Tommy Harvey

The Devy Minute: Braelon Allen

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The Devy Minute: Braelon Allen

By Tommy Harvey

Braelon Allen

RB 

6’2 238lbs

Ron Dayne, Montee Ball, James White, Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor, and now…Braelon Allen.  The Freshman RB had a breakout season for the Badgers in 2021, with over 1,200 yards and 12 TDs.  Initially expected to share carries with Chez Mellusi and Jalen Berger, Allen emerged as a dominant force after Mellusi was injured and Berger was dismissed from the team.  

Out of high school, Allen was a Safety and Runningback with many projections seeing him as a Linebacker.  He quickly showed he was suited for the offensive backfield. His 6.8 yards per carry finished tied for 3rd in the country among RBs with over 100 carries with TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State.  He also finished 3rd in the Big 10 with 1,268 yards rushing.

Headed into his Sophomore season, Allen is an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy.  Currently tied for 12th at +3300 (according to Bovada), the Badger RB is certainly expected to have another huge season.  Allen is my overall RB3 and is my RB2 for the 2024 NFL Draft.

 

Follow me on Twitter @DynastyProsTom

 

Dynasty Dilemma: Ezekiel Elliot

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Dynasty Dilemma: Ezekiel Elliot

By Tommy Harvey

 

Ezekiel Elliott was an immediate success for the Cowboys after being selected 4th overall in 2016 out of Ohio State. The former Buckeye made the Pro Bowl and was named an All-Pro in his rookie season. After serving a suspension in his 2nd season, he again made the Pro Bowl in his 3rd season. Since then, however, his production and health have declined. So we have to ask the question: What is Elliott's dynasty value moving forward?

 

The Reason to Sell

Zeke has had a litany of issues since he entered the league. A suspension in his 2nd season cost him 6 games, his volume has decreased every season, and he has become less durable over his career. 

 

Steady Regression

Elliott's yards per game production has declined every year since he entered the NFL. From a staggering 108.7 ypg in his rookie season to a career low 58.9 ypg last season, Zeke has regressed. Even though he played in all 17 games in 2021, Elliot barely squeaked over the 1,000 yard mark (1,002).

 

Capable Backup

In a lot of people's eyes, Elliott was outplayed by backup RB Tony Pollard last season. Pollard averaged 5.5 yards per carry compared to Zeke's 4.2 ypc. He also only averaged 11 ypg less than Elliot on less than 9 carries per game (Zeke averaged more than 4 carries more per game).

 

 

Reasons to Buy

It's not all bad for Ezekiel Elliot. He is the starting RB on one of the best offenses in the NFL. That means opportunities in the passing game and plenty of chances to score TDs. Both of which he has taken advantage of in his career.

 

PPR Production

Zeke was the overall RB6 in PPR leagues in 2021. There is nothing wrong with having a RB1 on your team. He secured 47 receptions on 65 targets and found the endzone a total of 12 combined times last season. 

 

Untradeable for the Cowboys

After signing a massive 6-year/$90 million deal prior to the 2019 season, Elliott's dead cap number ($30.08 million in 2022) makes it virtually impossible for Dallas to trade him. They would lose nearly $12 million against their cap if they were to trade or cut him. If they waited until next season to cut him, they would actually save close to $5 million. Thus, he should be remaining in Dallas in 2022. 

 

Verdict

Ezekiel Elliott has been a tremendous RB for the Cowboys since he entered the league. He has surpassed the 1,000 yard mark in 4 of his 6 seasons (he would have in his 2nd season if not for a 6 game suspension). He is a TD scorer, scoring 68 total TDs in his career. 

In my opinion, however, his best football is behind him. His ypg regression and volume decrease is highly alarming and the fact Dallas has another very capable and less expensive RB makes Zeke expendable in the future. 

 

The Devy Minute: Jermaine Burton

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The Devy Minute: Jermaine Burton

By Tommy Harvey

Jermaine Burton 

6’0 200LBS
4.43 40-yard dash

Jermaine Burton, originally with the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, hit the transfer portal after his Sophomore season and ended up in Tuscaloosa.  Burton is a former 4* and top-100 WR prospect out of California, who had big expectations upon his arrival in Georgia.  He never quite reached his potential in Athens due to a couple of injuries, offensive scheme, and inconsistent QB play.

