The comparison game: B1G draft hopefuls to pros

The NFL draft is quickly approaching – May 8-10, to be exact – and it looks like there could be plenty of Big Ten love in the first round. We have all heard the names like Taylor Lewan, Darqueze Dennard and Ryan Shazier. We know their strengths, and we know their weaknesses.

But, which current NFL players do draft experts compare these incoming rookies to?

Here's what BTN NFL draft guru Russ Lande says.

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1. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Comparison: Nate Solder, New England Patriots

2. Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Comparison: Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

3. Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

Comparison: Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams

4. Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

Comparison: Zach Brown, Tennessee Titans

5. Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Comparison: Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals

6. Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin

Comparison: James Harrison, Free Agent

7. Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State

Comparison: Toby Gerhart, Jacksonville Jaguars

8. Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

Comparison: Rod Streater, Oakland Raiders

9. Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska

Comparison: Brandon Browner, New England Patriots

10. Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State

Comparison: Andre Johnson, Houston Texans