Ranking The 30 NBA Players Who Could Play In The NFL

Everyone is having their go about whether NBA players could compete in the NFL. The NFL is a sport for only the strongest and most spectacular short-burst athletes in America due to the rigors of a 17-game season. However, many fail to forget that NBA players might be the most all-around complete athletes due to their incredible height, length, and athleticism.

Austin Rivers is the one who made his thoughts known on the possibility of at least 30 NBA players competing in the NFL, and it sparked some backlash from former player James Jones. Even if the NBA is far more finesse than it has ever before and players seem to flop more than ever before, there is no doubt that there are 30 NBA players who could have strong careers in the NFL and we have collected those names.

1. LeBron James

Position(s) in the NFL: Wide Receiver, Tight End, Safety

Size: 6’9″, 250 lbs

Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, LeBron James’ imposing stature combined with his speed, agility, and coordination make him a natural fit for various positions in American football. In fact, he could have played any sport he put his mind to because he is one of the most spectacular raw athletes we have ever seen.

As a Wide Receiver, LeBron’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism would make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defensive backs. His ability to outmuscle defenders for contested catches, coupled with his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, would make him a potent weapon in the passing game. Alternatively, LeBron could excel as a Tight End, using his size and athleticism to create mismatches against smaller defenders.

Defensively, LeBron’s physicality and instincts could make him a formidable Safety. His basketball IQ and anticipation skills would allow him to excel in reading and reacting to opposing offenses, while his size and tackling ability would make him an imposing presence in the secondary.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Position(s) in NFL: Tight End, Defensive End

Size: 6’11”, 242 lbs

As a Tight End, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s towering height and impressive wingspan would make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. His athleticism and agility would allow him to create separation from defenders and make acrobatic catches in traffic.

Defensively, Giannis’s size, speed, and explosiveness would make him a disruptive force as a Defensive End. His ability to shed blockers and chase down ball carriers would make him a valuable asset against both the run and the pass.

3. Anthony Edwards

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver

Size: 6’4″, 225 lbs

Anthony Edwards is on a path to be the face of the NBA but could be a fantastic football player. He will have the skill to high-point the ball and make contested catches, coupled with his speed and route-running ability, which would make him a dynamic playmaker in the passing game.

Additionally, his physicality and willingness to go over the middle would make him a reliable target in crucial situations. Edwards’s rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill would make him a dynamic presence on the football field as a game-changing Wide Receiver and he has the toughness and spirit to survive hits as well.

4. Jalen Suggs

Position(s) in NFL: Quarterback

Size: 6’4″, 205 lbs

Jalen Suggs’ experience and success as a high school quarterback, coupled with his natural athleticism and football pedigree (being distantly related to NFL star Terrell Suggs), make him a compelling prospect at the quarterback position. During his high school career, Suggs earned recognition as a top-15 dual-threat quarterback and one of the best in the state of Minnesota.

His exceptional performance on the gridiron led to him becoming the first athlete in Minnesota high school history to be named both Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball in the same season. With his combination of size, arm strength, accuracy, and mobility, Suggs possesses the tools necessary to excel at the quarterback position in football.

5. Zion Williamson

Position(s) in NFL: Tight End, Defensive End

Size: 6’6″, 284 lbs

At 6 feet 6 inches tall and 284 pounds, Zion Williamson possesses the size and strength coveted by NFL scouts. His rare blend of attributes would likely translate well to the Defensive End position, where he could disrupt offenses with his pass-rushing ability and dominance against the run.

While basketball fans marvel at his rim-rattling dunks and highlight-reel plays, the prospect of seeing him wreak havoc on the football field adds another layer to the mystique of one of the sports’ most electrifying athletes and there is no question he would dominate football.

6. Ja Morant

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver, Running Back

Size: 6’3″, 174 lbs

With his lightning-fast speed and quickness, Ja Morant’s skill set translates well to the positions of Wide Receiver and Running Back in football. At 6 feet 3 inches tall and 174 pounds, he may seem slight for football standards, but his elusiveness and ability to change direction on a dime make him a threat in open space.

As a Wide Receiver, Morant’s speed and agility would make him a nightmare for opposing defenders to cover. His ability to create separation and make contested catches, coupled with his knack for making defenders miss in the open field. Furthermore, Morant’s speed and shiftiness make him an intriguing prospect as a Running Back.

7. Draymond Green

Position(s) in NFL: Linebacker

Size: 6’6″, 230 lbs

Draymond Green as a linebacker could see him delivering bone-jarring tackles with the finesse of a well-executed screen pass. Opposing offenses might find themselves quaking in their cleats at the sight of Green prowling the field like a hungry linebacker on the scent of a quarterback-shaped snack.

