Looking for some Devy rankings? Here is a breakdown of my top 30 for the 2020 season, it is an impressive linebacker class.
Here is my monthly rankings for IDP devy fantasy leagues. This is my overall composite rankings for college only, Campus to Canton, redraft and devy limited leagues. These rankings are put together for fantasy football and are my current assessments. They will change as I watch more film and games. Hopefully, this list can help guide you to a championship (or more) and better prepare you for your NFL leagues.
#1 NC JR, LB, Micah Parsons, Penn State Parsons is the best defender in college football and leads my IDP devy rankings. A former 5★ defensive end from Harrisburg High School in Pennsylvania, he has led the Nittany Lions in tackles for two straight seasons (191 total). He is a big playmaker (6 forced fumbles & 6½ sacks) whose ability to make impact plays is still improving. We haven’t seen the best of him yet, but we will. He is a special player and if he leaves school early, he will potentially be a top 10 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Parsons is the best player in IDP devy leagues.
#2 NC R-JR, LB, Dylan Moses, Alabama Just like Parsons, Moses was a 5★ recruit coming out of high school, where he played for IMG Academy. He broke out as a sophomore and many felt that his junior season would be his last, and that may have been the case had he not torn his ACL just before the season started. He made the decision to pass on the draft and return to Alabama for his senior year, in order to rebuild his draft value. As long as he’s healthy that shouldn’t be a problem at all. One of the most complete overall linebackers in college and with a good year he should be a 1st round pick in the 2021 draft. Moses will challenge Parsons for the best player in IDP devy leagues
#3 NC SO, DE, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon The 5★ recruit from Oaks Christian High School in California had an impressive freshman year for the Ducks, as he led the team in sacks, tackles for a loss, and pressures. He hasn’t even begun to tap into his full potential and will be even better with another full cycle of college football under his belt. Once his frame and muscle catch up with his size and skills, he will be a load for even the best blockers. He will be eligible for the 2022 NFL draft if he decides to forgo his senior year and will be a top 10 pick. He is the top defensive lineman in IDP leagues and with two more years, this is a must-own player for fantasy owners. I won’t be surprised if he’s the leader of my IDP devy rankings real soon.
#4 NC SR, S, Andre Cisco, Syracuse Here is the first safety in my IDP Devy rankings. The former 3★ recruit from IMG Academy in Florida, has become one of the best players in the country, during his two seasons with Syracuse. Sisco led the nation in interceptions as a true freshman and led the ACC for a second straight season as a sophomore. Cisco is a complete safety who has tremendous coverage and ballhawk skills, and is also one of the best tacklers. He plays the position with a physicality that only the best play with. He will be eligible for the 2021 NFL draft and will be a likely top 20 selection. Cisco is the top safety in IDP devy leagues.
#5 🠝6 SR, LB, Jabrill Cox, LSU This time last month, we received news that the 2★ linebacker from Raytown South High School in Missouri, had decided to transfer from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. We didn’t know where he was going, but it didn’t take long for him to find a new home. That new home would be with the Tigers in Baton Rouge. With them losing their best linebackers to the draft, Cox lands in a terrific spot to become the next star. He can drop in coverage (6 ints) or rush the passer (14 sacks) with ease. Now he steps up to play with the big boys in the SEC. If he can elevate his play to the SEC level, he might just be at the top of this list at season’s end. He will be a 2021 draft prospect who could be a 1st round selection. In IDP devy leagues this will be Cox’s last season and he will be an elite fantasy option.
#6 🠟1 SO, LB, Henry To’o To’o With team leader Daniel Bituli off to play in the NFL, To’o To’o a 4★ recruit from De La Salle High School in California, will now assume the role of leader for the Vols defense. He started as a true freshman and got some super valuable on the job training, as well as learning from one of Vols best in Bituli. He led Tennesee in tackles as a true freshman and should be even better as a sophomore. Just like with Thibodeaux, now that he has a year of college football under his belt, I expect him to take his game to the next level. He won’t be eligible for the draft until 2022. By that time he could be the top linebacker in the country. I currently have him projected as a 1st/2nd round pick. IDP fantasy owners will have two more years of control with him and he’ll be a top option.
