Certain prospects come into the NFL following strong college production for two or three seasons. These are Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields types, and more recently Drake London. We know these players early because they start positively in their college programs, developing until draft day and beyond. Conversely, players can take over college football for one season and fly into the NFL Draft discussion, evidenced by Joe Burrow and Kenneth Walker.

Dynasty managers, be aware of how much a player’s fit affects their college output. Talented players may need a change of scenery or wait for an opportunity. Now with more mobility at the college level, players can find bigger stages for themselves. Monitor players who move and also those who can benefit from others transferring. Here are nine players who can ascend and command attention this college season. 

Quarterback

Jayden Daniels – LSU

The only quarterback on this list led the nation by only committing 0.6% turnover-worthy plays in 2022. Jayden Daniels started as a Sun Devil for Arizona State, being a successful rushing threat in 2020 and 2021. Last year, Daniels transferred to the LSU Tigers and continued his success on the ground. He ended the season with 855 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. On top of that, he paired those numbers with a 68.6% completion percentage, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions through the air.

Daniels has had a 60% completion percentage in three college seasons. He only went under that number during a shortened 2020 season. The athleticism of this player isn’t in question, and his decision-making has improved as well. Daniels’ weight will be a topic of discussion this Fall, but he has been effective at the SEC level. Finally, expect him to connect with top target Malik Nabers often this Fall.

Running Backs

Keilan Robinson – Texas

Fifth-year player Keilan Robinson has the versatility to take over the top running back role at Texas. Robinson will compete with young running backs Jonathan Brooks and Jaydon Blue. However, he caught a respectable 20 balls in 2022. Furthermore, I expect that number should be significantly higher this season with an increased role.

Robinson has the speed to beat any defender in the open field and also displays decisiveness in hitting holes between the tackles. Additionally, he is a player who can even line up outside and catch the ball. He’s been behind talented players in Roschon Johnson and Bijan Robinson, having transferred from Alabama in 2021. One of Blue, Brooks, or Robinson will lead the backfield and develop fantasy hype. That very well could be the pass catcher in Robinson.

Miyan Williams – Ohio State

Miyan Williams should begin and end his 2023 season behind Ohio State starter TreVeyon Henderson. However, Williams may find himself with the most rushing touchdowns on the Buckeyes this Fall. He scored 14 times in 2022 and ran for 875 yards. Furthermore, he is in an elite talents shadow, not dissimilar to the Roschon Johnson situation here in 2023.

If Williams needs to start any games in 2023, he will produce. He’s very strong for his smaller stature and has not been worn down by an overbearing collegiate workload. Williams very likely will be bought at a discount come the 2024 rookie draft season, but his downhill rushing talent is draftable both for fantasy football purposes and in the NFL.

Devin Neal – Kansas

The youngest player here is Kansas running back Devin Neal. Neal has rushed for 17 touchdowns in two seasons, having a career season this past year with 1,090 rushing yards and 21 receptions. Furthermore, Neal can be a top-five running back in 2024 by continuing to grow his receiving game. While he put up breakout numbers as a teenager in a major conference, he only turns 20 this August. He’s a downhill runner primarily but can’t be caught once he gets going.

Neal’s numbers are going to come from his abilities up the middle and through his strength. However, his receiving game should improve in 2023, giving dynasty managers confidence in drafting this player as a three-down back right away. When it’s all said and done, he should be the top back in the Big 12 this season.

Marshawn Lloyd – USC

Marshawn Lloyd is the most talented running back for the Trojans going into 2023. That being said, he should remain above Austin Jones throughout the season. Lloyd needs consistency because he has the explosion and ability to be a top NFL running back. At USC, Lloyd will have a quarterback that should open space for him to feast around the line of scrimmage. It’s worth noting that Lloyd is a transfer from South Carolina, having put up 573 rushing yards this past season. For reference, in Kenneth Walker’s two seasons at Wake Forest, he put up 579 yards each season.

This player is light on his feet, impressive for a power rusher. More importantly, strength is very useful on the edge and Lloyd is a tough back to get down in the open field. If he gets the edge, he’s going to gain additional yards and put his shoulder into a corner. All in all, he’s a strong and dynamic running back who will be a weapon for Caleb Williams to use in the passing game.

Wide Receivers

Dorian Singer and Mario Williams – USC

Jordan Addison is gone and these top USC wide receivers have a Heisman winner throwing them the football. If Dorian Singer or Mario Williams become the top target for Caleb Williams in 2023, they could enter the top three discussion at the position for the 2024 class. With the opportunity in the USC receiving group, watch for one of these two to take that top role.

Mario Williams started his career with Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams at Oklahoma. His speed and familiarity should give Williams the first chance at being a top target. Williams can line up in the backfield, slot, and on the outside. Furthermore, he has a low center of gravity making him tough to grab. Also, he has the speed to track down Williams’ long balls.

Singer is a former walk-on who transferred to USC for 2023. He exudes confidence and knows how to beat defenders with speed or size. This is following 1,105 yards and six touchdowns for the Arizona Wildcats in 2022, alongside 1,000-yard receiver Jacob Cowing. Additionally, Singer makes incredible catches, even one-handed at times. Overall, Singer is strong through contact from defenders.

Singer’s physical stature in the passing game means Caleb Williams should find him downfield, and it will be a catch. Hopefully, he can integrate as a third-year college player and first-year Trojan. This player is young, productive, and has the capability for growth. Overall, this is a name we should hear more and more of this upcoming Fall.

Jacob Cowing – Arizona

Arizona’s Jacob Cowing should see even more targets following Dorian Singer’s transfer.  He’s had two 1,000-yard seasons back to back and should make that three in a row in 2023. He’s versatile in where he can line up and is a huge threat in the short game. On top of that, he displays smoothness in many routes. He’s an agile and crisp route runner allows him to play any role as wide receiver.

Cowing is refined and has adapted to a higher level of play, having transferred to Arizona from UTEP in 2022. As a fifth-year Senior, expect Cowing to be productive and one of the top wide receivers at next year’s Senior Bowl.

Jalen McMillan – Washington

Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan were the Washington Huskies top receivers in 2022. Now, both should have a big year again with top quarterback Michael Penix returning. McMillan is a slot receiver and is strong enough to win routes over the middle. Additionally, he has the size to add an outside ability to his game. Last year, he caught 79 balls, turning that into 1.098 yards and 9 touchdowns. 

McMillan excels in the short game, while also completing an impressive crosser route every once in a while. Additionally, he’s got fast and long strides to gain separation. Moving forward, he should only gain chemistry with Penix after a second off-season together. If McMillan is a bit smoother off the line, he should be able to improve on his 2022 numbers and climb in dynasty rankings.

These players are all at big programs, programs that should be getting them accustomed to better workouts and game plan regimens. That being said, that is huge for the development of young athletes. Not to mention, those fourth and fifth-year players come to the NFL with the ability to adapt. They’ve been adapting and growing already for years. All that being said, don’t worry about the college football churning cycle. Instead, focus on a player’s fit, role, and ability for growth in the future.

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All of Our 2023 Rookie Content:

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• 2023 Class Preview
• Top 10 Quarterbacks
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