to force scouts back to the tape.

That is where these draft conversations get fun. The NFL Draft is never just about who is ranked highest two years out. It is about who takes the next step, who proves the production is real, who shows the traits translate, and who makes the level-of-competition conversation less important. For devy managers, C2C players, and early rookie-draft sickos, this is where you can find value before the market catches up.

They may not all become top-50 picks. That is not the point. The point is finding the players who can rise before everyone else starts talking about them. The names who can go from “productive college player” to “real draft prospect” in one season. Those are the players we are chasing here.

Pac-12

Fresno State RB Bryson Donelson (5’11”, 205 lbs)

Bryson Donelson is an interesting name for this part of the series because the buzz was actually louder at this time last year. He was coming off a strong freshman finish, earned Doak Walker watch list attention, and looked like he had a path to becoming Fresno State’s bell cow. The full breakout did not happen in 2025, but that does not mean the profile is dead. Donelson started all 13 games, finished as Fresno State’s second-leading rusher with 600 yards and five touchdowns on 140 carries, and added 17 receptions for 107 yards. He also gave Fresno State its only 100-yard rushing performance of the season, going for 167 yards on 23 carries against Georgia Southern.

The reason he still belongs here is because the traits are easy to understand. At 5’11”, 205 pounds, Donelson has a dense frame, good contact balance, and enough burst to create chunk plays when he gets a crease. He runs with a low center of gravity, can bounce off arm tackles, and has shown he can handle work in both the run game and passing game. Through his first two seasons, he has already caught 38 passes, which gives him more three-down appeal than some backs in this range. He is not just a grinder. There is some receiving value and enough home-run ability to keep him interesting.

The concern is that the role is not guaranteed. Fresno State still has Rayshon “Speedy” Luke and Brandon Ramirez back, and the Bulldogs added Bucknell transfer Tariq Thomas to the room. Julius Gillick could also work his way into the mix. Last year, Donelson looked like the clear bet to lead the backfield, then the season turned into more of a committee. He had more than 10 carries only six times and finished under 10 carries in most games. That is the uphill battle. He has the build and skill set to matter, but he has to carve out a bigger piece of the offense.

For Donelson to become a real 2027 NFL Draft riser, the efficiency has to match the opportunity. The contact balance, pass-catching ability, and physical running style are all there, but he has to be more consistent down to down and clean up the ball-security concerns after four fumbles across his first two seasons. If he wins a bigger role in Fresno State’s offense and looks more like the back people expected heading into last season, he becomes a name worth tracking. He is not a top-of-the-class back right now, but he is exactly the type of G6 player who can work his way back into the conversation with one strong year.

Texas State DT Phillip Bradford (6’6”, 308 lbs)

Phillip Bradford is the type of G6/Independent name that makes this article fun because the production is already sitting there. He is coming from McNeese State, so the level-of-competition question is going to be part of the conversation, but 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 12 games will get your attention. Bradford played in all 12 games last season, finished with 40 tackles, added two interceptions, three pass breakups, five quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery. That is a lot of activity for a defensive lineman.

The frame is what makes the profile even more interesting. At 6’6”, 308 pounds, Bradford has real size and length to work with. He is not just some undersized FCS producer trying to survive up a level. He has the body type to play multiple spots across the defensive front, whether Texas State wants to use him as a bigger defensive end, kick him inside, or let him attack as a pass-rush piece on certain downs. The pass disruption also matters. Two interceptions and three pass breakups from a defensive lineman tells you he is not just winning one way. He can get into throwing lanes and make life difficult for quarterbacks even when he does not get home.

The fit at Texas State makes sense too. The Bobcats need pass rushers, and Bradford followed defensive line coach Tony Gistorb to the program. That matters when you are talking about a transfer making the jump. He is not walking into a completely foreign situation. There is familiarity with the coach, familiarity with the expectations, and a real path to compete for snaps right away. For a player trying to become a 2027 NFL Draft riser, that opportunity is everything.

The question is whether the production translates. Bradford was a monster at McNeese, but now he has to prove he can hold up against better offensive lines and still create disruption. If he wins a starting job and brings that backfield production with him to Texas State, the conversation can change quickly. Size, length, versatility, and production are a good place to start. He is not a household name right now, but he has the kind of profile that can go from transfer addition to real draft sleeper if the pass-rush juice shows up in 2026.

