For many fans, keeping up with college football prospects who are about to enter the NFL can be a challenge. Whether it’s due to not watching college games or not knowing what to look for in emerging NFL talent, it’s a common hurdle. One engaging way fans analyze these prospects is through NFL player comparisons. This article dives into potential comparisons for some of the top defensive tackle prospects who could be on the radar for teams looking to bolster their defensive lines.
When considering the top tier of defensive tackles in the draft, names like Vita Vea, Maurice Hurst, Taven Bryan, and Da’Ron Payne frequently come up. Let’s examine these four standout players and explore the NFL comparisons that draft analysts and media outlets are suggesting.
Vita Vea: NFL Player Comparisons
Vita Vea from Washington immediately grabs attention with his imposing size. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing nearly 350 pounds, he is undeniably a massive presence on the defensive line. So, how do analysts compare Vea to current NFL players? Let’s explore some prominent comparisons:
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NFL.com: Haloti Ngata
Kyle Crabbs (NDT Scouting): Dontari Poe
Joe Marino (NDT Scouting): Haloti Ngata
Eric Galko (Optimum Scouting): Haloti Ngata
The repeated comparison to Haloti Ngata is significant. Ngata, during his peak with the Baltimore Ravens, was considered one of the NFL’s premier interior linemen. This is high praise for Vea. Like Vea, Ngata was a physically dominant player, yet remarkably agile for his size. To be mentioned in the same breath as a player of Ngata’s caliber speaks volumes about Vea’s potential impact.
The Dontari Poe comparison is also noteworthy. Poe, a two-time Pro Bowler, entered the league as an athletic marvel. His exceptional combine performance at his massive size set high expectations, which he largely met. If Vea reaches his full potential, mirroring Poe’s career trajectory would be a successful outcome.
Maurice Hurst: NFL Player Comparisons
Maurice Hurst from Michigan is often described as “undersized” for a defensive tackle, listed at 6’2″ and 280 pounds. However, this size profile is reminiscent of several highly successful NFL defensive tackles like Aaron Donald, Geno Atkins, and Grady Jarrett, proving that size isn’t everything.
Hurst’s play on the field often belies any concerns about his size. Many analysts recognize this, drawing compelling NFL player comparisons that highlight his skill and potential:
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NFL.com: Maliek Collins
Kyle Crabbs (NDT Scouting): Geno Atkins
Joe Marino (NDT Scouting): Geno Atkins
Eric Galko (Optimum Scouting): Grady Jarrett
The multiple comparisons to Geno Atkins immediately stand out. Atkins redefined perceptions of defensive tackles who were considered “too small,” achieving Pro Bowl status and maintaining a high level of play throughout his career. Maliek Collins is recognized as a key player in the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, and Grady Jarrett has become a cornerstone for the Atlanta Falcons. While some might question Hurst’s fit in certain defensive schemes due to his size, his consistent performance and analyst comparisons suggest he can overcome any perceived limitations.
Taven Bryan: NFL Player Comparisons
Taven Bryan from Florida presents an intriguing combination of size and athleticism. At 6’4″ and 291 pounds, his frame is well-suited to play multiple positions along the defensive line, both inside and outside. This versatility is highly valued by NFL defensive coordinators who prioritize adaptable players. Bryan’s exceptional performance at the NFL Combine further boosted his draft stock, showcasing his raw athletic abilities.
Let’s examine the NFL player comparisons being made for Bryan:
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NFL.com: Robert Nkemdiche
Kyle Crabbs (NDT Scouting): Robert Nkemdiche
Joe Marino (NDT Scouting): Ndamukong Suh
Eric Galko (Optimum Scouting): Fletcher Cox
The comparisons to Robert Nkemdiche are notable, particularly when considering their athletic profiles. Both Nkemdiche and Bryan displayed elite athleticism at the NFL Combine. Bryan’s combine numbers were remarkably similar to Nkemdiche’s from the 2016 draft, highlighting his explosive power and agility.
The comparisons to Ndamukong Suh and Fletcher Cox are aspirational and likely based on the potential impact analysts believe Bryan can have in the NFL. Suh and Cox are both perennial Pro Bowlers known for their disruptive play and dominance. While Bryan’s college production might not immediately align with these established stars, his athletic traits and potential suggest a high ceiling. The Nkemdiche comparison carries a cautionary aspect, as Nkemdiche’s NFL career has been inconsistent.
Da’Ron Payne: NFL Player Comparisons
Da’Ron Payne from Alabama occupies a middle ground in terms of size compared to Vita Vea and Maurice Hurst. He’s not as massive as Vea but not as comparatively smaller as Hurst. Payne may possess greater strength than Hurst, but perhaps not the same level of quickness. Conversely, he might be quicker than Vea but not quite as powerful. Listed at 6’2″ and 311 pounds, Payne continues the lineage of highly-regarded defensive linemen emerging from Alabama’s football program.
Let’s review the NFL player comparisons for Payne, which show less consensus than the other prospects:
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NFL.com: Ndamukong Suh
Kyle Crabbs (NDT Scouting): Corey Liuget
Joe Marino (NDT Scouting): Dalvin Tomlinson
Eric Galko (Optimum Scouting): Marcell Dareus
Unlike the previous prospects, there isn’t a clear consensus comparison for Payne among these analysts. The Suh comparison, similar to Bryan’s, likely stems from Payne’s exceptional strength. Videos showcasing Payne’s weightlifting prowess have circulated widely. Corey Liuget was a highly touted draft pick in 2011 and had productive seasons before injuries and suspension impacted his career. Dalvin Tomlinson, another Alabama alumnus, made a solid impact as a rookie with the New York Giants. Marcell Dareus is known for his disruptive force when at his best.
Collectively, being compared to a mix of established veterans, solid starters, and Pro Bowlers is a positive reflection of Payne’s potential and current standing as a draft prospect.
Final Thoughts
Whether any of these defensive tackles end up playing for a specific team remains to be seen as the draft unfolds. It’s crucial to remember that player comparisons are inherently speculative and should be interpreted cautiously. They serve as an engaging method to understand how analysts evaluate a prospect’s potential trajectory in the NFL.
If projections hold true, teams could potentially draft their versions of Ndamukong Suh, Haloti Ngata, or Geno Atkins from this group of defensive tackle prospects. For any team seeking to fortify their defensive line, these comparisons offer an exciting glimpse into the possible future impact of these talented young players.
