2015 NFL Draft: NFL Comparisons for Some of Draft's Top Talent

NFL draft season is creeping closer, and a picture of the top prospects in the class is starting to come into focus. 

As fans start to envision this year's crop in their favorite teams' uniforms, the easiest way to analyze their fit is by picturing their closest NFL comparison. 

While no comparison is perfect due to the complex nature of scouting prospects, here are a few close NFL comparisons for some of the top draft-eligible prospects based on each of their strengths and weaknesses.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

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NFL Comparison: Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

This probably sounds like an underwhelming comparison, but keep in mind the fact that Mathews' career has be marred by injuries.  

Bleacher Report's Ian Kenyon brought up the Gordon-Mathews comparison to highlight the fact that Gordon is both less explosive and more physical than he's typically given credit for in the media. 

While he's made countless highlight reels by breaking off long runs, Gordon isn't the type of back that can create something out of nothing with multiple ankle-breaking moves. He's much more of a one-cut runner, with the speed to take it the distance once he's hit the hole.

Gordon's change-of-direction ability pales in comparison to a running back such as LeSean McCoy, but what he lacks in elite quickness he makes up for with his physical running style. 

He rarely makes highlights by running over defenders but, like Mathews, Gordon is capable of running between the tackles and picking up significant yardage after first contact.

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

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NFL Comparison: Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants

Amari Cooper will probably put on a relatively underwhelming performance at the combine, and a handful of critics will speak up about how his measurables won't translate well to the NFL game. 

And while that criticism may be true to a degree, Cooper doesn't need elite speed or size to win at the next level. 

Beckham doesn't necessarily look like an elite NFL receiver, but he has mastered many of the nuances of the wide receiver position, which has allowed him to find immediate success with the Giants. 

Much like Beckham, Cooper does a phenomenal job of varying his release from the line of scrimmage and adjusting his accelerating out of his breaks.

These minor adjustments make it nearly impossible for defensive backs to keep pace in man coverage, and they allow Cooper to consistently create separation despite his modest physical tools.

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

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NFL Comparison: Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos

Kevin White has emerged as one of the most dominant possession receivers in the college game this year. He does an excellent job competing for 50-50 balls and consistently plucks the ball from the air away from his body. 

While White has all the tools necessary to excel as a possession receiver and develop into a red-zone weapon in the NFL, he also has the athleticism to be a weapon after the catch—much like Thomas. 

Due to his large hands, White is able to consistently snatch the ball and quickly secure it before turning to make his move down the field. 

He isn't the most elusive receiver in the open field, but he is decisive in his cuts and big enough to force defensive backs to wrap him up in order to bring him to the ground.

Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

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NFL Comparison: Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins

Shane Ray has developed into one of the most dominant edge-rushers in the nation this season. His success is due to a combination of explosive quickness on the edge and a relentless motor which compares favorably to Wake. 

Much like Wake, who has excelled as a pass-rusher in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes during his time in Miami, Ray is a versatile talent who can be effective from a variety of different spots on the field. 

While they excel with pure speed on the edge, Ray and Wake both have the strength to win with a physical countermove once their initial burst has been stopped.

Wake has earned a reputation as one of the most well-balanced linemen in the game, and Ray has the tools to build a similar reputation for himself at the next level.

Vic Beasley, DE/LB, Clemson

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NFL Comparison: James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

Vic Beasley isn't the most well-rounded lineman in this class, but he has the tools to make an immediate impact as a pass-rusher on the edge. 

Even at his peak, Harrison was never a dominant force against the run game, but his ability to fly into the backfield and disrupt the quarterback turned him into one of the most dominant defensive weapons in the game. 

Beasley has similar struggles against the run, often getting swallowed up against more physical offensive linemen at the point of attack. But he more than makes up for his shortcomings against the run with his production as a pass-rusher.

Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

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NFL Comparison: Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams

This comparison sets a high bar for Randy Gregory, but he may actually be ahead of Quinn in terms of where both players were at this stage of their careers. 

Gregory has the size, strength and explosiveness to bully opposing offensive linemen in a variety of ways. Like Quinn, Gregory can win with pure speed, but he also delivers a devastating initial punch which jolts offensive linemen and allows him to take advantage of their lack of balance.  

Gregory's strength and ability to anchor at the point of attack against the run put him in position to make a much smoother transition than Quinn, who didn't start to show his full potential until his third year in the league.

By making significant strides from his sophomore to junior year, Gregory has demonstrated the work ethic necessary to continue to grow, which sets a high ceiling for him in the NFL.