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Christian and I walk through our personal rankings from 10 to 1, comparing where we agree, where we differ, and which receivers have the clearest paths to gaining value. At the top, Jeremiah Smith sits as the clear headliner and one of the best overall prospects in the entire 2027 class. Behind him, names like Cam Coleman, Bryant Wesco, Wyatt Young, Duce Robinson, Nick Marsh, Ryan Wingo, Mario Craver, Omarion Miller, KJ Duff, Charlie Becker, and Ryan Coleman-Williams all bring different profiles to the table.

Some of these receivers offer elite size, athleticism, and true WR1 upside. Others bring production, contested-catch ability, vertical juice, route-running development, or breakout potential that makes them worth tracking closely before the market fully adjusts. That is what makes this group fun. It is not just one type of receiver. There are alpha X profiles, power slot options, explosive vertical threats, and productive players who still have room to rise.

This episode is not just about ranking wide receivers. It is about understanding the profiles. We discuss each player’s strengths, concerns, statistical context, devy value, and what they need to prove this season to move up the board. Whether you are trying to get ahead in devy drafts, C2C leagues, dynasty rookie prep, or just want to know which pass catchers could be next, this is the starting point for the 2027 wide receiver conversation.

If you want to go even deeper, everything we do lives on the site: rankings, ADP, tools, guides, articles, and much more at The Devy Royale. That’s the full TDR ecosystem.

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This is only Episode 5. We’re just getting started. If you want to watch the full episode, you can find the video below. Let us know your biggest takeaway from the show.

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QB: Noah Fifita, Arizona

Fifita is in that rare spot where people almost overlook him because he’s already been around long enough to not feel new anymore. But I don’t really care about that narrative, because when I go back and look at what he’s actually done, it’s hard to ignore the production and control he’s brought to Arizona’s offense.

He’s entering his fourth season with the program and his third as the starter, and over that time he’s thrown for over 9,000 yards with 73 touchdowns to just 24 interceptions. What stands out more to me than the numbers is how much he’s shaped what Arizona is now. This is a program that was struggling badly before he took over, coming off a 1–11 season in 2021 and a 0–5 season in 2020, and since he’s been the guy they’ve had multiple 9+ win seasons, bowl appearances, and consistent AP Poll relevance. Even in 2025, he put together a strong year with over 3,200 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions while leading them to a 9–4 record.

To me, that important because I don’t see a quarterback guessing anymore. I see a quarterback who already is the system, and that stability tends to translate more consistently than people want to admit.

QB: Jaylen Raynor, Iowa State

Raynor is one of those transfers that people already want to write off before anything even happens, and I think that’s exactly where the opportunity is.

When I go back and look at his Arkansas State production, it’s not just he started games. He was the whole offense. He led the Sun Belt in completions with 333, had 501 pass attempts, over 3,300 passing yards, and added 423 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns on the ground.

He was also operating in a situation where he had to do everything: high volume passing, rushing production, and basically carrying the structure of the unit.

Now he moves into Iowa State, and the transition is made easier because his offensive coordinator from Arkansas State, Keith Heckendorf, is also in the building as quarterbacks coach. That more of a positive than people realize because it keeps the language and system familiar.

People are looking at the transfer and assuming failure because of the jump in competition and an unproven supporting cast. I’m looking at a quarterback who already proved he can handle volume and function as the entire offense, now stepping into a system that at least gives him continuity.

Dear Readers,

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June is always an interesting trading stretch because managers are positioning themselves before training camp narratives fully take over. Some players are being bought before their role becomes obvious. Others are being sold before uncertainty becomes a bigger problem. This is where the market starts to show us which players managers are chasing, which ones they are nervous about, and where value may be moving before the season gets closer.

As always, we’re tapping into real deals from FantasyCalc to see what’s actually happening in your leagues, not just what people are saying on the timeline. Let’s dive into the five most moved assets in June and what their trade volume tells us about the current dynasty market.

How to Use This Article

This isn’t a buy/sell list.

It’s a market map.

As you read through each player, ask:

• Am I holding this asset or chasing it?

• Does this player give me flexibility in future trades?

• Is this a consolidation piece or a piece I should consolidate out of?

Because dynasty isn’t about being right once. It’s about staying liquid, leveraged, and in control long enough to win repeatedly.

Rome Odunze — WR, Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze is an interesting name because it feels like the market has almost moved past him a little too quickly. He is not the shiny new piece in Chicago anymore. Colston Loveland and Luther Burden are getting a lot of the buzz, Caleb Williams is entering another year in Ben Johnson’s offense, and the Bears suddenly have a lot of mouths to feed. That is all fair. The target competition is real, and Odunze is probably not walking into a true alpha target share. Still, we cannot forget what we saw early last season. Before the offense shifted and the injuries started piling up, Odunze looked like he was on the verge of a real breakout. He was earning targets, winning in the red zone, and flashing the type of high-value usage we want to see from young dynasty wide receivers.

That is what makes him a sneaky buy depending on the market. He is not my favorite Bears pass catcher at cost if everyone is pricing him like a locked-in difference-maker, but if managers are more excited about Burden and Loveland, this is where I am interested. Odunze is still tied to Caleb Williams, still has touchdown upside, and still showed he can be a major part of this offense when things are clicking. DJ Moore’s departure also leaves behind real volume and touchdown opportunities, so there is a path for Odunze to matter even in a crowded offense. He may not be the cleanest buy, but he is the type of player I want to check in on before training camp pushes the market one way or the other.

Dynasty Trades - 12 Team SF/TE Premium

• Rome Odunze FOR Ladd McConkey

• Rome Odunze FOR Bhayshul Tuten/2027 2nd

• Rome Odunze FOR Chig Okonkwo

• Rome Odunze FOR Zay Flowers

• Rome Odunze FOR Josh Downs/Nick Singleton

• Rome Odunze/2027 2nd FOR Jaylen Waddle

• Rome Odunze/1.04 FOR 1.01

• Rome Odunze FOR Sam LaPorta

• Rome Odunze/DeVonta Smith FOR Justin Jefferson

• Rome Odunze FOR 2027 Late 1st

Jonathan Brooks — RB, Carolina Panthers

Dear Readers,

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I get why people say it. Nobody wants to be the manager who sells off every future pick, gets bounced in the semifinals, and spends the next two years trying to recover. Dynasty is not redraft. Future value matters. Roster insulation matters. You cannot just light your future on fire for one shot at a title. I just do not think the idea of pushing in is bad advice by itself.

The problem is not going all in. The problem is going all in blindly. There is a difference between being aggressive and being reckless. A contender using future value to add real difference-makers is not bad process. A fringe playoff team trading premium picks for aging players with no exit plan is where things go wrong. Dynasty managers have become so focused on protecting future value that sometimes they forget the whole point is still to win championships. Picks are valuable. Young players are valuable. Long-term flexibility matters. At some point, though, value has to turn into points, playoff wins, and titles. That is where this conversation gets interesting, especially with the 2027 class already carrying real value in dynasty markets. So let’s rtalk about how to go all in this year the right way.

What “All In” Actually Means

The phrase “all in” gets thrown around too loosely in dynasty. For some managers, all in means selling every future pick for older players and hoping the season breaks perfectly. That is not the type of move I am talking about. That is how you get stuck with an aging roster, no flexibility, and no way to recover if the year goes sideways.

A bad all-in move usually looks the same. You are buying aging players with limited market insulation. You are emptying out future picks. You are adding points, but not value. There is no exit plan if the player gets hurt, loses role, or your team falls short. Even worse, a lot of these moves are made by teams that are barely playoff teams pretending to be real contenders.

That is where dynasty managers get burned. A good all-in move is different. It is buying players who help your lineup now, but still hold value later. It is targeting assets that can be flipped again if needed. It is understanding your actual title window and making moves that fit that window. It is using future picks as currency, not collectibles. Aggressive is not the same thing as reckless. Knowing what to buy, when to buy, and how much to pay is the key. That is where this conversation matters. It is also where people like me try to help dynasty managers. The answer is not always “hold your picks forever.” It is figuring out which assets are worth moving, which players still have insulation, and which moves give you a real chance to win without completely closing every door behind you.

Why 2027 Picks Make This Conversation Different

Dear Readers,

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He was dominant. Now, he heads to Oklahoma State with his former teammate and coach (Drew Mestemaker and Eric Morris), hoping to build on his dominance. Only this time, he’ll be playing at the Power-4 level, working against a stronger collection of defensive backs, and testing his ability to impact the ceiling of the Cowboys’ offense.

I think he’s a borderline first-round pick with an elite array of skills that translate perfectly to today’s NFL. Here’s why.

Superpower: Creating Yards

While Young is an excellent route runner, has a great feel for zone coverage, and has strong, attacking hands, his No. 1 superpower is creating after the catch. His feel for leverage when tacklers are oncoming is that of some of the NFL’s best wideouts. Subtle movements put defenders in the blender, and his explosive lateral agility makes him more than just a one-trick pony as a yards-creator.

Catching this ball over the middle is impressive enough, but his spatial awareness in setting up the juke to get to the outside is special. He’s constantly pressing defenders one way before exploding in the opposite direction.

This is a much more subtle example, but it’s skillful, nonetheless. Angling his shoulders to the inside keeps the defender from attacking the sideline, and a short burst puts him in the end zone. This play results in a tackle short of the goal line for many wideouts, but Young has an excellent feel for where he is on the field. He often moves like a running back with the ball in his hands, which isn’t shocking considering how he was utilized in high school (he totaled just over 800 receiving yards, but had more than 2000 rushing yards).

While this play shows off his feel for finding the gaps in zone coverage, it also displays his high IQ. Most players turn vertically upfield, giving the safety an angle and bringing the player down for maybe five or six extra yards. Young seemingly understands where the safety help is coming from here and begins darting at a 45-degree angle toward the sideline into open space. He breaks the tackle from the safety and gains an additional 12 yards after that. Creating yards is a skill, and Young is one of the best in the country at it.

Kryptonite: Physicality

Young spent the majority of his time as a slot receiver in 2025, largely due to the scheme. Still, at 6’0 and 195 pounds, some of his reps against cornerbacks with strong upper bodies were concerning. Too often, Young is just off balance enough to get pushed off his stem, and all it takes is a zone chuck to get him on the ground. While there were times he kept his footing, those reps were essentially pointless because his lack of strength threw off the play's timing.

On top of that problem, Young just didn’t see much press-man coverage in 2025. The most interesting part of his evaluation is that he’s actually quite efficient against press when he sees it, provided he can use his footwork to get around and stack the cornerback. As soon as hands are on him, he starts having the same problems he does when hands are on him downfield. However, there’s enough to work with against press to feel optimistic about his continued development. He’s not a small slot receiver with no shot to dominate from the outside, though his skill set is probably still best used out of slot alignments.

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

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Taylor is not a polished devy darling yet. He is not some clean, finished quarterback prospect where everything is easy to project. The passing profile still needs work. Mississippi State is not exactly a plug-and-play fantasy factory. The environment matters. The development matters. The reps matter.

I get all of that. Still, every time I look at this profile, I come away more interested.

Then I listened to the recent Cover 3 Summer School episode, and a Mississippi State beat reporter said Taylor might be the best quarterback prospect he has seen at State since the 1970s. Man. Now I am frothing at the mouth. That is the kind of quote that makes you go back to the profile and ask, “Are we paying enough attention here?”

At 6’4”, 230 pounds with legitimate rushing ability, Taylor has the kind of fantasy-friendly quarterback profile that can move fast in devy. He is big, athletic, and already showed he can be a factor with his legs. The passing still has to catch up, but that is the bet. You are not buying the finished product. You are buying the tools before everyone else feels comfortable doing it.

Background/Profile

This was not some random developmental quarterback Mississippi State took a swing on. Kamario Taylor was a big deal coming out of Noxubee County High School in Macon, Mississippi. He was a consensus four-star recruit, ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, and came to Mississippi State as the highest-rated quarterback recruit in program history. Depending on the service, he was viewed as a top-10 quarterback in the country and one of the best players in the state.

That matters when we talk about the profile. Taylor was not just an athlete playing quarterback. He was productive, accomplished, and battle-tested. He led Noxubee County to three straight Mississippi 3A state championship appearances and won Mississippi 3A Mr. Football in 2024. As a senior, he threw for 2,908 yards with 40 touchdowns and only six interceptions, while adding 1,205 rushing yards and 16 more scores on the ground.

That is the part that gets me interested. The rushing ability was always there. Taylor finished his high school career as one of the more accomplished running quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle. He was powerful, athletic, and hard to deal with in space. He also had the multi-sport background you like to see. Basketball, baseball, track and field, and a spot on 247Sports’ Freaks List.

That is not nothing. The bigger development, though, came as a passer. Taylor started to look more comfortable playing from the pocket, getting the ball out quicker, and showing he could be more than just a big quarterback who could run. That is where the devy angle starts to form. Mississippi State did not just land a fun in-state athlete. They landed a 6’4”, 230-pound quarterback with production, pedigree, rushing upside, and enough passing growth to dream on.

2025 Production Snapshot

Taylor was not the guy right away. Blake Shapen was still the starter for Mississippi State in 2025, and that mattered. Taylor was a true freshman quarterback playing behind a veteran in Jeff Lebby’s offense. Still, he was not buried on the bench. He played in 11 games, started the Egg Bowl and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and gave Mississippi State a real look at what the offense could become once the keys were fully handed over.

