While many eyes remain fixed on the upcoming NFL draft, an unexpected name has begun making the rounds amongst NFL circles. Stuart Davis Burns, the 6-foot-9, 275-pound star player for the NC State Wolfpack.
There is genuine NFL interest in NC State star DJ Burns from GMs, per @JimNagy_SB
"NFL interest in D.J. Burns is a real thing." pic.twitter.com/sC1XICwSNa
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 1, 2024
Known for his impactful presence on the basketball court, many wonder if this domination could translate to success in American football.
NFL insiders started discussing the possibility of Burns’s move to football severali weeks ago, sparking conversation amongst fans and media members alike.
Increasingly, NFL authorities have expressed genuine interest in Burns.
Respected NFL reporters Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback and Peter Schrager of NFL Network have weighed in on Burns’ potential future in football.
“A top shelf left tackle can make $25 million per year. I don’t know enough about DJ Burns as an NBA prospect to know if that’s out there for him in basketball,” Breer wrote. “But I don’t think a Jordan Mailata type of future for him in football would be totally out of the question.”
A top shelf left tackle can make $25 million per year. I don’t know enough about DJ Burns as an NBA prospect to know if that’s out there for him in basketball. But I don’t think a Jordan Mailata type of future for him in football would be totally out of the question. https://t.co/6WOKxwFXaD
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 1, 2024
“Spoke to and texted multiple scouts/GMs about NC State big man DJ Burns as an NFL OT prospect over the last 24 hours,” Schrager wrote. “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.”
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
While Breer shared this speculation, Schrager cited intel from multiple league executives. The timing of these reports, on April 1st, led to initial skepticism about the legitimacy of this information.
This is a fantastic April Fools joke Peter
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) April 1, 2024
Obvious April Fools joke but I really want to see him participate in the combine because I'm pretty sure he has like a 14" vertical https://t.co/OQZl5CB5Kl
— Gary Treeman (@PurpyNFL) April 1, 2024
Y’all know it’s April 1st, right?
— Mikey (@13sentinel) April 1, 2024
However, Schrager confirmed on the record, “Not a gag at all. He absolutely could garner NFL scouts to a workout.”
DJ Burns won’t be the first to transition from college basketball to the NFL, should he choose to do so.
The road has been paved by athletes such as former George Mason forward Jai Lewis, and most notably, Antonio Gates.
While Burns’ potential move to NFL remains speculative at this point, the conversations around it have been fruitful, stirring debate and speculation about the potential of this athlete.
Nevertheless, whether Burns would be interested in a switch to football remains uncertain at this point.
Regardless, NFL interest appears to be real and could lead to an exceptional turn of events in the life of NC State Star DJ Burns.
