Big Turk Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 (edited) Wouldn't be the first College Basketball star to transition to the NFL... Usually they end up at TE tho like Antonio Gates or Jimmy Graham or Tony Gonzalez...not sure I've ever heard of one becoming a left tackle before... 6'9" 275 lbs currently and his body is huge and could easily support 320+ lbs with likely little loss of mobility... He has gotten the attention of NFL scouts, people in college personnel roles and GMs big time apparently with his performance at the tournament...dude looks like a ballerina in the low post. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nc-state-basketball-star-dj-burns-generating-nfl-interest-as-wolfpack-make-final-four-run/amp/ Edited April 2 by Big Turk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 Yea people are curious But it's gonna be a 3-4 year development at least if it did work Not many teams have 4 years to develop a PS level guy I wouldn't waste a draft pick on him but would ask him to TC 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Romes Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 VanDemark was a 6’6 225 pound volleyball player his senior year of high school. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cray51 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 1 hour ago, Buffalo716 said: Yea people are curious But it's gonna be a 3-4 year development at least if it did work Not many teams have 4 years to develop a PS level guy I wouldn't waste a draft pick on him but would ask him to TC IF he has interest, he would need to bulk up another 40-50 pounds, and show he has upper body strength to match his light feet. As you mentioned, that's at least 2 years before you even have a bottom of the roster guy. Another 1-2 for any chance at playing time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBillyG Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 2 minutes ago, Charles Romes said: VanDemark was a 6’6 225 pound volleyball player his senior year of high school. He was also about 3'2 and 50lbs during is modeling days. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brand J Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 I remember Jonathan Ogden was famously tall at 6’9”. Don’t remember other tackles that height dominating. It’s easier for smaller players to get leverage against them - unless he’s powerful. If I were him I’d try to get in contact with Ogden if he doesn’t have a future as an NBA starter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 2 hours ago, Big Turk said: Wouldn't be the first College Basketball star to transition to the NFL... Usually they end up at TE tho like Antonio Gates or Jimmy Graham or Tony Gonzalez...not sure I've ever heard of one becoming a left tackle before... 6'9" 275 lbs currently and his body is huge and could easily support 320+ lbs with likely little loss of mobility... He has gotten the attention of NFL scouts, people in college personnel roles and GMs big time apparently with his performance at the tournament...dude looks like a ballerina in the low post. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nc-state-basketball-star-dj-burns-generating-nfl-interest-as-wolfpack-make-final-four-run/amp/ 26 minutes ago, Cray51 said: IF he has interest, he would need to bulk up another 40-50 pounds, and show he has upper body strength to match his light feet. As you mentioned, that's at least 2 years before you even have a bottom of the roster guy. Another 1-2 for any chance at playing time there is no chance he is under 300 lbs right now. Zero. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irv Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 The guy looks unstoppable. Why not just play in the NBA. Who needs the knee injuries and concussions? 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Doug Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 6 minutes ago, Irv said: The guy looks unstoppable. Why not just play in the NBA. Who needs the knee injuries and concussions? Agreed. Very weird development. Stay a bb player. Less injuries, no CTE, higher salaries. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 15 minutes ago, Irv said: The guy looks unstoppable. Why not just play in the NBA. Who needs the knee injuries and concussions? Because it's the hardest sport in the world to get drafted It's only 60 players around the world... He might be a late second round pick... But more than likely he's undrafted He could have a great career in Europe .. but he's not tall enough or explosive enough for the NBA.. he would have a lot to work on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cray51 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 34 minutes ago, Brand J said: I remember Jonathan Ogden was famously tall at 6’9”. Don’t remember other tackles that height dominating. It’s easier for smaller players to get leverage against them - unless he’s powerful. If I were him I’d try to get in contact with Ogden if he doesn’t have a future as an NBA starter. Spencer Brown is 6'9. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warcodered Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 55 minutes ago, Charles Romes said: VanDemark was a 6’6 225 pound volleyball player his senior year of high school. I can see a guy doing that from High School to College to the NFL, College-NFL makes far less sense especially at the O-line so he's going to put on all that weight and suddenly start smashing into people on every play at an NFL level? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl2526 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 I'm a bit wary of real tall offensive tackles. It's hard for them to get low enough and match quickness with really quick, bendy defensive ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_In_NH Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 I totally thought watching that game that he is playing the wrong sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBeaneBandit Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 3 hours ago, Buffalo716 said: Yea people are curious But it's gonna be a 3-4 year development at least if it did work Not many teams have 4 years to develop a PS level guy I wouldn't waste a draft pick on him but would ask him to TC IDK if he's still there in the 6th or 7th round why not. If there was a way to not waste a roster spot for a couple years it might be worth looking into. I think after a couple years you'd have a good idea if the development could pan out then you'd still have a couple years for him to backup Dawkins. How many 6th or 7th round picks turn out anyways??? Bonus kick to to dk for the first guy to mention Brady😂😆😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Stampede Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 Every tournament there’s a large basketball player people think can play in the NFL. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 (edited) I think it would be an interesting project to bring him in and see if you can "redshirt" him for a two years on the PS and then see if he can develop. I feel like the NFL should let each team have two additional PS slots for developmental players. I think allowing teams to have an extra 17th and 18th PS slots for developmental players that kind of work outside the normal PS rules would work wonders for athletes from other sports attempting to come into the league. Spitballing but I think it could look like. Only an un-drafted player with no NFL experience can sign the deal. During those two years the player's slot cannot be taken by another player, if you sign a player to a developmental deal for the 2024 and 2025 seasons and you cut them you aren't able to use that slot again until 2026. After those two years the team has to release you or sign you to their training camp roster. After those two years you are now subject to the regular rules regarding Practice Squad and NFL rosters. A player can only sign one developmental deal during their careers. Other teams cannot claim the developmental player on waivers during the duration of their developmental contract. Developmental players cannot be elevated to the roster during the duration of their developmental contract (thus players have to assess if its worth it to not make a roster for two years and if they should take the deal.) I think this would greatly improve the quality of NFL players as it would allow athletes from other sports or athletes with more limited American football experience a pathway into the NFL. It would take advantage of each NFL team's infrastructure and allow them to be mini development factories for these uber raw prospects. Each team can take two players and give them two full off-seasons of training and development and the chance to practice with the team for two seasons and then get brought into a third off-season where they can develop some more and then come in as a training camp participant and get a chance to make the roster outright or get put on the actual PS. Edited April 2 by billsfan89 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Hindsight Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 Announcers everyone hoping to be able to say “Former final 4 participant” every broadcast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikie2times Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 His footwork is pretty elite for a person his size. His attitude is supposed to also be pretty elite as well. Good luck to the kid. NBA is almost impossible especially for him when such a big part of his game is physicality. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warcodered Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 This sounds more like a great reason for the UFL to exist, better try learning to block their than the NFL. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBrownBear Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 35 minutes ago, Mikie2times said: His footwork is pretty elite for a person his size. His attitude is supposed to also be pretty elite as well. Good luck to the kid. NBA is almost impossible especially for him when such a big part of his game is physicality. Yep. Good hands, great feet, great size. It's a long road, but he'd be an interesting PS guy for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeckMonster Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 2 hours ago, Irv said: The guy looks unstoppable. Why not just play in the NBA. Who needs the knee injuries and concussions? Modern NBA looks nothing like NBA prior to 2014. It’s all 3s, layups/dunks and free throws. No midrange, no post ups. His offense wouldn’t translate and he’d be hunted mercilessly on D bc he can’t guard the perimeter, close out or protect the rim. his best bet is to lose 50lbs (I assume he’s 320). He really labors to run the court. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strive_for_five_guy Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 I would work him in slowly as a FG blocking specialist. There’s a rumor teams around the league are going to slowly start moving FG kicks closer to the line of scrimmage. He can be our secret defense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADOLBILZ Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 5 hours ago, Big Turk said: Wouldn't be the first College Basketball star to transition to the NFL... Usually they end up at TE tho like Antonio Gates or Jimmy Graham or Tony Gonzalez...not sure I've ever heard of one becoming a left tackle before... George Fant. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Fant_(American_football) Fant was a decent college basketball player who had no NBA future........he joined the football team for his senior year at Western Kentucky and appeared briefly in 2 games as a TE. 2 years later he was the starting LT for the Seahawks. He is heading into year 8 of his career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 He has amazing feet - I think he could do it. The question is, will he have a better career playing in the European basketball league or maybe competing for a bench spot in the NBA (and being a bit of a journeyman) vs. practice squad NFL for several years before really getting paid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave mcbride Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 3 hours ago, Irv said: The guy looks unstoppable. Why not just play in the NBA. Who needs the knee injuries and concussions? Because he’s not talented enough for the NBA. Scroll down: https://fansided.com/posts/2024-nba-draft-scouting-report-dj-burns-jr-01htdj8djxmc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 3 minutes ago, dave mcbride said: Because he’s not talented enough for the NBA. Scroll down: https://fansided.com/posts/2024-nba-draft-scouting-report-dj-burns-jr-01htdj8djxmc He isn’t - but if you ask me, playing professional b-ball in Italy would be a pretty ideal life… 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HurlyBurly51 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 Had to double check when this thread was started. Thought for sure it was another April Fool's joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave mcbride Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 2 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said: He isn’t - but if you ask me, playing professional b-ball in Italy would be a pretty ideal life… Agreed, but you and I ain’t him. 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowgirlsFan Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 8 hours ago, Big Turk said: Wouldn't be the first College Basketball star to transition to the NFL... Usually they end up at TE tho like Antonio Gates or Jimmy Graham or Tony Gonzalez...not sure I've ever heard of one becoming a left tackle before... 6'9" 275 lbs currently and his body is huge and could easily support 320+ lbs with likely little loss of mobility... He has gotten the attention of NFL scouts, people in college personnel roles and GMs big time apparently with his performance at the tournament...dude looks like a ballerina in the low post. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nc-state-basketball-star-dj-burns-generating-nfl-interest-as-wolfpack-make-final-four-run/amp/ YEP!! Like minds!! My thoughts too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyC81 Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 16 hours ago, Big Turk said: Wouldn't be the first College Basketball star to transition to the NFL... Usually they end up at TE tho like Antonio Gates or Jimmy Graham or Tony Gonzalez...not sure I've ever heard of one becoming a left tackle before... 6'9" 275 lbs currently and his body is huge and could easily support 320+ lbs with likely little loss of mobility... He has gotten the attention of NFL scouts, people in college personnel roles and GMs big time apparently with his performance at the tournament...dude looks like a ballerina in the low post. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nc-state-basketball-star-dj-burns-generating-nfl-interest-as-wolfpack-make-final-four-run/amp/ Yeah, LeBron would make a heckuva tight end! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBillyG Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 16 hours ago, Big Turk said: Wouldn't be the first College Basketball star to transition to the NFL... Usually they end up at TE tho like Antonio Gates or Jimmy Graham or Tony Gonzalez...not sure I've ever heard of one becoming a left tackle before... 6'9" 275 lbs currently and his body is huge and could easily support 320+ lbs with likely little loss of mobility... He has gotten the attention of NFL scouts, people in college personnel roles and GMs big time apparently with his performance at the tournament...dude looks like a ballerina in the low post. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nc-state-basketball-star-dj-burns-generating-nfl-interest-as-wolfpack-make-final-four-run/amp/ Breaking him in as a blocking TE/6th "OL" guy may be a path to a roster spot earlier while he developed. Being able to post up inside the red zone makes him a possible weapon if he can catch...and often times these ex-basketball players can as they are used to handling a ball. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 why doesn't he just play for the UFL? he would start any weekend... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearNorth Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 Apparently 275# is a figment of the NC State SID's office. There is no way if he is 6-9 with that build that he isn't already well above 300#. The problem as I see it is basketball is a game where you try to be as tall and imposing as you can. In football line play, - Low man wins. Tight Ends need to be tall and imposing, but O-line probably a tougher place to transition. Alejandro Villanueva was 6-9 - West Point grad and Army Vet. Too Tall Jones was 6-9 as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 13 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said: He has amazing feet - I think he could do it. The question is, will he have a better career playing in the European basketball league or maybe competing for a bench spot in the NBA (and being a bit of a journeyman) vs. practice squad NFL for several years before really getting paid. He easily could be a 10-year plus European pro... He almost has zero chance at the NBA... I'll be generous and say 6%... But it's probably not that high So it really depends how lucrative the deals are that he's getting from Europe NFL ps is still like 200k or something 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDIGGZ Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 Most of the big guys I grew up with wanted to play basketball. Basketball is probably the toughest professional sport to make a living at. Any one of them probably could have played TE or OL/DL in college. If you are an athletic 6'5+ and in the neighborhood of 250-300 you can pretty easily get a football scholarship. There's only so many of those guys to go around. But football practices are tough if you are a big guy and lack conditioning and none of them seemed interested. Longsnapper is where it's at. If you know any abnormally large kids on your local bball teams, teach them to longsnap and they can go to any college they want for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 1 minute ago, KDIGGZ said: Most of the big guys I grew up with wanted to play basketball. Basketball is probably the toughest professional sport to make a living at. Any one of them probably could have played TE or OL/DL in college. If you are an athletic 6'5+ and in the neighborhood of 250-300 you can pretty easily get a football scholarship. There's only so many of those guys to go around. But football practices are tough if you are a big guy and lack conditioning and none of them seemed interested. Longsnapper is where it's at. If you know any abnormally large kids on your local bball teams, teach them to longsnap and they can go to any college they want for free. You don't want to be too large for Long snapper Most division one long snappers are in the 220 to 260 range Not big enough for full-time line... Basically oversized fullbacks or linebacker size They have to have a good enough 40 to run down the field and cover punts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDIGGZ Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 8 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said: You don't want to be too large for Long snapper Most division one long snappers are in the 220 to 260 range Not big enough for full-time line... Basically oversized fullbacks or linebacker size They have to have a good enough 40 to run down the field and cover punts So it sounds like the barrier to entry is even lower then. And every team needs at least one of those guys. Seems like a no brainer if you have some size and athleticism Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 Once State gets bounced we won't hear about this kid again... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Turk Posted April 3 Author Share Posted April 3 19 hours ago, Buffalo716 said: Yea people are curious But it's gonna be a 3-4 year development at least if it did work Not many teams have 4 years to develop a PS level guy I wouldn't waste a draft pick on him but would ask him to TC Jason Peters was too...he turned out pretty OK... 14 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said: He has amazing feet - I think he could do it. The question is, will he have a better career playing in the European basketball league or maybe competing for a bench spot in the NBA (and being a bit of a journeyman) vs. practice squad NFL for several years before really getting paid. I think a team would be interested enough to offer a pretty big signing bonus for a PS player...they count against the cap but there is no limit to what you can offer them. Some of those players get good sized bonuses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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