NFL Pro Comparisons Part Two: Class of 2024 Defensive Edition

Did you think I was gonna forget about the defensive side of the ball? Not so fast my friends. It is time to check out part two of our NFL Player Comparisons for the Class of 2024 defensive edition! With so many talented high school prospects on the defense in Colorado, it is only right to take a peek at some top ballers and which professionals they play their game most like. Let's get this party started!     Defensive Line   DL [player_tooltip player_id='146073' first='Alexander' last='Jordan'], Valor Christian   NFL Player Comparison: DL Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders   Serving as the colossal plug within the heart of the Valor Christian defensive line, one look at Jordan's sheer strength and it is now wonder that the Eagles product has garnered looks from all across the nation. Whether it's pushing back opposing offensive lineman to get in the face of the quarterback or even stopping the running game in the middle of the line of scrimmage, there isn't much that Jordan can't do as a high school prospect.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Alex_Jordan87/status/1600650397596663813 </div></figure>   DL [player_tooltip player_id='146052' first='Exodus' last='Johnson'], Cherry Creek   NFL Player Comparison: DL Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans   One of the more epic names in all Colorado, there is no doubt that Johnson causes a massive "exodus" when the opposition is forced to block this young man. On paper, Johnson's numbers don't jump out at you by any means, but what does is his game tape. All it takes is one look at the Cherry Creek defensive lineman and it is difficult to not be impressed. Heading into his senior season, all eyes should be on this stud to take his game to the next level.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/King_ex0dus/status/1619956953010307073 </div></figure>     DL [player_tooltip player_id='251219' first='Jackson' last='Cowgill'], Erie   NFL Player Comparison: DL Javon Kinlaw, San Francisco 49ers   Last and certainly not least, the big boy up front in [player_tooltip player_id='251219' first='Jackson' last='Cowgill'] from Erie High School has all the makings to be the next great impact player at the defensive line position. Last season, Cowgill showed off what he can bring to a college football program as he brought down the quarterback eleven times while generating seven tackles for loss as well. Simply put, Cowgill should put up monstrous numbers during his final season of high school ball and further demonstrate why he is among the best in the Centennial State at his position.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JacksonCowgill2/status/1598795045179518976 </div></figure>     Linebackers   LB [player_tooltip player_id='251220' first='Angelo' last='Petrides'], Cherry Creek   NFL Player Comparison: LB Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers   Not only is Petrides a ferocious player in the middle of a Cherry Creek defense that is unforgiving as they come, but he is also just about as well-rounded as any linebacker in the state. Clearly, his numbers speak for themselves, but it is the soon-to-be senior's leadership that stands out to most. Even when the Bruins defense is having a bad day at the office, Petrides always keeps his head up and is there to encourage his teammates at all times. No doubt about it, Petrides is arguably the full package.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AngeloPetrides2/status/1623060687026266117 </div></figure>     LB [player_tooltip player_id='381201' first='Omari' last='Bursey'], Legacy   NFL Player Comparison: LB Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings   On paper, Bursey's raw potential has certainly raised some eyebrows. Reigning from Legacy High School up north in Broomfield, Bursey often puts on his best impersonation of a ballistic missile honing in on the enemy with great force. Not to mention, but Bursey's first step off the ball is second to none, and it is his versatility that makes him such a special prospect. Whether it's at the outside linebacker position or playing up the middle, it is hard to go wrong with this kid.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/omari_bursey/status/1593011332030558208 </div></figure>     LB [player_tooltip player_id='251217' first='Mason' last='Miller'], Pine Creek   NFL Player Comparison: LB Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers   A talented two-way prospect, Miller is a bruising running back on offense and is a punishing force at the linebacker position. Not only did the Pine Creek standout amass over 1,300 yards on the ground, but he also tallied 59 total tackles and serves as the anchor to a pretty stingy Eagles defensive unit. While it remains to be seen which side of the ball Miller will play more next season, whatever decision he makes will no doubt be a good one.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Masonmiller202/status/1598040488132677652 </div></figure>     Cornerbacks/Safeties   CB [player_tooltip player_id='146050' first='Ramon' last='Pacheco'], Pine Creek   NFL Player Comparison: CB Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns   The second Pine Creek prospect to be included on this list, Pacheco is surely as lockdown as they come. Using great technique when it comes to rotating his hips and rarely getting faked out by wideouts, Pacheco boasts great instincts at the cornerback position. In addition, Pacheco often uses his long arms and swift feet to put himself in position to break up many balls thrown his way. After a junior campaign that saw the talented defensive back pluck seven interceptions out of thin air, the sky is the limit for Pacheco in 2023.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ramon_Pacheco1_/status/1622391268474228740 </div></figure>     CB [player_tooltip player_id='146076' first='Will' last='Rosenmeyer'], Rock Canyon   NFL Player Comparison: CB Stephon Gilmore, Indianapolis Colts   Towering at 6'2", Rosenmeyer not only has the size advantage on his wide receiver matchup but he also possesses sneaky speed for someone his height. A season ago, the Rock Canyon cover corner also showcased why he is considered one of the more fundamentally sound tackling defensive backs in the state with 55 tackles including nine pass deflections through the air. Without a doubt, if Rosenmeyer can work on his ball-hawking skills resulting in more interceptions, then college scouts may not be able to stop drooling.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WRosenmeyer/status/1597420153179774977 </div></figure>     CB [player_tooltip player_id='146078' first='Lawson' last='Douglas'], Regis Jesuit   NFL Player Comparison: CB Sauce Gardner, New York Jets   One of my personal favorites, Douglas' blazing speed is what makes him such an intriguing prospect. Also participating as a nimble track star at Regis Jesuit, the star in the defensive backfield of the Red Raiders is second to none as he can usually keep with any receiver no matter their speed. Paired with amazing body control when in the air along with superb athleticism, he also displays tremendous football IQ when it comes to the secondary coverage he is in. Whether it is man-to-man or zone, Douglas is certainly up to the task.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LawsonDouglas05/status/1574441131349184517 </div></figure>

Did you think I was gonna forget about the defensive side of the ball? Not so fast my friends. It is time to check out part two of our NFL Player Comparisons for the Class of 2024 defensive edition! With so many talented high school prospects on the defense in Colorado, it is only right to take a peek at some top ballers and which professionals they play their game most like. Let's get this party started!