Startup Season: Breaking Down Our Combined Dynasty and Devy Draft

Kevin takes a Round-by-Round Look at How We Balanced Long-Term Potential with Immediate Production

Startup season is in full swing, and one of the more unique formats gaining traction is the combined dynasty/devy draft. For this mock, we put together a 12-team Superflex league with 1.75 TE premium scoring, drafting across 15 total rounds. Managers could select any eligible dynasty or devy asset currently in college, creating a true blend of present-day producers and future upside.

The goal here is simple: get a clearer picture of real market ADP when both dynasty and devy players are on the board. It’s a great exercise in value assessment—where do top devy names slot in against established NFL talent? How do you structure a competitive roster when you're building for now and later? This draft gives us insight into both draft strategy and market sentiment in one of the more forward-thinking formats out there.

1st-3rd Round Takeaways

Dynasty Perspective

There wasn’t much deviation from standard dynasty startup trends in the early rounds most of the top-tier NFL assets came off the board as expected. The biggest outlier? Travis Hunter going in the third round. That’s the earliest I’ve seen him go, essentially slotting him around WR13 in this format.

Now, we all know the Jaguars are venturing into unknown territory with how they'll deploy him. But based on current intel, the expectation is that Hunter plays a near full-time role at wide receiver alongside Brian Thomas Jr., who’s coming off a massive rookie year (87-1,282-10). If Trevor Lawrence rebounds under Liam Coen, the setup is there for Hunter to hit.

From a talent standpoint, the tape speaks for itself elite hands, burst, and contested catch ability. The production is already there. But we haven’t seen anyone successfully pull off the two-way role at the NFL level, and until we get clarity on his usage, taking him in the third is a high-risk, high-reward move.

Devy Perspective

3.01 – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (WR10 Overall)

The only devy player selected in the top three rounds was Jeremiah Smith and yes, that was my pick. I get that it’s early, but the talent is just too hard to pass up.

Smith’s freshman campaign at Ohio State was nothing short of historic: 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns with a gaudy 17.3 yards per catch. He broke records previously held by none other than Cris Carter. His blend of physicality, polish, and route running at just 19 years old has NFL execs buzzing.

There’s already chatter in front office circles labeling him a "generational" talent, and if he were draft-eligible today, he likely wouldn’t fall out of the top five picks. In a combined draft like this, that type of long-term upside is worth betting on early especially when the profile is this complete.

4th-6th Round Takeaways

Dynasty Perspective

This is where the running back board started to shift. In these rounds, you see that second tier of backs come off, and if you waited on RB through the first three rounds, this is where you’re likely landing your RB1 or a high-end RB2. Some of the notable names taken in this range include:
Quinshon Judkins, Breece Hall, TreVeyon Henderson (4th), Bucky Irving, James Cook, Jonathan Taylor, Kyren Williams (5th), Josh Jacobs, Ken Walker, Chase Brown (6th).

One name that really stood out here was Ken Walker. He quietly finished as the RB12 in fantasy points per game last season despite battling injuries. New Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak has already said they plan to lean heavily on Walker in his zone-based scheme, and he made it clear they’ll look to get him involved in the passing game as well.

On top of that, he led the NFL in missed tackles forced per attempt and finished top ten in yards after contact per attempt. If he stays healthy and this Seattle offense clicks, he has legit top-five upside at the position. He could be a league-winner in this range or at the very least allows you flexibility in building a dynasty roster.

Devy Perspective

4.01 – Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama (WR15 overall)
Williams burst onto the scene as a true freshman and looked like the next elite Alabama wideout. He led the team in receiving yards (857) and touchdowns (8) and finished sixth in the SEC in both receiving yards and yards per reception (19.0). He was also one of just five finalists for the Alexander Award, which recognizes the top freshman in the country. His early production, explosiveness, and vertical ability make him a strong WR1 candidate in devy formats.

4.08 – Arch Manning, QB, Texas (QB17 overall)
Arch is finally getting his shot as the full-time starter at Texas, and the hype is building quickly. He only made two starts last season behind Quinn Ewers, but what we saw was incredibly promising. In his start against Mississippi State, Manning completed 26-of-31 passes for 325 yards and two scores. He’s already showcasing calm footwork, high-level processing, and the ability to go through full-field reads. He’s athletic enough to create outside of structure, but it’s his poise in the pocket that makes him special. With a Week 1 matchup against Ohio State, we’ll get an early look at just how ready he is.

6.09 – TJ Moore, WR, Clemson (WR27 overall)
This was a bit early for Moore, but the talent is definitely there. As a freshman, he posted 45 receptions for 651 yards and 5 touchdowns, showing strong route-running ability and reliable hands. While he’s not as flashy as some of the elite-tier devy receivers, he’s the kind of prospect who could climb up boards quickly with a strong sophomore campaign.

7th-9th Round Takeaways