After leading all Bulldog WRs in receiving yardage in 2021, it became abundantly clear that he would never really see much more of an opportunity in Kirby Smart’s run-heavy offense.  In two seasons, Burton finished with 53 receptions, 901 yards, and 8 TDs…all numbers he could (and should) reach in a single season with Alabama.  

Now a part of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the former Bulldog will finally have the opportunity to become one of the top WRs in the country.  With Heisman Trophy winning QB Bryce Young slinging him the rock, Burton should continue the Tide’s tradition of having one of the nation’s top WRs.  If that is the case, then he will also become one the top NFL Draft prospects over the next season.  

On the Move: Running Backs

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On the Move: Running Backs

By Tommy Harvey

Potential RB Destinations

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are a team who could look to be a major player this offseason.  From Deshaun Watson to Russell Wilson, Miami should be looking to upgrade.  They are in definite need of an RB to provide a better ground game.  

New York Jets

Michael Carter was good as a rookie, but he also was injured multiple times and could use a partner in the Jets backfield.  QB Zach Wilson also needs help from the running game in order for him to grow as the J-E-T-S franchise QB.

Houston Texans

The Texans have been a poorly run franchise for a long time.  Their roster may be the worst in the NFL and they are in need at nearly every position.  While they must build through the draft, they also must hit on key free agents to help foster a winning culture.  

Atlanta Falcons

I’m really stuck on what the Falcons should do for their organization moving forward.  They have an older QB in Matt Ryan, but not much else.  Russell Gage is a pending free agent and Calvin Ridley may be done in Atlanta…if not the NFL.  Mike Davis was terrible in his first season for the Falcons, while Cordarrelle Patterson was a revelation...but not necessarily a feature back.  

Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers could go from being a Super Bowl contender to one of the worst teams in the NFL very quickly.  The GOAT Tom Brady has retired.  Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones II, Chris Godwin, and Rob Gronkowski are all free agents.  I would assume they would be looking to retain as much as they could, but they also could be looking to rebuild.

New Orleans Saints

The recent Saints under Sean Payton were very much a two-RB offense with guys like Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.  Kamara is still in NO…for now (legal issues pending), but they are still missing a compliment to him.  

Arizona Cardinals

Both of the Arizona RBs are free agents this offseason.  If they both were to bolt, then the Cardinals will be looking to replace them.  If only one were to leave, then they would likely still be looking for another back to pair with the one who stays.  

Seattle Seahawks

Rashaad Penny…could be headed out of Seattle to become a star RB elsewhere.  Chris Carson…problems with staying on the field due to injury.  DeeJay Dallas…really?  The Seahawks are in need of a RB and should be in the market, either in free agency or the NFL Draft.  

 

On the Move

 

Saquan Barkley


Reports have surfaced that the Giants may be looking to move on from Saquan Barkley.  True or not, it is a very interesting idea.  New HC Brian Daboll did not maximize use of his RBs while in Buffalo and Barkley has not been very efficient when on the field. Since tearing his ACL in 2020, Barkley has played a total of 15 games and has only averaged 3.46 ypc.  Sure…some of that can be attributed to a below-average offensive line and less-than-stellar play calling and usage, but we have to wonder if he still has the ability to be an elite RB. 

 

Cordarrelle Patterson

CP may be the most versatile player in the NFL.  Pro-Bowl caliber return man…check.  Ability to play WR…check.  Potential to play Safety…check.  Productive and highly efficient RB…check!  Cordarrelle (or should I say Scoredarrelle) combined for 11 rushing and receiving TDs in 2021 for a pretty bad Atlanta Falcons offense.  Originally drafted as a WR, Patterson proved he could be an effective playmaker out of the backfield.  I expect him to remain in Atlanta, but he would be a fit on most RB needy teams due to his versatility.  

 

Leonard Fournette/Ronald Jones

Both Playoff Lenny and RoJo are free agents this offseason, and both will have plenty of suitors.  Jones was considered the starter for most of the season last season, but Fournette took over that role this season.  While Fournette was injured, Jones filled in decently.  I would expect Tampa Bay to attempt to bring back one if not both RBs.  

