Devy is one of the most exciting and challenging formats in fantasy football. It requires a long-term vision, in-depth player evaluation and a keen understanding of college and NFL trends. However, even experienced players make costly mistakes that can derail their teams.
Understanding why these pitfalls happen and how to avoid them is crucial to staying competitive. Let’s break down the five most common mistakes managers make in devy leagues and how to sidestep them.
Devy Fantasy Football: Don’t Make These Five Common Mistakes
1. Over-Drafting Quarterbacks
Why It Happens
Quarterbacks are the most valuable assets in fantasy football at the NFL level, especially in superflex or two-quarterback leagues. This leads devy managers to reach for top QB prospects, believing they’ll be the next elite dynasty asset. However, quarterback development is highly unpredictable. Many college quarterbacks ranked highly fail to become NFL starters, and consequently fail to be fantasy-relevant players.
How To Avoid
Don’t fall prey to one of the most common devy fantasy football mistakes! There are ways to avoid this blunder and others.
- Prioritize Elite Skill Players: Running backs and wide receivers have a more direct path to immediate fantasy relevance.
- Consider Historical Hit Rates: Look at past devy QBs who were first-round NFL picks but didn’t pan out (e.g., Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Malik Willis).
- Target QBs in Stable Systems: Avoid QBs thriving in gimmicky college offenses that don’t translate well to the NFL game (more on this later).
Unless a QB prospect is a can’t-miss talent like Caleb Williams or Trevor Lawrence, it’s often better to invest in skill-position players who will help your dynasty team sooner.
2. Only Looking at Raw Stats & Ignoring Context
Why It Happens
Fantasy managers love numbers. A wide receiver with 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns must be a future star, right? Not necessarily. College production often comes from offensive systems designed to inflate stats rather than true NFL-ready talent. Players from gimmicky offenses (e.g., Air Raid, RPO-heavy schemes or extreme spread systems) can struggle to adapt to the NFL.
How To Avoid
- Watch the Film: Look at route-running, contested catches and separation instead of just box scores.
- Consider the System: Are the numbers inflated due to a high-tempo, high-pass-volume offense?
- Pay Attention to Historical Comparisons: How many WRs or RBs from that system have succeeded in the NFL?
- Check Athletic Traits: Speed, agility and physicality matter more than college production alone.
An example of the above is any Baylor wide receiver under Art Briles; they all put up outrageous stats in college but flopped in the NFL due to a lack of a true route tree and limited skills beyond the system.
3. Not Knowing When To Sell Devy Assets
Why It Happens
The allure of “holding onto the next superstar” can cloud judgment. Sometimes, a player’s value peaks in college and fantasy managers fail to capitalize. Additionally, some managers get attached to their devy picks and refuse to sell, even when their dynasty team needs immediate contributors.
How To Avoid
- Sell When the Hype is High: If a devy player is being overhyped but has real concerns (such as questionable athleticism or playing in a weak conference), move them for proven assets.
- Recognize When a Player is Stalling: If a player isn’t developing or is getting passed up on the depth chart, don’t be afraid to cut bait.
- Use Devy for Dynasty Wins: Devy is about improving your dynasty team, not just hoarding prospects. If you can sell a hyped devy player for a veteran that helps you win now, do it.
If a college WR is drawing hype but isn’t a complete prospect (i.e., Quentin Johnston), cash out before the NFL Draft exposes his flaws.
RELATED: 2025 Devy Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Three-Round Startup
4. Ignoring Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Why It Happens
Many devy managers assume that talent alone dictates success. However, NFL Draft capital and landing spot significantly impact a player’s career trajectory.
How To Avoid
- Follow NFL Scouts, Not Just College Hype: If an elite college producer is projected as a Day 3 pick, be cautious.
- Monitor the Pre-Draft Process: The NFL Combine, Pro Days and interviews all provide clues about a player’s stock.
- Sell Before the Draft if Necessary: If you suspect a devy player won’t get premium draft capital, consider moving them before the draft deflates their value.
Example: Spencer Rattler was once a top Devy pick but plummeted due to poor play and concerns about his intangibles as his college career progressed. In the 2025 NFL Draft class, it may be Quinn Ewers that you’re stuck holding.
5. Ignoring Positional Value & Roster Construction
Why It Happens
Devy fantasy football managers often get enamored with talent while making mistakes such as ignoring how their picks fit their dynasty team. Some managers overload on WRs, for example, when their league format favors running backs. Others draft too many young players and lack the veterans to compete.
How To Avoid
- Balance Youth and Veterans: Devy is great for long-term planning, but dynasty teams still need proven producers.
- Draft Based on League Settings: If RBs are scarce, prioritize them over WRs.
- Consider Team Needs When Making Trades: A devy WR might be more valuable to another manager.
The Bottom Line: Trust Your Process
Success in devy fantasy football comes down to smart evaluation, knowing when to sell and understanding how college production translates to the NFL. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll put yourself ahead of the competition and build a dynasty team that can dominate for years to come.
What mistakes have you made in devy? Share your experiences in the comments, or let me know on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF!
RELATED: The Evolution of Drafting Devy Quarterbacks & Who to Watch
Thanks for reading my article on the Five Most Common Devy Fantasy Football Mistakes! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports*
