With each draft class, scouts and draft prognosticators often make comparisons between top prospects and established NFL players. As these top 20 prospects get ready for the draft, here's a look at some of their closest NFL comps.
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The reigning Heisman Trophy winner combines outstanding mobility with throwing accuracy, much league McNabb did in his career with the Eagles. Daniels' outstanding season likely puts him near the top of the draft.
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North Carolina QB Drake Maye | Comp: Matthew Stafford
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Maye has everything you could want in a pocket passer, with ample size, a strong arm, and accuracy. While more mobile, he compares well to Stafford.
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McCarthy does just enough of everything, proving to be a winner at Michigan with his accuracy and mobility. His running ability doesn't stack up to Jones, but McCarthy does enough to be considered an NFL starting candidate.
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Oregon QB Bo Nix | Comp: Derek Carr
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Nix had an accomplished college career, and could carry over his impressive accuracy to the NFL in the right scheme. He fits as a West Coast offense quarterback similar to Carr.
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Penix was a consistent and productive winner in college at Indiana and Washington despite some issues with his throwing accuracy. His status as a lefty and unorthodox throwing motion has garnered some questions about his NFL capabilities, similar to Tebow.
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Williams is considered a generational quarterback prospect with unique playmaking ability, vision, and mobility. The comparison to Mahomes is lofty, but some feel he's the next big thing in the NFL.
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Coleman wasn't the most productive wideout in college, but he's a borderline first-round prospect due to his size, speed, and athleticism. He performed well as a Red Zone threat and punt returner for the Seminoles and should be a capable downfield threat in the NFL like Williams.
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Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. | Comp: Julio Jones
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Harrison could be the best wideout prospect we've seen in years, with back-to-back 1,200-plus yard and 14 touchdown seasons for the Buckeyes. He has elite size, speed, and hands, looking made for the position like a young Julio Jones.
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Legette had a breakout senior season for the Gamecocks. He was the centerpiece of the team's offense, as they often just gave Legette the ball and let him do the rest. His ability to run after the catch compares well to Aiyuk.
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Nabers doesn't have the most size at 6-foot-1, but he's a tactician as a wideout as a great route runner with excellent hands. He finished last season with 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, showing a skillset that compares to fellow LSU alum Chase.
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Washington WR Rome Odunze | Comp: DeAndre Hopkins
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Odunze is a big deep threat, though he also has the polish to run nearly any route. His ability to create separation should make him a quarterback-friendly player in any system like Hopkins.
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LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. | Comp: A.J. Brown
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Thomas is usually the biggest wideout on the field, listed at 6-foot-5. He plays just as big, averaging 17.3 yards per catch with 17 touchdowns last season. His huge upside as a deep threat makes him a possible A.J. Brown in the making.
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Bowers has an argument as the best pass-catching tight end prospect ever. However, he added some injury concerns after suffering a high ankle sprain in 2023. If healthy, he has a chance to transform an NFL offense similar to Gronk.
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Standing tall at 6-foot-8, Alt is often the biggest man on the field. He's uniquely athletic at that size, and has a chance to be an All-Pro like the Cowboys' long-time left tackle.
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Penn State OT Oli Fashanu | Comp: Laremy Tunsil
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Fashanu has been a surefire first-round prospect for quite a while, combining excellent size with great feet as a premium left tackle. He should be a plug-and-play for an NFL team, much like Tunsil.
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Turner isn't the biggest edge rusher, but he has excellent athleticism and production shown in three years with the Crimson Tide. He fits an excellent 3-4 edge rushing linebacker like we've seen from Houston for years.
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Florida State DE Jared Verse | Comp: Rashan Gary
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Verse has been highly productive with nine sacks in consecutive seasons, with a strong combo of size and edge rushing ability. His strength gives him a high floor at the next level like Verse.
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Latu is a big defensive end who has the ability to play in different schemes. He had 13 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in only 12 games for the Bruins in 2023, and should be a pillar on a defense like the young version of Jordan.
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DeJean's position at the next level is up the air, as he could play at either safety or corner. It's clear he has a nose for the ball, and isn't afraid to get into a scrum. The playing style resembles that of Sneed.
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It's tough for a true safety to earn first-round consideration, but Kinchens has been an absolute playmaker for the Canes with 11 interceptions over the last two seasons. He's slightly undersized, albeit not to Mathieu's degree, but has a similar eye for turnovers.