 

Rashaad Penny

Rashaad Penny became a star late in the season for Seattle.  He ran for 135+ yards in 4 of his last 5 games, going for 360 yards in his final 2 games of the season.  The 26 year old is seemingly heading into his prime years and is beginning to show why he was a first round pick.  Miami may be the best fit for Penny to show he can be a bell-cow RB.  

 

Melvin Gordon

How much juice does Melvin Gordon have left?  The 28 year old has run for over 900 yards in back-to-back seasons, but Denver has his replacement in Javonte Williams.  I think it is possible he could return to Denver in a diminished role.

 

James Conner/Chase Edmonds

James Conner was a TD monster this season, with 18 total TDs.  He showed he can still be a productive player after many people wrote him off after he struggled in Pittsburgh.  Chase Edmonds was a versatile RB for the Cardinals this season in an expanded role.  He made it possible for Arizona to let Kenyan Drake leave last offseason.  The Cards will need to figure out their issues with starting QB Kyler Murray, but I think they should prioritize bringing back both RBs in their backfield.

Raheem Mostert

Mostert has been great when he has been on the field with San Francisco.  However, that has only lasted for a few games here and there.  As a free agent, he should be looking for a fresh start with a rebuilding/building team…like Houston or Atlanta or as a complimentary back with a team like Arizona.

Marlon Mack

Mack is the odd man out in Indianapolis, with Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines already entrenched in the Colts plans.  Prior to his achilles tear in 2020, Marlon Mack was a 1,000 yard rusher.  Normally achilles tears are hard to come back from for RBs, so does anybody give Mack a chance this offseason?  I think the New York Jets could be a possible fit to pair with Michael Carter.

 

 

On the Move: Quarterbacks

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On The Move: Quarterbacks

By Tommy Harvey

February 2, 2022

 

Nearly half the league could see a change at QB heading into next season.  Disgruntled current signal callers, organizations wanting a change, and retirements will lead to a lot of movement this offseason.  I fully expect Denver, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Tampa Bay to be the most active in terms of searching for an elite QB.  Others like Tennessee, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Miami may be looking for an upgrade.  There is also Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, the New York Giants, Green Bay, and Seattle that could be starting over at the position.

 

Aaron Rodgers

Even though he is not necessarily a free agent, he effectively is.  Aaron Rodgers has almost as much freedom of movement as a free agent would, and he is going to be the most sought after QB available.  With so many teams possibly looking for a QB in this year’s market, I believe these teams are the best fits for Rodgers.

  • Denver

The Broncos are probably the best overall fit, especially with Nathaniel Hackett (former Green Bay OC) being hired as the new HC.  WIth already near elite skill position talent, Denver is the most win-now ready QB needy team.  WRs Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, and KJ Hamler, TEs Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, and RB Javonte Williams make up a solid foundation for Aaron Rodgers to be able to step right in to.  

  • Pittsburgh

With Big Ben’s retirement, the Steelers will be looking to replace…and upgrade…what Roethlisberger provided.  Throw in the fact that Pittsburgh already has elite weapons in WRs Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, TE Pat Freiermuth, and RB Najee Harris, and you have a ready made Super Bowl contender in a loaded division.  

  • Washington

Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Antonio Gibson, and Logan Thomas are exciting players for any offense.  With a future Hall of Fame QB, Washington would be scary in a very winnable division.  Reports have surfaced that they will be heavily involved in the QB market.

  • Green Bay

I don’t expect him to return, but never say never.  If they can resign Davante Adams, they will definitely have the guys to make another run.  Can the Packers front office and Aaron Rodgers reconcile their differences?  That’s the biggest question in this whole situation.

 

Russell Wilson

In a similar situation to Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson has been rumored to want out of Seattle…or at least away from Pete Carroll.  While leaving DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett wouldn’t be advisable to most people, a change of scenery may just be what Russ needs to get back to elite status.  Where is the best fit?  

  • Denver, Pittsburgh, and Washington make the most sense for all the reasons I listed above.
  • New York Giants

New HC Brian Daboll may be looking to upgrade from current QB Daniel Jones.  If the Giants move on from the former #6 overall pick, then Russell Wilson is the obvious replacement.  Many believe Wilson wants to be in New York anyways.  With WRs Kenny Golladay and Darius Slayton and RB Saquan Barkley, the New York football Giants could be a sleeping…ahem…giant.  

