NFL Draft 2024: Comparing consensus top prospects in this year’s class to former infamous draft busts

I love pro comparisons. Adore them. Spend way too much time formulating them for prospects every draft season. 

Of course, comparisons are always “stylistic” and not solely based on things like height, weight or college program. And because I take them seriously and do so many, many comparisons for prospects aren’t exactly superstars at the NFL level. They can’t be, right?

I will say, in most cases, the top prospects in every class are universally compared to established stars. But even if you follow the draft on a casual level you know — many first-round picks never reach superstar status, and in fact, “bust.”

With that thought in mind, let’s compare the consensus top prospects in the 2024 class to former infamous draft busts. Hat tip to Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller for this idea. 

(VITAL DISCLAIMER: These are not my legitimate comparisons for these prospects. It’s just for fun.)

QB Caleb Williams (USC)

Bust comparison: Johnny Manziel

Pick and year: No. 22 overall, 2014 draft (Browns)College: Texas A&M

Let me be clear — the off-field issues and incessant nonchalant mentality of being a professional quarterback from Manziel were two enormous components of why he became one of the most notorious quarterback busts of the 21st century. 

But let’s not pretend had his head been on straight in that period of his life, the overly chaotic on-field style of Manziel would’ve perfectly translated to the NFL. And it was only a decade ago when Manziel smashed SEC defenses with insane off-structure scampers and repeatedly found Mike Evans and Co. on the Aggies offense down the field when a completion felt impossible. Manziel certainly won from inside the pocket too en route to being a first-round selection. 

Does all that sound like anyone?

EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)

Bust comparison: Barkevious Mingo

Pick and year: No. 6 overall, 2013 draft (Browns)College: LSU

Mingo was the combine…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2024-comparing-consensus-top-prospects-in-this-years-class-to-former-infamous-draft-busts/

Author : Chris Trapasso

Publish date : 2024-03-19 12:16:54

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