We are roughly eight weeks into the NFL season, and there are many among us who rely on the American pastime to get us through the NRL off-season.
There’s plenty of time until the Super Bowl and it’s a great way to kill time until Round 1 next year.
We will always remember Jarryd Hayne’s leap of faith over to the NFL, but we really don’t see any superstars from the states try their hands at our sport. So today I’m going to look at five NFL megastars who could hold their own playing the greatest game of all.
Odell Beckham Jr (Wide Receiver, New York Giants)
The name Odell Beckham resonates through the minds of all NFL fans as the man who took the world’s greatest catch. Beckham’s superb athleticism and speed would make him look at home on the wing of any NRL club.
But I think his skills could be better utilised in the fullback role. He is one of the main kick returners at the Giants, and has a surprisingly good pass on him. Of course the passing technique is completely different in rugby league, but this is all hypothetical anyway.
Cam Newton (Quarterback, Carolina Panthers)
Not many quarterbacks would make this list, due to the fact that their mobility is limited, and most in the NFL are above the age of 33. But it’s a different case for the 2015 MVP. Newton is one of the best running quarterbacks in the competition, and has a killer arm as well.
He would be an asset to the halves of any team. His physicality complementing his speed and skill. Newton could be dabbing his way through the NRL with his eyes closed.
C. J. Mosley (Middle Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens)
The first defensive player on this list is Baltimore Linebacker C. J. Mosley. Mosley was drafted to the Ravens in 2014, and has since made his mark as an impressive defender. Weighing 109kg and standing at 188cm tall, he wouldn’t look too bad in the second row.
Apart from his good defensive attributes, Mosley also has good hands, registering three intercepts already this season, the most of any linebacker in the competition.
Von Miller (Left Offensive Linebacker, Denver Broncos)
One of the most instrumental players in the Broncos Super Bowl winning campaign in 2015, Von Miller established himself as possibly the best defensive player in the NFL. He’s even bigger than Mosley, weighing 113kg and standing at 191cm tall. Second-Row or even Front-Row would suit this monster defender.
In only seven games this season he has made 22 tackles and 7.5 sacks. Lets just say there’s a reason he’s 99 rated on Madden 17.
LeSean McCoy (Running Back, Buffalo Bills)
The final player on this list is none other than Bills running back LeSean McCoy. McCoy is a dangerous and devastating runner of the ball, which would fit him nicely into the outside backs, perhaps at centre.
He shows his skill on the ground, making almost 600 yards this season, and also shows that he has good hands, with three receives of the ball per game. seven touchdowns in seven games speak for themselves.
What do you think Roarers? Any other NFL stars that would light up the NRL? Let me know in the comments below.
andrew
Guest
How old are you when you learn to tackle? 6 years old? People don't think 21 year old elite athletes who have trained and learnt a far more complicated game, can't be taught how to tackle? People don't think that these guys who in the vast majority have had to rely on commitment and work ethic not just natural ability, couldn't apply themselves to learn the rules and strategies of rugby league? The same way Hayne transformed his body for power over cardio, these guys could change there's. I went to an SEC college game last week and many of those guys were the same shape and size (some even smaller) than our u/20 players. Not saying they would become immortals of the game, but there are literally hundreds of footballers in College or the pro's who could be developed into top tier NRL players.
Razamatazbaz
Guest
The Toronto Wolfpack are doing this very thing. Trying to find CFL/NFL gridiron trained athletes to transition over to league. FYI Without their protective gear (helmets)most are terrible defenders!!!
Aem
Guest
Practice squad guys make very little money though - nobody is pretending that NFL starters would be moving.
Jeremy
Guest
Go the Gronk!
Aem
Guest
Yep, this. JJ Watt and Gronkowski were the two that immediately stood out to me. Absolutely freakish all-around athletes. In terms of American football positions to look at... linebackers, tight ends, running backs and safeties are what I would be looking at - particularly tight ends (and there are plenty of very good athletes in that position who don't make the NFL with most rosters only having 3). I'd probably be sourcing wingers from cornerback stocks (ones that double as return men) rather than wide receivers. In fact, I'd be looking particularly at guys who play in those positions above and who also double up on special teams. Most positions would be trainable in these players too, if you get a decent sized group of good enough athletes you'll probably come out with some useful players at a professional level. But no halfback, no hooker and probably no centres either (the defensive decision making involved would likely take too long to grasp). The $$$ still doesn't make sense though, for either side, so this isn't really a possibility.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
yeh, ok
Bigj
Guest
I don't think anyway nfl would be able to make the switch they are too one dimensional, plus no of they can really tackle or take a hit and they re big sooks
no one in particular
Roar Guru
None of them will. This is not a slight or a wrap on either game. NFL players have a different tacking technique. Many players, in particular wide receivers, aren’t taught to run at a defensive line. Even punt returners run into a broken line. They aren’t taught to pass the ball. Their bodies are conditioned totally differently. NFL players are very regimented, and their muscle memory and eyes are taught to look at very different things
Luke
Guest
Darren Sproles
At work
Roar Rookie
And it would be worthwhile for the players who don't make it in the NFL; while the NRL doesn't pay millions, they don't pay peanuts either. I think they could come over and make excellent centres, wingers and 2nd rowers
Mike
Guest
There must be hundreds of players who don't make the cut at NFL clubs every year. It would be an interesting experiment to get two or three of them out here, educated them in the game, and see how they go. I'd say 1 out of every 10 or 12 would make the top grade but that may not be a good enough success rate to put all the time and money into the exercise. If however it was an NRL initiative and they paid for and placed one player at each club it would be worth a try.
At work
Roar Rookie
I reckon most running backs, wide receivers and tight ends could make it in the NRL. These guys are next level athletes which we just don't product that often in Australia. With this I am assuming that they would be given a good 12 months training to get their cardio up and to learn the game.
Tom Rock
Expert
Nice article mate. I agree with others in that cardio would be a massive adjustment for NFL players transitioning to the NRL. I also believe the physicality might prove too much for offensive players, particularly wide receivers. I don't think they would hold up to the defensive requirements of the game. If anyone could make the switch, I think those playing the middle linebacker position would have the best shot. They play the entire game, and are asked to cover big distances each game. So my nomination: Luke Kuechly. Stick him in the second row and watch him light up opposition ball runners all afternoon. Or at least for the first 5 mins of the first half until he is completely gassed....
turbodewd
Roar Guru
The steep jump in cardio requirements would make it very hard for an NFL convert. Its far easier going the other way in that department. An NRL convert will struggle with the NFL playbook and memorizing it.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I dont think many would be able to cope with the lower wage and the completedifference in fitness. NFL its about short burst of explosiveness where in the NFL you are going for 40mins and 40mins.
tyrone
Guest
JJ WATT is the only player who would make it, he would make sure he is up to the fitness required. OBJ would not be able to handle the hatred that all Aussies would send his way for his over the top love of himself. In all seriousness I think that tight ends would have the best shot as they are pretty good all rounders, they can take a hit, give a hit, catch the ball and then avoid tackles. Maybe the GRONK could make it.