With his knack for trash-talking and riling up opponents, Green could bring a whole new level of psychological warfare to the NFL, leaving quarterbacks nervously checking their blindside for fear of a Green-led blitz.

8. Jimmy Butler

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Size: 6’7″, 230 lbs

Jimmy Butler’s combination of size, toughness, and work ethic would make him a formidable presence on both sides of the ball in the NFL. As a wide receiver, his elite height and muscular build would make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to cover, allowing him to outmuscle defenders for contested catches and dominate in the red zone.

Additionally, his toughness and willingness to compete would make him a reliable target for quarterbacks in critical situations. On the defensive side of the ball, Butler’s size and physicality would make him a formidable cornerback, capable of jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupting their routes.

9. De’Aaron Fox

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver, Running Back

Size: 6’3″, 185 lbs

As a wide receiver, De’Aaron Fox’s speed and quickness would make him a deep threat, capable of stretching the field and outrunning defenders to make big plays downfield. Additionally, his agility and elusiveness would make him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks to cover, allowing him to create separation and make plays after the catch.

As a running back, Fox’s speed and acceleration would make him a dangerous weapon in the open field, capable of turning short passes and handoffs into long gains. His ability to change direction on a dime and make defenders miss would make him a valuable asset in both the running and passing game.

10. Jayson Tatum

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver

Size: 6’8″, 210 lbs

Standing at an impressive 6’8″ and weighing 210 lbs, Jayson Tatum possesses the physical attributes necessary to excel in the position. While he may not have the bulk of a traditional NFL receiver, his long body and arms give him a large catch radius, allowing him to high-point passes and make acrobatic catches over defenders.

Tatum’s exceptional hands, honed through years of basketball experience, make him a reliable target in the passing game, capable of making contested catches in traffic. Additionally, his quick spin moves and agility with the ball suggest that he could use his elusiveness to shake off defenders and create separation downfield.

11. Jaylen Brown

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver

Size: 6’6″, 223 lbs

Jaylen Brown’s explosive athleticism and physicality make him an intriguing prospect as a wide receiver in the NFL. His elite vertical leap and ability to attack the rim in the NBA translate well to the football field, where he could use his athleticism to outjump defenders and make contested catches.

Additionally, Brown’s strong body allows him to absorb hits and maintain possession of the ball, making him a reliable target for quarterbacks in traffic. His excellent hands and knack for catching the ball would make him a valuable asset in the passing game, capable of making big plays downfield.

12. Boban Marjanovic

Position(s) in NFL: Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle

Size: 7’4″, 290 lbs

Boban Marjanovic, affectionately known as the gentle giant of the NBA, could bring his towering presence and massive frame to the trenches of the football field.

Standing at an astounding 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 290 pounds, Marjanovic’s size alone would make him a formidable force on the football field. As an Offensive Tackle, his massive wingspan and strength would create an impenetrable wall, protecting his quarterback from would-be sack artists like a skyscraper shielding against a gusty wind.

Defensively, Marjanovic’s sheer size and power would make him a nightmare for opposing linemen as a Defensive Tackle. His ability to clog running lanes and collapse pockets with his colossal frame would disrupt offensive game plans in a matter of seconds.

13. Steven Adams

Position(s) in NFL: Offensive Guard, Defensive Tackle

Size: 6’11”, 265 lbs

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds, Adams possesses the size and strength to excel in the trenches of football. As an Offensive Guard, his massive frame and powerful blocking would create running lanes wider than his native New Zealand landscapes, allowing ball carriers to gallop through with ease.

Defenders would find themselves bulldozed aside because Adams is widely recognized as one of the strongest players in the league, if not the strongest. It is very difficult to imagine many of the current NBA players who could get past this mountain of a man.

14. David Roddy

Position(s) in NFL: Linebacker

Size: 6’5″, 250 lbs

David Roddy’s size and instincts would make him a formidable presence at Linebacker. His ability to read plays and deliver bone-crushing tackles would leave ball carriers wishing they had chosen a different career path. At 6’4” and 250 lbs, Roddy has the thickness to be a difference-maker defensively.

With Roddy patrolling the middle of the field, offenses would face a daunting challenge, their hopes of moving the ball dashed like a quarterback’s dreams of a clean pocket on third and long. After all, the player had D1 offers to play quarterback in high school but we see him more as a linebacker.

15. Donovan Mitchell

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver

Size: 6’1″, 215 lbs

At 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 215 pounds, Mitchell possesses the ideal combination of size, speed, and agility for the Wide Receiver position. His lightning-fast acceleration and precise route-running would allow him to create separation from defenders and make acrobatic catches in traffic.

With hands as reliable as a veteran quarterback’s pre-game ritual, Mitchell would become a quarterback’s best friend, hauling in passes with the grace of a ballet dancer because his quickness and efficiency would make him a star in the NFL.