  • Miami

Could the Dolphins be in the market for a new QB?  Maybe a Russell Wilson for Tua Tagovailoa (plus more) swap is in the cards.  WRs Jaylen Waddle and DeVante Parker make up a solid 1-2 punch.

  • Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers have a lot of question marks this offseason.  From Tom Brady retiring, to the pending free agency of RBs Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones, WR Chris Godwin, and TE Rob Gronkowski, how can Tampa Bay stay relevant in NFC?  Pairing Russell Wilson with Mike Evans and keeping Godwin and Fournette would be a great start.

  • Seattle

It would be awfully difficult to leave Metcalf and Lockett if Russ and Carroll can get on the same page.  The question here: Is Russ driving the bus, or does his wife have the keys?

 

Deshaun Watson

Everybody is familiar with Watson’s alleged masseuse issues to go along with his desire to leave Houston.  However, he is still an elite NFL QB that should have plenty of plenty of potential trade partners.  His age along with his ability will probably fetch the most interest from QB needy teams this offseason.

  • Denver, Pittsburgh, Washington, and Miami should all be in play here for the same reasons as Rodgers and Wilson.
  • Philadelphia was linked to Watson last offseason, so why not again this offseason?  What else with Jalen Hurts would the Eagles have to give to Houston?  DeVonta Smith is a star in the making at WR, RB Miles Sanders should be a bigger weapon than he has been, and Dallas Goedert is one of the most productive TEs in the NFL.  
  • Las Vegas

How about a Watson for Derek Carr trade?  With new HC Josh McDaniels and a new GM in tow, the Raiders could look to freshen things up at QB.  Carr hasn’t been bad, but the younger Watson could be considered an upgrade to go along with TE Darren Waller, WR Hunter Renfroe, and RB Josh Jacobs

 

Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jameis Winston

With a new HC headed to Minnesota, Captain Kirk may have played his last game in a Vikings uniform.  Even though he can be a frustrating QB, he is still a productive option for a team looking to make the playoffs.  

Jimmy G won’t have the same type of buzz as Rodgers, Wilson, or Watson, but he will still garner plenty of interest.  It is widely expected for him to be on his way out of San Francisco, with Trey Lance likely to get his opportunity.  

Jameis Winston is my lone free agent on this list, but team interest for him should be similar to Garoppolo’s.  Winston was playing pretty well for the Saints before his injury, so he should have plenty of options as well.

  • Pittsburgh 

The Steelers may want to look Cousins’, Winston’s, or Jimmy G’s way if they aren’t able to land Rodgers, Wilson, or Watson.  They may not be long term solutions, but any of the three could be a bridge option while they try to find their future franchise QB.  

  • Carolina

The Panthers are a solid QB away from being able to compete in the NFC South.  DJ Moore and Robby Anderson are a good WR duo and Christian McCaffrey is the best RB in the NFL when healthy.  All of Cousins, Garoppolo, and Winston would be an upgrade for the Panthers.

  • Tampa Bay and New Orleans

All three guys would be good options for both Tampa Bay and New Orleans, who are both potential playoff teams in the NFC South if they had solid QB play.  I listed the Buccaneers potential issues above, but New Orleans has a totally different issue.  With Sean Payton stepping away, the Saints are now looking for a new HC and maybe even a new identity.  New Orleans also needs Michael Thomas to come back healthy to be the WR1 these QBs would need.  

 

Devy Watch Week 6

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Devy Watch Week 6

By Tommy Harvey

This week was full of spectacular performances by future NFL stars.  

The Ohio State Buckeyes are full of talent.  QB CJ Stroud continues to impress, freshman RB Treveyon Henderson is a future Heisman contender, and they have the best WR room in the country. 

Oklahoma has a full blown QB controversy on their hands.  Caleb Williams took over for struggling Spencer Rattler and was unbelievable in the Sooners’ comeback win over Texas.  Speaking of Texas, they have a true contender for the 2024 WR1 in freshman Xavier Worthy.   

Matt Corral and Malik Willis remain locked in a battle to be the QB1 for the 2022 NFL Draft, with Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell fading.  I will give Howell the benefit of the doubt given his track record, but that leniency is growing thinner by the week.  

While Breece Hall is my 2022 RB1, Kenneth Walker III and Brian Robinson Jr. are making a great case for RB2.  Kennedy Brooks has been better than Eric Gray for Oklahoma and Sincere McCormick has been solid as well.  Bijan Robinson just continues to do Bijan Robinson things.

