NFL Counterparts for SEC's Top 10 Players in 2015
Back in early May, Bleacher Report colleague Barrett Sallee ranked the top 15 SEC football players, but if you had to compare each of the top 10 to an NFL star, who would it be?
From the league's stable of elite runners to a slew of defensive linemen who'll outfit the NFL soon enough with future stars, their games all resemble a current pro stud. So, even though they all will eventually carve their own niche in the league, it's fun to project ceilings.
When the versatile Robert Nkemdiche gets after the quarterback or clogs up the middle, does he resemble a former top pick such as Mario Williams? Are the comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney legit?
Though Nick Chubb's phenomenal freshman campaign hearkens back to the halcyon days of Herschel Walker, which active star does he look like when he takes a handoff and looks to lower his head?
That's the end game of this exercise. So, while a re-ranking is unnecessary since Sallee already has that covered, let's take it a step forward.
With the SEC season not that far away, and their NFL careers a little further down the line, let's examine an NFL counterpart for the top 10 players in Sallee's rankings.
As always, make your thoughts public and let the discussions begin.
10. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas Running Back
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Arkansas senior running back Jonathan Williams has no equals when it comes to the NFL, as very few runners match his top-shelf speed with his large frame (6'0", 224 pounds).
From a sheer size standpoint, Williams is akin to Pittsburgh Steelers runner Le'Veon Bell, but Bell doesn't have that second gear that the Razorbacks' rushing leader possesses once he gets to the second level.
For that reason, we'll stay in the same pro backfield but go with a slightly smaller running back for the comparison: Steelers veteran DeAngelo Williams.
The long-time NFL back had many solid seasons with the Carolina Panthers, rushing for more than 800 yards four times and more than 1,000 twice (in 2008-09).
Though DeAngelo Williams had durability problems throwing his 5'9", 215-pound frame into the line time after time, Jonathan Williams shouldn't have the same struggles.
He didn't have to carry the load throughout his college days as DeAngelo did at Memphis, because the younger Williams has split carries with Alex Collins during his time in Fayetteville. That's going to lead to a lot less wear and tear once he gets to the NFL.
Williams shows consistently that he can be an every-down back or a big-gain guy, as B/R's Barrett Sallee wrote when he made the argument that the Arkansas runner "might be the SEC's best RB."
"Williams has proven over the last two seasons that he has the size to take the punishment between the tackles, the jets to be a home run hitter in space and the hands to be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield," Sallee wrote.
He won't get the headlines that Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette or even Derrick Henry will this year, but Williams is going to make somebody in the NFL a good starting running back for a long time.
It's possible his career trajectory could match the long-term success of another runner who shares his last name.
9. Reggie Ragland, Alabama Linebacker
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Another player who is unique in his size and skill set is Alabama inside linebacker Reggie Ragland, a hard-hitting, big-bodied mauler who has a sure NFL career ahead of him.
At 6'2", 258 pounds, Ragland is built tailor-made to play in Nick Saban's 3-4 scheme, and he seems to be destined to anchor the center of a NFL defense for many years to come.
Though a popular comparison for Ragland may be New England Patriots and former Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes, his athleticism inside the box makes him a better comparison to David Harris.
Harris is a former Michigan standout who has developed into one of the NFL's most consistent inside linebackers during his career with the New York Jets. He isn't the best coverage linebacker, but he rarely is put into those situations. He also isn't asked to rush the passer much, either.
That seems to be a projectable ceiling for Ragland on the next level. He isn't the rangiest player, but he closes extremely well on ball carriers. Back in January, B/R NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller said of Ragland:
"The athletic inside 'backer will be my top-ranked player at the position heading into next season."
Whether you like the comparison of Harris or Spikes better, both of those guys have enjoyed long, fruitful NFL careers, and they're getting paid a lot of money to make a lot of tackles.
Alabama has churned out linebackers like crazy over the past few years, and while Ragland's ceiling isn't as high as, say, C.J. Mosley's, he'll be a really strong player who has a productive career.
8. Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina Wide Receiver
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Pharoh Cooper has become a household name with breakout performances that featured gaudy statistics, and since he plays for offensive guru Steve Spurrier, the Head Ball Coach puts him in a position to make a lot of plays.