16. Zach LaVine

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver

Size: 6’5″, 200 lbs

His outstanding hands and leaping ability, honed through years of basketball experience, would make him a formidable threat in the red zone and on jump balls. Additionally, his quickness and agility would allow him to create separation from defenders and make plays after the catch.

Moreover, LaVine’s ability to read defenses and adjust to the ball in mid-air would make him a valuable asset on contested catches and deep routes. His athleticism and versatility would also make him a weapon on special teams, as he could contribute as a kick returner or punt returner.

17. Matisse Thybulle

Position(s) in NFL: Cornerback, Safety

Size: 6’5″, 200 lbs

As a cornerback, Thybulle’s length and agility would allow him to disrupt passing lanes and match up against taller receivers effectively. His ability to use his size to press receivers at the line of scrimmage and his quickness to mirror their movements down the field would make him a valuable asset in coverage.

Alternatively, Thybulle’s size and range make him an intriguing prospect as a safety. His height and athleticism would enable him to cover a large area of the field and provide support over the top in pass coverage.

18. Russell Westbrook

Position(s) in NFL: Running Back

Size: 6’3″, 200 lbs

Russell Westbrook’s explosive athleticism and speed make him an intriguing prospect as a running back in the NFL. Additionally, Westbrook’s aggressive playing style and tenacity would make him a formidable force between the tackles, as he would have the strength and determination to fight for extra yards after contact.

His ability to change direction on a dime and accelerate quickly would also make him a valuable asset as a receiver out of the backfield, allowing him to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties in coverage. Seeing Westbrook in his prime, the player could have dominated any sport that requires his athleticism.

19. Aaron Gordon

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver

Size: 6’8″, 235 lbs

Aaron Gordon’s combination of size, athleticism, and agility would make him a compelling prospect as a wide receiver in the NFL. Standing at an impressive 6’8″ and weighing 235 lbs, Gordon possesses the physical attributes necessary to excel in the position.

His height and long reach would give him a significant advantage over defenders, allowing him to high-point passes and outmuscle opponents for contested catches. Additionally, Gordon’s exceptional leaping ability and body control would make him a threat in the red zone, capable of snatching touchdowns out of the air.

20. Paolo Banchero

Position(s) in NFL: Tight End

Size: 6’10”, 250 lbs

Paolo Banchero’s impressive size at 6’10” and 250 lbs makes him an intriguing prospect for multiple positions in the NFL but tight end might work best. His height and wingspan would make him a prime target in the passing game, capable of outmuscling defenders for contested catches and creating mismatches in the red zone.

Additionally, his athleticism and agility would allow him to excel as a blocker in the run game, opening up lanes for his teammates and providing added versatility to an offense. Banchero has the girth to block and run, making him the second coming of a player like Shannon Sharpe.

21. Marcus Smart

Position(s) in NFL: Linebacker

Size: 6’3″, 220 lbs

Marcus Smart’s physical attributes and competitive mindset make him a natural fit for the linebacker position in the NFL. His powerful body and large shoulders suggest that he could deliver bone-jarring hits and shed blockers with ease, disrupting opposing offenses and making plays in the backfield.

Smart’s love for a challenge and willingness to compete would make him a natural leader on the defensive side of the ball, rallying his teammates and setting the tone with his intensity. While he may have a reputation for flopping in the NBA, Smart’s toughness and physicality would undoubtedly shine on the football field, where embellishment is not tolerated.

22. Obi Toppin

Position(s) in NFL: Tight End, Defensive End

Size: 6’9″, 220 lbs

Obi Toppin’s combination of size, athleticism, and versatility would make him an intriguing prospect for multiple positions in the NFL. His elite athleticism and quickness with the ball in his hands suggest that he could be a dynamic playmaker at tight end, using his size to outmuscle defenders and his agility to create separation in the passing game.

Additionally, Toppin’s versatility would allow him to line up at multiple positions on offense, providing coaches with flexibility in their game plans. On the defensive side of the ball, Toppin’s size and explosiveness make him a natural fit at defensive end, where he could use his length to disrupt passing lanes and his speed to chase down ball carriers.

23. Luguentz Dort

Position(s) in NFL: Linebacker

Size: 6’4″, 215 lbs

Luguentz Dort’s physical prowess and defensive tenacity in the NBA could easily translate to success on the football field, particularly as a safety. Standing at an impressive 6’4″ and weighing 215 lbs, Dort boasts the size and strength necessary to thrive in the NFL. His muscular build and relentless work ethic make him a natural fit for the physical demands of the safety position, where he could use his strength to deliver bone-crushing hits and disrupt passing lanes.

