2012 NFL Draft: Comparing the Top 50 Prospects to Their NFL Counterparts

Though it is often a cheap method of analysis, comparisons do have some value. To put it simply, comparisons are a projection—a glimpse of a player's future.

However, it is one thing to compare Andrew Luck to Peyton Manning (a comparison that will not be seen in this article), but it is another to say that Luck will be just as good as Manning. Comparisons are not exact, and they aren't necessarily indications of a player's success.

What comparisons do accomplish is establishing what type of player a prospect will be. Though the aforementioned Manning comparison is not saying Luck will be a player of Manning's caliber, it is saying that Luck is a cerebral, accurate pocket passer out of Manning's mold.

With the warning aside, comparisons are fun. It's interesting to speculate about what type of player a prospect will become in the NFL. Let's take a look at what type of players this year's top prospects are.

50. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

NFL Comparison: Kelly Gregg

Like Gregg, Chapman is a short, stout nose tackle whose best fit is in the middle of a 3-4 defense. The 6'1" 310-pounder isn't overly athletic and won't make many plays in the backfield, but he sure is tough to move. Gregg made a living in Baltimore by being a solid, steady player and clogging up the middle.

49. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

NFL Comparison: Roy Williams

Jones is a big, talented wide receiver with the ability to dominate. However, as any Dallas Cowboys fan will tell you, drops are a huge issue and Jones has had his problems with consistently catching the football. At 6'4" 225 pounds, Jones has the size and athletic ability to be a good player in the NFL, but inconsistency could be a major hurdle.

48. Chris Polk, RB, Washington

NFL Comparison: Ahmad Bradshaw

Polk is a power runner with the size and vision to pound the rock for four quarters. At 5'11" 222 pounds, Polk is strong and can plow over defensive backs with ease. Though Polk is big and powerful, he is not particularly fast and is somewhat limited to running inside.

47. Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

NFL Comparison: Michael Oher

This comparison may seem a little weak due to the gap in size between Oher and Osemele, but it's more valid than it first appears. Both Oher and Osemele are powerful run blockers with great strength and enough quickness to play tackle.

However, neither is quick enough to protect the blind side (somewhat ironic for Oher, the protagonist of the book and film) and is best suited as a run-blocking right tackle.

46. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

NFL Comparison: Tommy Kelly

At 6'5" 310-pounds, Still possesses size similar to Kelly's and is a versatile athlete, capable of playing multiple roles. The Penn State defensive lineman may be best suited to the 5-tech position in a 3-4 defense, but he could play defensive tackle or even left end in a 4-3 scheme. Kelly has played all of these roles in the past and continues to be a solid player for the Raiders.

45. Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

NFL Comparison: Malcolm Floyd

Both Fuller and Floyd are possession receivers who weigh in around 6'4" 225 pounds. Fuller is a reliable target but lacks the explosive ability to profile as a No.1 target in the NFL. Floyd has served as a secondary option behind Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates for a few years now and is consistently average.

44. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

NFL Comparison: Rolando McClain

It may seem cheap to compare Hightower to his former teammate and fellow linebacker, but the two are remarkably similar. Both Hightower and McClain are around 6'4" 260 pounds and somewhat athletically limited.

3-4 inside linebackers at Alabama, Hightower and McClain are thumpers with good awareness but don't have the sideline-to-sideline speed required to dominate in the NFL.

43. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

NFL Comparison: Tony Moeaki

Though he is currently hurt, Moeaki had a great rookie season and was expected to be an integral part of the Kansas City offense in 2011. Like Moeaki, Allen is 6'3" and primarily a pass-catching tight end. The Clemson star isn't the fastest or biggest, but he can catch and is shifty enough to get open.

42. T.J. McDonald, S, USC

NFL Comparison: Kenny Phillips

McDonald doesn't always take the best angles and can struggle at times, but he is a great athlete with excellent run-stopping ability. Phillips has always been a versatile player with the ability to play close to the line of scrimmage or back deep, and McDonald isn't very different. The 6'3" 205-pound USC star may not be completely refined yet, but like his predecessor Taylor Mays, he has potential.

41. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

NFL Comparison: Ziggy Hood

Before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ziggy Hood was widely considered a future 3-tech. Though Winn isn't thought of as purely a 4-3 player, he is also a penetrating defensive lineman who can be moved around.

Many thought that Hood couldn't play in a 3-4 defense, but there is no such misconception about Winn. In fact, some thing that Winn could end up at defensive end regardless of what scheme he is drafted into.

40. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

NFL Comparison: Ahmad Brooks

First and foremost, Brooks and Upshaw have similar size, weighing in around 260 pounds. Secondly, both of the linebackers are capable of player inside our outside in a 3-4 defensive scheme. However, neither is a great pass rusher and would be best utilized as a run stopper regardless of which linebacker position he plays.

39. Audie Cole, LB, North Carolina State

NFL Comparison: Chad Greenway

Though Greenway plays outside linebacker for the Vikings, he and Cole are remarkably similar. Both are underrated athlete with superb instincts and play-making ability. The North Carolina State linebacker may not ever be mentioned among the NFL's elite, but he will be appreciated by his team's fans.

38. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

NFL Comparison: Lance Moore

Similarly sized, Moore and Wright are both speedsters with consistent catching ability. Wright still needs to improve when it comes to running routes, but his speed and quickness are prized attributes. Though Moore is another quick, undersized player, Wright has the potential to be better.

37. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

NFL Comparison: T.J. Ward

This isn't the ideal comparison, but it's hard to find a great fit for Barron. The 6'2" 218-pound Barron is considerably bigger than Ward but is similar as a player.

Both safeties are fairly one-dimensional run stoppers who struggle in coverage. Neither Barron nor Ward has the speed or coverage ability to play free safety at a high level.

36. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

NFL Comparison: Tamba Hali

Like Hali, Curry is a bigger "tweener" and may struggle some in coverage as a linebacker. Curry is, however, a relentless pass rusher with the ability to become a great player. Though he needs to add more pass-rush moves, Curry is one of the 2012 draft's best pass rushers and could end up being ranked higher than this.

35. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

NFL Comparison: Alex Smith

There really isn't a good comparison for Griffin. The Baylor quarterback is undersized at a generous 6'2" 215 pounds but is a fantastic athlete. At Utah, Smith was an athletic passer with good accuracy and somewhat limited arm strength. Smith also played in Urban Meyer's spread offense, and Griffin runs a similar offensive scheme.

Though Griffin is extremely accurate, he doesn't have great arm strength and needs to improve at reading defenses. To his credit, Griffin has an incredibly quick release and rarely misses on short passes.

34. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

NFL Comparison: Steve Johnson

The 6'2" 215-pound Sanu possesses size similar to Johnson's and is virtually identical athletically. Neither of the two will blow anyone away physically, but the two wideouts are shifty with good play-making ability.

Sanu won't be a possession receiver by any means, and he will likely earn his paycheck by making plays and acting as an offensive weapon.

33. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

NFL Comparison: Shaun Phillips

Jenkins isn't a bad athlete by any means, but he isn't especially smooth in coverage and doesn't dominate at anything. Phillips is a good player for the Chargers, but again, he isn't an elite talent and never compiles huge sack totals.

Though Jenkins can become a good all-around player in a 3-4 defense, you shouldn't expect him to be one of the NFL's best.

32. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

NFL Comparison: Domata Peko

Peko has been a solid, if unspectacular player for the Bengals. At 6'3" 322 pounds, Peko is somewhat bigger and stouter than Worthy, but both are primarily penetraters.

Though Worthy isn't a star defensive tackle, he is a decent player and can serve as a piece of the puzzle for a good defense. However, Worthy is somewhat schematically limited and is best suited as a 3-tech.

31. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

NFL Comparison: Braylon Edwards

The 6'3" 215-pound Toon is a great athlete with power and play-making ability. However, like Edwards, Toon is inconsistent and needs refinement as a route runner. The Wisconsin wideout definitely has first-round ability, but he needs to become more consistent.

30. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

NFL Comparison: Alex Mack

Konz isn't an elite center prospect, but he may be good enough to be selected in the first-round. The 6'5" 315-pounder is a cerebral run-blocker with the quickness to do well in pass protection. Mack is a good, though not dominant center for the Browns and Konz should develop into a similar player.

29. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

NFL Comparison: Trevor Pryce

As someone who is more down on Coples than most, I don't see him ever becoming a great pass rusher. He can, however, develop into a good, all-around player with run-stopping ability. Pryce played in both a 4-3 and 3-4 defense throughout his career and had some good seasons as a pass-rusher.

At 6'6" 285-pounds, Coples has similar size and is a good enough athlete to occasionally produce high sack numbers. However, Coples isn't explosive enough to be consistently dominant and may be better suited as a 5-tech.

28. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

NFL Comparison: Barrett Ruud

This is a somewhat harsh comparison, as Ruud really isn't very good. However, Kuechly projects as an improved version of Ruud. The 6'3" 235-pounder racks up insane tackle numbers but doesn't make a ton of impact plays.

