Devy players pride themselves finding hidden gems. The next guys up after stud QBs depart college for the NFL may be pretty valuable.
Whether you are playing in dynasty, devy, IDP or even redraft, the name of the fantasy football game is value, value, and more value. One of the most common ways that managers try max out a player's value is buying low on hyped, yet unproven prospects and stashing them away until they get their chance.
In Superflex formats, devy managers should look to invest in college QBs viewed as the "next man up." The concept is quite simple. If you are willing to invest in a QB prospect before they start, the price will be more reasonable and could be an extremely valuable asset for the next season. A savvy devy player will recognize these opportunities early on and take advantage of league mates lacking this type of foresight.
When studs like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields move on to the NFL, new opportunities will emerge for some talented understudies or new faces on campus. This article will identify some early front runners who will be the "next man up" once these 2021 NFL draft prospects move onto the professional level.
2021 Devy Quarterback Studs and "Next Man Up"
Stud: Trevor Lawrence (Projected as #1 pick in 2021 NFL Draft. No Jets please...)
In Waiting: DJ Uiagalelei (5-star recruit out of a HS powerhouse)
DJ Uiagalelei putting up video game numbers😳
The Clemson commit was lights out in the Championship game, with 23 passes for 398yd/4TD and a rushing TD of his own😤@DJUiagalelei @boscofootball #CIFstate #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/J1TcJKvCJL
— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) December 18, 2019
Even if you are brand new to the devy format, you probably are aware of the super talented DJ Uiagalelei. You also probably can't say his last name either. At 6-foot-5, 246 lbs., Uiagalelei's prototypical size is accompanied by elite arm strength, pinpoint accuracy and the ability to make throws in the pocket or on the move. The California native offers some solid rushing upside as well, which just doesn't seem fair whatsoever.
The rising star has drawn him comparisons to future Hall-of-Famer Ben Roethlisberger. Once given the opportunity to show off what he is capable of, DJ is going to firmly plant himself among the elite QBs in the 2021 devy rankings. Life for Clemson fan’s after Trevor Lawrence seems to be in good (and giant) hands.
If you have significant QB needs in the near future, try to put together a king's ransom for this man. A package with solid college and NFL talent to grab this generational talent should pay off quickly and you'll look like a genius.
Stud: Justin Fields (Almost a surefire 1st rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft)
In waiting: CJ Stroud (....or Jack Miller?....or Kyle McCord?)
When Justin Fields leaves for the NFL, the Ohio State quarterback battle might be one to watch. The favorite for 2021 starting gig is CJ Stroud, who ranked the 3rd best QB in the 2020 class. Stroud's high praise comes with only two years experience as a starting QB at Rancho Cucamonga High School in California. The 2019 Elite 11 MVP is an excellent athlete with fast legs and a live arm, who posted 3,878 yards and 47 TD passes in his senior campaign.
However, Stroud will have some stiff competition in fellow 2020 classmate Jack Miller (a 4-star recruit out of AZ) and 2021 stud Kyle McCord (5-star recruit out of Philly). Stroud is a big risk, big reward investment with this type of competition in front of him.
Though Stroud is a special talent and could easily win that job, Jack Miller would be a dirt cheap dart throw to trade for and Kyle McCord would be a solid target in 2021 devy drafts. Keep your eye on this competition next Spring.
Stud: Kyle Trask (Are you looking for more on Trask? Check my Devy Diamond article on him here)
In waiting: Emory Jones & Anthony Richardson
Kyle Trask went from a back-up QB to a potential 1st round pick, so whomever follows him better take notes. Emory Jones was supposed to be the next man up, then Trask leap-frogged him. Jones seems to have a solid connection with UF coach Dan Mullen. The Gators’ head coach raves about Jones' rushing ability and wants to utilize him more as another weapon in the Gators’ already potent offensive attack.
Though he's battled early injuries this season, Jones was utilized (and productive) in the Florida rushing attack in 2019 (42 attempts, 256 rushing yards, 6.1 YPC, 4 TDs). The 4-star recruit can also throw absolute lasers all over the football field. His dual-threat ability could make him a hidden gem in Superflex formats for 2021 devy leagues.
However, the Georgia native is not the only speedy QB in Gainesville. True freshman Anthony Richardson is another 4-star recruit, who has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton. Jones should be the heir to the Gators' throne, but Richardson is a 2021 devy dark horse as a serious athlete who may push his way past the patient upperclassman.
