As the NFL Draft ushers in the next generation of talent, football fans often want to wrap their heads around how the incoming rookies fit into the landscape.
This is the time of year when everyone is searching for the next someone, so Giants.com gathered similarities being drawn between Big Blue's draft picks and NFL players from past and present.
1st Rd - WR Odell Beckham Jr. (LSU)
Compared to:
Isaac Bruce
"Beckham is a smooth and explosive athlete who brings a dangerous element after the catch and as a returner. He showed tremendous improvement throughout the course of last season with his release and ball skills. Beckham has been compared to former Rams WR Isaac Bruce and has the potential to develop into a strong No. 2 wideout." -ESPN
Antonio Brown
"The 5-foot-11 Beckham brings field-stretching ability and comparisons from some to Antonio Brown of the Steelers.' - NFL.com
Cecil Shorts
"Beckham and Shorts are both exciting players with the ball in their hands and have shown steady improvements catching the ball over the years."
And last but not least, what player does Beckham compare himself to?
In a Twitter Q&A on Giants.com shortly after his selection, he said Victor Cruz is "someone who I model parts of my game after." He was also asked who his football idols are, to which he responded, "I love watching Megatron [Calvin Johnson], Victor Cruz and DeSean Jackson."
2nd Rd - C Weston Richburg, Colorado State
Compared to:
Alex Mack
"Richburg has drawn comparisons to Cleveland's Alex Mack, who was selected 21st overall in 2009. Mack was 6-foot-4, 311 pounds coming out of the University of California. Richburg is 6-foot-3, 304 pounds with similar physical skills. The comparisons don't stop there, except that Richburg's Pro Day/Combine numbers (40 time, bench press, 20-yard shuttle) were slightly better. It has many talent evaluators convinced he's a solid pro in the making." - Jordan Raanan, NJ.com
Pouncey Twins/Logan Mankins
Shortly after being drafted, Richburg was asked by reporters if there are any centers that he looks up to or patterns his game after. He responded, "I like the [Mike and Maurkice] Pouncey twins a lot. I think they have a lot of really good athletic traits. I like to kind of emulate them. I like Logan Mankins. Even though he's not a center, I think he plays really kind of nasty in the interior and I try to get after people like he does."
Scott Wells/Evan Dietrich-Smith
"Wells and Dietrich-Smith are the two centers who Richburg reminds me of. That's high praise because those are two of the top centers in the NFL when healthy. The reason Richburg reminds me of them is his well-rounded play. Both Wells (6-2, 302) and Dietrich-Smith (6-2, 308) are balanced as run- and pass-blockers. They have good technique, athleticism and balance. Richburg is practically the same size and could end up playing heavier than either of those veterans. In the NFL, I think Richburg will turn into a center who is comparable to either of those veterans." - Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Nick Hardwick
"More of an occupier than road grader. Can get to the second level and seal lanes. Active in pass protection. Was asked to make pre-snap reads and checks." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
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Photos of Syracuse DT Jay Bromley who the Giants selected in the third round
3rd Rd - DT Jay Bromley, Syracuse **
Compared to:
Chris Canty
When asked by reporters if Bromley could line up at defensive end, Giants general manager Jerry Reese said, "I don't think he's a defensive end. Just body type, sort of reminds me of Canty, a shorter Chris Canty how he looks in his uniform."
**4th Rd - RB Andre Williams, Boston College
Compared to:Alfred Morris**"When I project Williams' game to the next level, I believe he could thrive as an Alfred Morris-like feature back in a downhill scheme. Like Morris, a Pro Bowler last season, Williams is at his best working between the tackles, and his efficient running style would lead to few negative plays in a similar system." - Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Meanwhile, Williams said on a conference call with reporters, "I don't compare myself to any running backs but growing up I did really watch Adrian Peterson a lot. I drew a lot of inspiration from him in high school and in college. Marshawn Lynch as well."
