USC QB prospect Caleb Williams Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

2024 NFL Draft: Alternative Pro Player Comparisons for Top Prospects

Kristopher Knox

When discussing NFL draft prospects, pro-player comparisons are often a great way to highlight what strengths and weaknesses a prospect brings to the proverbial table. However, it's important to remember that not every NFL team or individual evaluator will always see a prospect's pro potential in the same light.

That can help explain why reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud—whom Bleacher Report scout Derrik Klassen profiled last year as having Jared Goff-level processing and passing ability but perhaps a limited ceiling—wasn't the first quarterback off the 2023 board.

No two players are exactly alike, and rarely is a direct player-to-player comparison warranted. However, recognizing where and how a prospect compares favorably with a proven NFL player or players—athletically or in play style—can help paint a more accurate picture of their floor and upside.

During the evaluation process and construction of its 2024 draft board, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department crafted initial player comps for this year's top draft hopefuls. Here, you'll find alternative comparisons for the top 15 prospects that further examine what these future stars can be.

Each comparison was made on an individual basis, but factors like physical profile, skill set, collegiate role and production were all considered.

1. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Ohio State WR prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Thinner A.J. Green

Alternate Comparison: Less explosive but more polished Randy Moss

The B/R Scouting Department compared Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to longtime NFL receiver A.J. Green, which is an excellent comparison.

Like Green, Harrison is a long, somewhat lanky (6'3", 209 lbs) pass-catcher who just oozes consistency. Green was rarely the fastest or the biggest receiver on the field, but his combination of field awareness, route-running, reliable hands and functional play strength made him a perennial Pro Bowler.

However, Harrison is B/R's top-ranked prospect at any position, so a Green comparison might not excite fans quite enough given the strength of this year's receiver class. If we're talking about Harrison's instant-impact potential, he's reminiscent of another tall, thin receiver who quickly made waves in the NFL: Randy Moss.

Harrison doesn't have the straight-line speed or the explosiveness of prime Moss, but there are some similarities in their games. Moss was one of the best deep-ball receivers of the modern era, and Harrison can track long passes with the best of them.

"It's as if time slows down for Harrison when the ball is on its way," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Harrison has a way of seeing the ball in cleanly every time and extending his long arms to pluck it from the air as soon as he can."

Harrison has more than enough juice to be a consistent deep threat. He's a bit more refined as a route-runner than Moss was coming out of Marshall, too, which makes him a viable threat at any level.

It really comes down to this: Moss was an instant star who racked up 1,313 yards, a league-high 17 touchdowns and a first-team All-Pro nod as a rookie. Harrison can have that sort of introduction to the NFL.

It'd be a surprise to see him make it past receiver-needy teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers at Nos. 4 and 5 overall, respectively.

2. TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Georgia TE prospect Brock Bowers Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: George Kittle

Alternate Comparison: Sam LaPorta

The B/R Scouting Department compared Georgia tight end Brock Bowers to San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle, and it isn't hard to see why. Kittle is a tremendous athlete at the position, a playmaker before and after the catch and a quality blocker.

While Bowers' size (6'3", 243 lbs) limits him somewhat in the blocking department, he's more than willing to do the dirty work. Like Kittle, he's an elite playmaker.

"Everything he offers athletically more than makes up for lack of ideal size. Bowers is a truly special player with the ball in his hands who can instantly transform any passing game," Klassen wrote.

Anyone who questions Bowers' upside as a smaller tight end only needs to look at Detroit Lions star Sam LaPorta for an apt comparison. Virtually identical in size (6'3", 245 lbs), LaPorta showed that he can win with terrific vision, enough field speed and an uncanny knack for finding open space in the secondary and presenting himself to the quarterback.

LaPorta certainly played big as a rookie, compiling 889 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns and a Pro Bowl nod.

Bowers probably has a higher athletic ceiling and a bit more breakaway ability than LaPorta, but like LaPorta, he can make himself an easy and productive target. Bowers can stretch the field or take one deep, but he can be a weapon in the short-to-intermediate areas as well.

Teams in need of an impact pass-catcher who can instantly upgrade virtually every aspect of a passing attack—like the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets—should have Bowers high on their wish lists.

