2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Greg Newsome II (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft 2021: Cleveland Browns pick Greg Newsome II, compares to Cliff Harris

They’re about the same height, weighed the exact same, played identical positions and without the name tag on the back of the jersey, you would have no idea how to spot the difference between newcomer Greg Newsome II and Hall of Famer Cliff Harris.

For a decade, Harris not only made the lives of opposing wide receivers hell with his physical play but more than anything, he was just incredibly smooth on the field. His ability in both zone and man to man coverage was just about as good as it gets and there’s a reason why he now sports a gold jacket.

In the case of Newsome II, he fits the mold Harris created roughly 50 years ago. Although Newsome II has clearly been watching tape of Harris over the years, he does have a relatively small sample size, starting in only 18 games. He also has a bit of an injury history. Still, as long as Newsome can stay healthy for the majority of his career he’ll develop into one of the best defensive backs in league history.

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