Fewer players in college basketball on the men’s or women’s side have been as enjoyable to watch this year as DJ Burns.
The 6-foot-9, 275-pound player has contributed to NC State's advancement to their first Final Four since 1983, when the university last secured an NCAA championship.
Burns has maintained an average of 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the NCAA tournament so far. He possesses a rare mix of strength and agility, demonstrates good court vision, and utilizes a difficult-to-defend spinning move.
However, there is a possibility that the NC State athlete may pursue a professional career in another sport, as NFL scouts and GMs have expressed interest after observing him on the court, as stated by insiders Jim Nagy and Peter Schrager.
Jim Nagy believes 'NFL's interest in D.J. Burns is genuine'
Got texts from a GM, Ass't GM, and college director within an hour of posting this on Friday night. NFL interest in D.J. Burns is a real thing. https://t.co/lqk77d0Kx1
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 1, 2024
“Received messages from a GM, Ass't GM, and college director within an hour of posting this on Friday night. NFL's interest in D.J. Burns is real,” Nagy posted on X on April 1, also adding subsequently, as if to clarify: “I don’t do lame April fools posts.”
Nagy, a former long-serving NFL scout and current executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, has numerous connections, so it’s highly notable that he mentions being reached out to by multiple scouts. He's not the only one to report on the NFL’s rumored interest in Burns, either.
Insider Peter Schrager of the NFL Network also disclosed that he has been contacted by numerous scouts and executives.
“Interacted with and received texts from multiple scouts/GMs about NC State player DJ Burns as a potential NFL offensive tackle prospect over the past 24 hours,” Schrager shared on X. “He is listed at 6’9, but probably is 6’7. Exceptional footwork. He would attract a lot of attention and potentially money if he participated in a Pro Day/workout the week after the Final 4.”
Burns has become the star of the NCAA tournament this year, and considering his size, it’s not surprising to hear that he’s drawing interest from the NFL.
Next Up: NC State Takes on No. 1 Seed Purdue in Final Four
The Wolfpack and Burns have eliminated the likes of Duke and Marquette so far in the tourney and now, they’ll face a tough test against Zach Edey and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa and NC State clash in the Final Four on April 6 in Phoenix, and you can bet all eyes will be on Burns once again.
He was named MVP of the ACC tourney after helping the Wolfpack take down the North Carolina Tar Heels in the finals, and he really turned it up when the Madness began.
Despite his recent success in the tournament, Burns isn’t expected to be a hot prospect for NBA teams. He spent three years at Winthrop, a small Division I school in South Carolina before transferring to NC State last season.
If Burns continues to perform well, the NFL interest may grow stronger. No one would anticipate Burns to transition to football immediately — if the interest is genuine and persistent, he would certainly be a project player with plenty of athletic abilities. Nonetheless, there's no denying Burns’ dexterity and nimble movements. It will be intriguing to see how his journey unfolds.