Bowers is the No. 2 overall prospect on the latest B/R big board. It'd be a surprise if he fell to the bottom half of Round 1.

3. QB Drake Maye, North Carolina

North Carolina QB prospect Drake Maye Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Justin Herbert

Alternate Comparison: Josh Allen

North Carolina's Drake Maye is the top quarterback on the B/R big board and was initially compared to 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert. It's a good comparison because of Maye's natural throwing ability.

Maye can often make it look easy while peppering all areas of the field, just as Herbert did from the moment he was thrust into the starting role at Oregon. He has terrific baseline processing skills and sees the field well enough to make a quick adjustment to the NFL.

However, Herbert looked like a polished pro immediately, while Maye has a few tendencies he needs to break before he can reach his ceiling. His accuracy can be inconsistent, and his decision-making is questionable at times, especially when he's trying to do too much.

"There are two or three plays a game where things break down and Maye feels the need to do something outrageous to salvage the play, rather than just move onto the next play or series," Klassen wrote. "You don't want Maye to lose his edge, but some of those plays must be cut out."

Maye's floor isn't unlike that of Josh Allen when the Buffalo Bills star was coming out of Wyoming. Allen's physical tools leaped off the game tape right away, but he was a work in progress before emerging as a Pro Bowler in 2020.

While Maye is a bit more developed than Allen was and should adapt to the nuances of the NFL more quickly, he too could have his fair share of boom-or-bust games early in his career. And while Maye is roughly an inch shorter and 14 pounds lighter than Allen, he still has the athleticism, quickness and play strength to be a capable dual-threat.

As was the case with Allen, a team may have to be patient with Maye, but Maye's ceiling might be even higher. He's a logical target for QB-needy teams like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots and should be a top-five selection.

4. QB Caleb Williams, USC

USC QB prospect Caleb Williams Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Kyler Murray

Alternate Comparison: More athletic Drew Brees

Drake Maye is ranked just slightly ahead of USC's Caleb Williams on the B/R Scouting Department's latest big board, though the former Trojan is also a solid-floor, high-ceiling prospect. Williams has all the arm talent an NFL franchise could want to go with jaw-dropping playmaking ability, athleticism, running ability and good processing skills.

While Maye has archetypal size, though, Williams is on the smaller side at 6'1" and 214 pounds. That—along with Williams' elite arm and scrambling ability—led the B/R Scouting Department to compare Williams with sensational dual-threat Kyler Murray.

"The arm talent oozes off the film, and he is a special playmaker when things break down," Klassen wrote.

However, Williams could be an even better pro than Murray. As a passer, he has the tools to become as consistent and efficient as future Hall of Famer Drew Brees.

Brees was a similar prospect coming out of Purdue back in 2001. He was a smaller quarterback (6'0", 213 lbs) who played in an open offense and often had to rely on his playmaking ability to overcome a so-so supporting cast.

While Brees was a creator early on in the NFL, he became a patient precision passer who learned to glide around the pocket, find clear throwing lanes and layer the football accurately to all areas of the field.

Similarities can be found in Williams' game. The Trojans offense didn't always give Williams time to sit in the pocket and scan the field. However, when plays were on script and on time, he was able to find the right launch point and put the ball exactly where it needed to be.

Williams is more athletic than Brees and has a stronger arm, but his ability to manipulate the pocket, use a variety of arm angles to throw around bigger linemen and defenders and deliver the ball anywhere gives him similar upside.

Williams is widely expected to land with the Chicago Bears at No. 1 overall. If the Bears pass on him, he probably won't make it past the Washington Commanders at No. 2.

5. OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Notre Dame OT prospect Joe Alt Kara Durrette/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Bigger/Stronger Jake Matthews

Alternate Comparison: Mike McGlinchey with more upside

Notre Dame's Joe Alt appears to be the consensus top offensive tackle in this draft class. He's a terrific athlete with a good amount of polish who should start immediately as a rookie.

Longtime NFL starter Jake Matthews was viewed similarly coming out of Texas A&M back in 2014. Like Matthews was then, Alt is a three-year starter with all the tools needed to make an immediate impact.

"Alt is a special prospect due to his size, athletic ability and polish for a player who will be only 21 years old throughout the duration of his rookie season," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

Alt has few flaws, but his struggles with leverage at 6'9" and 321 pounds and tendency to overextend in pass protection are among them. Those issues are reminiscent of Denver Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey.

