{"id":21728,"date":"2023-03-23T20:52:13","date_gmt":"2023-03-23T20:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/23\/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-and-their-league-comps\/"},"modified":"2023-03-23T20:52:13","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T20:52:13","slug":"2023-nfl-draft-prospects-and-their-league-comps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/23\/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-and-their-league-comps\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 NFL Draft prospects and their league comps"},"content":{"rendered":"

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With each draft class, scouts and draft prognosticators often make comparisons between top prospects and established NFL players. As these top 25 prospects get ready for the draft, here’s a look at some of their closest NFL comps.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarvin Gentry \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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It’s difficult to find a clear comp for Young, who has shown out-of-this-world playmaking ability and passing accuracy during his college career at Alabama. However, he’s done so with a lack of size. While former Eagles and Vikings star Randall Cunningham was much taller at 6-foot-4, the plus athleticism and arm strength are comparable.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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2 of 25<\/p>\n

Ohio State QB CJ Stroud<\/a> | Comp: Joe Burrow <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Ohio<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDale Zanine \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Stroud has been an extremely accurate passer in the Buckeyes’ offense, completing over 69 percent of his passes over two seasons. While he’s shown an ability to move in the pocket and gain yards with his feet when needed, it’s not a major part of Stroud’s game. Bengals star Joe Burrow<\/a> has a similar game and strengths. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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3 of 25<\/p>\n

Kentucky QB Will Levis<\/a> | Comp: Jeff George <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Kentucky<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWilliam Purnell \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Levis has unbelievable physical tools with elite arm strength and plus scrambling ability, but it takes some projection with tape that shows sub-par talent around him at Kentucky. Former No. 1 overall draft choice Jeff George<\/a> is well known for his incredible arm strength, but the 12-year NFL quarterback was an inconsistent starter at the highest level. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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4 of 25<\/p>\n

Florida QB Anthony Richardson | Comp: Michael Vick<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Florida<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMatt Pendleton \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Richardson is a romantic pick whose elite athleticism will likely push him early into the first round. He’s made more impressive plays with his feet than his arm but has star potential in the right system. Vick was obviously a much more productive college quarterback at Virginia Tech, yet the incredible ability with his feet and strong arm bore some resemblance.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Tennessee<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRandy Sartin \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Coming off a torn ACL, the productive Hooker could move down draft boards. When healthy, he showed all the physical traits needed to be a starter in the NFL with great accuracy, a strong arm, and plus mobility with his big frame. The lanky Ryan Tannehill<\/a> took some time to get settled in as an NFL starting quarterback, moving from wideout in college, but eventually became an accurate starter for the Titans. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Texas<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJay Biggerstaff \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Robinson is considered by many to be the best and most well-rounded running back in the draft, showing three-down ability as a downhill runner. In fact, he shows more polish coming out of college than former Wisconsin star Jonathan Taylor<\/a>, who has proved in the NFL he could be a viable receiver and hold onto the ball in addition to being a 2,000-yard rusher. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Alabama<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJamar Coach \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Gibbs’ electric speed absolutely jumps off the screen, and he’s also a gifted receiver. While Reggie Bush’s NFL career was slightly disappointing after going second overall in the 2006 draft, there is some resemblance between the pair’s great sprint speed, running style, and receiving abilities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Kansas<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKevin Jairaj \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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The comp for Vaughn has been clear for all Kansas State fans throughout his college career. At 5-foot-6, the undersized back is an obvious comp to Sproles. A similarly undersized running back who was counted out by many, the former fourth-round pick had a great 14-year NFL career as one of the most productive receiving backs in league history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Ohio<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoshua A. Bickel \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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The speedy and agile Smith-Njigba had an unbelievable 2021 season with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine scores. He’s flashed elite upside as a route runner with great hands, though there could be some injury concern after playing only three games last season. His ability to create his own space along the sidelined resembles Hopkins.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"TCU<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKirby Lee \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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A tall speedster, Johnston had a breakout season in 2022 with 60 catches for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns. He’s been an elite deep threat with his length and speed for his entire college career, in much the same way Higgins was at Clemson.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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11 of 25<\/p>\n

