NFL draft season naturally brings about comparisons of players available comparable to standout players from past drafts.

ESPN Stats & Information collaborated with some of our in-house scouts to offer statistical and scouting comparisons to several available players.

Several Houston Texans players were part of the comparisons, all of them defensive players. Nebraska outside linebacker Randy Gregory is compared to Jadeveon Clowney, Washington defensive tackle Danny Shelton is statistically compared to Louis Nix and Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley to J.J. Watt.

But one player who received both statistical and scouting comparisons to a Texans player was Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes. Statistically, Waynes and Johnathan Joseph have similar speed and quickness. Waynes is considered the top corner in this year's draft class.

Scout Kevin Weidl on how the two compare: "I like the comparison of Joseph here. Joseph was a little raw but possessed more natural athleticism and change-of-direction skills coming out of South Carolina. While Waynes is a notch below Joseph in terms of fluidity, he is more seasoned with his technique coming out of school. Both are effective press corners with the instincts and quickness to hold up in zone coverage as well."

The Texans are happy with where they are at cornerback. But Joseph is entering the final year of his contract. He's a good player and a good influence on younger corners. Need often factors into drafting more than teams want to admit, and while cornerback is not a need today, Waynes could offer a successor at that position if available when Houston selects at No. 16.