NC State big man DJ Burns has quickly gained a huge following thanks to his impressive performance throughout the team’s miraculous NCAA Tournament run. But this platform has opened up an opportunity outside of basketball that could potentially be quite enticing to him.
Burns has been able to perform quite well in the tournament thanks to his physicality that NC State has relied upon in the Big Dance.
However, standing at 6’9”, that physicality will likely not translate to the next level in the NBA, where there are simply bigger and faster athletes than the current game has.
Burns is in his final season of college basketball, meaning he will need to make a decision on his future not too long after the Wolfpack’s NCAA Tournament run is over.
Burns may not be destined for stardom at the next level in the NBA. But, according to NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, several NFL general managers and scouts have expressed interest in Burns as a potential developmental offensive lineman at the NFL level.
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
On the surface, it may be a bit unrealistic to have Burns jump into an entirely different sport instead of pursuing professional basketball. But history actually tells you that it may not be as uncommon as you would think.
Many former NCAA Tournament standouts have actually made this same transition in the past, including former star tight end Antonio Gates and current Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox.
Burns is a fair bit bigger than either Gates or Cox both height and weight-wise, so naturally offensive line would be a much better fit for him. But as an offensive lineman, he would have pretty tremendous size, particularly as an offensive tackle.
Naturally, fans took notice of this report from Schrager and had plenty to say on the matter.
This is why March Madness is the greatest event on the history of the planet. NFL GM’s want DJ Burns to play there football team now 😂😂 https://t.co/Mpykr42Bvc
— Bret Bielema Era (@bielemaera) April 1, 2024
the NFL is not only trying to take over Christmas now, it’s also trying to take over the Final Four https://t.co/SvIeDRlxrt
— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) April 1, 2024
The traits most looked for in NFL OL are good footwork ✅, Size ✅, and long arms ✅. Seems like a perfect fit assuming he chooses not to pursue professional Basketball. https://t.co/kmSBKHR5iM
— Brandon Bojarsky (@BrandonBojarsk1) April 1, 2024
Well duh. He looks like a football player. I'm sure he could be a stud in either sport https://t.co/PZIZuNo8WV
— Elijah Taylor (@ElijahRTaylor) April 1, 2024
Lowkey disrespectful but if the NBA bag isn’t there might as well https://t.co/Mk0aSnuSyA
— Q, Esq. (@QTesquire) April 1, 2024
Could Burns potentially be a great NBA pro? Potentially, but there are going to be a few limitations to his game, including his lack of height and a largely non-existent perimeter game.
Truthfully, the NFL could be a much smarter opportunity for him if he has any interest. And now that NC State has made it all the way to the Final Four, he will have at least one more chance to show off his athletic ability to potentially interested NFL teams.
