NFL Draft player comparisons: Projecting the best NFL matches for top 32 prospects in 2023

It's one thing to talk about traits, measurements and stats. It's another to know exactly what to expect from a player in college.

It can often be difficult to know what to expect out of a player when they go from college to the pros. The path for all players is unique, in spite of any similarities they might share with another.

But that doesn't stop fans from seeking out comparisons to know what to expect. Bryce Young might have the ability to escape the pocket and make throws outside the pocket. But the same can be said of both Patrick Mahomes and Zach Wilson, who are drastically different players. So what should fans expect out of Young when he reaches the NFL?

Well, The Sporting News is hoping to answer exactly that. We're taking a look at the top 32 prospects on Vinnie Iyer's top 140 big board. These comparisons are not exactly who we are projecting them to turn into, but rather which players share certain traits and measurements to give readers an idea of comparable NFL players. 

TSN MOCK DRAFT: Complete seven-round 2023 mock draft

Included in our comparisons are those from NFL's Lance Zierlein and RAS Football's Kent Lee Platte, using the first listed score for the latter comparison.

Here's a look at player comparisons for the top 32 players in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

NFL Draft player comparisons 2023

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

• TSN: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin (2012)
• NFL: Drew Brees, Purdue (2001)
• RAS: NA

Undoubtedly these two comps are the best-case scenario for the top prospect in this year's class. Bryce Young's size has been the subject of plenty of speculation about what his future could hold standing at just 5-10, 204 pounds. Russell Wilson and Drew Brees are both taller, but share similar characteristics to Young. Wilson and Young are both more mobile than traditional pocket-passers, with the ability to extend plays outside the pocket, while the Alabama quarterback and Brees both show natural instincts for reading a defense and making an accurate throw.

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

• TSN: Khalil Mack, Buffalo (2014)
• NFL: DeMarcus Ware, Troy (2005)
• RAS: Ben Banagu, TCU (2019)

With a case to be the top prospect in the class, Will Anderson is an elite pass-rusher. His footwork and ability to get off the line make him a menace for any opposing offensive linemen against whom to protect. There are a number of pass-rushers that appear to be strong comps for Anderson, who appears poised to be an instant impact player on defense. We like Khalil Mack, who came out of college as a rush linebacker who lines up at defensive end with similar combine numbers to Anderson (4.65 40 to Anderson's 4.6) and similar production, albeit not in the SEC. 

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

• TSN: Matt Ryan, Boston College (2008)
• NFL: Jared Goff, Cal (2016)
• RAS: NA

C.J. Stroud is a more challenging quarterback to draw comparisons than Young in spite of the fact that his size is more prototypical of an NFL QB than his Alabama counterpart. The 6-3, 214-pound quarterback is a more natural pocket passer who often seemed reluctant to use his mobility, and didn't show off his mobility until the final game of his collegiate career, when he played Georgia. Stroud on the move showed shades of Joe Burrow, but his reluctance to leave the pocket and instead wait for plays to develop is more reminiscent of traditional passers like Jared Goff and Matt Ryan, though Stroud was much less of a risk-taker in college than those two.

Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

• TSN: Carlos Dunlap, Florida (2010)
• NFL: Ezekiel Ansah, BYU (2013)
• RAS: Fernando Smith, Jackson State (2014)

Like Stroud, finding comps for Tyree Wilson is difficult. Unlike Stroud, it is because of his size. Standing 6-6, 271 pounds, Wilson is a massive EDGE with all the potential to be one of the game's most disruptive pass rushers in the league. He doesn't have top-end speed, but he makes up for it with the athleticism needed to shed through the line. Carlos Dunlap, another imposing lineman at 6-6, 277, was a bit faster than Wilson, but similarly used his hands to shed tacklers and rush the passer. Both EDGE players had issues in run defense coming out of college.

Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

• TSN: Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida (2010)
• NFL: Antwan Odom, Alabama (2004)
• RAS: Shawne Merriman, Maryland (2005)

Another imposing EDGE at 6-5, 268 pounds, Myles Murphy is one of the top pass rushers in the class after racking up double-digit sack totals in each of his three seasons with Clemson. But while his physical traits and his quickness help him get to the quarterback, he lacks the refinement of other top prospects. Jason Pierre-Paul was a similarly raw talent coming out of South Florida, who boasted impressive size and quickness with the ability to disrupt the passer, but needed more refinement before he took his game to the next level.

