March Madness has lived up to its reputation for surprises, with the biggest shocker undoubtedly being the No. 11 seed North Carolina State Wolfpack’s unexpected journey to the Final Four.
Their Cinderella story began when they clinched a spot in the tournament by winning the ACC Tournament, and now they find themselves in the national semifinal for the first time since 1983, when they claimed the championship under the guidance of legendary coach Jim Valvano.
Leading the charge for this year’s Wolfpack is DJ Burns Jr., a formidable presence on the court standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 275 pounds. The versatile big man has been instrumental in the team’s success, averaging 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in their four tournament games, including a stellar 29-point performance in their Elite Eight upset over Duke.
As Burns continues to impress basketball fans with his skills, he’s also catching the eye of NFL scouts due to his unique combination of size and agility. Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy has expressed his intrigue, envisioning Burns’ potential in football scenarios such as pass protection and pulling plays. Multiple NFL general managers and scouting directors have also confirmed their interest in Burns should he choose to explore a path to the NFL.
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Furthermore, Fox Sports and NFL Media’s Peter Schrager has highlighted Burns’ potential as a tackle prospect, suggesting that he could attract significant attention and financial opportunities if he were to participate in a Pro Day or workout following the Final Four.
While Burns wouldn’t be the first college basketball player to transition to the NFL, his size and physique suggest that his future may lie on the offensive line rather than in the traditional skill positions. With notable examples like Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, and Jimmy Graham paving the way, there’s a potential pathway for Burns to make his mark in professional football if he decides to pursue it.