#7 🠟1 JR, LB, Cameron McGrone, Michigan The 4★ recruit from Lawrence Central High School in Indiana had a very good first year in Ann Arbor. McGrone had to wait his turn as a freshman but finally got quality time on the field as a sophomore and showed he was ready to run point for the Wolverine defense. Now this year will be his time to take the next step to becoming an elite defender. In the Big-Ten Conference, they love to run the ball and McGrone will be needed to stop it. McGrone finished 5th on the team in tackles a year ago. He will be draft-eligible after this season, but how well he does will determine if he should go pro or stay for his senior season. I currently have him projected as a 1st/2nd round pick. In IDP devy leagues his value is on the rise and is one of the better fantasy options.
#8 🠟1 R-SO, Gregory Rousseau, Miami Outside of Thibodeaux, Rousseau is the best defensive end in the country. The 3★ recruit, from Champagnat Catholic – Hialeah High School in Florida, put together one of the best seasons of any defensive end last season. Rousseau would not lead the ACC in sacks (15½) and tackles for a loss (19½) but would rank 2nd and 7th nationally in both categories. A year later with the same team around him and transfer Quincy Roche playing opposite him, I expect Rousseau to have an All-American type season. He very well could top the numbers he had last year. If that happens, he will be very sought after by the NFL. In IDP devy leagues this guy is an impact player that can help you win a championship, with possibly two or three more years, but not likely as I expect him to hit the draft after this season. I currently have him projected as 1st round pick.
#9 NC JR, LB, Mike Rose, Iowa State A 3★ recruit, from Brecksville-Broadview Heights in Ohio, he has steadily become one of the better linebackers in the country. With Marcel Spears off to the NFL, Rose will be the new leader for the Cyclone defense. He’s had two straight seasons of 75+ tackles and 9+ tackles for a loss and he’ll easily exceed those numbers this season. Rose doesn’t have a high profile name like some of the guys on this list, but make no mistake, he can hold his own on the field. A very good all-around linebacker that can do whatever is asked of him. He has two years left to play in college but is eligible to leave early after this season. In IDP devy leagues, he’s a much cheaper option than some on this list but will provide a very good return for your team.
#10 🠝2 FR, LB, Justin Flowe, Oregon The first, and only freshman in my top 30 IDP Devy Rankings. The 5★ linebacker from Upland High School in California, has a perfect opportunity in front of him. Star Troy Dye is off to the NFL and Flowe can step in with a tremendous amount of talent around him and just play ball with no pressure. He’s one of the most complete linebackers I have seen coming out of high school in a while, and will now have to translate that to the college game. The Pac-12 likes to sling it around so he’s going to have to learn quickly. For IDP devy owners, the best thing is that they can own him for three years before he can leave to the NFL. Quality and time are the two things fantasy owners want the most in players.
#11 🠝15 SO, LB, Noah Taylor, Virginia The first newcomer to my IDP Devy rankings is a 3★ recruit from The Avalon School in Maryland. After getting to watch him more closely from this past season with the Cavaliers, there is a lot to like about his game. He plays the outside linebacker spot and gives them that young pass rusher off the edge. What he lacks in coverage abilities, he makes up for when rushing the passer. As a sophomore, he finished 2nd on the team in both sacks (6½) and tackles for a loss (12). That’s very good production for a first-time starter and I expect it to improve in year two. He’ll be draft-eligible after this season but I don’t expect to see him leave school early unless he has a drastic jump in his play. I think IDP devy owners can feel good about having him for two more years.
#12 🠝5 SR, LB, Hamlicar Rashed, Oregon State One of the best unknown linebackers in the country is Hamlicar, a 3★ recruit from Cesar Chavez High School in Arizona. He may not have a nationally known name, but his game is as good as anyone. The Beaver led the country in tackles for a loss (23) and ranked 4th in sacks (14). As you can see he is a disruptive impact player and that should be the case again this year. Players like this are game-changers that everyone wants on their teams. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with again this year and will be draft-eligible after the season. I currently have a day two grade on him and in IDP devy leagues he’s a must-own player. Huge value in leagues where sacks are scored heavily.
