NFL Draft Prospects and Their Pro Player Comparisons

The goal for these comparisons is to match the play style and abilities of 2023 NFL draft prospects to an NFL player known for those play styles and abilities, the goal is NOT to predict a career or definitively compare between players . I’ve formed the comparisons after watching regular season games, reviewing scouting reports and dialing up a YouTube highlight video or two.

QB

  • Bryce Young — Joe Burrow
    • 6’0 height
    • Escapeability in the pocket, but not a runner
    • Pinpoint accuracy
    • Dominated in the SEC, Heisman winners
  • Will Levis — Matthew Stafford
    • Ideal arm talent
    • Big body, harder to tackle
    • Good experience running plays under center, play action
  • C.J. Stroud — Geno Smith
    • Makes quick decisions in the pocket
    • Doesn’t rely on mobility
    • Ball placement gives receivers a chance
  • Anthony Richardson — Justin Fields
    • Off the charts athleticism
    • Strong natural arm
    • Playmaker
  • Hendon Hooker — Derek Carr
    • Able to identify open WR’s
    • Comfortable in the pocket
    • Average NFL arm strength
  • Tanner McKee — Jared Goff
    • Excels in timing/rhythm plays
    • Longer release in throwing motion
    • Tall, durable physique

WR

  • Quentin Johnston — Kyle Pitts
    • Athletic build that translates on field
    • Strong after the catch
  • Rashee Rice — A.J. Brown
    • Strong frame to win contested battles
    • Elusive and determined after the catch
  • Jordan Addison — Chris Olave
    • Excellent route runners
    • Elusive and electric with the ball
    • Similar physique (height/catch radius)
  • Jaxson Smith-Njigba — Jarvis Landry
    • Playmaker from the slot
    • Natural feel for open zones of the field
  • Josh Downs — Tyler Lockett
    • Versatile athlete
    • Same physique (height)
    • Great in contested catch situations
  • Jalin Hyatt — Jaylen Waddle
    • Fast, long strides that leads to separation

RB

  • Bijan Robinson — Austin Ekeler/Miles Sanders
    • Powerful lower half with contact balance
    • Receiving threat
    • Understands running lanes
  • Jahmyr Gibbs — Chrisitan McCaffrey
    • Electric kick / punt returner
    • Quick feet and acceleration to make defenders miss
    • Excellent receiving & route running
  • Devon Achane — Alvin Kamara
    • Off the charts balance / flexibility
    • Same forward leaning running style

2022 NFL Mock Draft: 3rd Edition (of 5)

Now that the NFL season has finished, each team has solidified their spot in the draft order and us fans can begin even more speculation. You can see my other mock drafts here, so as the draft process moves along you are able to see in real-time the changes of certain players and teams.

Keep in mind, these picks are what I think the teams should do, not what they will do.

Enjoy:

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
    • At least in this draft we genuinely don’t know who might get drafted first overall. Neal is a freak athlete that former #1 overall pick, QB Trevor Lawrence, will be thankful for going forward.
  2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
    • He will be the local favorite, and Hutchinson should have immediate impact on an up and coming Lions roster. He matches the mold of what Detroit is trying to build.
  3. Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
    • This might not be the direction that Houston takes, however it’s the direction the NFL is taking; edge rushers are extremely valuable. Thibodeaux has shown glimpses of being able to develop into a cornerstone on defense.
  4. New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
    • Saleh just can’t pass up a generational prospect in the secondary. Hamilton could have a Minkah Fitzpatrick-like ability to take away parts of the field and limit big plays.
  5. New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
    • Pro-football Network’s Ian Cummings believes NYG need to spend at least one of their picks protecting Daniel Jones, so they grab a safe and versatile option on the offensive line in Ekwonu.
  6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
    • Sam Darnold has proven enough times that he is not worth starting for 17 games a season. Pickett is the safest QB and highly rated as the top QB in this class, as by draft analyst Ian Cummings.
  7. New York Giants (via CHI): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
    • The highest drafted center in quite some time, Linderbaum and Ekwonu will anchor the offensive line for a generation. It’ll be easier to build a dynamic offense with these two players.
  8. Atlanta Falcons: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
    • There’s a lot of directions to go here, and some Falcons fans believe the ‘best player available’ is the best option. Burks might not fit that mold, but he’ll fit nicely into that offense to add some more stability.
  9. Denver Broncos: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
    • Even if Willis sits for a year, DEN can’t afford to not address the position in the off season. Willis has the best physical traits and talent of the QB’s in this years draft.
  10. New York Jets (via SEA): Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
    • They upgraded their secondary already this draft, so why not help out the first line of defense? Walker was a part of a historic college defense, so his college production might not tell the story. His athleticism and anticipation are off the charts for his size and position.
  11. Washington Football Team: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
    • One of if not the most impressive player during the bowl season, Dean looks ready to be a defensive leader. Adding his instincts and traits to a defense with good pieces already (just not at LB) will make a positive difference.
  12. Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
    • With a good showing against Alabama in his playoff game, Sauce Gardner could see his draft stock rise as high as MIN, who could use a game-ready corner.
  13. Cleveland Browns: Garret Wilson, WR, Ohio State
    • No doubt CLE needs a playmaker on the outside to replace what OBJ was supposed to be. Although they should primarily be a running team, getting a WR who can consistently get open and make contested catches might add another level to the offense.
  14. Baltimore Ravens: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
    • This is about as far as Stingley would drop in this draft. BAL loves to have a good secondary, so adding the talent and potential of Stingley will make that easier without their def. coordinator.
  15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
    • The most exciting team in the draft this year starts their first round trio of picks with a much needed boost in the front seven. Karlaftis can wreak havoc on offensive tackles with his power and relentlessness.
  16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
    • Yet again, PHI boosts their front seven on defense, because it just makes too much sense. Lloyd is the perfect player to boost a front seven – he’s good at tackling and plays downhill on the ball more often than not.
  17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
    • LAC cannot afford to pass up an upgrade to their horrific run defense. Davis will be an excellent wall for the defense and probably rotated in throughout the game situationally.
  18. New Orleans Saints: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
    • With the current WR core of NO, there is no way they can pass up the skillset of Williams at this spot. If Winston comes back (which he should) he gets an explosive WR to air it out with.
  19. Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson
  20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
    • With an offensive line as bad as PIT, taking the most versatile linemen in the draft is a no-brainer. If last year’s K. Green can earn a starting spot, this K. Green will be able to win a starting job at any position other than center.
  21. New England Patriots: Drake London, WR, USC
    • This just seems like a good fit for NE; Mac will have London to through to when under duress and/or in the redzone. A lot can change in an offense when one guy can get to so many catchable positions.
  22. Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
    • A deep WR class will start to make it’s run at some point in this draft. Olave was paired up with fellow first-rounder G. Wilson for his whole career, but breaking away from him could make Olave a bigger star, similar to Justin Jefferson’s storyline.
  23. Arizona Cardinals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
    • The ARI offense looks like it has the pieces to succeed, and McDuffie has many intangibles that can help win football games immediately.
  24. Dallas Cowboys: Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan
    • Traditionally DAL has a top tier offensive line, however they are trending away from that given their current age and skillsets at the position. They need to make a pick here to stabilize the offensive line for years.
  25. Buffalo Bills: Devonta Wyatt, DL, Georgia
    • If the top five WR’s are taken, don’t be surprised to see BUF boost their defensive line depth, which was put to the test (and failed) in their final game against KC. Wyatt would be the fourth member of last years Georgia team to be drafted in the first round.
  26. Tennessee Titans: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
  27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
    • Ojabo falls in this mock more than most, due to his newness to the sport and overall raw potential. TB needs to generate more pressure without blitzing and Ojabo can make that happen.
  28. Green Bay Packers: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
    • Well, a disappointing finish will certainly call for some changes in GB. For starters, they need someone to trust catching the ball other than Davante Adams, despite who may be throwing it to him.
  29. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Trevor Penning, OL, Northern Iowa
    • Penning being left here would be a blessing for the Dolphins, who get this pick from the 49ers. It would boost the offensive line talent immensely and immediately, which MIA has shown they desperately need.
  30. Kansas City Chiefs: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
    • Mahomes and the new offensive line will be fine without taking an offensive player here. So, drafting a tremendous athlete that will hunt down the ball and cover in the slot can improve something else that struggled last year.
  31. Cincinnati Bengals: Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA
  32. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
    • I couldn’t not include three QB’s in the first round, because I’ll probably place a bet near the draft at o2.5 taken. So, Corral gets to enjoy the bench for a year or so and then will inherit one of the leagues best young offensive line groups.

Just missed the first round:

Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State University

Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

Logan Hall, DT, Houston

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Round One, 2nd Edition (of 5)

A couple of things should make for this mock draft to be more accurate and fulfilling than last December. First, the college bowl games have been played (or cancelled in some cases), giving scouts another chance to evaluate players’ attributes.