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

• TSN: Saquon Barkley, Penn State (2018)
• NFL: Josh Jacobs, Alabama (2019)
• RAS: Joseph Addai, LSU (2006)

There aren't many positions in the draft where the No. 1 talent is cut and dry. Running back is one such position. Texas' Bijan Robinson is arguably the best running back draft prospect since Saquon Barkley with his quickness, speed and physicality. Like Barkley, Robinson has the ability to be dangerous whether he receives the hand-off or is thrown a pass as part of a check-down. The combine performances only further establish the similarities as Robinson checked in with a 4.46 40 and 37-inch vertical jump, while Barkley came in at 4.4 and 41 inches, respectively.

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

• TSN: Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State (2012)
• NFL: Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State (2019)
• RAS: NA

Before Jalen Carter was arrested for reckless driving and racing, he was widely considered to be the best prospect in the class. While the off-field concerns have impacted his prospects, there is no denying the on-field talents. Carter, a 6-3, 314-pound defensive tackle, is an explosive pass-rusher even in the middle of the line and has the quickness to find his way in the backfield in an instant and impact either the passer or ball-carrier. Zierlein picked Jeffery Simmons as his comp for Carter, but we're going with another Mississippi State defensive tackle in 6-4, 298-pound Fletcher Cox, who was also a standout pass-rusher up the middle that consistently drew double teams.

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

• TSN: Jaycee Horn, South Carolina, 2021
• NFL: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State (2008)
• RAS: Jalen Ramsey, Florida State (2016)

This year's draft class is loaded with talent at cornerback, and Christian Gonzalez appears to be the best of the bunch. He brings a combination of agility and size, standing 6-1, 197 pounds with a 4.38 40 time. Scouts praise the upside teams would be drafting in selecting him early in spite of some technical flaws in his game now. That appears to be reminiscent of another high-upside corner taken just two years ago in Jaycee Horn. Both Gonzalez and Horn are speedy corners with a size advantage that can help in coverage with the ability to be physical in press man coverage.

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

• TSN: Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame (2016)
• NFL: Brian O'Neill, Pitt (2018)
• RAS: Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (2007)

The first of several offensive tackles on the list, Paris Johnson Jr. appears among the most likely to stick at tackle, and at the left side to boot. The 6-6, 313-pound left tackle has the agility and footwork needed to protect a quarterback's blind side with some potential projection still left in his frame. Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who came out of college at 6-6, 312 pounds, has nearly identical measurements with the same raw talent as Johnson, and both players have shown the quickness needed to keep speed rushers from getting around them on the line.

Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

• TSN: Taylor Moton, Western Michigan (2017)
• NFL: Zack Martin, Notre Dame (2014)
• RAS: Trent Williams, Oklahoma (2010)

Two years ago, Rashawn Slater was the 13th pick in the NFL draft. His teammate, Peter Skoronski, could go even higher. Skoronski, a 6-4, 313-pound offensive tackle, established himself as one of the best offensive linemen in college football at left tackle for Northwestern. However, it is likely that he will need to move to guard, hence Zierlein's comparison to Zack Martin, who went from left tackle to right guard. We're looking at Taylor Moton, who posted comparable combine numbers (5.18 40 to Skoronski's 5.16; 7.73 3-cone to Skoronski's 7.8) and made the opposite transition, going from guard to tackle in the NFL. 

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

• TSN: Dalton Schultz, Stanford (2018)
• NFL: Jason Witten, Tennessee (2003)
• RAS: Eric Ebron, North Carolina (2014)

A pair of standout Cowboy tight end comps for Michael Mayer? That certainly helps highlight the upside in the Notre Dame tight end. Mayer, at 6-4.5, 249 pounds, is a true threat in the passing game while also providing teams with the ability to handle blocking assignments on the line. We're looking at Mayer as a comp for Dallas' more recent top tight end, Dalton Schultz, who also came out of college as a dangerous target in the short passing game who would always find himself available to provide his QB with a target, but also needed to improve with overall route running ability.