#13 🠝3 SR, DE, Quincy Roche, Miami A 3★ recruit from New Town High School in Maryland, is a transfer from Temple to Miami. Roche got better in each of his three seasons with the Owls and with his transfer to a team with much moretalent around him, I expect he’ll be even better as a Hurricane, playing opposite of my number eight player on this list, Gregory Rousseau. They will form one of the best pass-rushing duos in the country. Roche led the AAC Conference in tackles for a loss (19) and sacks (13) and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Now he goes to a much more talented team and I expect him to have an even better year. He’ll be draft-eligible after this season and I currently grade him as a day 2 selection. In IDP devy leagues, if you can’t grab Thobodeuax or Rousseau, then Roche is the guy you want.
#14 🠝1 SO, LB, Nick Bolton, Missouri The 3★ recruit from Lone Star High School in Texas, did an excellent job in his first season as a starter at Missouri. Bolton would lead the Tigers in tackles and tackles for a loss and would step up his game after teammate Cale Garrett got injured and missed the rest of the season. Bolton is a well-rounded linebacker that can rush the passer or drop into coverage. Now that the team will be his to lead, and with a year of experience as a starter under his belt, I expect him to be even better as a junior. He’ll be eligible for the draft after this season but I would expect him to stay through his senior season. I would currently grade him as a mid to late-round selection. In IDP devy leagues Bolton is an intriguing option that has the potential to fill the stat box on a weekly basis.
#15 🠝3 JR, S, Javon Holland, Oregon Holland is a 4★ recruit from Bishop O’Dowd High School in California and has been everything the Ducks wanted and needed him to be through his two seasons in Oregon. He’s an impact player in two of the game’s three phases, defense, and special teams. Holland led the Pac-12 in interceptions as a sophomore (5) and was 2nd as a freshman (4). He also one of the nation’s best punt returners as he ranked in the top ten in both punt return yards and average. His home run hitting ability, combined with his ballhawk skills, makes him one the best players in the country. It’s possible that he leaves school early if he can put together another big season. I would currently put a 3rd round grade on him In IDP devy leagues.
#16 🠟6 SR, LB, Colin Schooler, Arizona A 3★ recruit from Mission Viejo High School in California, who is a tackling machine and finished in the top ten in the Pac-12 Conference in tackles and tackles for a loss all three seasons at Arizona. He’s an overachiever that projects as a two-down thumper but can be more than that. Schooler has decent coverage skills and is a better blitzer than most might expect. With his high motor style and understanding of what the offense is trying to do, it allows him to excel, even at times when he shouldn’t. He will be draft-eligible after this season and I have him projected as a mid-round selection. In IDP devy leagues, Schooler is one of the top options at the position and can be a reliable piece that can help your team win.
#17 🠟9 SR, LB, Paddy Fisher, Northwestern The 3★ recruit from Katy High School in Texas, has been one of the country’s best linebackers during his time with Northwestern. Fisher is a throwback linebacker, who has led the team in tackles all three years and finished top five in the Big-Ten twice. He’s a tackling machine that is reminiscent of the classic run-stuffing linebackers that the Big-Ten is famous for. Fisher could have declared for the draft this year after he had a subpar junior year, but wisely chose to return to school and try to rebuild his value. Not sure, even with a great season, he would have gotten drafted, as he needs to improve his coverage and blitzing. I fully expect him to bounce back, but I want to see the other improvements as well. I would currently grade him as a late-round draft selection in the NFL draft. As for owners in IDP devy leagues, Fisher is a much better value, with the volume of tackles he can provide for your team.
#18 🠟5 SR, SS, Richard LeCounte III, Georgia Our second safety on this list isn’t anything like our first, Andre Cisco. LeCounte is a 5★ recruit from Liberty County High School in Georgia. He’s been a two-year starter for the Bulldogs and has been one of their more consistent contributors. A solid tackler with a good understanding of how and when to attack. He doesn’t have the coverage skills that Cisco, mentioned earlier, does but he does hold his own. He had four interceptions this year, so I want to see him repeat that. This will be his last season and he needs to become a more rounded player at the back end of the secondary. I currently have a 2nd round grade on him. In IDP devy leagues he’s a safe and solid fantasy option, that will get you a lot of tackles.