Though Cooper is small in stature (5'11", 201 pounds), he makes up for his lack of size by being tricky quick and running good routes. His big-time playmaking ability, despite not having elite physical attributes, reminds you of Detroit Lions receiver Golden Tate.
While at Notre Dame, Tate dominated defenses for coach Charlie Weis, who always seemed to get him in quality matchups. He was able to beat teams deep and exploit seams in zone defenses.
Cooper possesses those same abilities.
Much like Tate, Cooper is tough and durable. He can make plays as a return specialist, and in last year's Tennessee games, he scored touchdowns receiving, running and passing.
Perhaps the best thing for the Gamecocks is that Cooper isn't going to wow anybody in workouts, so he is a strong candidate to remain in Columbia for the next two years.
With South Carolina needing players to emerge on offense, Cooper can provide a sounding board to the younger guys such as Deebo Samuel and Shaq Davidson. Gamecock Network sideline reporter Langston Moore told the Times and Democrat's Scott Hood:
"Some of the other guys have seen Cooper doing so well early in his career, guys like Deebo Samuel and Shaq Davidson, that they can say, "Hey, Pharoh didn't wait around for his junior or senior year, he found a way to grow and continue to improve." Pharoh didn't just show flashes early in the season. He got better throughout the season and stayed consistent.
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If he matches his sophomore season (1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns), he may wind up one of the most decorated receivers in SEC history. That would be another reason to compare him to Tate, the record-setting Irish receiver who won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as a junior in 2009.
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7. Leonard Fournette, LSU Running Back
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When Leonard Fournette came out of high school and took LSU by storm, he may have been the most hyped recruit in the age of the internet.
Though success didn't come immediately for the tall, talented and super-fast prospect, he began to live up to his once-in-a-generation abilities toward the middle of his freshman season and finished with a surge.
Now, it appears all those early comparisons to future NFL Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson held some water. Those are huge cleats to fill, but it fits even at this early stage.
Last year, LSU running back Terrence Magee made the comparison to a group of reporters, according to NFL.com's Chase Goodbread:
"I'm sitting on my toes right now, on the edge of my seat, and every time I see Adrian Peterson run the ball, I'm the exact same way. And from the first time I've seen (Fournette) run the ball, to the things he's doing now in 7-on-7 and the drills that we do, I just can't wait to see him put a set of pads on and go against our defense. He's very exciting to watch play.
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That materialized even more as the season progressed. At 6'1", 230 pounds, Fournette compares favorably size-wise to "AP." If anything, Fournette is a little bigger (10 pounds heavier) and arguably a little faster.
It may sound ridiculous, but he has the ability to put up even better numbers, too.
Peterson does have an impressive second gear, but when Fournette turns it up and on, few in college football are catching him.
There's still a lot of college football left to be played for the Tigers sophomore, but his reps will only increase, and he'll get more opportunities to prove he can be one of the greatest runners in the game. He may wind up eclipsing even Peterson's gaudy stats.
6. A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama Defensive Lineman
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It's not too difficult to come up with comparisons for Alabama junior and versatile jumbo defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson.
When you think of athletic space-eaters trapped in the body of a defensive tackle, guys such as that are coveted by NFL teams, and they're difference-makers right away.
One rising star whose game resembles Robinson's is Carolina Panthers tackle Kawann Short, a 6'3", 315-pound lineman who can excel in the run game as well as get after quarterbacks. Last year, Short enjoyed his best season, finishing with 39 tackles, a forced fumble and 3.5 sacks.
Only becoming a starter in the eighth game a season ago, Short showed the ability to be a havoc-wreaker on the interior. In B/R NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller's examination of the top 50 defensive tackles, he said of Short:
"He’s strong in his legs and rear, and he's able to sit on blockers to hold rushing lanes closed. He’ll also get into the backfield and pursue on plays away from center.
Short has a quick first step, and while it’s not elite, it was quick enough to catch interior blockers off guard. Combination blocks and chips were a problem for him early, but by season’s end he was handling both one-on-one blocks and chips with smart hand use.
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Much like Short, Robinson is versatile enough to play all of the defensive tackle techniques, but he also has displayed the ability to play outside in a 3-4. Robinson hasn't shown elite pass-rushing ability yet, but his skill set will mature, and that'll be something he possesses on the next level.
It's a reason why B/R's Dan Hope called Robinson the NFL Draft's top defensive tackle heading into 2015.
