Every college player’s dream is to get to the next level – the NFL. Each wants to prove enough in college in order to make it in some capacity as a role player in the pros.

Some of the Mizzou players have similar games and playing styles as those you watch on Sundays. Here are five comparisons of current Missouri Tigers and the NFL players they most resemble.

 WR T.J. Moe – St. Louis Rams WR Danny Amendola 

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The obvious comparison for T.J. Moe is Wes Welker, but Rams receiver Danny Amendola is a better fit. Moe and Amendola have basically the same exact roles for their respective teams. Both are the top options in the passing games and rack up a ton of catches. The two receivers are also both primarily in the slot on the field.  

Most importantly, both are the top targets when the quarterback is looking to keep his team with possession. Amendola bounced around the league before finally making an impact in St. Louis. T.J. Moe could be a similar story on the next level. Moe is a gamer just like Amendola and won’t give up until he is making an impact for a team in some form. 

DT Sheldon Richardson – Free Agent DT Albert Haynesworth 

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Tigers defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson brings comparisons of free agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, but unfortunately not in a good way. The two enigmatic tackles are more known for their mouths and off the field interactions rather than for their play on the field.  

Richardson arrived to Mizzou with high expectations and a promise to turn the program around. Haynesworth had high expectations of turning defenses around on every stop he made in the NFL. Both players give fans hope that a playmaker is arriving. However, the bad news is that both players haven’t lived up to expectations, struggling on the field with personal fouls and off the field with stupid remarks. The good news for RIchardson is that he has a chance to beat this stereotype with his future play before he ends up without a job like Haynesworth is today.

QB James Franklin – Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson 

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There are many options to be looked at for quarterback James Franklin’s NFL comparison. Michael Vick, Josh Freeman, Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and even Tim Tebow are dual threat quarterbacks just like Franklin, but none seem to be the rightful comparison for Mizzou’s QB. That’s where Russell Wilson comes in.  

The rookie starter in Seattle can beat defenses through the air with his arm or on the ground with his legs and commands respect in everything he does, very similar to Franklin in the Mizzou huddle on Saturdays. Both quarterbacks are humble and let their play do the talking. Most experts didn’t give Wilson a chance to be a starting quarterback in thr pros but he proved them wrong, winning the job in Seattle in the preseason. 

Similarly, most coaches didn’t think Franklin could be a quarterback in college, but head coach Gary Pinkel gave Franklin a chance and he proved everyone wrong, winning the Mizzou starting job as just a sophomore. Wilson and Franklin prove doubters wrong every time they make a play on the field, making them rightful counterparts.

CB E.J. Gaines – Philadelphia Eagles CB Nnamdi Asomugha 

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Mizzou’s top defensive back E.J. Gaines and Philadelphia Eagle Nnamdi Asomugha are two of the premiere shutdown corners in their respective levels of play. The interesting thing about these two players, however, is that both don’t get talked about too much even though they are the top at their position.  

When Gaines or Asomugha are playing, the opposing offense can no longer throw to one side of the field. Both corners are coverage experts and will always shut down the opposing teams top wide receivers. The two corners are both better at man coverage, and tend to struggle a little in zone coverage but still make plays. When either corner is on the field, you know you are in for a long day. Gaines is only a junior, but when he goes pro, look for him to have an Asomugha-type impact for whatever team he lands on.

RB Marcus Murphy – New Orleans Saints RB Darren Sproles 

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We saved the best Mizzou-NFL comparison for last. Marcus Murphy and Darren Sproles may both be small in size, but the two running backs more than make up for it in heart and impact. Marcus Murphy is behind Kendial Lawerence in a crowded Mizzou backfield, just like how Sproles is behind both Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas in the crowded New Orleans running game.  

However, the two running backs are spark plugs for their teams and arguably more valuable than their starting teammates. Both backs are important targets out of the backfield in their team’s passing game. Their greatest impact, however, isn’t even on offense. Both running backs are returners for their respective teams and both can change a game on one play with an electric return for a touchdown. Marcus Murphy and Darren Sproles affect the game in numerous ways.