Brian Branch, S, Alabama

• TSN: Daxton Hill, Michigan (2022)
• NFL: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama (2018)
• RAS: Tre Norwood, Oklahoma (2021)

Last year, Michigan's Daxton Hill stood out as a first-round defensive back who specialized at safety, but could play any corner spot effectively as well. This year, the player that best fits the role of versatile DB appears to be Alabama safety Brian Branch. The 6-foot, 190-pound safety might not have Hill's speed (4.58 40 to Hill's 4.38), but the two prospects have quick twitch actions and instincts that allow them to both be ball hawks and to cut routes and break up passes downfield.

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

• TSN: Richard Sherman, Stanford (2011)
• NFL: Amani Oruwariye, Penn State (2019)
• RAS: Akayleb Evans, Missouri (2022)

There might not be a corner in this year's class more physical than Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. Standing 6-2.5, 193 pounds, Porter is a big cornerback that can match up well against most wide receivers and tight ends in the league. There are some elements of Richard Sherman's game in Porter. Sherman was another physical corner who was especially effective in press man coverage, but still needed to improve in technical areas like getting out of press or assisting in run coverage.

Jordan Addison, WR, USC

• TSN: Jahan Dotson, Penn State (2022)
• NFL: Tyler Lockett, Kansas State (2015)
• RAS: Isaac Bruce, Memphis (1994)

Jordan Addison might not have been as productive at USC as he was with Kenny Pickett at Pitt in 2021, but he has still done more than enough to establish himself as the top receiver in this year's class. He stands out for his acceleration and route running, as well as his effectiveness returning punts. His style is reminiscent of a first rounder in the 2022 class in Jahan Dotson, who is the same height as Addison (5-11) and just five pounds heavier (178 to 173). Like Addison, Dotson did not stand out for his speed (both had 40 times in the 4.4s), but rather for the quickness in accelerating off the line, their ability to work effectively at all three levels and ability to make defenders miss after the catch.

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

• TSN: Cam Newton, Auburn (2011)
• NFL: Cam Newton, Auburn (2011)
• RAS: Daunte Culpepper, Central Florida (1999)

The comp between Anthony Richardson and Cam Newton is really just too obvious. Though Richardson did not light up college football the same way as Newton, the combination of mobility, arm strength and raw talent is clear. The risks are also the same. They both lack consistent accuracy due in large part to issues with their footwork in the pocket. The upside, however, is tantalizing for both. The best-case scenario is a mobile quarterback who combines physicality and speed with rocket arm strength to keep defensive backs honest for the threat of a deep shot.

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

• TSN: Zay Jones, East Carolina (2017)
• NFL: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina (2012)
• RAS: Javon Walker, Florida State (2002)

Addison is an under-sized, shifty receiver. The next wideout on the list is nearly the exactly opposite. TCU's Quentin Johnston is a taller (6-3), more physical (208 pounds) receiver who has all the makings of a reliable target in contested matchups for quarterbacks. Zay Jones, just an inch shorter and seven pounds lighter coming out of East Carolina, was viewed similarly to Johnston as a target who uses his frame and arms to win battles against corners with the ability to haul in high passes over defenders.

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

• TSN: Dak Prescott, Mississippi State (2016)
• NFL: Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt (2006)
• RAS: Andrew Luck, Stanford (2012)

Will Levis doesn't have the upside of Richardson nor the high floor of Young or Stroud, but that ceiling will still be intriguing early in the draft. The 6-4, 229-pound quarterback has the arm strength of Jay Cutler, but perhaps the two-way upside of a player like Dak Prescott. Prescott is a few inches shorter, but weighs about the same and is a physical runner like Levis. They also both have plenty of arm strength, but also come with the risk of being major risk-takers. Josh Allen has also been mentioned as a comparison, but Levis is both shorter and weighs less.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

• TSN: T.J. Logan, North Carolina (2017)
• NFL: Alvin Karama, Tennessee (2017)
• RAS: Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State (2022)

Robinson is the clear favorite at running back in this class, but Jahmyr Gibbs has put some distance between himself and the rest of the field. The Alabama running back was a threat as both a runner (926 yards) and receiver (444 yards) after transferring from Georgia Tech. He's been comped frequently to Saints running back Alvin Kamara as a smaller back with a dual impact. Gibbs also profiles similarly to T.J. Logan with both coming in at 5-9 and weighing in the 190s range. Gibbs ran a 4.36 40, while Logan clocked in at 4.37 and they both had 33.5-inch verticals. Like Logan, Gibbs faces questions over whether he can be an every-down back with doubts particularly over his ability to run inside. However, they are both praised for their shiftiness and speed in space, particularly after catches.