Robinson mirrors Short's ability to dominate the interior against the run. At 6'4", 312 pounds, they're similar in build, and they're very strong at the point of attack. His versatility will benefit Robinson, and if he can show he can get after the quarterback better, he'll be a sure first-round pick.
5. Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss Offensive Tackle
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The next NFL franchise tackle will come from the SEC, and that's Ole Miss rising junior lineman Laremy Tunsil.
Despite fracturing his fibula in last year's Peach Bowl and his recent much-publicized altercation, the 6'5", 315-pound tackle is an elite talent who has been ticketed for stardom ever since his prep days in Lake City, Florida.
Rebels coach Hugh Freeze won a major recruiting victory when he convinced Tunsil to come to Oxford, and he's been rewarded with a consistent anchor on the line who is improving every year. His size and athleticism mirrors that of Miami Dolphins star tackle Branden Albert.
Following his playing days at Virginia, Albert was selected 15th overall by Kansas City, and he has blossomed as a Pro Bowler recently.
Much like Albert, Tunsil is an accomplished pass protector with a solid punch at the point of attack. He has extremely good footwork, and though playing high is an issue at times (much the way it was with Albert early in his pro career), Tunsil shows flashes of being a great all-around tackle.
Tunsil told the Clarion-Ledger's Riley Blevins in April that his goal was to be the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, so he already has his eye on coming out early.
In the latest mock draft by WalterFootball.com's Charlie Campbell, he has Tunsil as the second tackle being taken behind Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley. Campbell has Tunsil going sixth overall to Tampa Bay as Jameis Winston's left tackle of the future.
"Tunsil has a ton of natural talent to be a blindside protector," Campbell wrote. "He was dominant in 2014 and arguably the best left tackle in the nation. Not only does Tunsil shut down pass-rushers, he gets movement in the ground game."
That's the kind of prospect any NFL team would want anchoring its line for years to come.
4. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State Quarterback
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You can't google Dak Prescott's name without seeing "Tim Tebow" somewhere not far behind.
The comparisons are understandable considering Tebow is one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time, and he played for Dan Mullen when he was Florida's offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer.
Now, Prescott plays for Mullen's Mississippi State Bulldogs, and he runs the spread offense to perfection, much the same way Tebow did. He's a battering ram of a runner, and he doesn't make a lot of mistakes.
But the comparisons aren't exactly flattering when projected to an NFL career. Tebow is getting another chance with the Philadelphia Eagles this year, but he hasn't exactly been a coveted commodity.
The Clarion-Ledger's Michael Bonner talked to NFLDraftScout and CBS senior draft analyst Dane Brugler about the comparisons to Tebow.
"I do think the Tebow comparisons make sense for several reasons. Just looking at the traits: arm strength, composure, mobility, power and leadership," Brugler said. "Prescott has better mechanics than Tebow and you could argue is doing more with less."
It's tough to pin the Tebow albatross on Prescott considering the latter aspires for a better NFL career than what Tebow has been able to muster thus far. The Bulldogs senior has a stronger arm and better footwork, so while it may be an apt comparison, it isn't his ceiling.
But it also would be unfair to use another NFL player—Panthers quarterback Cam Newton—as a realistic gauge because Newton has a better skill set than Prescott.
So, for this exercise, Prescott fits somewhere in the middle of that projection chart. He doesn't have a slam-dunk NFL career ahead of him, but whoever takes a chance on him will be getting an elite talent with a full college resume.
3. Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida Cornerback
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You don't have to venture that far back into history or to any other school to find Vernon Hargreaves III's NFL counterpart.
The current Florida standout resembles a Gators superstar of old: current Cleveland Browns star cornerback Joe Haden.
Both have elite ball skills and are advanced enough in their knowledge of the game where they can anticipate and bait quarterbacks into bad throws. Neither are scared to come up in the run game and make big hits, and much like Haden, VHIII is going to get paid a lot of money really soon.
They're also similar in stature. Haden is 5'11", 195 pounds, while VHIII is 5'11", 192. Haden went seventh overall to the Browns and has developed into a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro.
WalterFootball.com draft analyst Charlie Campbell currently has VHIII going fifth overall to Jacksonville in his 2016 mock draft, which would also mirror Haden's draft placement.