McGlinchey is an excellent run-blocker who can dominate in the ground game, which he regularly did for the San Francisco 49ers before landing in Denver as a free agent. Alt has more upside as a pass protector and should be a starting left tackle as a pro, but McGlinchey's play in the NFL is probably Alt's floor.

While McGlinchey (6'8", 315 lbs) still struggles with leverage, McGlinchey is young enough to correct his. He may have some early ups and downs in pass protection, though, which is about the only concern when profiling the talented blocker.

At worst, Alt should be a very good full-time NFL starter with the ability to play on either side of the line. He'll be a logical target for teams in need of tackle help, like the Los Angeles Chargers or the Tennessee Titans, the latter of whom landed Alt in the B/R Scouting Department's latest mock draft.

6. OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Penn State OT prospect Olumuyiwa Fashanu Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Alternate Comparison: Ryan Clady

Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu is ranked just behind Alt and drew comparisons to 10-year NFL starter D'Brickashaw Ferguson from the B/R Scouting Department.

Fashanu (6'6", 312 lbs) and Ferguson (6'6", 310 lbs) have size similarities, and both exited college with a good amount of polish, technique and seasoning. Ferguson was a four-year starter, while Fashanu was a two-year starter and team captain.

While Ferguson was a longtime pro and three-time Pro Bowler, Fashanu may have a higher ceiling. His blend of good footwork, balance and athleticism should also draw comparisons to two-time first-team All-Pro Ryan Clady.

Clady, a 2008 first-round pick, was an extremely similar prospect coming out of Boise State. He measured 6'6" and 309 pounds at the combine and posted an overall Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.36. That's just a bit below Fashanu's RAS of 9.49.

The concern with Fashanu is his refinement as a run-blocker. He possesses the potential to excel in the run game, but consistency has been one of his few flaws.

"Fashanu has high-end physical tools with rarely seen polish as a pass protector that is counterbalanced with being more underdeveloped as a finisher in the run game," Thorn wrote.

Clady carried similar run-blocking concerns coming out of college, though they tended to be centered more on his play strength. However, they didn't stop him from being the 12th overall pick or from being a tremendous pro. Fashanu could prove to be even better.

Fashanu might not be a complete tackle as a rookie, but he could be an All-Pro within his first few seasons. Any tackle-needy team that doesn't get a crack at Alt—possibly the Titans, Las Vegas Raiders or New Orleans Saints—should have plenty of interest in Fashanu.

7. WR Malik Nabers, LSU

LSU WR prospect Malik Nabers Justin Ford/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Torrey Smith

Alternate Comparison: Antonio Brown

LSU's Malik Nabers is the second-ranked wide receiver on the B/R big board, thanks in no small part to his explosive ability. While the 6'0", 200-pound pass-catcher may not be the most refined receiver in this draft, he's outrageously explosive before or after the catch.

"The instant burst when he becomes a ball-carrier is terrifying," Klassen wrote. "... As for areas of improvement, Nabers needs to clean up his releases off the line of scrimmage. ... Nabers also isn't a reliable ball-winner right now."

The initial comparison for Nabers was Torrey Smith, a receiver with similar size (6'0", 205 lbs) and speed who never quite developed into a complete receiver. That's a fair comparison for where Nabers is right now, but it might not paint an adequate picture of his upside.

What Nabers can eventually become as a playmaker may remind fans of prime Antonio Brown. While Brown was smaller (5'10", 185 lbs) and was more dependable underneath and in traffic, his ability to stretch the field and provide elite yards-after-the-catch production was tremendous.

While Brown didn't play with a plethora of quarterbacks in the NFL, his skill set would make life easier for any signal-caller. Ben Roethlisberger started only 11 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015, and Brown still led the NFL with 136 receptions for 1,834 yards that season.

That's part of Nabers' draw. He can take short, easy completions to the house on virtually any given play. He shouldn't need a Hall of Fame quarterback to instantly become a sensation.

Nabers lacks the consistency of Brown right now, but teams looking for a playmaker who just makes things happen will love him. It'd be a surprise to see Nabers fall past teams like the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons on draft day.

8. WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Washington WR prospect Rome Odunze Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Courtland Sutton

Alternate Comparison: Amari Cooper

Washington's Rome Odunze may not have the do-it-all skill set of Marvin Harrison Jr. or the raw explosiveness of Malik Nabers. However, the former Husky should make an instant impact due to his size (6'3", 212 lbs), ball-winning ability and smooth route running.

The initial comp for Odunze was Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton. Like Odunze, Sutton is a bigger receiver (6'4", 216 lbs) and a consistent target who won't exactly wow observers with his pure physical traits.

When discussing Odunze's skill set and play style, though, Amari Cooper might be an even better comparison.

Cooper is a more compact receiver at 6'1" and 211 pounds, but he and Odunze are similarly smooth, almost effortless route-runners. Cooper is one of the best route technicians in the NFL. He never seems to be doing anything special when he's on the field because he moves and adjusts so fluidly, which can mask how talented he is.

Watching Odunze play evokes the exact same sense. He often appears to be getting open or making a play on the ball at the very last second, but it's all part of his nuanced toolkit.

"Odunze does an excellent job manipulating leverage versus man coverage, as well as negotiating space versus zone coverages," Klassen wrote. "Odunze has a way of understanding where the weak points are and how to get himself there efficiently."

Odunze should intrigue any team that wants a receiver whose floor is as an underrated No. 1 target and perennial 1,000-yard producer. The Giants, Falcons, Bears and Broncos should all have a level of interest.

9. Edge Jared Verse, Florida State

Florida State edge prospect Jared Verse Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Ryan Kerrigan

Alternate Comparison: Brandon Graham

Florida State's Jared Verse is the top edge-rusher on the B/R big board and was initially compared to four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan.

Verse has similar length—both he and Kerrigan are 6'4"—though he's roughly 13 pounds lighter than Kerrigan. Like the longtime Washington Commanders standout, Verse knows how to win with a quick first step, a high motor and some terrific technical hand work.

The negative with Verse is that he lacks the all-around athleticism to consistently drop into coverage or provide second-level zone run support.

"Most of Verse's weaknesses are minor and fixable, but he hasn't shown the high-level athleticism to drop into coverage at the next level," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

Verse can also easily be viewed as a longer, more explosive version of Brandon Graham (6'2", 265 lbs) in terms of play style. Both defenders tend to favor a downhill rushing style that favors their strength, tenacity and technique.

Like Graham, Verse will probably be at his best as a downhill edge-rushing defensive end. Also like Graham, Verse can be an upfield attacker with a double-digit-sack ceiling and a 20-plus QB-pressures floor as a pro.

Graham has made a lengthy career out of being a consistent and productive pass-rusher, even though he's recorded only one double-digit-sack campaign and one Pro Bowl. That's probably the floor for Verse, who offers a bit more physically.

Because of his physical skill set, Verse should be closer to Kerrigan (7.5 sacks) than Graham (3.0) in terms of rookie production.

Verse should be one of the first defenders off the board, and he should attract most teams in need of pass-rushing help. He'd be a logical choice for teams like Tennessee, Atlanta, Chicago and Las Vegas.

10. CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Toledo CB prospect Quinyon Mitchell Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Corey Ballentine

Alternate Comparison: L'Jarius Sneed

Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell is essentially tied with Alabama's Terrion Arnold as the top cornerback on the 2024 B/R big board. While Arnold has the major-program pedigree, NFL players like Corey Ballentine of the Green Bay Packers have shown that small-school prospects can thrive.

Ballentine, a 2019 sixth-round pick out of Washburn, has similar size (5'11", 196 lbs) to the 6'0", 195-pound Mitchell and a terrific level of play speed. Mitchell ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine, while Ballentine was a track athlete in college.

While it's unfair to lump all smaller-school prospects into the same category, Mitchell's play style is similar to that of Louisiana Tech product and former Kansas City Chiefs (now with the Titans) star L'Jarius Sneed.

The sizes of Sneed (6'1", 192 lbs) and Mitchell are similar, but their physicality and aggressiveness at the catch point are what really link the two. Sneed will battle to contest every catch, and Mitchell generated buzz at the Senior Bowl by playing the same way.

Mitchell also has some tackling consistency issues to work through, as did Sneed, who missed 15 tackles in his first two seasons.