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

• TSN: Malik McDowell, Michigan State (2017)
• NFL: Grover Stewart, Albany State (2017)
• RAS: Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame (2019)

This class features two first-round disruptors at defensive tackle, with Carter and Clemson's Bryan Bresee. Bresee's technique and hands allow him to work through the middle of the offensive line and pressure opposing QBs. He bears plenty of similarities to another talented defensive tackle whose traits stand out more than his stats in Michigan State's Malik McDowell. The two had nearly identical combine results (4.86 40 to McDowell's 4.85; 29 inch vertical to McDowell's 28.5; 22 bench reps to McDowell's 23) and size (6-5.5, 298 pounds to McDowell at 6-6, 295). McDowell also received praise for his hands in helping him attack the offensive line.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

• TSN: Tyler Boyd, Pitt (2016)
• NFL: Jarvis Landry, LSU (2014)
• RAS: Derrick Alexander, Michigan (1994)

It took only one healthy season for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to establish himself as one of the top receivers in the 2023 class as he set numerous Ohio State records in 2021 despite playing behind 2022 first rounders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave before missing essentially all of 2022 with an injury. When healthy, Smith-Njigba has shown the ability to be a dynamic slot receiver with physicality to win contested catches and become a target on deep routes. Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd, who was the same height (6-1) and one pound heavier (197 to 196) coming out of college to Smith-Njigba, is a similar receiver in that while he lacks explosive speed, he is a contested catch receiver who is counted on by the Bengals to be a reliable target.

Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

• TSN: Jordan Miller, Washington (2019)
• NFL: A.J. Bouye, Central Florida (2013)
• RAS: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State (2008)

Cam Smith has faced off against true NFL talents at wide receiver like Jalin Hyatt and held his own. The 6-1, 180-pound corner has plenty of speed and has the physicality to battle with receivers. Washington's Jordan Miller isn't a perfect comp as he was a better man corner than zone, whereas Smith is the opposite, but the two are the same height and Miller is only six pounds heavier, and stand out for their ability to track routes and stick with their receivers.

Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

• TSN: Haason Reddick, Temple (2017)
• NFL: Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington (2017)
• RAS: Trent Cole, Cincinnati (2005)

Nolan Smith is not an easy player for whom to find a comparison. He post eye-popping numbers at the NFL combine, headlined by his 4.39 40 time. Smith is an explosive EDGE rusher with the potential to be a dangerous pass-rusher and an effective defender in coverage. Haason Reddick didn't quite have that same 40 time and initially had questions over whether he could line up on the edge, but he had similar quickness and coverage abilities before he eventually shifted to becoming an EDGE rusher.

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

• TSN: Jamel Dean, Auburn (2019)
• NFL: Jimmy Smith, Colorado (2011)
• RAS: Terrell Thomas, USC (2008)

One of the standouts on a stellar Georgia defense, Kelee Ringo is a big corner at 6-2, 207 pounds that has the potential to match up with the league's larger receivers. Jamel Dean is an inch shorter and a pound lighter, but the Buccaneers corner plays a similar style where his physicality and speed make him a corner uniquely poised to match up with any receiver. Both had similar concerns over consistency issues, with Ringo needing to fine tune his coverage deeper downfield.

Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

• TSN: Jessie Bates, Wake Forest (2018)
• NFL: Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne (2020)
• RAS: Denzel Johnson, Clemson (2020)

Like Ringo, Antonio Johnson is a large defensive back who comes with plenty of upside at the position. The 6-2, 198-pound safety has plenty of range and is effective in both the passing and running game. Falcons safety Jessie Bates was a similar prospect coming out of college at two pounds heavier and an inch shorter, and nearly identical measurements from the combine, with Bates running a 4.5 40 to Johnson's 4.52 and Bates posting a broad jump of 9-foot-9 to Johnson's 9-foot-10. The two safeties boast versatility in their coverages and are quick to change in transition.

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

• TSN: Taron Johnson, Weber State (2018)
• NFL: Levi Wallace, Alabama (2018)
• RAS: NA

Devon Witherspoon is a rare cornerback prospect that comes with a high floor. He stands out for his technique, particularly in man coverage, despite his smaller size at 5-11.5, 181 pounds. Buffalo's Taron Johnson is a similar size (5-11, 192 pounds), and though he's limited to the slot while Witherspoon is expected to play outside, his sound technique and ball-hawking ability give a look at what Witherspoon can do from that height.

