5 NBA players with the talent and athleticism to play in the NFL

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Zion Williamson looks on from the sidelines of an NFL football game (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

3. Zion Williamson has strength and bounce that translate to the NFL

Just like the other two players, Zion Williamson has some previous football experience. He played quarterback and safety in high school and was offered a football scholarship to Louisiana State University. Williamson is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, but on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, he claimed that he also could have made it in the NFL as a tight end or receiver.

Williamson definitely fits the description. With his power and athleticism, he would be incredibly hard to contain on the football field. During his basketball career, he has shown the ability to read long passes and catch them in the air. With his impressive leaping ability that could have translated well to professional football, he would be able to catch pretty much any contested pass.

Back in 2019, Williamson participated in a New Orleans Saints practice session. The youngster impressed in a quarterback challenge and several position coaches showed interest in his abilities. So, it sounds like Williamson was right and he probably could have made it in the NFL.