‘I Love the Comparison’ — NFL Draft Analysts Reveal Favorite Player Comps for 2026 Prospects, Including Ty Simpson, Omar Cooper Jr.

I love the comparison of Kenyon Sadiq to Vernon Davis. Sadiq has elite athleticism for a tight end, with tremendous deep speed and the burst as a route runner needed to separate from defensive backs. Davis had similar capabilities in the league and carved out an impressive career for himself.

There are a lot of good potential comps out there this year, but my favorite player comparison I've come across is Ty Simpson to Marc Bulger. Bulger was a little bit bigger than Simpson, and I think Simpson is a touch more athletic, but in terms of how they win, their strength and weakness profiles, and the type of outcome that we can reasonably project for Simpson, it makes a lot of sense. Both passers are mechanically and mentally sound, and can maximize their velocity drive with consistent hip torque. And when Bulger was on his game, he was capable of playing high-level football in spurts. Simpson has that same ability when he's comfortable and in-rhythm. But the worry is that when Simpson isn't comfortable, his game can fall victim to a mechanical and mental freneticism that renders reads a tick late and passes imprecise. Simpson, like Bulger, has the ability to be a good, quality NFL starter. But can he elevate a team to Super Bowl contention, regardless of the favorability of his conditions? That remains to be seen.

Some of the polarization around Ty Simpson can be summarized with this comparison: Brock Purdy. Simpson has substantially less college experience, but it's a similar mix of bizarrely viable athleticism, creativity, arm talent, and durability concerns. Purdy's own inconsistencies and injury problems still create confusion about his standing in the league's hierarchy if he wasn't in San Francisco's ideal environment. Surroundings will be a huge factor for Simpson's pro forecast, too.

Omar Cooper Jr., the Indianapolis native, draws a striking comparison to former Colts great Reggie Wayne. He’s a playmaker who consistently finds ways to win, possessing strong hands, elite body control, and outstanding ball tracking ability. He offers positional versatility, shows a strong feel for adjusting routes and attacking space, and is a finisher. All are traits that Wayne displayed throughout his career in Indianapolis. The comparison becomes even more compelling when you look at the measurables. Wayne played at 6’0”, 203 pounds, while Cooper Jr. checked in at 6’0”, 199 pounds at the Combine.

By far, it has to be Caleb Downs and Eric Weddle. Very similar in height and weight, both can play throughout a defense, are hard hitters, and extremely smart. If Downs can be the type of player Weddle was, or even better, the young safety could have a very long and successful career in the NFL.

Elijah Sarratt seems to be getting overlooked, in no small part due to playing opposite the more en vogue Omar Cooper Jr. in Indiana. That only emphasizes his likeness to new Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who, while respected, is often overlooked as a less flashy pass catcher.

Like Pittman, Sarratt can man the outside and offer a consistent, reliable option for his quarterback, maximizing the width of the field to create space for others. Also, his 15 receiving touchdowns in 2025 highlight his effectiveness in the red zone, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him carve out a long, successful career in the NFL.

Dillon Thieneman, the safety from Oregon. He’s been compared to Cooper DeJean, Reed Blankenship, and Riley Moss. There is a binding thread there, but I cannot see what it is. Each makes plays in their own way.