2016 Heisman Trophy Finalists' Pro Player Comparisons

Lamar Jackson headlined the five-man group of finalists for the 2016 Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded Saturday, Dec. 10.

The finalists have NFL aspirations, and their respective playing styles remind us of someone recognizable on Sunday afternoons. And in two cases, we'll reminisce about a retired player.

Now, pro comparisons are typically not perfect. Each individual has a little something that differentiates him and every other player that had reached the NFL. But we're attempting to match the Heisman finalists as closely as possible.

Please remember the list—which is organized alphabetically by the school's name—is not intended to be a career projection. It's strictly focused on the style of play.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

There's a decent chance you know the popular comparisons.

Stylistically, Watson is similar to Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. Both players display an effortless throwing motion, are dangerous on designed runs and excellent at escaping the pocket.

What hurts the comparison, though, is Mariota's advantage with accuracy. Watson can get in trouble relying on his arm strength, especially when throwing the ball to the sideline. That sounds a bit more like Cam Newton.

However, the Carolina Panthers signal-caller is built like a bulldozer. Watson, who is listed at 6'3", 215 pounds, is a regular runner now, but the punishment he takes—and often seeks for the sake of extra yardage—may become problematic in the NFL.

Either way, Watson must improve his decision-making both as a passer and runner. This season, the junior tossed 15 interceptions but earned a place in New York thanks to 4,443 yards of total offense and 43 scores.

The Comparison: Mix of Marcus Mariota and Cam Newton

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Jackson is the lone finalist who isn't eligible for the NFL draft. Good thing, too, because there aren't many comparisons for him.

Louisville's standout brings a unique blend of talents behind center. He's labeled a dual-threat quarterback for good reason, but there's a misconception about the sophomore being a scrambler. Jackson does most of his damage on designed runs.

That's where the comparisons to Michael Vick hit a snag. In his prime, Vick was nearly impossible to stop as a scrambler. The similarity returns once Jackson hits the open field, where his quick feet create problems for desperate tacklers.

Otherwise, Jackson is a confident thrower from the pocket to all levels of the field—particularly deep. His snappy release contributes to NFL-caliber velocity, too.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney called Jackson "a right-handed Michael Vick," according to Scott Keepfer of the Greenville News. "He's got that same explosiveness."

Jackson ended the regular season with 3,390 yards and 30 touchdowns through the air while scampering for 1,538 yards—the eighth-most among all FBS players—and 21 scores. 

The Comparison: Michael Vick (Retired)

Jabrill Peppers, LB/S/KR/PR, Michigan

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

In 2016, Michigan needed linebackers but boasted a deep defensive backfield. So, Peppers shifted up from his nickelback/strong safety role to outside linebacker and played well. He was also the full-time returner and received scattered offensive snaps.

Consequently, Peppers has no perfect realistic NFL comparison as an all-around player because that all-around role just doesn't happen anymore. We'll look at Peppers as a defender and returner.

When he eventually departs for the pros, Peppers will likely be a safety with the capability to move around. He won't be a lockdown outside corner, but Peppers can moonlight there if absolutely necessary while being better suited to handle slot responsibilities.

That sounds a lot like an uninjured Tyrann Mathieu, who doubled as a dynamic punt returner at LSU. Although he's never filled that role with the Arizona Cardinals, Mathieu was a big-play threat every time he touched the ball in college.

Peppers wasn't much of a factor on offense this season, managing just 3.7 yards per touch against teams other than a hapless Rutgers squad. But whenever Peppers had a chance to field a punt, he showed off dazzling quickness and vision.

Peppers filled the stat sheet in 2016.

He collected 71 total tackles with 15 for loss and 3.5 sacks, adding seven hurries, one interception and one forced fumble. Peppers' 14.8-yard punt return average led the Big Ten, and he also notched 26.0 per kick return. He chipped in three rushing touchdowns.

The Comparison: Tyrann Mathieu

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

If Mayfield doesn't find an open target early, his allergy to the pocket flares up. However, the gunslinger is just as dangerous on the run—much like an NFL Hall of Famer.

"I liken him to when I was with the Bears going against Brett Favre," Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano said, according to ESPN's Austin Ward.

Yes, that's a huge name. But remember, we're focused strictly on style, not an NFL projection.

"He's that unpredictable," Schiano said of Mayfield. "He'll be scrambling this way and chuck it that way. How do you coach [against] that other than be disciplined and stay with your guys? That's the kind of really fine athlete that he is."

Mayfield led Oklahoma to its second straight Big 12 title, completing an FBS-best 71.2 percent of his passes for 3,669 yards, 38 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. The junior's 197.8 rating was also tops in the country. He added six rushing scores.

The Comparison: Brett Favre (Retired)

Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's passing attack is built on low-risk, quick passes and downfield shots. Dede Westbrook excelled at both.

The speedster was capable of turning a slant route into a back-breaking touchdown or simply sprinting past the secondary akin to Washington's DeSean Jackson. And at no more than 6'0", Westbrook is nearly the same height as Jackson, too.

Westbrook led the nation with 26 catches of 20-plus yards and six receptions of 60-plus yards. Only three wideouts notched more yards per game than his 122.1. And among qualifying players, Westbrook's 19.8-yard average ranked 12th nationally.

Jackson, meanwhile, sports a career average of 17.6 yards.

Overall, Westbrook reeled in 74 passes for 1,465 yards and 16 touchdowns, which trailed just three FBS wideouts. He also returned one punt to the house—right down the middle, a Jackson specialty.

The Comparison: DeSean Jackson

All recruiting information via Scout. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.