2021 NFL Draft prospects and their league comps

The likely first overall draft choice, Lawrence is in some ways a comp all his own standing at 6-foot-6 with a strong arm, accuracy, and great speed. He's seen as a can't-miss prospect among the best to ever be scouted but has the all-around elite talent and intangibles of Broncos Hall of Famer John Elway.

Wilson emerged as an elite prospect in 2020 after completing more than 73% of his passes, showing a quick release and smooth movements. The physical tools are also above average but unspectacular, and he has enough mobility to run almost any offense a la Wentz.

Lance has all the physical tools, but will likely be a work in progress who needs time to develop in the NFL. Allen was in a similar position when he was drafted out of Wyoming by the Bills, but had a breakout season in his third year.

Jones has exceeded his physical tools and showed unbelievable accuracy last season, completing more than 77% of his passes for the Crimson Tide. He doesn't have the height disadvantage that Brees did at a more than adequate 6-foot-3 but looks like a solid, accurate pocket passer.

Fields' stock has been up and down over the last two years, but he repeatedly demonstrated his elite athleticism and toughness for the Buckeyes. He has more mobility than McNair did but possesses similar intangibles as a tough winner.

Alabama has continued to churn out great NFL backs, and Harris looks like the next in line. A versatile player who can catch out of the backfield and run between the tackles, he should be able to pile up big stats as an all-purpose back in much the way Bell has done.

Etienne can absolutely fly once he gets going, and while he might not have measured as the fastest back in the class, the speed is the most impressive part of his game. Like Walker, a former versatile 1,500-yard rusher, he can also run over defenders when he gets to full speed.

Williams is a relatively short bruiser with excellent hands, an excellent combination for today's NFL. His workload wasn't excessive in college with 366 career carries, so he should be able to develop into an every-down back like Freeman was early in his career with Atlanta.

Chase can fly with a sub-4.4 40 time, but he also has great hands with the ability to create his own space. His route running could use some work, but he's a swift pass-catcher who shows the upside of a Pro Bowl game-changing deep threat.

Smith is criticized for his lack of size, but the college production is undeniable for the Heisman Trophy winner. He's a fantastic route runner with great hands who should be able to line up inside or outside, creating problems for defenses.

Like teammate Devonta Smith, Waddle is somewhat undersized but arguably an even better deep threat. He missed much of last season with an ankle injury but seemed uncoverable until that time, and has electric speed in the same way that Moss did during his long and productive NFL career.

Toney is a danger whenever he has the ball in his hands, and the Gators manufactured ways to get him the ball last season. He runs a sub-4.4 40, and while his skills as a receiver are a work in progress, he can be used in a multitude of ways like Samuel.

A comparison to Austin might seem like an insult considering the former first-round pick never reached expectations in his career, but Moore will likely be used similarly in the NFL. He's only 5-foot-7, so Moore looks destined for the slot, but he also runs a 4.3 and has great return skills.

Schwartz is going to need time to develop his NFL game, but he's a former track sprinter with incredible speed. He could develop into quite a weapon with the right coaching and system.

Pitts might be the most impressive athlete at tight end to ever enter the NFL. Davis got similar accolades coming out of Maryland in 2005 and was the sixth overall pick by the 49ers. Pitts has a chance to be drafted even higher.

There are certainly years when Sewell's talent would make him the top overall draft choice. He's an enormous, mauling tackle with excellent athleticism and skills, and looks like a future Pro Bowler at the very least.

A huge defensive tackle who can also rush the passer, Barmore recorded eight sacks last season for Alabama. It's high praise to compare any defensive tackle to the accomplished Suh, but Barmore's size and pass-rushing skills could put him on that path.

Parsons has both the production and sideline-to-sideline ability of an elite linebacker speedster like White. He's the fastest linebacker in a talented class, with sub-4.4 speed.

Horn's incredible speed with a 40 time near 4.4 could possibly make him the top cornerback drafted, similar to the great combine from Ward that shot him near the top of the 2018 draft. Like Ward, Horn also has enough length and the ability to be a plus cover corner.

Surtain is a tall, long-press corner who looks like a future top talent at the cornerback position. He's a dream for any team that uses primarily press coverage, in much the same way Ramsey has been a shutdown corner for the Jaguars and Rams.