Although it may be difficult to project how nfl draft Chances are good in the pros, we can get a better understanding of their future by doing a one-to-one comparison. So we asked several of our NFL Draft analysts and college football experts to pick their favorite prospect-to-player comparisons. 2026 class.
They were created based on their playing style, physical measurements, production and versatility – or some combination of all those traits. And we opened up the possibility of selecting former NFL players.
who quarterbacks indiana Fernando Mendoza Remind us? Which NFL professionals are good matches for star defenders like Tennessee jermod mccoy and miami reuben ben jr.? Let’s dive into our 15 favorite potential-to-pro comps for this draft class.
Most edge rusher prospects are 265 pounds (TJ Parker And reuben ben jr.) or less, but Faulk is 6 feet 6 inches and 276 pounds. The Auburn product’s ability to play both inside and outside makes him similar to the 287-pound Jordan, who has played defensive end in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. -Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst
Fano’s athletic ability stands out and can be utilized whether he lines up at tackle or starts inside. The Utah lineman’s combine measurements were almost identical to Cross’s, although he has shorter arms, allowing for a move to guard. Both crosses and Fano are excellent with their footwork and move quickly to get the edge on defenders. –Adam Rittenberg, college football reporter
Tyson (Arizona State) uses his quickness to create separation and has the speed and YAC ability to be an uncoverable receiver against man coverage. Like Judy, he can be very complex in his releases and struggles with physicality through the passage. But a healthy Tyson can be both a big-play threat and a high-volume receiver in the league. -Ben Solak, NFL analyst
Cooper had a breakout season for Indiana in 2025, receiving 13 receiving touchdowns. Over 50% of his receiving yards in 2025 were catch yards, the area of his play that best reflects Rice’s skill set. Cooper does an excellent job of setting up the block. He is patient, has good vision and shows overall contact balance to chew up yards. — Field Yates, NFL Draft analyst
This is through the lens of Parsons as a prospect in 2021. At 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, Parsons ran a 4.36-second 40 at his pro day; He demonstrated elite pass-rush skills (6.5 career sacks at Penn State) and physical ability to be effective with the ball. Weighing in at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, Reese ran a 4.46 at the combine; He has also excelled in pass rush (seven career sacks) and ball-play recognition. Like Parsons, some teams may long for Reese to have both elements, but the Ohio State defender won’t turn 21 until August, and the prospects are intriguing. Reese may be the best pure prospect in the class. -Jeff Legvold, Broncos reporter
Sorry couldn’t pick just one – I have another comp here. At 6-foot-7,315 pounds, Freeling has similar stature to Jones, who measured 6-foot-5,313 pounds at the 2023 combine. In his one season as a full-time starter at Georgia, Freeling showed that Jones had the length (each with an 84-inch wingspan) and a sub-5.0 time in the 40. Freeling won’t turn 22 until July, but his type of ability is coveted among left tackle prospects. — Legvold
The 6-foot-6 and 329-pound Mauigoa has been a model of consistency at right tackle since stepping onto Miami’s campus. He is good in every zone, serving as a physical run blocker at the point of attack and a steady pass protector who can quickly cancel out rushers. Like Wright, Mauigoa also faces questions about whether he should move to guard. But I strongly believe that Mauigoa has the potential to become a high-level starter at right tackle. – Jordan Reed, NFL Draft analyst
Coleman followed coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington, and led the Huskies in rushing attempts (156), rushing yards (758) and rushing touchdowns (15) in 2025. Compactly built at 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds, he is a physical runner with great cut-back ability and ample agility. Although his passing work was limited to checkdowns in college, his arm remained reliable, making him a solid option out of the backfield. He has the ability to thrive immediately in the backfield rotation, complementing a faster and more elusive running back like Montgomery. done in detroit. -Liz Loza, fantasy and sports betting writer
Let’s start with the similarity in their leadership, cleverness and football instincts – I see a match there. Then Lewis has the rest of the package, including a powerful lower body, explosive ability, quick change of direction, solid coverage skills, plenty of range, blitz ability, traits to be a space player, and toughness. The Pitt product will be an All-Pro sometime down the line. -Louis Riddick, NFL analyst
A 6-foot-2, 222-pound power strider, Bell (Louisville) has the physical profile to play through contact at multiple levels of the field, making explosive plays with his legs. He averaged 17.1 yards per catch in 2024 and could go as high as the second round — as Brown did in 2019. – Matt Bowen, NFL analyst
Styles is a rare athlete at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, with 4.46 speed, great length and ample range as a coverage linebacker. Like Warner, Styles has an amazing ability to lock down coverage and make an impact as a pass rusher (nine career sacks). Warner’s best assets are his range and instincts, and although Styles is still developing that diagnostic ability, the potential is there for the Ohio State standout. – Matt Miller, NFL Draft analyst
This goes far beyond their similar frames (Branch is 5-foot-9, 177 pounds; Flowers is 5-foot-9, 183 pounds). Like Flowers, Branch is also very fast and almost impossible to control once he reaches open space, displaying explosive bursts and incredible acceleration. Georgia receivers have the same ability to take quick-game passes on slants or screens and make a chunk play after the catch. I’m a big fan of Branch, and I think he can go to opening day, just like Flowers did in 2023. -Mel Kiper Jr., NFL Draft Analyst
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Zachariah Branch makes incredible TD catch for Georgia
Georgia QB Gunner Stockton passes it to Zachariah Branch, who leaps into the end zone for a touchdown.
I look at Mendoza the same way I did when Ryan came out of Boston College in 2008. Mendoza is a better athlete than he’s given credit for (see: Touchdown Run in the CFP title game), and like Ryan, he does an excellent job with his footwork in the pocket. Their structure and arm strength are also similar. -Mike Tannenbaum, NFL analyst
Check out McCoy’s 2024 tape (before he opted out of the 2025 season for some reason) acl tear) and you’ll see many of the qualities that made Gilmore a standout in New England: size, physicality at the line of scrimmage, fluid footwork and recovery speed. Only time will tell if his ball skills are comparable, but the Tennessee standout was selected four times that season and was in a position to make consistent plays. – Mina Kimes, NFL analyst
Bane is a compact, strong edge protector similar to Graham and wins with power and violent hands. Both players have high motors and make consistent plays in the backfield, including attempts to run from the backside. Like Graham, Ben can line up as an interior pass rushing option as a wide 9 technique or counter. -Turon Davenport, Titans Reporter
