:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49429959/usa-today-9091707.0.jpg)
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.
Rico Gathers' Pro Day Stats - Our Daily Bears
View the FanShot on SB Nation.
College hoops star turned NFL hopeful last played football at age 13 | New York Post
"Football was the first sport I ever played, first sport I ever loved," the former Baylor basketball star from Louisiana said in a phone interview.
Other Stories from around the AFC West
Denver Broncos
2016 NFL Draft Rumors: Broncos are"very high" on quarterback Paxton Lynch - Mile High Report
Could the Broncos target Lynch in the first round?
No Bull Draft Preview - Mile High Report
We're all excited about the 2016 NFL Draft for the possibilities of what the Broncos can do to improve our team. I'm going to give you my take on what Denver could be looking to get out of this draft and share some words of wisdom.
San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers take Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley at 3, what if? - Bolts From The Blue
Kyle Posey addresses the apparently very real possibility that the Chargers will set the third overall pick on fire.
Chargers say they’ve been locked in on one player all along | ProFootballTalk
With the Rams and Eagles set to take Jared Goff and Carson Wentz with the first two picks in the draft, the real intrigue starts at No. 3. But for all the talk that the Chargers have plenty of options with the third pick, they say they've always known which prospect they like best.
Kansas City Chiefs
These 20 mock drafts foresee Chiefs selecting a dozen different players in first round | The Kansas City Star
The NFL Draft is Thursday night and there is little consensus on who Kansas City will select. These 20 mock drafts offered up 12 different players who might become Chiefs.
Knile Davis trade rumors re-surface during Chiefs draft week - Arrowhead Pride
Will the Chiefs trade RB Knile Davis?
Other Stories from around the NFL
Noah Spence sent his last 20 drug tests to every NFL team - CBSSports.com
Noah Spence is undoubtedly a first-round talent, but as sometimes happens to great college players, their draft stock takes a hit due to dreaded 'off-field issues.'
What It's Like to Be an NFL Super Agent | GQ
Meet Joel Segal, one of the most elusive and powerful string-pullers in professional football.
Loading comments...