O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

• TSN: Deuce Lutui, USC (2006)
• NFL: Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State (2020)
• RAS: Marquis Hayes, Oklahoma (2022)

Size is the first thing that stands out with O'Cyrus Torrence. The 6-5, 330-pound guard uses his size as his best asset in blocking on the line as he isn't as quick as other smaller guards in the middle. Deuce Lutui had comparable speed (5.35 40 to Torrence's 5.31) and size (6-4, 338 pounds) and, like Torrence, is a standout run blocker.

Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

• TSN: Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio (2018)
• NFL: Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland (2016)
• RAS: Jevon Kearse, Florida (1999)

There are plenty of reasons why Marcus Davenport feels like a natural comparison to Isaiah Foskey. The EDGE rushers both check in at 264 pounds with 40 times of 4.58, shuttle times of 4.41 and 22 bench reps. Davenport is a bit taller at 6-6 to Foskey at 6-5 and was 0.8 better at the 3-cone (7.28 to 7.2). Foskey is an explosive pass-rusher who should be a standout EDGE after leaving Notre Dame with the program record in sacks.

Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

• TSN: Trey Hendrickson, Florida Atlantic (2017)
• NFL: NA
• RAS: Ezekiel Ansah, BYU (2013)

Lukas Van Ness excelled over the past two seasons as a major disruptor on the defensive line for Iowa, racking up double-digit tackles for loss totals in both campaigns. A 6-5, 272-pound EDGE, Van Ness posted stunning combine results with a 4.58 40, 4.32 shuttle and 7.02 three-cone that highlight the upside if he can refine his technique. Trey Hendrickson also posted standout times in the three (4.65, 4.2, 7.03, respectively) at a comparable size (6-4, 266 pounds) who also needed time in the NFL before taking a big step forward at EDGE.

Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

• TSN: Mike Hilton, Ole Miss (2016)
• NFL: Mike Hilton, Ole Miss (2016)
• RAS: Nate Odomes, Wisconsin (1987)

Clark Phillips III is a smaller slot corner at just 5-9, 184 pounds, but he doesn't let that impact his game. He picked off six passes in 2022 for Utah and racked up a pair of tackles for loss, including a sack. Phillips has strong instincts and knows how to make plays, much like another under-sized corner in Mike Hilton (5-9, 184 pounds) who has developed a knack for making plays, whether he's intercepting passes or getting to the quarterback or running back in the backfield on corner blitzes.

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

• TSN: Ikem Ekwonu, NC State (2022)
• NFL: Andrew Thomas, Georgia (2020)
• RAS: Tyron Smith, USC (2011)

Georgia's work in the trenches has stood out the most on the defensive line in recent years, but Broderick Jones looks set to become the earliest Bulldog offensive lineman drafted since Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson both went in the first round in 2020. Jones, at 6-5, 311 pounds, is quick on his feet and has stood out as a dominant pass-protecting offensive tackle during the Bulldogs' national championship runs. Ikem Ekwonu is another tackle that was able to move quickly to adjust to defenses with his footwork and could fit in with multiple different types of offenses.

Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

• TSN: Ja'Wuan James, Tennessee (2014)
• NFL: Dion Dawkins, Temple (2017)
• RAS: Jessamen Dunker, Tennessee State (2017)

A team that drafts Anton Harrison will have an offensive tackle with the ability to start right away. A 6-4, 315-pound left tackle, Harrison is already at the size needed to be along the edge of the line in the pros, and he has the wingspan needed to protect the pocket from EDGE rushers. Ja'Wuan James was a similar prospect that struggled more in the run game than pass protection, but at 6-6, 311 pounds was ready to start immediately for the Dolphins.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

• TSN: Charles Harris, Missouri (2017)
• NFL: Dante Fowler Jr., Florida (2015)
• RAS: NA

Rounding out the list is another stellar EDGE with the potential to be an impact pass-rusher in the NFL. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, at 6-3, 255 pounds, is an athletic player with a variety of moves to work his way past the tackles and get to the quarterback, though he requires improvement in his run defense. Coming out of college, Charles Harris was a similar build (6-3, 253 pounds) who was praised for his ability to get after the quarterback with explosiveness off the line, but who lacked refinement in protecting against the run.