"Questionable tackler in open space," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote of Mitchell. "Not interested in wrapping up bigger running backs, often dips his head and throws a shoulder at ball-carriers on the edge."

Run defense isn't why the Titans coveted Sneed or why they quickly gave him a four-year, $76 million contract extension following the trade, though. Sneed has become a top-level cover corner, and Mitchell has the same potential.

Teams will have their own preferences regarding which corner to target in this year's draft, but Mitchell would be a terrific target for any needing secondary help—including the Raiders, Saints, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.

11. CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

Alabama CB prospect Terrion Arnold Donald Page/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Trevon Diggs

Alternate Comparison: Jaire Alexander

While Quinyon Mitchell may have the edge over Terrion Arnold in measurables, Arnold (6'0", 189 lbs) will generate plenty of interest because he proved his skills at the highest collegiate level. He's a polished defender with few glaring weaknesses.

"Ultimately, Arnold is one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft. A complete and well-rounded defender, there isn't much he can't do," Giddings wrote.

The initial comp for Arnold was Dallas Cowboys star Trevon Diggs, and both have shown their ability to make plays. Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021, and Arnold logged an impressive five interceptions and 12 passes defended this past season.

From a play-style standpoint, the Alexander comp might fit Arnold better than the Diggs comp. Arnold is more of a smart, patient defender than a gambler in coverage, although he does possess some of Diggs' playmaking potential.

In terms of play style, though, Arnold might be closer to Packers standout Jaire Alexander. Diggs has tends to gamble to chase interceptions, while Alexander and Arnold are more patient defenders. Like Alexander, Arnold is a savvy, dependable corner who should start early and be a Pro Bowl-level talent by Year 3.

Arnold falls right between Diggs (6'2", 195 lbs) and Alexander (5'10", 196 lbs) in terms of length. As a pro, he could be a combination of the two while not being wholly like either.

There should be no shortage of teams interested in drafting Arnold, and the Alabama bump could easily make him the first corner off the board. Expect teams like New Orleans, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Pittsburgh to consider taking Arnold if he's still on the board.

12. Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama

Alabama edge prospect Dallas Turner Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Manny Lawson

Alternate Comparison: Brian Burns

Alabama's Dallas Turner is the No. 2 edge-rusher on the B/R big board and initially got compared to 10-year NFL veteran Manny Lawson.

Lawson, a 2006 first-round pick out of NC State, is similar in size (6'5", 240 lbs) to Turner (6'3", 247 lbs), though he isn't quite as slight. Both commanded predraft attention due to a combination of length and elite athleticism.

Like Lawson (12 starts as a rookie), Turner should quickly find an NFL role as a rush linebacker. However, Lawson developed into more of an all-around defender in the NFL, while Turner should have much more potential as a dedicated sack artist.

Turner's ceiling may be closer to that of new Giants edge-rusher Brian Burns. Burns is also a somewhat slight (6'5", 250 lbs) defender with a knack for pressuring quarterbacks who became a Pro Bowler by his third season.

Turner should follow a similar path. And like Burns (16 missed tackles over the past three seasons), Turner could struggle against bigger tackles or in run support.

"He is a little light and could afford to add some more strength to hold up against better competition in the NFL," Holder wrote. "That will also help him shed blocks more consistently."

Turner could benefit from landing in a scheme that doesn't require him to do a lot of edge-setting or dedicated run support. With that said, he can be a game-changer as a pure pass-rusher and could generate the sort of hype that Burns commanded early in his career.

The former Crimson Tide standout will vie with Verse to be the first edge-rusher off the board, and he should draw interest from teams like Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas and the Baltimore Ravens should Turner somehow slide or in the case of a trade-up.

13. OT JC Latham, Alabama

Alabama OT prospect JC Latham Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Anthony Davis

Alternate Comparison: Less polished Penei Sewell

Alabama's JC Latham is the third offensive tackle on the B/R big board, and he stands a good chance of being the first pure right tackle off the board. The B/R Scouting Department's initial comp for Davis was former 49ers starter Anthony Davis.

Davis, a 2010 first-round pick out of Rutgers, was also a big (6'5", 323 lbs), powerful blocker who excelled in the run game, fired off the ball and had a tremendous base in pass protection. The 6'6", 342-pound Latham shares many of those traits.

