2024 Devy Mock Draft

Kevin walks through a recent 2024 mock draft that was done by members of the Patreon and members of the devy community.

Welcome to our 2024 Devy Mock Draft! This mock draft is a collaborative effort, featuring insights not only from myself but also from our dedicated Patreon members and active community participants. With the devy landscape constantly evolving, this exercise offers a valuable look at current player valuations and market shifts since the season began. Across five rounds, we’ll dive into player values, potential buy targets, and how recent performances are reshaping devy rankings. Whether you’re strategizing for your next draft or simply want to gauge the latest trends, this mock draft is your guide to understanding the ever-changing devy market.

1st Round Takeaways

1.01 Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (2027)
1.02 Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama (2027)
1.03 Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (2025)
1.04 Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (2025)
1.05 Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (2025)
1.06 Luther Burden, WR, Missouri (2025)
1.07 Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State (2025)
1.08 TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State (2025)
1.09 Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado (2025)
1.10 Arch Manning, QB, Texas (2026)
1.11 Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska (2027)
1.12 Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee (2026)

In the first round, drafting Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams over Ashton Jeanty is all about maximizing long-term value. Smith and Williams have both shown incredible skill and athleticism, already breaking records at powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Alabama, respectively. Smith has put up historic numbers as a freshman, surpassing Cris Carter's longstanding freshman record and potentially pushing even further by the season's end. Meanwhile, Williams has emerged as Alabama's top receiving threat, piling up 702 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games. Their early impact underscores the lasting value of elite wide receivers, who generally maintain higher devy and dynasty value compared to running backs.

While Jeanty is undeniably having a stellar season, the volatility of the RB position makes him slightly less appealing in this context. Running backs often experience sharper value fluctuations in the NFL if they don’t produce immediately, as we’ve seen with players like Trey Benson, who dropped significantly in rankings despite high preseason expectations. Though Jeanty projects as a stronger prospect than Benson, the lesson remains the same. When building a devy roster, prioritizing top-tier wide receivers like Smith and Williams is the smarter play to secure assets with both immediate and long-term value potential.

Devy quarterbacks are still being drafted too high. Outside of Arch Manning, there isn’t a single quarterback I’d feel confident picking at this stage. Manning stands out as a more reliable asset, but beyond him, the QB options all carry significant question marks. Take Dylan Raiola, for example—he’s shown potential, but his freshman year has been inconsistent, and Nebraska's struggles only add to his uncertainty. Nico Iamaleava has also flashed talent, yet he needs to make serious strides next season to solidify his value. In devy formats, where maintaining floor value is essential, these QBs—aside from Manning—are simply too risky in the first round.

The response to Emeka Egbuka going in the first round was mixed, with some thinking he’s ranked too high. I disagree. Egbuka is one of the most skilled players in this class and remains a sleeper who deserves more respect in devy drafts. Now in his fourth year at Ohio State, he’s a solid 6’1”, 205 pounds with a 27 BMI and is projected as a first-round NFL pick. Egbuka held his own alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2022 under C.J. Stroud, proving he can perform at an elite level. Although injuries slowed him down last season, his 2024 production shows he’s back on track. This season, he’s recorded 577 receiving yards on 46 catches, maintains a strong 20% target share, and holds a PFF receiving grade of 83.3. With a 6.6 yards per catch average and a 7.0 aDOT, he’s effectively working various route levels to create big plays.

Statistically, Egbuka competes with Jeremiah Smith, even surpassing him in metrics like PFF grade, target share, yards per route run, and targets per route run. His 2.96 yards per route run shows his efficiency, and with his 80% slot rate, he brings versatility to the Buckeyes’ offense. Given his consistent production, experience, and strong start in his fourth year, he’s earned his first-round spot in devy drafts and shouldn't be overlooked for flashier names.

2nd Round Takeaways