The best NFL compensations of the 2024 draft class: We
The 2024 NFL draft is simply around the corner, which suggests you will start hearing (if you haven’t currently) lots of prospects be compared to some of the very best past and present NFL stars.NFL draft evaluators’ matches are generally based on style of play, physical measurements, production, flexibility and role, similar qualities or some combination of those. And prospect-to-player contrasts are handy because they can provide you a sense of how prospects job to the next level. They aren’t always specific and don’t always recommend that the possibility will share the exact same level of success as the NFL player (for better or even worse). However compensations are useful to get a concept of a player’s style of play.Who does quarterback Caleb Williams remind us of? Who are excellent matches for top pass receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers? We asked 14 of our NFL experts for their preferred prospect-to-pro comps for this year’s draft class. And check out the” SportsCenter Unique: Matt Miller’s Prospect Comps “at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the ESPN app on Monday night. Harrison shows the smart route-running qualities, coverage awareness and high-end ball skills/body control that remind me of Hopkins’style of play. With the versatility to isolate on the border or work out of the slot, the Ohio State receiver has three-level matchup capability and an All-Pro advantage.– Matt Bowen, NFL analyst Utilizes his legs to buy time beyond the pocket? Examine. Wilson tossed 20%of his passes outside the
pocket from 2012 to 2021, and Williams (USC)came in at 23 %from 2021 to 2023. Combines exceptional effectiveness with elite playmaking? Check. Wilson completed 65% of his passes at 12.0 lawns per completion– well over the league average of 11.4– in Seattle. Williams finished 67% of his passes at 13.7 backyards per conclusion in college. Given, Williams won’t need to wait until the 3rd round to hear his name called; he has all the tools you would want from a No. 1 choice.– Expense Connelly, college football press reporter Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Legette(South Carolina)and Brown are eerily similar when it pertains to their body movements and design of play. Both players are durable receivers– Legette is 6-foot-1, 221 pounds, while Brown measured 6-foot, 226 pounds in 2019– who have the strength to run through tackles and the speed to pull away from protectors for long gains. They both display significant ball abilities to go up and make objected to catches, also.– Turron Davenport, Titans reporter Mitchell(Toledo)certainly has the physical profile of Lattimore; Lattimore was 6-foot, 193 pounds in 2017, and Mitchell is 6-0 ⅛, 193 pounds. And they have actually almost identical timed speed numbers, too. Lattimore ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, and Mitchell ran a 4.33. However dive in a little much deeper, and Mitchell’s determination to solve in the wide receiver’s wheelhouse at the line of skirmish– he was without a doubt the most aggressive, physical cornerback at the Senior Bowl this year– mirrors much of what Lattimore did in his time at Ohio State.– Jeff Legwold, Broncos reporter Brees dropped to the top of Round 2 in 2001 since of his 6-foot size and questions about whether his arm strength was tapped out. Now? He’s
a lock for the Hall of Fame in 2026. Nix, my fifth-ranked quarterback in this class, is a little taller at 6-2, however he has some of the very same concerns, especially coming from an Oregon offense that saw him toss quick and short. But when I watch Nix throw with accuracy, I see a lot of Brees’precision in him.– Mel Kiper Jr., NFL draft analyst Verse, a former walk-on at Albany, moved to Florida State in 2022 and changed into a first-round choice. Like Hendrickson, he comes off the ball with wonderful power in his initial step and has the upper-body strength to rock back offensive tackles off the edge. Verse– and Hendrickson– also have the speed and bend to be premier pass-rushers from a 4-3 protective end alignment. — Matt Miller, NFL draft expert
Newton (Illinois)and Jarrett have the initial quickness, active hands and impulses to slip blocks, find the ball and make plays in the backfield. They do not have excellent size– Newton measures 6-2, 304 pounds, and Jarrett is 6-0, 305 pounds– however they play with good pad level and can stack bigger blockers. Their physical hands and motors make them effective pass-rushers. — Steve Muench, NFL draft analyst
McCarthy and Cousins play with a high level of conviction and consistently make hard throws from the pocket look easier than they should. The former Michigan quarterback has his eyes and arm connected to his feet on when and where to toss the ball. — Dan Orlovsky, NFL expert
When it pertains to pass-rush repertoire, there isn’t a much better pure pass-rusher in this draft class than Latu. At 6-5, 259 pounds, the former UCLA protective end is similar to Crosby in stature (6-5, 255 pounds) and playing style. They both have an array of relocations and can bend and corner to get to the quarterback, while likewise having fun with a motor that never stops. — Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst
At 6-3, Thomas used his length and speed to lead the FBS in goals with 17 at LSU. His integrate 40-yard dash time of 4.33 seconds was faster than Higgins’ 4.59 and should cause an earlier choice, however both have huge frames and the capability to acquire goals around the red zone. Like Higgins, who balanced almost 20 backyards per catch in his final season at Clemson, Thomas can regularly attack defenses down the field.— Adam Rittenberg, college football press reporter
What to understand for the 2024 NFL draft
– Mock drafts|DraftCast: Top prospects
– Rankings: Kiper|Miller|Reid|Yates
– QB Hot Board|First-rounders|Compensations
– Position ranks|Complete order|
Nabers(LSU) and Lamb both have the skill to dominate routes at all three levels and alter tempo to get open, and both of them required some enhancement in running crisp paths coming out of college (Lamb remained in the 2020 class). The two have similar frames, but Lamb is somewhat taller than Naber’s 6-foot stature at 6-2. — Aaron Schatz, NFL expert
Sweat is 366 pounds and was unblockable sometimes throughout his last season at Texas and during this year’s Senior Bowl practices. While he might not have the range of Wilfork, he did have a 10-yard split of 1.8 seconds at the integrate, showing his speed. — Mike Tannenbaum, NFL analyst
Beebe is a plug-and-play immediate starter, who has the size(6-3, 322 pounds )and power to have a long and illustrious NFL career. Beebe is a bit larger than Mankins was in 2005 (6-4, 307 pounds), but the Kansas State lineman jobs to have the very same immediate effect and lengthy profession. — Pete Thamel, college football press reporter
If you’re searching for a safety in this year’s class with elite range and protection abilities, the response is Bullock. The slim USC safety patrols centerfield akin to Williams, as Bullock had 9 interceptions over the previous 3 seasons and returned two for a score. While neither player is a significant force against the run, Williams has shown how this kind of ability can flourish in the NFL. — Field Yates, NFL draft expert