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Rival Report 4/28: Baylor basketball player Rico Gathers set to be drafted into NFL

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Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most intriguing draft prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft is a player who hasn't played football since he was 13 years old. He is a standout basketball player from Baylor University by the name of Rico Gathers. He is trying to follow the likes of Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham by making it to the NFL at Tight End despite the lack of football experience under his belt.

This is not just on a whim though, Rico Gathers is very serious about being an NFL TE. So are several NFL scouts who believe sincerely that he will be drafted somewhere in the 7-Round draft that kicks off with the 1st round tonight. Where that draft pick will come is anybody's guess, but it appears somewhere between the 5th and the 7th round.

Gathers is 6'6, 273lbs with an incredible 11% body fat. In other words, the guy is ripped. He ran a 4.75 40 yard dash at his Pro Day which was a top 10 time for Tight Ends in the draft, and he has been working out with former Raiders QB and current free agent Matt Flynn throwing to him while former NFL Safety Ryan Clark is helping out as well at a workout facility in Louisiana named Traction Sports Performance.

Not only has Gathers impressed with his athletic ability, he also has been showing to be a quick study. This is a high ceiling, low risk player that will be drafted sometime this week into the NFL despite not playing since he was barely a teenager. It isn't a fluke though, and if it were the Raiders taking the chance on him then I would be somebody very happy with the risk.

There are plenty of failed draft picks that late in the draft anyway, why not take a flier on a guy that is 6'6, 273lbs that can run and jump. He will be raw and needs to be molded into a true tight end, but he has all the natural skills to succeed in this league. If he does succeed, he could be a star and if he doesn't then he is just another late round selection that didn't make it.

2016 NFL draft - Baylor basketball's Rico Gathers serious about becoming NFL tight end
Baylor basketball standout Rico Gathers last played football at age 13. Now the "freakishly athletic" prospect is trying to become the latest tight end to jump from the hardwood to the NFL.

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