Ruud is the king of the tackle five yards down field, and though Kuechly isn't as bad, he is similar. Kuechly certainly makes more impact plays than Ruud though, and he should be a solid, if unspectacular player in the NFL.

27. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

NFL Comparison: Mike Jenkins

Mike Jenkins is one of the most frustrating players in the NFL. Occasionally, Jenkins will completely shut down his man and look like one of the game's best cornerbacks. Other times, Jenkins will be the offense's punching bag and get absolutely abused.

Gilmore is similar. The South Carolina cornerback is a good athlete with excellent playmaking ability, but depending on the game, Gilmore can look like a star or a bum.

26. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler

A former wide receiver, Tannehill is still raw as a quarterback but has elite skills. The 6'3" 225-pounder has a strong arm, great athletic ability and good accuracy. However, Tannehill isn't overly fast at getting rid of the ball and can make dreadful decisions.

Does this sound familiar, Chicago fans? Cutler is one of the most talented passers in the NFL but throws awful interceptions, and as a result, fans have even created the phrase "cutlerception". Few players in the NFL have shown more, and less, than Cutler has throughout his career.

25. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

NFL Comparison: Sam Baker

At 6'6" 305 pounds, Reiff is a good but not great athlete. The former tight end is still raw as a blocker and lacks the strength to dominate in the run game.

A former USC Trojan, Baker is similar. The 6'5" 301-pounder is decent in pass-protection, but again, struggles some as a run blocker.

24. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

NFL Comparison: Sedrick Ellis

Thompson is usually projected as a 3-tech, but he is stout enough to play the 1-tech position as well. Though the Clemson defensive tackle penetrates the backfield with relative ease, Thompson isn't explosive enough to truly be elite.

Though Ellis was a highly-rated prospect, he has never developed into an elite player and is just solid. The New Orleans defender has moved around some along the team's interior defensive line and is versatile enough to play a variety of roles.

23. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

NFL Comparison: Adalius Thomas

With the Ravens, Thomas became famous for playing defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, safety and even cornerback. Few players have ever moved around quite like Thomas did, and Ingram is of a similar mold.

The 6'2" 275-pounder moves around the South Carolina defensive line, playing tackle and end. However, Ingram is also capable of playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Though he isn't an elite pass-rusher, Ingram is a good athlete and a well-rounded player.

22. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

NFL Comparison: Brandon Flowers

Though he missed some time earlier in the year, Dennard has quickly solidified himself as an excellent cover corner. The 5'9" 205-pounder has a rare build for a cornerback and isn't a great athlete, but he excels in press coverage and is difficult to beat.

Flowers fell in the 2008 draft because of his lack of height and elite athleticism, but teams have regretted passing on him since. Few players in the NFL are better in coverage, and Flowers is a phenomenal player.

21. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

NFL Comparison: Sebastian Vollmer

Prior to the 2011 season, Adams had always been an underachiever for Ohio State. The 6'8" 320-pound left tackle is a phenomenal athlete, but he always appeared lazy and struggled with technique.

However, Adams has been dominant since returning from a five-game suspension and is finally playing up to his ability. Like Vollmer, Adams has great size, length and athletic ability. Adams is a bit better athletically than Vollmer, but both are capable of playing on the blind side.

20. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

NFL Comparison: Linval Joseph

In 2010, Joseph entered the NFL as a big, but raw defensive tackle with high upside. Now, Ta'amu is proving to be a similar prospect. Though Ta'amu is more refined, he is equally massive with the ability to play nose tackle.

Despite his size, Ta'amu is a good athlete and isn't quite as stout as one might expect. The Washington defensive tackle could play in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, but regardless, he will primarily be featured as a run stopper.

19. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

NFL Comparison: Antrel Rolle

Though Rolle entered the NFL as a cornerback, he has since moved back to safety, where he has excelled. Kirkpatrick is a cornerback for Alabama, but he may also move back to safety in the NFL.

Though the 6'3" 190-pound Kirkpatrick is great in zone coverage, he lacks the smooth hips to run down the field in man coverage. Kirkpatrick may make it as a cornerback, but no one should be shocked if he ends up as a dominant safety.

18. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

NFL Comparison: Michael Boley

Boley is an athletic, coverage linebacker with the prototypical WILL skill-set. Though the former Falcon has never developed into an elite linebacker, the undersized Boley is solid and a good fit for the Giants' defensive scheme.

