Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, May 2, 2014

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.

[ MORE: Top Big Ten NFL-Producing teams of last 5 years ]

1. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Comparison: Nate Solder, New England Patriots

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

2. Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Comparison: Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

3. Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

Comparison: Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams

Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports
Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

Comparison: Zach Brown, Tennessee Titans

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Comparison: Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

6. Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin

Comparison: James Harrison, Free Agent

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

7. Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State

Comparison: Toby Gerhart, Jacksonville Jaguars

Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

8. Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

Comparison: Rod Streater, Oakland Raiders

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

9. Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska

Comparison: Brandon Browner, New England Patriots

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

10. Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State

Comparison: Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports