NFL Draft 2011: Player Comparisons for the Top 10 Players in the Draft

With the combine coming to an end, we have a better idea of which players are going to go in which round based on talent. Each player had an opportunity to showcase their fundamentals and athleticism in front of National Football League scouts. 

With the combine out of the way, it is now easier to pick out the best players available. Continue reading to find player comparisons for the top 10 players available in this years draft. 

(*Based on Mel Kiper of ESPN's Big Board)

No.10: Cam Newton

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton passes the ball during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Vince Young

Before you bash me for this comparison, just know that I didn't mean personality as well. This comparison was made based strictly off of play and style of play. Both Young and Cam Newton are big, tall quarterbacks with the ability to break down defenses both through the air and on the ground. These guys both have what it takes to be good NFL quarterbacks (although Young hasn't panned out well) and they are both pure winners. 

Newton is going to find a way to get it done in the NFL because he has been successful his entire life. 

No. 9: Prince Amukamara

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Cornerback Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers breaks up a pass intended wide receiver Wes Kemp #8 of the during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska

NFL Comparison: Darrelle Revis

Prince Amukamara is likely to be the second cornerback taken in this year's NFL draft, but he could end up being the best pro out of any defensive back in this year's draft. Prince is more NFL ready than any other corner in this draft, and whichever team gets him is going to be happy. Like Revis, Amukamara has the ability to play very physically, and the combine proved that he is going to be fast enough to be a great cover corner like Darrelle Revis.

No. 8: Blaine Gabbert

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers drops back to pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (P

NFL Comparison: Phillip Rivers

Gabbert chose not to throw at the NFL combine, but that won't hurt him at all. As of right now, he is going to be the first quarterback taken and probably deserves to be. Gabbert reminds me of Rivers in many ways. They are both big, tall quarterbacks with very strong arms. Both Gabbert and Rivers can throw the ball all game and maintain an intimidating pocket presence. Blaine is going to need a year or two to develop, but soon enough, he is going to be a good quarterback in this league because he has a good attitude and all the physical tools to succeed. 

No. 7: Robert Quinn

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Robert Quinn of North Carolina runs through a drill during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Julius Peppers

Robert Quinn seems like he's poised to be the third defensive end taken in the 2011 NFL draft. Quinn comes out of the University of North Carolina like Julius Peppers, but that is not the only reason they are similar. Quinn, like Peppers, is an incredible pass rusher and might even be the best in the draft class. He's talented enough to develop into a good run stopper as well. Quinn is going to be a great option for a team in need of a defensive anchor. 

No. 6: A.J Green

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Wide receiver A.J. Green of Georgia runs with the ball during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Randy Moss

A.J Green is one of the best wide receiver prospects I've seen in the last couple of years. He's a tall and talented wide out that has the ability to make big plays every time he steps on the field. With his height and skill, the only receiver comparison that would do him justice would be Randy Moss. Not Randy Moss now, but the Minnesota Vikings Randy Moss. Green is going to have the same type of go route impact that Moss had and for this reason he'll be picked early in the draft. 

No. 5: Von Miller

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Von Miller of Texas A&M works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Clay Matthews

Von Miller is one of the most athletically gifted players in this year's draft class, and he has the skill to complement those gifts. Miller was extremely impressive in Indianapolis and showed people why he was so dominant in college. In college, Miller was a bit of a tweener similar to Clay Matthews, but they were both equally as effective getting to the quarterback. Matthews' success is going to make teams feel better about drafting a guy like Miller who wasn't strictly a defensive lineman nor a linebacker. 

No. 4: Marcell Dareus

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive lineman Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Ty Warren

Marcell Dareus made a lot of noise at the draft combine in Indianapolis this past week. Some feel that he is the best player in the country at his position, but he stands at second for now. Dareus reminds me of Ty Warren in that he is an ideal 3-4 defensive end. Dareus had a great season this year even with all of the extra attention he demanded every time he stepped foot on the field. If Dareus isn't the first defensive end selected, he is going to make a nice consolation prize for some lucky team. 

No. 3: Da'Quan Bowers

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Mario Williams

It's a lot to say that Da'Quan Bowers reminds me of Mario Williams, but I don't necessarily think he'll be as good. The way that Bowers gets out and after the opposing running backs and quarterbacks makes Mario Williams the only player that comes to mind for a comparison. Bowers is going to be a dominant player in a 4-3 scheme as long as he is able to shake off injuries and stay healthy. As of right now, that's his number one concern, and to be honest, it is a big one. 

No. 2: Nick Fairley

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Nick Fairley of Auburn looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Darnell Dockett

Fairley had both a disappointing combine and an excellent combine in Indianapolis. It was disappointing because he measured and weighed in much smaller than scouts initially thought he would. At the same time, Fairley did incredibly well in most of the drills at the combine. Fairley is a defensive tackle who reminds me, along with many others, of Darnell Dockett. Fairley is a big guy with star power and a good attitude to go along with probably the greatest ability to stop the run in the draft. Fairley may be the number one pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and his play this season would definitely warrant that.  

No. 1: Patrick Peterson

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson of LSU works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

NFL Comparison: Nnamdi Asomugha

Indianapolis was very kind to Patrick Peterson this past week. Peterson came out and showed that he is the number one corner in the draft and potentially even the best overall player in the draft. For a guy with great size for a defensive back, Peterson blew away scouts with his speed in the 40 yard dash. Asomugha comes to mind as a comparison for Peterson, because like Nnamdi, opposing quarterbacks are going to try to avoid him as much as possible.