Brown has nearly the exact same size as Boley, and also excels in coverage. The North Carolina linebacker isn't great against the run, but he has phenomenal speed and is almost a safety at the linebacker position.

17. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

NFL Comparison: Shaun Rogers

A massive, 6'5" 350-pound defensive tackle, Poe is nearly identical to Rogers. For years, Rogers has been one of the most talented defensive linemen in the NFL. The former Lion is incredibly strong with unbelievable athleticism for a man of his size.

Like Rogers, Poe is incredibly talented. The Memphis lineman has moved along the Tigers' defensive line, playing nose tackle and 5-tech. Poe may not be the most refined player ever, but men with his size and athletic ability don't come along too often.

16. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina

NFL Comparison: Jason Taylor

At 6'7" 260 pounds, Taylor might be the most talented draft-eligible pass rusher. The South Carolina end has a great first step to go with his excellent length. Like Jason Pierre-Paul a few years ago, Taylor has incredible upside.

For years, Jason Taylor dominated for the Dolphins, playing defensive end and outside linebacker. For a man with his size, Taylor was surprisingly good in space. Like the Miami star, the younger Taylor is surprisingly quick in coverage and can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.

15. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

NFL Comparison: Tramon Williams

A former Gator, Jenkins has been one of college football's best cornerbacks over the past few years. The 5'11" 190-pounder has had off-the-field issues but remains an incredible talent.

Jenkins and Williams share nearly identical size and athletic ability. Both of the cornerbacks are best in zone coverage and are prone to making plays in coverage.

14. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

NFL Comparison: Jerod Mayo

This comparison is hardly unique, as it seems like many have already thought of it. Like Mayo, Te'o is a gifted athlete who is surprisingly good in coverage for a player of his size. The 6'3" 255-pound middle linebacker could play either outside spot in most defensive schemes as well.

Mayo has struggled with injuries throughout his young NFL career, but few players are more talented. Though the New England defender is not elite, he is very good in every aspect of the game.

13. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

NFL Comparison: LaDainian Tomlinson

This is one of the comparisons that isn't necessarily an indication of how good a prospect will be. I am not by any means saying that Miller will be as good of a player as Tomlinson has been throughout his career. I am, however, saying that Miller will be a similar type of player.

The Miami running back is great as a receiver out of the backfield and has excellent speed as well. Miller is an explosive runner with good size and decent power to go with great quickness.

Tomlinson is one of the best running backs of the modern era and was incredible as a runner and receiver. The former Charger was fast, shifty, smart and somewhat powerful. If Miller can end up anywhere near as good as Tomlinson was, he will have a great career.

12. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

NFL Comparison: Larry Fitzgerald

Though Floyd has suffered from injuries and off-the-field issues, he is still incredibly talented. The 6'3" 225-pound wideout has great size, catching ability and route running.

Fitzgerald is possibly the best in the NFL in the latter two categories. Though Floyd obviously isn't expected to play at Fitzgerald's extremely high level, he is incredibly similar. The two wide receivers have the same strengths and negatives to go with their nearly identical size.

11. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

NFL Comparison: Anquan Boldin

Blackmon's biggest knock is perhaps a lack of elite upside. At 6'1" 215 pounds, Blackmon is bulky but not especially tall. Though thee Oklahoma State receiver has great hands and route running ability, he isn't overly explosive or dynamic.

All of these characteristics fit Boldin perfectly. The Baltimore wideout broke out while playing second fiddle to Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona but has never established himself as a great No. 1 target. Though Boldin is certainly good at catching passes and gaining yards with the ball in hand, he just isn't very dynamic.

10. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

NFL Comparison: Trent Williams

At 6'6" 304 pounds, Martin is as good as he is because of his athleticism. The blindside protector of Andrew Luck, Martin isn't overly bulky, but excels as a pass blocker.

Like Martin, Williams occasionally struggled at Oklahoma but was still drafted with the fourth pick in 2010 because of his upside. The Washington offensive lineman has is a phenomenal athlete with good, but not great size.

9. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

NFL Comparison: Steve Hutchinson

Since I've been watching football, I have never seen a better guard than Steve Hutchinson. In his prime, Hutchinson could pass block, block in line, and block in space. Few guards have ever been as complete and dominant as Hutchinson was for years.

David DeCastro might someday be just as good as Hutchinson was. The 6'5" 315-pound right guard is incredibly powerful, agile and intelligent. As impossible as it sounds, DeCastro has virtually no weaknesses. It is actually possible that DeCastro could be a top-10 pick.

8. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

NFL Comparison: Matt Schaub

Schaub has been a great player for the Texans since the team acquired him from the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. The 6'5" 240-pounder has a good arm, deep ball and field vision. It is undeniable, however, that Schaub has a tendency to throw interceptions.

Like Schaub, Jones has been incredibly productive. Sam Bradford's successor may have the strongest arm among all the draft-eligible quarterbacks and throws a spectacular deep ball. Jones also makes more than his fair share of awful decisions.

And if this isn't enough, Jones just looks like Schaub when he throws the ball.

7. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

NFL Comparison: David Harris

Vontaze Burfict is probably the most vicious player to enter the draft in years. The Arizona State linebacker is a great athlete and unleashes some of the most violent hits in all of football. A good athlete, Burfict is decent in coverage and does a great job of attacking the line of scrimmage in run support.

Harris is smaller than Burfict but is also a violent linebacker. Though he is not just a thumper, Harris is a hard-hitting run stopper with versatility. The Jets' linebacker may not be as talented as Burfict, but he has a similar style of play.

6. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

NFL Comparison: Brandon Marshall

Though Jeffery sometimes struggles to separate, he is definitely consistent. At 6'4" 235-pounds, Jeffery is massive with great catching ability. He may never be credited with great speed, but the South Carolina wideout is a deep threat nonetheless.

Out of the same mold, Marshall is a big, physical wide receiver. The former Bronco is occasionally dynamic and can stretch the field despite lacking elite speed. Marshall hasn't been great since being traded to Miami, but he is undoubtedly a No. 1 wide receiver.

5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

NFL Comparison: Joe Haden

Even after losing Patrick Peterson, LSU has the best cornerback in college football. Claiborne is the perfect player except for his lack of great size. Despite this, the 5'11" 185-pounder is still capable of physical play and is a great athlete.

Though Haden is slightly bigger than Claiborne, he is similarly well-rounded. Haden may not be quite as athletic as Claiborne is, but both of the cornerbacks are legitimate shut-down defenders with extremely high ceilings.

4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

NFL Comparison: Michael Roos

Though Kalil isn't overly bulky, the 6'7" 295-pounder is still a good run blocker. Kalil does, however, dominate in pass protection due to his great footwork and technique. A great prospect, Kalil isn't quite on the same level as Joe Thomas, but he is a legitimate top-five pick.

Roos has been one of the NFL's better, and more underrated, left tackles for a few years now. Also 6'7", Roos is a good run blocker and excellent pass blocker. The Tennessee lineman isn't the best in the league, but he is certainly very good.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

NFL Comparison: Jonathan Stewart

The best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson, Richardson is nearly impossible to tackle. At 5'10" 225-pounds, Richardson has great bulk and is one of the more physically impressive running backs in all of football. Though he isn't overly shifty, Richardson has breakaway speed to go with his above-average receiving ability.

Stewart isn't quite as good as Richardson, but he is a powerful runner with good speed. The Carolina running back is better than his teammate, DeAngelo Williams, and is among the NFL's most talented runners. Richardson is slightly smaller and better at catching the ball than Stewart, but he is a similar power back.

2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

NFL Comparison: Drew Brees

Though Barkley isn't overly physically talented, he is a great quarterback prospect. The USC star is only 6'2" but has the accuracy and intelligence to make up for it. Barkley also lacks elite arm strength, but can make nearly every throw on the field.

Brees has always been overlooked because of his less-than-elite physical tools, but he remains one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. The former Charger may be the most accurate passer in the NFL and is the sole star on a great Saints offense.

Barkley isn't as accurate or intelligent as Brees yet, but it isn't unrealistic to imagine him reaching Brees's level in the future.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

NFL Comparison: Aaron Rodgers

As is no shock to anyone, Luck rounds up my top-50 prospects. Luck is the most universally-loved quarterback to come along in years, and the Stanford quarterback is good at just about everything. The 6'4" 235-pound star has great athletic ability, incredible intellect, excellent accuracy and good arm strength. It is actually difficult to find a weakness in Luck's game.

Rodgers is undoubtedly the best quarterback in today's NFL and is the pro version of Luck. The 27-year-old Super Bowl champion has a rocket arm, phenomenal accuracy, great athleticism and unbelievable decision making. Doesn't he sound an awful lot like Luck?

Rodgers has a stronger arm than Luck does, but that could change in a few years. As a prospect, Rodgers's arm strength was nothing special, but he developed a rocket in the NFL. Luck's arm has already improved, and it seems likely that it will continue to do so.