Top 25 Senior Bowl prospects midway through college football season

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter has updated his ranking of the top 25 prospects for the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl as we hit the midpoint of the season. Reuter updates his rankings after every two weeks of play.

Reuter’s top four senior prospects have remained in their slots, however, the analyst’s list also features six newcomers.

The 2022 NFL Draft is set for April 28-30. The Senior Bowl will be on Feb. 5.

Top 25 Senior Bowl prospects after Week 6

*indicates newcomer

25) Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis*

Don’t underestimate this 5-foot-9, 165-pound wideout. Through six games, Calvin Austin III ranks second in the country in receiving yards per game with 139.5 and eight touchdowns.

“With 13 receptions for 200 yards last week against Tulsa, he showed scouts his ability to eat grass against soft coverage, beat press with quickness off the line, and excel in the quick-screen game,” Reuter said.

24) Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma*

Sooners running back Kennedy Brooks went off in the Red River Rivalry on Saturday. The 5-foot-11 senior prospect had 25 carries for 217 yards and two touchdowns.

“(Brooks) patiently waited for his blocks and then used his low pad level, forward lean and powerful legs to push through tackle attempts in the backfield and second level,” Reuter said.

23) Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State*

Tight end Trey McBride has turned in impressive performances all season, including versus the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes. He’s has more receiving yards than any other tight end in the country with 458 on 42 catches.

“McBride’s combination of quickness off the line, receiving prowess and blocking intensity is something rarely seen in the college game nowadays,” Reuter said. “(He) showed NFL teams he can be a tenacious move blocker from the H-back position.”

22) Josh Paschal, Edge, Kentucky*

Kentucky edge Josh Paschal is just 6-foot-3, but he’s had solid performances versus stiff competition over the past two weeks. On the season, Paschal has 7.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

“Some teams might find an issue fitting Paschal into their scheme,” Reuter said. “He could grow into a five-technique, but teams willing to live with his lack of prototypical height on the edge will pick up a true disruptor.

21) Demarvion Overshown, LB, Texas*

The Longhorns didn’t get the win over Oklahoma this past weekend but linebacker Demarvion Overshown did what he could, including sacking Spencer Rattler and recovering a fumble. Through six games, he’s posted 52 tackles (27 solo), four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

“The tall, lean defender reminds me of longtime Texans starting inside linebacker Zach Cunningham, bringing physicality between the tackles and pursuing the ball all over the field, even at the cost of missing one or two tackles a game,” Reuter said.

20) Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama -7

19) Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia -2

18) Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama*

Crimson Tide defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis makes his debut at No. 18 on the Senior Bowl prospect list. Through six games, he’s posted 22 tackles, four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks with a forced fumble.

“Mathis did his part … tossing aside single blocks and working through double-teams to get to the ball,” Reuter said. “His hustle outside the box on stretch plays, quarterback scrambles and quick passes was impressive for his size, as were his violent hands and ability to cross the face of his blocker to win gaps.”

17) Kingsley Enagbare, Edge, South Carolina -5

16) Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State -1

15) Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota -1

14) Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State -3

13) Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa -3

12) Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah +9

11) Zion Johnson, G, Boston College +11

10) Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State +10

9) Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State -2

8) Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn –

7) Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington +2

6) Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia -1

5) Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky +1

4) Adam Anderson, Edge, Georgia –

3) Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State –

2) Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan –

1) Malik Willis, QB, Liberty –

More seniors to watch

Reuter bumped six players out of the top 25 from two weeks ago to make room for the newcomers:

• Darrian Beavers (Cincinnati)
• Rachaad White (Arizona State)
• Qwuantrezz Knight (UCLA)
• Bernhard Raimann (Central Michigan)
• Chad Muma (Wyoming)
• Cade Otton (Washington)