2024 NFL draft comps: Our favorite prospect-to-pro matches - ESPN

The 2024 NFL draft is just around the corner, which means you're about to start hearing (if you haven't already) many prospects be compared to some of the best past and present NFL stars.

NFL draft evaluators' matches are typically based on style of play, physical measurements, production, versatility and role, similar traits or some combination of those. And prospect-to-player comparisons are helpful because they can give you a sense of how prospects project to the next level. They aren't always exact and don't necessarily suggest that the prospect will share the same level of success as the NFL player (for better or worse). But comps are useful to get an idea of a player's style of play.

Who does quarterback Caleb Williams remind us of? Who are good matches for top wide receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers? We asked 14 of our NFL analysts for their favorite prospect-to-pro comps for this year's draft class. And check out the "SportsCenter Special: Matt Miller's Prospect Comps" at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the ESPN app on Monday night.

Harrison displays the savvy route-running traits, coverage awareness and high-end ball skills/body control that remind me of Hopkins' style of play. With the flexibility to isolate on the boundary or work out of the slot, the Ohio State receiver has three-level matchup ability and an All-Pro upside. — Matt Bowen, NFL analyst

Uses his legs to buy time outside of the pocket? Check. Wilson threw 20% of his passes outside the pocket from 2012 to 2021, and Williams (USC) came in at 23% from 2021 to 2023. Combines excellent efficiency with elite playmaking? Check. Wilson completed 65% of his passes at 12.0 yards per completion — well over the league average of 11.4 — in Seattle.