DJ Burns is the darling of the men’s 2024 NCAA tournament, with the forward dominating to lead NC State to the Final Four and showing his humor on social media.
Despite the fact that he’s been awesome for the Wolfpack, he may not be a future NBA draft pick (but maybe a UDFA?) despite measuring at 6-foot-9 and 275 pounds. But given that size and athleticism … what about playing on the offensive line in the NFL?
We’ve seen some hoops stars in college — Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham come to mind — go to the NFL and flourish. Could that be a possibility?
First: he did play football before hoops, as you’ll see in the video below, and second, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager says he spoke to some scouts and GMs who sounded interested (note: I am fully aware he posted this on April 1, but no word yet on whether it was a joke or not):
Spoke to and texted multiple scouts/GMs about NC State big man DJ Burns as an NFL OT prospect over the last 24 hours.He is listed at 6’9, but probably is 6’7. A+ footwork. Would get big turnout & potentially $ if he participated in a Pro Day/workout the week after the Final 4. pic.twitter.com/zxyufktHeC
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 1, 2024
O-lineman Justin Pugh wants him in the NFL:
Yeah DJ Burns you’re killing it in this @MarchMadnessMBB tournament. But your future is playing left tackle in the @NFL. Go look at the contracts tonight and report back.
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 31, 2024
And there’s this:
Got texts from a GM, Ass't GM, and college director within an hour of posting this on Friday night. NFL interest in D.J. Burns is a real thing. https://t.co/lqk77d0Kx1
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 1, 2024
This could be really, really cool.
