After working South Africa’s Rugby World Cup 2019 winners into an NFL outfit, Billy Brake picks a Rugby Union XV from NFL players
It’s one thing to consider what rugby players in the NFL might look like, but the reverse concept comes with its own set of challenges. However, I’ve compiled a team which might not fare too badly in two 40-minute halves, rather than four 15-minute quarters.
The most difficult thing to get around is perhaps the different requirements and skillsets of each position. To some degree, much of the backline in rugby is required to do similar jobs, but to varying extents. For example, a rugby flyhalf may kick more than a wing does, but the wing will need to kick at times.
In the NFL, meanwhile, for the most part a running back is only required to be good at running. Not to be reductive of their job, of course. And to be similarly critical, the job of the offensive or defensive line could be reduced to making room and pushing through – so hopefully that transfers to scrums.
Loosehead Prop – Andrus Peat, New Orleans Saints
Peat is a two-time Pro Bowl offensive linesman, who comes in at 143kg and 6 foot 7 – he’s like Andrew Sheridan, but bigger. His 31 inch vertical jump and 2.98 second 20 yard split only underscore his athleticism.
Hooker – Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers
Drafted at 18 in 2010, Pouncey has been a staple of the Steelers team and made the NFL 2010s team at the end of the decade. Given his job of snapping the ball, he perhaps has the most familiarity with throw-ins for the line-out.
Tighthead Prop – Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
Stanley was a crucial part of a Ravens side which provided excellent protection for Lamar Jackson in 2019, helping his quarterback to rush for 1, 206 yards. Stanley was also First-Team All Pro in 2019.
Lock – George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle holds the record for tight end receiving yards, set in 2018, so his ability at the line-out needs no questioning. But his 4.52 second 40-yard dash and 35 inch vertical ensure he’s a physical powerhouse around the field.
Lock – Calais Campbell, Baltimore Ravens
Partnering Kittle is Campbell, five times a Pro Bowler and an astounding 6 foot 8. Campbell has been a resilient presence in the defensive line for the Ravens and complements Kittle’s speed with size – Bakkies Botha, anyone?
Blindside Flanker – Jamal Adams, New York Jets
Adams has been a robust component of the New York Jets since he was taken sixth in 2017, twice making the Pro Bowl and was First Team All-Pro last year. 273 total tackles and 12.5 sacks make him a commanding figure, while his 5 foot 11 height and 97kg would allow a decent breakdown presence.
Openside Flanker – Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
Another defensive player at flank, Wagner has consistently been one of the NFL’s best tacklers since he was signed by the Seahawks in 2012. A five time First Team All-Pro selection, Wagner alongside Adams would create a difficult wall for anybody to get past at the breakdown, scrum or lineout – that’s not to mention their ability in open play.
Number Eight – Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
While Adams and Wagner provide imperious defensive coverage in the back row, Kelce comes in as a Kieran Reid-style figure at the back of the pack – although slightly taller and heavier. Kelce averaged 12.7 yards per reception last season, and the combination of speed and experience would be a crucial hinge of this team.
Scrum-half – Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
In many ways, scrum-half is the most important position in a rugby team, so it takes somebody particular to fill the role – so why not the only person to ever be taken first in the MLB and NFL draft? 5 foot 10 and a previous 40 yard time of 4.38s, Murray also has the vision and hands to make him adept at number nine.
Fly-half – Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
The 2018 MVP was the critical component of the Chiefs victorious 2019 season, the Super Bowl MVP and a constantly calm and collected head. He overcame a 24-point deficit in the AFC Divisional Round against the Chiefs, and again remained calm to come from behind to best the 49ers in the Super Bowl. He’s exactly who you’d want dictating your backline.
Inside Centre – Lamar Jackson
In 2019, Jackson set the single season QB rushing record in 2019 with a grand total of 1,206 yards, and was the second player to be voted unanimous MVP, as well as the second youngest MVP in NFL history. Well recognised for his jinks and abilities with ball in hand, Jackson would be a nightmare for any defenders – except maybe Johnny Wilkinson.
Outside Centre – Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns
Arguably one of the most globally recognised names in the NFL, OBJ’s pedigree as a wide receiver, his ability to avoid tacklers, combined with incredible speed and the ability to take on defenders, make him an excellent candidate for 13. Furthermore, his ability to pass would be an asset in midfield.
Wing – Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Henry was joint second last season for tackles evaded, with 29. He led the league in rushing yards after contact, with 968 (that’s 3.2 per rush). He led the league in total rushing yards, finishing with 1,540. He also had the most rushing touchdown with 16. There’s no way that with those numbers, 6 foot 3, 112 kg, and a 10 yard split of 1.6s he isn’t making the team.
Wing – Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
McCaffrey totalled 1, 387 rushing yards in 2019, for 15 touchdowns. He also by far and away led the league’s running backs for receptions, with 116; second overall in the league, including wide receivers, and with four touchdowns. The speedster’s relative versatility makes him an excellent fit.
It’s worth stating that the reason running backs were chosen for wings ahead of wide receivers is because they’re more used to receiving the ball in tighter situations and making room.
Fullback – Desmond Green, Los Angeles Chargers
Green is chosen at fullback because of his dual-threat nature. Although typically a cornerback for the Chargers, Green has also returned a combined 100 of punts and kicks in three years in LA, for 1,644. He racked up 50 tackles last season and 2.5 sacks. With defense being a need for fullbacks, he offers a much-needed combination at the end of the backline.
Comments