NFL Draft: Player Comps
Comparisons Give Interesting Insight
Whether it be for your favorite team or sport bets, many NFL fans research the best prospects in the draft. Instead of digging into game tape and scouting reports, players comps can sometimes tell us the most about prospects. We get direct comparisons of successful NFL players that we have watched for years.
Let’s look at comps for some of the most notable prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.

QB Bryce Young, Alabama | Comp: Drew Brees
According to NFL odds, Bryce Young is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick (-800). Finding a comp for Young is difficult since he is one of a kind. We have seen small or mobile quarterbacks, but what about both? Maybe Kyler Murray? Think again. Young has displayed better accuracy and a thinner frame than Murray. Drew Brees could be the best comparison. Young is undersized with pinpoint accuracy. Still, it’s not perfect as Brees was not nearly as mobile.
QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State | Comp: Jared Goff
There are concerns surrounding quarterback C.J. Stroud. His stock has quickly dropped and he is now the favorite to be the No. 3 pick (+275). His mobility and playmaking have been questioned. However, Stroud’s ability as a pocket passer is elite. This is quite similar to Jared Goff. With protection, Goff can be excellent, but he lacks a dual-threat ability and can struggle against pressure.
QB Will Levis, Kentucky | Comp: Josh Allen
On Tuesday, Will Levis saw his stock soar. About two weeks ago, it seemed the former Wildcat could fall outside of the top 10 picks. NFL lines now have Levis as the favorite to be the No. 2 pick (+150). Plus, he is closing in on Young for the top selection (+420). Levis has several similarities to Josh Allen. He has a big frame and is not afraid of contact. Levis also has a cannon for an arm. While he has the traits, he is raw and lacked consistency at Kentucky.
Will Levis stock went up but we aren’t suprised 😼 pic.twitter.com/eHxLrAqFzY
— Barstool Kentucky (@BarstoolUK) April 25, 2023
QB Anthony Richardson, Florida | Comp: Cam Newton
After a mind-boggling NFL combine, Anthony Richardson was climbing the big boards. At one point, he was in consideration for the No. 1 pick. Richardson posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and a 40½-inch vertical at 6-foot-4, 244 pounds. It’s difficult to not get excited about this level of athleticism. With his rocket arm, size and mobility, Richardson has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton. However, he brings more wiggle in the run game with impressive elusiveness. The best comp could be a blend of Newton and Lamar Jackson. Was Richardson built in a lab?
EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama | Comp: Khalil Mack
Most NFL expert picks have expected Will Anderson Jr. to be the first defensive player selected (+120). Anderson is a good athlete, but he does not have elite measurables. His length and build are reminiscent of Khalil Mack. Anderson is an elite pass rush with a bevy of moves. Also, he is fast enough to win with speed or power.
EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech | Comp: Carlos Dunlap
Tyree Wilson’s rise has gone under the radar. On Tuesday, he passed Anderson as the favorite to be the first non-quarterback selected (-150). Wilson has an absurd frame with incredible length. He lacks some speed but has impressive physicality. When watching Carlos Dunlap, the first thing that comes to mind is his length and strength. Wilson’s game is similar to Dunlap, who made two Pro Bowls with the Cincinnati Bengals.
“He’s going to be able to make a s*** ton of plays down the line of scrimmage.”
Safe to say @ChuckPaganoNFL is impressed with Tyree Wilson’s tape 💥 pic.twitter.com/HcLn6X662N
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 25, 2023
DT Jalen Carter, Georgia | Comp: Quinnen Williams
Jalen Carter is a generational defensive tackle and the best since Quinnen Williams in the 2019 NFL Draft. Their ability as a three-technique is similar. Both have large frames that can hold up in the trenches with elite quickness that boosts their pass-rushing. Carter has seen his stock fall in NFL predictions due to off-the-field concerns. However, many still feel he is the most talented defensive player available.
CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois | Comp: Darius Slay
Two traits stand out when watching cornerback Devon Witherspoon – an aggressive mentality and ball skills. The Illinois product is good in run support and can be excellent in man coverage with physicality. Witherspoon is great at anticipating routes and making plays on the ball. Does this ring a bell? How about the Philadelphia Eagles’ Darius Slay? He is one of the NFL’s best cover men and consistently gets his hands on the ball. Vegas NFL odds have Witherspoon favored to be the first cornerback selected (-270).
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Comp: CeeDee Lamb
Jaxon Smith-Njigba will likely be the first wide receiver off the board (-400). He primarily worked out of the slot at Ohio State and displayed excellent route running and hands. Smith-Njigba also racked up yards after the catch. CeeDee Lamb is a terrific slot receiver with crisp route-running and the ability to break tackles. Smith-Njigba’s frame could allow him to play some perimeter receiver as well. This is not a perfect comp though, as Lamb is faster and JSN has better hands coming out of college.
RB Bijan Robinson, Texas | Comp: Saquon Barkley
Nearly every comp for running back Bijan Robinson is as good as it gets. Some are comparing Robinson to Barry Sanders. However, I am not bold enough to compare a prospect to the greatest running back of all time.
Robinson does showcase some absurd elusiveness though. The Texas product is a few inches taller than Sanders. Saquon Barkley is a good comparison. Robinson and Barkley are generational talents with excellent lateral quickness and speed paired with the ability to run between the tackles.
Fill in the blank:
Bijan Robinson is the best RB prospect since _________ pic.twitter.com/DLR9fJFE2y
— PlaymakerU (@playmakerU) April 20, 2023
TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame | Comp: Jason Witten
Michael Mayer remains the favorite to be the first tight end selected (-160). Mayer’s game is not “sexy.” It doesn’t catch your eye with ridiculous athleticism. However, Mayer is about as reliable as it gets. He is a good blocker with dependable hands and route-running. This should lead to a successful NFL career. Jason Witten encompassed all of this. Mayer could wear a star on his helmet too, as the Dallas Cowboys are one of his favored destinations (+375).
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama | Comp: Alvin Kamara
Jahmyr Gibbs is beginning to land in the first round of NFL picks. His versatility could make him a special tailback in the NFL. Gibbs is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield and has game-breaking speed. His cuts and versatility are similar to Alvin Kamara. However, Gibbs is a touch faster and does not have the same level of physicality.