Additionally, Dort’s agility and speed would allow him to cover ground quickly, making him effective in both pass coverage and run support. His reputation as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA speaks to his ability to anticipate and react to opposing offenses, skills that would serve him well in reading quarterbacks and making plays on the ball in the NFL.

24. Josh Hart

Position(s) in NFL: Wide Receiver

Size: 6’5″, 215 lbs

Josh Hart’s relentless work ethic and boundless energy on the basketball court could easily translate to success on the football field, particularly at positions like a wide receiver and safety. Standing at an impressive 6’5″ and weighing 215 lbs, Hart possesses the physical attributes necessary to excel in both roles.

As a wide receiver, his size and athleticism would make him a formidable target for quarterbacks, capable of outmuscling defenders for contested catches and stretching the field with his speed. Additionally, his never-ending stamina and relentless effort would allow him to thrive in the demanding role of running difficult routes. 

25. Kawhi Leonard

Position(s) in NFL: Tight End, Safety

Size: 6’7″, 225 lbs

Kawhi Leonard’s imposing physical presence, standing at 6’7″ and weighing 225 lbs of pure muscle, makes him an intriguing prospect for positions like tight end and safety in the NFL. Despite concerns about his durability in the NBA, with his track record of playing under 65 games per season every year but once since 2016-17, the structure of a 17-game NFL season might suit him better.

Leonard’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism would make him a formidable force on the football field. As a tight end, he could use his size and physicality to overpower defenders and create mismatches in the passing game, while also providing reliable blocking in the run game. Additionally, his large frame and agility could make him a disruptive presence as a safety.

26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Position(s) in NFL: Quarterback

Size: 6’6″, 180 lbs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with his impressive height of 6’6″, certainly possesses the stature to survey the field effectively from the quarterback position. While his slender build might raise concerns about durability if he were to play as a running back, it could actually work to his advantage as a quarterback.

His lean physique could provide him with agility and nimbleness in the pocket, allowing him to evade pass rushers while keeping his eyes downfield. Additionally, his height affords him a clear line of sight over the defense, enabling him to spot open receivers and deliver accurate passes with ease. 

27. James Harden

Position(s) in NFL: Quarterback

Size: 6’5″, 220 lbs

James Harden’s skills as an elite passer in the NBA could translate seamlessly to the football field, particularly if he were to take on the role of quarterback. His basketball IQ, honed through years of orchestrating offenses and dissecting defenses, would serve him well in reading and reacting to the complexities of NFL defenses.

Additionally, Harden’s exceptional vision and court awareness would enable him to anticipate openings in the defense and deliver pinpoint passes with precision. His large frame would allow him to see over defenders, granting him a clear line of sight to his receivers downfield. No matter the criticism Harden gets, he is a high-IQ athlete and there is no doubt about that.

28. Domantas Sabonis

Position(s) in NFL: Offensive Tackle

Size: 6’11”, 240 lbs

Domantas Sabonis’ stature at 6’11” and 240 lbs might initially seem unconventional for the NFL, but his skills as an elite basketball center could indeed translate well to the position of offensive tackle. Despite being European, Sabonis’s dedication and work ethic could certainly help him learn the nuances of the NFL game.

His massive build and agility, combined with his desire to support his teammates, make him an intriguing prospect for protecting the quarterback’s blind side on the offensive line. While he may need to bulk up a bit to handle the physicality of NFL defensive linemen, Sabonis’s basketball background has likely instilled in him the necessary footwork and body control to excel as an offensive tackle.

29. Brook Lopez

Position(s) in NFL: Defensive Tackle

Size: 7’0″, 282 lbs

Brook Lopez’s towering presence at 7’0″ and 282 lbs makes him an intriguing candidate for the position of defensive tackle in the NFL. Known for his strength and physicality as a center in the NBA, Lopez possesses the size and power necessary to disrupt opposing offenses from the interior defensive line.

His massive frame and long reach would allow him to clog running lanes and collapse the pocket, putting pressure on quarterbacks and disrupting the flow of the offense. Additionally, Lopez’s agility and quickness, honed through years of basketball training, would enable him to shed blocks and pursue ball carriers with relative ease.

30. Isaiah Jackson

Position(s) in NFL: Linebacker

Size: 6’10”, 206 lbs

Isaiah Jackson’s size alone would make him a formidable presence in the NFL, particularly at linebacker. Standing at an imposing 6’10” and possessing the agility and speed required for basketball, he could bring a unique skill set to the football field.

His aggressive style of play on the basketball court suggests that he wouldn’t shy away from the physicality of football, and his height would give him an advantage in disrupting passing lanes and making tackles. However, his relatively lightweight at 206 pounds might be a concern in terms of durability and holding up against the pounding that NFL linebackers endure.