#19 NC SR, DE, Carlos Basham, Wake Forest The 3★ recruit from Northside High School in Virginia, has gotten better in each of his three seasons with the Demon Deacons. Basham ranked in the top five in the ACC in tackles for a loss, sacks, and forced fumbles, last season and now that he’s decided to return to school, he should be among the leaders once again. With his size, speed, and strength, he has the versatility to play on the edge or kick inside. I wanted to move him up slightly, but want to see him repeat this success. NFL teams will fall in love with his size and versatility and if the production remains, I can see him being a day 2 selection. In IDP devy leagues, this is one piece that can help you win now.
#20 🠝1 JR, DT, Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh Twyman is the 20th ranked player in my IDP Devy rankings and the junior defensive tackle for Pittsburgh is a former 3★ recruit from Woodson H.D. High School in Washington DC. In his first full year as a starter for the Panthers, he was one of their best defenders. His 10½ sacks ranked 2nd in the ACC and he should easily pass that this season. Just like with Basham above, his size, speed, power combo, and versatility to play all along the front line is a big matchup advantage for Pittsburgh. The more tape I watch on Twyman, the more I love his game. Don’t be surprised to see him in my top 10 soon. In IDP devy leagues, this is a must-own player and one that will help you win now.
#21 🠟1 JR, DE, Chris Rumph II, Duke Yet another ACC player on this list and well a deserved mention for the 3★ recruit from FW Bucholz High School in Florida. A backup for most of his freshman year, he really came into his own as a sophomore. Rumph finished 2nd on the team in sacks (6½) and led the team in tackles for a loss (13½), which ranked 8th in the ACC. He has the frame to add some much-needed weight. He’ll likely transition to an edge guy in the pros, instead of being a front four defensive end. The question then will be can he drop into coverage? He has two more years of eligibility with the Blue Devils, so there is still time to improve his game and answer these questions. He can leave after this season but I don’t think he’s ready just yet. In IDP devy leagues, Rumph is a good low-cost option with upside.
#22 🠝5 SR, SS, Brady Breeze, Oregon Here is my 2nd newcomer to the list and my fourth Oregon Duck. A 4★ recruit from Central Catholic High School in Oregon, has been a big impact player for the Ducks and one of their most reliable players. Breeze is an instinctive and opportunistic player, who can do anything needed on the field. Whether it’s playing in coverage or attacking the line of scrimmage, he has no limitations in his game. The two best examples of his work are the games at USC and the Rose Bowl versus Wisconsin. A very good all-around defender! I expect another big season from him this year and that will only help his draft stock. He chose to return to school for his senior season and that was a smart move in my opinion. He’ll get to clean up and polish his game and I currently have a day 2 grade on him, somewhere in the 3rd round. In IDP devy leagues, he is one of the better players at the safety position.
#23 🠝5 JR, DE, Dom Peterson, Nevada The Wolfpack found a star in the 3★ recruit from Narbonne High School in California. Recruited as an outside linebacker, he quickly added mass and became a front four defender. Peterson played at defensive tackle as a freshman, then kicked out as a defensive end as a sophomore. The switch in position saw an increase in his production, as he led the team and ranked 2nd in the MWC in both tackles for a loss (15) and sacks (9). Just like with Basham and Twyman, the versatility he brings is huge and it allows him to be used more effectively. Peterson has two more years of eligibility left with Nevada and for us, IDP devy league owners, this two-year control is a big plus. Not a well-known name, so I bet he can be picked up off waivers or inexpensively in trades.
#24 🠟2 JR, CB, Shaun Jolly, Appalachian State Here is the first cornerback in my IDP devy rankings. Jolly is a 2★ recruit from Stephenson High School in Georgia. After barely playing as a freshman, he made a huge splash as a sophomore. In his first season as a starter, he led not only the team but the Sun Belt Conference in interceptions (5), which was tied for 7th in the nation. A ball hawk with a never back-down mentality no matter the size or skill difference. He has two more years left with the Mountaineers and will be one of the best cornerbacks in the 2022 draft class. In IDP devy leagues where you are required to start cornerback(s), this is a must-own player for your teams.