USC WR Jordan Addison | Comp: Keenan Allen<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"USC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDale Zanine \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Addison was a highly productive player at both Pitt and USC and did so as an elite route runner. He lacks plus size but has the route-running ability and hands to be a man-to-man beater like Allen.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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12 of 25<\/p>\n

Boston College WR Zay Flowers<\/a> | Comp: Jarvis Landry <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Boston<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWinslow Townson \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Flowers is a strong slot receiver in the making at 5-foot-10, with the quickness to pile up catches. Jarvis Landry<\/a> has declined in recent years, but early in his career with Miami and Cleveland, he was seemingly impossible to cover in the slot. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Tennessee<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSaul Young \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Hyatt showed in his 2022 breakout season that he could take the top off of any defense. The speedster averaged 18.9 yards per catch and scored on 15 of his 67 receptions. Jackson remains the prototypical NFL deep threat, a big play waiting to happen in his prime.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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14 of 25<\/p>\n

North Carolina WR Josh Downs | Comp: Stefon Diggs<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"North<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBob Donnan \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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The undersized Downs is a tremendous route runner and was able to accumulate over 1,000 yards for the second straight season despite losing quarterback Sam Howell. While smaller than the crafty Diggs, Downs could similarly give man coverage corners big problems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Notre<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCheryl Evans \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Mayer is an all-around tight end with the rare ability to step in immediately as an NFL starter. He should be an asset as a receiver and blocker, similar to what the 49ers have developed with Kittle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Georgia<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJordan Prather \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Washington has the makings of a capable receiver, but his most impressive ability at this point comes as a blocker. The 6-foot-7 mammoth tight end should be pushed up in the draft with his blocking and size, projecting similarly to the accomplished Lewis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Utah<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRob Gray \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Kincaid’s receiving ability is ahead of his blocking at this point, and he certainly showed well over the last two seasons for the Utes. He scored eight times in back-to-back seasons and was seemingly always open with a game similar to Ravens star Andrews.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Florida<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVasha Hunt \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Listed at 6-foot-5 and nearing 350 pounds, Torrence is a mauler on the interior. There are questions about his ability as a pass blocker, but a running team would love to have his services as the Chiefs have over the last two years with Smith.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Georgia<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMark J. Rebilas \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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We don’t often see interior rushers in the conversation for the first overall pick, but few have the pass rush ability of Carter. He was in the backfield regularly for the Bulldogs in his college career, with incredible athleticism for his size. Sapp is one of the best interior pass rushers ever to play the game and a former Defensive Player of the Year with the Bucs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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20 of 25<\/p>\n

Alabama DE Will Anderson | Comp: Khalil Mack<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Alabama<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMark J. Rebilas \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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With elite physical tools and production, some believed Anderson was ready to be the first overall pick in last year’s draft. He will get his shot in 2023 as a seemingly can’t-miss edge rusher similar to the type of prospect Mack was in 2014.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Texas<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKirby Lee \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Wilson has the size that scouts dream of as a 4-3 edge rusher. When comping elite talent and size, Kearse remains a prototype as an instant impact player and former Defensive Rookie of the Year with Tennessee in 1999.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Iowa<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJeffrey Becker \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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There are more athletically talented edge rushers, but Van Ness has the strength to be a stout pass rusher and run defender. The durable and consistent Jordan has been just that for the Saints over the last 12 seasons, recording 115.5 sacks and rarely missing time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Arkansas<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKirby Lee \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Becoming anything close to Micah Parsons<\/a> is a tall order, but Sanders earns that comparison because of his multi-dimensional play. He had 103 tackles and 9.5 sacks last season for the Razorbacks, showing the ability to play middle linebacker and also rush the passer. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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\"Illinois<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRon Johnson \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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A very capable man-to-man cover corner, Witherspoon improved his draft stock last season with his ball skills. He had three picks and 14 passes defensed in 12 games, showing similar strengths to Slay.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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25 of 25<\/p>\n

Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr. | Comp: Richard Sherman<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Penn<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBarbara J. Perenic \/ USA Today Sports Images\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Defenses tried to avoid the tall and smart Porter Jr. during his college career. He has enough height to line up against any wideout at 6-foot-2 and the football pedigree as the son of a former Pro Bowl linebacker. Size and smarts were certainly two of the most cited traits during Sherman’s outstanding career.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n