The passing production was limited, but the flashes were there. Taylor finished the year completing 55.8% of his passes for 629 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Those numbers are not going to blow anyone away. The efficiency was solid, the turnover number was encouraging, but the consistency still has to come along.

The rushing profile is why we care. Taylor added 458 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. That is the fantasy angle. Eight rushing touchdowns as a freshman quarterback in the SEC is not something I am brushing off. He was not just scrambling when things broke down. Mississippi State used him as a real rushing threat, and he showed he could handle that part of the offense.

The Egg Bowl was the perfect example of the entire profile. The passing was not clean. He completed less than half of his throws, and you could see the areas that still need work. Then he ran 20 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns. That is the push and pull with Taylor right now. The passing game is still developing, but the rushing ability gives him a path to matter immediately.

The end of the season got scary when he was carted off late in the bowl game against Wake Forest with a lower-leg injury. Taylor later had an ankle procedure, but he said it was more about lingering wear and tear than just that one hit. The important part is that he was a full participant in spring practice. That keeps the confidence level high.

Taylor does not have to be a finished product yet. He just has to keep stacking reps. The 2025 season showed the blueprint. If the passing consistency takes even a modest step, the rushing production gives him a real chance to become one of the more interesting fantasy-friendly quarterbacks in the SEC.

What Pops on Tape

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But the question I always find myself asking is: who can accelerate that timeline?

College football moves faster than ever. The days of every freshman sitting for a year before seeing meaningful snaps are mostly gone. If a player is talented enough and the situation is right, coaches are going to find ways to get them on the field.

That is what I wanted to focus on with this article. I’m not looking at this group as unknown sleepers. Several of these players are some of the highest rated prospects in the 2026 class. The talent is already known. What I’m looking at is the combination of talent, opportunity, coaching fit, and depth chart situation to identify the freshmen who could force their way into starting roles by the middle of the season. The biggest jumps in value happen when potential finally turns into production. These are the freshmen I believe have the best chance to make that jump in 2026.

Derek Garcia | QB | UNLV

When I look at freshman quarterbacks who could make an early impact, one of the biggest things I consider is coaching fit. That is why Derek Garcia is one of my favorite quarterback bets in this class.

Barry Odom’s best offenses have usually featured quarterbacks who make defenses defend all 11 players. At Florida, Tim Tebow became the first player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in the same season. At Mississippi State, Dak Prescott finished his career with 9,376 passing yards, 70 passing touchdowns, 2,521 rushing yards, and 41 rushing touchdowns.

Odom does not need a quarterback who simply distributes the football. He needs someone who can read the defense, threaten the run, make the routine throws, and punish defenses when they overcommit. He needs a quarterback who makes the run game better and makes the passing game more dangerous. That is why Garcia is so interesting.

UNLV has veteran quarterbacks in the room, but I don’t believe there is a long term answer established. That creates the opportunity Garcia needs. Garcia is listed at 6 foot 4 and 195 pounds and was a unanimous three star quarterback out of Ventura High School in California. He chose UNLV over programs like Arkansas, Cal, Kansas, Minnesota, and Syracuse while leading Ventura to its first CIF Division 3-AA state championship game appearance.

That is a big recruiting win for Barry Odom and his staff. But what really caught my attention was what the coaching staff said about Garcia during spring practice. Odom called Garcia “an anomaly,” explaining that he might only complete around 30% of his throws in controlled situations, but once a defense is involved, he looks completely different. Some quarterbacks look incredible in drills and then struggle once the game speeds up. Garcia appears to be the opposite. When defenders are moving, coverage is changing, and plays break down, his instincts show up.

The biggest obstacle for Garcia is the players ahead of him. Experience matters, and those quarterbacks have earned the right to start the season. But they also have questions. If UNLV gets into the middle of the season and the offense needs a spark, I think Garcia becomes extremely difficult to keep off the field.

My prediction is Garcia doesn’t necessarily win the job in August, but once UNLV gets into the heart of the season and needs to find its future, his talent becomes too difficult to ignore. I believe Garcia takes over by midseason and never looks back.

Dear Readers,

If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.

Substack is our most affordable option at just $7/month and gives you access to all of our written content.

For those who want everything in one place, the website offers three membership tiers ($8/$12/$16) and includes all written content plus exclusive tools, rankings, features, and community access.

However you choose to support us, we truly appreciate you being part of what we’re building and trusting us to help you win.

The Devy Royale Website

Subscribe now

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