#25 🠝4 SO, FS, Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame Here is one of the most exciting players on my IDP Devy rankings that I want to see more of. He’s a 4★ recruit from Marist High School in Georgia and had one hell of a freshman season for the Fighting Irish. All he did was lead the team in interceptions, interception return yards, and passes defended. The Irish have an elite player in the making and he’ll be huge for them. He won’t be eligible for the NFL draft until at least 2022, so that is huge for IDP devy league owners. This is a player with potentially three years of fantasy control and is one of the better prospects in the country. Get this guy on your rosters now.
#26 🠟1 JR, DE, Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan We continue the IDP Devy rankings with a 4★ recruit from Divine Child High School in Michigan. Hutchinson was a key backup last year for the Wolverines, but now assumes a starting role for Michigan. He finished last season ranked third on the team in tackles for a loss (10) and fourth in sacks (3½). With stars such as Josh Uche, Chase Winovich, and Rashaan Gary going to the NFL the past couple of years, Michigan will need Hutchinson to step up and fill that pass-rushing role now. He’s has two years of eligibility left with Michigan and I expect he’ll play through his senior season. Which means two years of control for us IDP devy league owners.
#27 🠝3 SO, DT, Tyler Davis, Clemson Here is our first Clemson Tiger in my IDP Devy rankings! The 4★ recruit is a defensive tackle from Wekiva High School in Florida and was one of the nation’s best interior pass rushers last season. That’s a pretty high accomplishment for a freshman. Davis was Clemson’s best interior pass rusher, as he ranked 2nd on the team in sacks (6½) and 3rd in tackles for loss (10½). You don’t find this kind of production out of such a young player at this position. I expect the more film I watch on this guy, the further up my rankings he will climb. A great IDP devy own as owners will have at the very least two years of control and possibly three if he doesn’t leave early for the NFL draft.
#28 🠝3 JR, LB, Devin Lloyd, Utah The Utes had one of the country’s best defenses last season and Lloyd was a big part of their success. He is a former 3★ recruit from Otay Ranch High School in California. Lloyd was a star for the Utes defense as he led the team in tackles (91) and finished 2nd in tackles for a loss (11) and sacks (6½). He may be the most important player the Utes have for next season, after six of the next eight tackle leaders from a season ago, have defected to the NFL. Talk about an overhaul, but talk about a huge opportunity for Lloyd! He’ll have to carry this team and be the defensive leader. If he can get some help around him, I expect him to have an even better season as a junior. He has two years of eligibility left with Utah but can declare for the draft after this season. IDP devy owners, you will want to get this guy on your rosters and reap the rewards.
#29 🠝3 SR, LB, Treshaun Hayward, Western Michigan A 3★ recruit from Skyline High School in Ann Arbor Michigan. Yes that Ann Arbor!!! After being a back up for his first two years with the Broncos, he became the 2019 MAC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. He led the MAC and was 3rd overall in the NCAA, in tackles (143). He also led the MAC in solo tackles (73), which ranked 5th in the NCAA. Hayward also ranked 8th in the MAC in tackles for a loss (11). As a senior, I expect more of the same, if not better. He’ll be counted on to carry that defense and IDP devy owners should have him locked into their rosters.
#30 🠝9 SO, DT, Drake Jackson, USC We finish my IDP Devy rankings with another youngster from the PAC-12, that dominated as a freshman. The 4★ recruit from Centennial Hgh School in California, led the Trojans in both tackles for a loss (12) and sacks (5½), which ranked 6th and 10th respectively in the PAC-12. With no real threat to compete with him and a full year in the program, there is no reason he can’t surpass these numbers this year. Jackson has three years of eligibility left with USC, but I fully expect he’ll forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft. Even still, this is a player that IDP devy league owners must have on their rosters.
Thanks for reading my article and if you enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles at IDP Guys and Dynasty Football Digest. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation & Devy IDP Grind, that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