Additionally, the draft order is further along to being set. There is still one week left in the NFL season, however there’s a few less possibilities now that teams have just one game remaining.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
  2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
  3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
  4. New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
  5. New York Giants: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
  6. Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
  7. New York Jets (via SEA): Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
  8. New York Giants (via CHI): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
  9. Washington Football Team: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
  10. Atlanta Falcons: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
  11. Denver Broncos: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
  12. Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
  13. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio state
  14. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
  15. New Orleans Saints: George Karlafits, DE, Purdue
  16. Baltimore Ravens: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
  17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan University
  18. Las Vegas Raiders: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
  19. Philadelphia Eagles: David Ojabo, OLB, Michigan
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
  21. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
  22. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
  23. New England Patriots: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
  24. Arizona Cardinals: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
  25. Buffalo Bills: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
  26. Cincinnati Bengals: Sean Rhyan, IOL, UCLA
  27. Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
  28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
  29. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
  30. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Drake London, WR, USC
  31. Tennessee Titans: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
  32. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Just missed the first round:

  • DeMarvin Leal, DE/DT, Texas A&M
  • Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State
  • A. Booth Jr, CB, Clemson
  • Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
  • Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
  • Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Round One,1st Edition (of many)

The most speculative time of the year is nearing again, so it’s only right that we make predictions about an event that won’t happen for another five months!

As I created this mock draft, I decided on the player I believe to have the best potential for impact now and in future years for each team, given their roster, performance and draft history. This is in no way a ranking of player skill levels, only an educated guess on each organization’s million-dollar decision.

  1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
  2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
  3. Houston Texans: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
  4. New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
  5. New York Jets (via SEA): Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
  6. New York Giants (via CHI): Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
  7. New York Giants: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
  8. Atlanta Falcons: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
  9. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
  10. Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinatti
  11. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio state
  12. Philadelphia Eagles: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
  13. Philadelphia Eagle (via MIA): Trent Mcduffie, CB, Washington
  14. Denver Broncos: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
  15. Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
  16. Cleveland Browns: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
  17. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
  18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
  19. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
  20. Washington Football Team: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
  21. Buffalo Bills: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
  22. Cincinnati Bengals: Sean Rhyan, IOL, UCLA
  23. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
  24. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
  25. Dallas Cowboys: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
  26. Kansas City Chiefs: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
  27. Baltimore Ravens: Darian Kinnard, IOL, Kentucky
  28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
  29. Tennessee Titans: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
  30. Green Bay Packers: Drake London, WR, USC
  31. New England Patriots: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
  32. Arizona Cardinals: Logan Hall, DL, Houston

The 3 Stats that Good NFL teams share

This year, it’s the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that are statistically similar (and better than most other teams). In Sporting News’ latest NFL Power Rankings, these three teams are among the top four in the game at the moment. Although some stats need extra context, there are three in particular that are highly correlated with why good teams perform good, as well as why bad teams perform bad. Here they are:

Offensive Scoring Percentage

Highest Rated Teams: NE, BUF, LAR, IND, TB

Lowest Rated Teams: HOU, JAX, DET, SEA, NYJ

Well, let’s just say that the lowest rated teams in this statistic are currently slated as the first three picks in the upcoming draft (that means the teams are not good football teams). The offensive scoring percentage is self-explanatory; it’s a measure of how often an offense scores, in terms of number of drives resulting in a field goal or touchdown.

Typically, scoring the football is a result of converting, whether it be by sustaining a good drive or having the players to turn explosive plays into scores. A team that converts on offense not only controls the flow of the game, but also allows for more game winning drives than an offense with poor conversion abilities.

Bottom line – if the offense is not scoring frequently, there are a good amount of fundamental flaws in the offense that will contribute to poor future performance. On the other hand, if an offense is able to put points on the board every other time they have the ball, it means that they have the ability and execution to contribute to good future performance.

D NY/A (Defensive Net Yards per Pass Attempt allowed)

Highest Rated Teams: BUF, CAR, NE, ARI, GB

Lowest Rated Teams: DET, NYJ, BAL, WFT, JAX

It’s not a secret that the NFL has gotten pass-heavy on offense, especially in the last 10-15 years. Naturally with that transformation comes the growing necessity of a great passing defense to maintain success. This statistic measures the net yards allowed each time an opposing QB throws a pass.

Long 3rd downs and 2-minute drills are some of the most deciding moments in any football game that is played. It just so happens that the most common play call in those situations is a pass, so the ability to stop it will boost a teams potential in every single game they play.

The reason Patrick Mahomes earned a $500 million contract and the reason that most QB’s are the highest earner on the team is because they’re who needs to be making the plays in pivotal moments of a game. That leaves it up to the defense to stop that generational talent, and teams that rank at the top of this category have better chances down the stretch.

Defensive Turnover Rate

Highest Rated Teams: NE, BUF, IND, TB, NYG

Lowest Rated Teams: JAX, NYJ, SEA, PIT, BAL

No play gets the crowd as excited, or as deflated, as a turnover. There is never a good time for a turnover…unless you’re the defense. Then it’s always a good time for a turnover. Being able to generate more chances to score and control the game is a part of the most dangerous teams.

Overall, the good teams share a lot of similarities amongst each other and that’s an effect of adaptive coaching staffs as well as exceptional execution from the players. Don’t be surprised if the team raising the Lombardi at the end of the season is at or near the top of these categories!

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