Finding the next (insert star player's name) is an ongoing task for teams across all sports.
Once he or she is located, that athlete down the road draws comparisons to the next generation, and the cycle continues.
Based off his first season, Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is well on his way. The 2014 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year may match up with some of the all-time greats when it's said and done.
But for now, it begs the question, "Which player does he remind you of in NFL history?"
Gil Brandt, former Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel from 1960 to 1989 and current NFL Media senior analyst, tackled the issue in a recent feature, comparing standouts of the 2014 draft class to older stars.
Brandt said in watching Beckham, he is reminded of Hall of Famer Cris Carter as well as current four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals.
"Beckham is a very interesting guy," Brandt wrote. "The Offensive Rookie of the Year burst into the national consciousness with that jaw-dropping touchdown grab against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, finishing the season with 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns -- despite playing in just 12 games. In Beckham's excellent hands and unbelievable hand-eye coordination, I see Carter, the Hall of Famer who didn't have Beckham's speed but produced at a prolific level thanks largely to his ability to catch the ball and run routes.
"In Beckham's get-off-the-line quickness, and in the threat he poses to defenses -- Beckham might run a fly route, a corner route or a crosser -- I see Green, the Cincinnati Bengals stud who is similarly impossible to stop. Green (6-foot-4, 207 pounds) has five inches on Beckham (5-11, 198), but Beckham makes up for it with his mind-bending jumping ability. Beckham really looked like a man among boys in 2014."
Brandt also compared Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to Vincent Jackson; Bengals running back Jeremy Hill to Steven Jackson; Packers center Corey Linsley to Dan Koppen; Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack to Von Miller; and Cowboys guard Zack Martin to Logan Mankins.
Bill Parcells nearly claimed WR Chris Carter off waivers before he was signed by the Vikings
