2023 NFL Rookies Compared to Super Smash Bros. Characters

Remember when you’d get together with a bunch of friends for a knockdown, drag-out, couch battle on one of the hot video game consoles? Those were wonderful times that I still occasionally enjoy today. One of my favorite cartridges to slide into the console will always be Super Smash Bros. Me and three friends would each grab a controller, pick our favorite Nintendo licensed fighters, and have a battle royale for pixelated supremacy.

Another thing I do with friends is play fantasy football. Again, it’s all about supremacy and out-dueling your opponents for the ultimate bragging rights. There’s usually a bit less violence, but the battle is still just as intense. We’re still choosing our favorite competitors with the goal of embarrassing our friends as much as possible.

In this article, I’m going to compare a number of exciting players that will be joining the NFL ranks this year to characters from the original installment of the Super Smash Bros series! Just like with the video game, there are athletes that we can agree on and others that we can’t. Just like our favorite Nintendo brawlers.

Jahmyr Gibbs = Pikachu

The adorable, little, yellow spark plug is considered by many to be the best in the game. The reason is because of his versatility. Pikachu is agile, fast as heck, and delivers a wallop in combat – a jack-of-all-trades. Gibbs is quite similar. He posted a 4.36 at the NFL Combine, his quick movements and change of direction make him a challenge for would-be tacklers and he’s an excellent threat to catch passes out of the backfield.

Assuredly, he’ll follow Bijan Robinson in the NFL Draft at the end of the month. That doesn’t take away from the fact that Gibbs will be an asset to whoever selects him and, in fact, may outperform Robinson in the right situation.

Overall, if you’re looking for a sure-fire winner at the running back position, Gibbs is a great choice. Just like Pikachu, he’ll cause nightmares for his opponents and propel his squad with great quickness, grit, and above-average potential in all facets of the game.

CJ Stroud = Mario

When you think of the Smash Bros series, one of the first characters you think of is Mario. The stout plumber is the flag bearer of his universe, and rightly so. He’s a leader with all of the aspects you’d expect to get from the face of a franchise. C.J. Stroud will also become a leader after he is drafted very early in round one of the NFL Draft. Whether it’s Carolina or Houston (or someone else) Stroud will step in as the starting quarterback in Week 1.

In the world of Smash Bros, Mario is not considered one of the top competitors, but he can hold his own. Likewise, Stroud is not the best prospect we’ve seen in recent years, but he has the tools to be very successful at the pro level. He doesn’t hesitate on his throws and has the ability to open up the pocket and make prosperous decisions to move the ball downfield.

After going through all of the Smash Bros fighters extensively, I had a hard time linking Mario with one of the rookie prospects. Ultimately, I feel the right comparison is Stroud with his natural accuracy and maturity.

Anthony Richardson = Yoshi

Yoshi isn’t one of the first choices when going into battle. He’s the kind of character that takes some time to get used to and master. Anthony Richardson is in the same boat as he will need time to get himself accustomed to the pro level, but he’s got some powerful abilities in his arsenal.

As the most athletically gifted quarterback in this draft class, Richardson will be a highly coveted addition, especially in dynasty fantasy football leagues. A true dual-threat quarterback, he’s got the speed and dexterity to cause defensive issues while still possessing great arm strength and delivery. Think of him as a Cam Newton type of athlete.

In my time with Smash Bros, I had the hardest time getting accustomed to Yoshi. Likewise, Richardson will take some to find his footing and become the signal caller we all want him to be. Be patient, because he’s got the talent to be elite.

Rashee Rice = Ness

When you started up Smash Bros for the first time, you didn’t have access to Ness. To unlock him, you had to put some time into the game before having the chance to acquire his talents. In the NFL Draft, we’re going to have to wait until at least Day 2 to see where Rashee Rice lands and what his career has in store. After that, he may not see much action until we get well into the 2023 season. Just like Ness, that extra time will be worth the wait.

Rice, similar to Ness, has great speed and separation – traits that work well in football and brawlers. Though neither is the biggest, fastest, or most powerful, they have enough talent to be difference-makers in the NFL. If he finds himself with a lot of playing time earlier in the season, Rice’s potential will launch sooner than expected and he could be highly valued in year one. Either way, I’m sure we’re going to see some very nice output from the SMU standout as he develops into a great dynasty asset.

In my original playthrough of Smash Bros way back in the day, I was shocked and excited when I saw Ness appear on screen for the first time. With the right landing spot, Rice would elicit a similar reaction for me when he gets drafted. Just like Ness raining down a meteor shower, Rice is coming to crush his competition.

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