B/R's Matt Miller has VHIII going ninth to the Giants and says of the Florida star: "Vernon Hargreaves III is the nation's best cornerback heading into the season, and he has the size (5'11", 192 lbs.) and speed of a true No. 1 cornerback."
Though VHIII has said in the past that he mirrors his game after Seattle star corner Richard Sherman, the style may fit, but the size is off.
Haden is the better comparison, and there's nothing wrong with that. Haden is one of the very best corners in the NFL, possesses good enough size to be a strong all-around defender and has made a whole lot of money.
VHIII is on the fast track to doing the same.
2. Nick Chubb, Georgia Running Back
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To look at Seattle Seahawks star running back Marshawn "Beastmode" Lynch, you wouldn't think that he has been clocked at a sub-4.5 40-yard dash.
But then you see him break free once he barrels over defenders, and it isn't that hard to believe.
Georgia's Nick Chubb has the same potential.
Lynch is a 5'11", 215-pound wrecking ball who makes it a habit of punishing some of the NFL's hardest-hitting players and staying on his feet for big gains.
As a freshman in 2014, the 5'10", 220-pound Chubb did the same. But big gains followed those punishing hits at the point of attack, too. That's the reason why everybody in the nation is gushing over Chubb's all-world potential.
He has the ability to be great.
The comparisons around Georgia are easy considering the last time a freshman did what Chubb was able to a season ago, that prospect turned into NFL great Herschel Walker. But the similarities lie mostly in the numbers. From a physical attributes standpoint, Chubb is Lynch reincarnated.
There is never any "quit" once he's hit. New UGA offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has been around the NFL his entire life, and this is what he told Dawgs247's Jake Rowe recently:
"The work ethic he displays on the field, just the way he practices, I've been around few guys who have worked like that. He's very mature beyond his years in what it takes to be an elite player. Just watching the guy work and the way he finishes runs and the way he attacks individual when he and coach Brown are just kind of doing drills or read drills or even pass protection, he attacks his craft. The ability, we've all seen that. The sky is the limit for the guy but the thing I was blown away most by is his work ethic in the classroom and on the field. When you do that, it tends to lead to success.
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Chubb would probably take Lynch's NFL career right now, but there is no limit to what the Bulldogs phenom may accomplish before he leaves college or during his pro career. He could be special. Early indications are leaning in that direction.
1. Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss Defensive Lineman
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It's easy to look at statistics from Robert Nkemdiche's first two years at Ole Miss and jump to the conclusion that he has underperformed.
Granted, he isn't the stat-filling superstar that most former No. 1 overall recruiting prospects are supposed to be. But he's the anchor on a deep and talented Ole Miss defensive line who draws the attention of every offensive line he plays.
He's a super-athletic freak of a defensive lineman who began his career as a strong-side defensive end but shifted down to defensive tackle where he thrived a season ago for the "Land Shark" defense.
Looking at his ability to be a nimble, athletic defensive tackle who has the size to clog run lanes but is at his best getting after quarterbacks from the interior reminds you of Detroit great Ndamukong Suh.
Nkemdiche even has the cool double consonant at the beginning of his name. That's just eery.
When Nkemdiche first broke into the SEC, some labeled him the next Jadeveon Clowney or said he was similar to Mario Williams. As his career has progressed, the counterparts should move toward the interior of the line where his NFL future lies.
He's so big and strong that he commands double teams at every turn. He is a disruptive force that gets push on an every-down basis into the backfield. He also has proven that he can play effectively at 280 pounds up to 300 pounds.
That versatility is one of the reasons NFL.com's Mike Huguenin referred to him as one of college football's "most freakish athletes."
"Nkemdiche is a big man who moves quite well, and he has been clocked as fast as 4.7 seconds in the 40 at Ole Miss. Nkemdiche, who has just 10 percent body fat, also has a 34-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. He is able to bench press 400 pounds, squat 500 pounds and power clean 376 pounds.
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The description is strongly similar to Suh's abilities, and there's no reason to think that Nkemdiche won't be able to replicate his success in the NFL. He still has a lot left to live up to in Oxford, but his worth can't be found in the box scores.
All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings unless otherwise noted. All statistics gathered from CFBStats.com unless otherwise noted. Quotes and observations gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted.
Brad Shepard covers SEC football for Bleacher Report. Follow Brad on Twitter @Brad_Shepard.
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