Also like Davis, who got a late start in football before college, Latham (25 starts) lacks the experience of some of this year's top tackles. However, Davis never quite became a star at the NFL level, and Latham very well could. His upside is very similar to that of Detroit Lions All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell.

No, Latham isn't as refined as Sewell was coming out of college, but the two have similarities in size (6'5", 335 lbs for Sewell), play strength and balance. Both exited college at a young age—Sewell was 20 when drafted, and Latham turned 21 in February—but carried the baseline skills to quickly succeed in the NFL.

"Overall, Latham will be 21 years old throughout the duration of his rookie season in the NFL with a striking blend of size, play strength, power and competitive toughness to overwhelm defenders in the run and pass game," Thorn wrote.

Like Sewell, Latham can be an instant starter and a Pro Bowl right tackle within a few seasons. He may not go as highly as Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu, but Latham is a first-round talent and a logical pick for teams like Las Vegas, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Steelers, should Pittsburgh decide to move 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones to the left side.

14. Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA

UCLA edge Laiatu Latu Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Josh Allen

Alternate Comparison: Less-hyped Jadeveon Clowney

The biggest questions surrounding UCLA pass-rusher Laiatu Latu involve his medical history. He medically retired at Washington because of a neck injury before eventually returning.

Looking purely at the prospect, though, there isn't much to dislike.

"There aren't many draft prospects who have Laiatu Latu's combination of size, athleticism and quickness," Holder wrote. "That helps him as a pass-rusher, as he can win with both finesse and power moves, giving him one of the best and most complete arsenals in this year's class."

At 6'5" and 259 pounds, Latu is similar in size to Jaguars standout Josh Allen (6'5", 255 lbs) and he has similar upside as a pass-rusher. However, Latu's prowess against the run is similar to that of 2014 No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.

There are size/build similarities between Clowney (6'5", 266 lbs) and Latu, but what stands out is Latu's ability to disengage or altogether avoid blockers in run defense. Like early Clowney, Latu appears to be a bit undisciplined as a run defender, but he often compensates with sheer ability.

Clowney never quite lived up to his predraft hype, but he's been a very good player in the NFL in part because of his ability to completely dismantle running plays. Latu has a fairly high floor as an edge-rusher, but he can be an elite disruptor against the run early, which helps give him a high floor.

Fortunately, Latu doesn't carry the unrealistic expectations that Clowney did as the No. 1 pick. He's unlikely to fall out of Round 1, though, and he would be a tremendous get for teams in need of more help on the edge like Detroit, the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams.

15. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Alabama CB prospect Kool-Aid McKinstry Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Initial Pro Comparison: Marshon Lattimore

Alternate Comparison: A.J. Terrell

Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry is the third-ranked cornerback on the B/R big board. While he may not threaten Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold to be the first corner drafted, he has legitimate Round 1 potential.

The initial B/R Scouting Department comparison for McKinstry was Saints starter Marshon Lattimore. The two are similarly sized at 6'0", though McKinstry is roughly seven pounds heavier.

Like McKinstry now, Lattimore (a one-year starter) needed to improve his technique coming out of college. Both were instinctual, versatile defenders at the collegiate level.

"McKinstry has the skill set to play in multiple schemes in the NFL. One of the top cornerbacks coming out of high school, he has continued that trajectory once given the opportunity at Alabama," Giddings wrote.

Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowler and probably represents McKinstry's ceiling. His floor may better match Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, which is not a disappointing comparison.

Terrell is a little longer (6'1", 195 lbs) but shares play-style similarities with McKinstry. Both players have good length and straight-line speed, though neither is an elite closer. Both players are adequate in run support but not great, and neither is a turnover machine.

McKinstry logged 23 pass breakups but only two interceptions during his three years at Alabama. In four years as a pro, Terrell has recorded 43 passes defended but only four picks.

Like Terrell, McKinstry should be a reliable starter who will play early and generate a fair number of pass breakups, even if he may never be a perennial Pro Bowler. Teams in need of cornerback help should be very happy with that outcome.

The B/R Scouting Department's latest mock draft paired McKinstry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Teams like Baltimore, Buffalo, Dallas and San Francisco should also be considering him late in Round 1.

Contract information via Spotrac.

   

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