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We have updated the Football Scout top 50 Big board, and today I want to share some of the new entrants that have moved into the top 50 as we have moved past the halfway mark of the college football season.
(16) ED Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Starter-level developmental traits with instant impact player potential
At 6-6, 275 LBS, Wilson is a versatile DL who can play on the interior or the edge. His versatility, combined with his length, is what stands out. At the NFL level, he projects as an edge-setting DE. He posted six sacks in 2021; he already has 7 in 2022.
(29) CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Solid Level High Upside player with instant impact player potential
Witherspoon is a 6-0, 180lb physical ball-hawking DB who leads the nation in PBU's (11) through 7 games in 2022. According to PFF, he boasts the top coverage grade, allowing 13 catches on 42 total targets for 131 yards and zero TD's. He plays 76% of his snaps in man coverage, where he has surrendered only 7 catches for 61 yards and -2 yds after the catch.
(32) CB Garrett Williams, Syracuse
Starter-level developmental traits with instant impact player potential
Williams is a versatile physical DB that can play in a multiple-scheme defense. Playing 46% of his snaps in zone coverage, Williams has allowed only four catches on 5 total targets for 76 yards and no TD's while snagging two picks in zone coverage, according to PFF.
(35) QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Developmental starter traits with instant impact player potential
Hooker displayed what we wanted to see from him against Alabama posting 441 yards and 5 TD's, leading his team to an epic win in Knoxville. Hendon Hooker transferred to Tennessee from Virginia Tech in 2021. Hooker has proven to be an efficient player in an offense that doesn't ask him to do much as a passer beyond his predetermined read. Hooker's development will depend on where he lands in the NFL.
(36) IOL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
He is a solid starter with high upside potential and might be at or near his ceiling.
Beebe has experience playing LT at Kansas State but moved to LG due to his lack of length. Beebe is an experienced player who plays with a great base allowing him to anchor down and hold his ground. PFF has him graded in the top 15 in pass blocking. He is also a strong run blocker in zone or gap-based situations.
(39) WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Developmental starter traits with instant impact player potential
Hyatt exploded onto the scene, Alabama scorching the Crimson Tide secondary with six catches for 207 yards. Hyatt is the beneficiary of former Vols number one WR Cedric Tillman, who succumbed to injury in week 3. Hyatt has recorded 92% of his snaps from the slot in a Tennessee offense that loves to spread teams out. He averages more than 14 yards per target while maintaining a 154.9 QBR when targeted. Hyatt has the field stretching speed that NFL scouts want at the position and will be a player to keep an eye on moving forward.
(41) TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
He is a solid starter with high upside potential and might be at or near his ceiling.
One could argue that Kincaid is the top TE in this class. Kincaid scorched the USC defense with 16 catches and 234 yards with a TD on Saturday, which is why his stock is on the rise. In 2022, Kincaid boasts the nation's 2nd highest receiving grade, according to PFF. He lines up 56% of his snaps in the slot and is known as a better route runner and pass catcher than an inline blocker. His game translates well at the next level.
(49) Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
He is a solid starter with high upside potential and might be at or near his ceiling.
McDonald is a versatile player who many believed lacked consistency. We have been up and down on him, but in 2022, McDonald is proving the doubters wrong by posting a top 5 grade nationally in true pass set situations with a 48% win rate (4th). He has four sacks and 15 pressures through 7 games.
(50) RB Chase Brown, Illinois
He is a solid starter with high upside potential and might be at or near his ceiling.
The 2022 RB class is deep and versatile because of backs like Chase Brown. He has already surpassed 1000 rush yards averaging 7.0 yds per run. Brown blends speed, power, and contact balance as well as any back in this class. Brown leads the nation in yards after contact through seven games and has improved as a pass catcher providing three-down versatility. He will need to prove he can hold up at the NFL level in pass pro, an area he has worked to improve in 2022.