USC WR Drake London continues to climb in my WR rankings, as does Alabama WR Jameson Williams.  Arkansas WR Treylon Burks looks like he could contend with the Ohio State WRs for the top 2022 WR spot and UNC’s Josh Downs continues to shine for a struggling Tarheel team.

Notable performances

CJ Stroud (Ohio State Buckeyes)

24-43 406 yards 5 TDs

Matt Corral (Ole Miss Rebels)

14-21 287 yards 2 TDs, 15 carries 94 yards 2 TDs

Caleb Williams (Oklahoma Sooners)

16-25 212 yards 2 TDs, 4 carries 88 yards 1 TD

Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma Sooners)

8-15 111 yards 1 INT, 1 TD rushing (Benched)

Malik Willis (Liberty Flames)

17-30 222 yards 2 TDs 3 INTs, 16 carries 80 yards 1 TD

Dustin Crum (Kent State Golden Flashes)

22-36 407 yards 3 TDs, 16 carries 72 yards 2 TDs

Bryce Young (Alabama Crimson Tide)

28-48 369 yards 3 TDs 1 INT

Carson Strong (Nevada Wolfpack)

25-32 377 yards 6 TDs 1 INT

Sam Howell (North Carolina Tarheels)

17-32 203 yards 2 TDs 1 INT, 11 carries 108 yards

Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers)

18-23 365 yards 4 TDs

Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati Bearcats)

22-30 259 yards 3 TDs

Kedon Slovis (Southern California Trojans)

33-53 401 yards 2 TDs 1 INT

Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State Spartans)

29 carries 232 yards 1 TD, 1 reception 13 yards

Bijan Robinson (Texas Longhorns)

20 carries 137 yards 1 TD

Brian Robinson Jr. (Alabama Crimson Tide)

24 carries 147 yards, 4 receptions 60 yards

Sincere McCormick (Texas San Antonio Roadrunners)

23 carries 120 yards, 2 receptions 22 yards

Treveyon Henderson (Ohio State Buckeyes)

16 carries 102 yards 2 TDs, 4 receptions 67 yards 1 TD

Kennedy Brooks (Oklahoma Sooners)

25 carries 217 yards 2 TDs

Eric Gray (Oklahoma Sooners)

6 carries 37 yards, 2 receptions 19 yards

Zach Evans (TCU Horned Frogs)

17 carries 143 yards 2 TDs

Zach Charbonett (UCLA Bruins)

21 carries 117 yards

Jahmyr Gibbs (Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets)

14 carries 40 yards, 3 receptions 82 yards 1 TD

Sean Tucker (Syracuse Orangemen)

26 carries 153 yards 2 TDs, 3 receptions 29 yards 1 TD

Zamir White (Georgia Bulldogs)

18 carries 79 yards 2 TDs

Kayshon Boutte (LSU Tigers)

8 receptions 73 yards

Drake London (Southern California Trojans)

16 receptions 162 yards 1 TD

Marvin Mims (Oklahoma Sooners)

5 receptions 136 yards 2 TDs

Xavier Worthy (Texas Longhorns)

9 receptions 261 yards 2 TDs

Josh Downs (North Carolina Tarheels)

9 receptions 121 yards 1 TD

Treylon Burks (Arkansas Razorbacks)

7 receptions 136 yards 1 TD

Chris Olave (Ohio State Buckeyes)

7 receptions 120 yards 2 TDs

Garrett Wilson (Ohio State Buckeyes)

5 receptions 84 yards 2 TDs

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State Buckeyes)

5 receptions 103 yards

Jameson Williams (Alabama Crimson Tide)

10 receptions 146 yards 2 TDs

John Metchie (Alabama Crimson Tide)

7 receptions 88 yards

Wan'Dale Robinson (Kentucky Wildcats)

8 receptions 60 yards 1 TD

Isaiah Likely (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers)

8 receptions 232 yards 4 TDs

Trey McBride (Colorado State Rams)

6 receptions 60 yards

Darnell Washington (Georgia Bulldogs)

1 reception 25 yards

Brock Bowers (Georgia Bulldogs)

2 receptions 43 yards

Jalen Wydermeyer (Texas A&M Aggies)

3 receptions 73 yards 1 TD