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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Best-case player comps for some of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL draft

When it comes to scouting prospects for the NFL draft, one of the most difficult things to do is project a player in the NFL in comparison to a similar player. Nevertheless, that’s what we are going to do with some of our favorite prospects in the year’s draft. Let us know in the comments what you think of these comparisons.

WR - Jordan Addison, USC

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The offseason hasn’t been great for USC wide receiver Jordan Addison but if you go back to his film, his traits of speed and explosion really stand out. You add in his slight frame and sticky hands and it is easy to compare him to Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

TE - Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Mayer is a supremely smart route runner, and plays with impressive functional strength and power as a blocker. He has an ideal NFL frame and his ability to make contested catches and break tackles reminds me very much of Ravens star tight end Mark Andrews.

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens

DT - Siaki Ika, Baylor

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The trend in college football has been defensive tackles with leaner, more athletic builds at the expense of some power. But Baylor’s Siaki Ika is a throwback with a massive frame and elite function power. Watching him play really reminds us of Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea in his prime.

Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LB - Trenton Simpson, Clemson

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Defenders like Trenton Simpson are rare. He’s got explosive speed, agility and balance lining up inside and outside. Simpson can do everything from drop and cover, stuff the run and even rush the quarterback off the edge. A lot like Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

EDGE - Myles Murphy, Clemson

It is one thing to be an edge rusher who weighs 245 pounds with burst off the edge. It’s quite another to be 275 pounds, have that same burst and be powerful enough to set the edge against the run and can overpower blockers. This is what Clemson’s Myles Murphy does just like Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett.

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

CB - Julius Brents, Kansas State

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

This one is too easy but finding cornerbacks with the type of height and length of Kansas State’s Julius Brents is rare. His aggressive nature, strong tackling and ability to mirror receivers while staying with the football really remind us of Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.

Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks

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