Despite what many think and say, American Football is a very different game to the rugby codes. The skillsets and build of athletes required to have success at the top level differ and the gameplay is completely different.
The one constant in having success in the sports is athletic ability.If you're athletic, you've got a shot if you're willing to put in the work.
Former South Sydney Rabbitohs prodigy Jordan Mailata is a prime example. Without playing a down of American Football, he was selected in the seventh round of this year's NFL draft based purely on his potential as an athlete. Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne showed it was possible to make the jump from one of the rugby codes to the NFL with some success.
Average measurements: Height: 193cm, Weight: 108kg Role: Receiver / blocker / occasional ball runner All Blacks who could play here: Shannon Frizell
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is one of the best in the game. Photo / Getty Images
At 195cm and 108kgs, Frizell has the perfect build for a tight end. When he's had his opportunities on the rugby pitch, he's shown that athletically he'd be up to the challenge. His footwork is solid, he's a strong ball runner and tackling isn't a foreign concept to him. He'd be decent enough with catching the ball and would be an ideal candidate in a position where he would have to receive passes, block pass rushers and, from time to time, run the ball.
Running back
Average measurements: Height: 177cm–188cm, Weight: 105kg Role: Ball runner / occasional receiver All Blacks who could play here: Jack Goodhue, Waisake Naholo
To fit the average measurements, they'd both need to put on a few kgs, but the two run like bulls. They have all the makings of a good running back – strength, speed, footwork and decent hands. With the key aspects of a running back being to run the ball and at times act as a receiver, Naholo and Goodhue could make the move.
Average measurements: Height: 177cm–198cm, Weight: 85kg–105kg Role: WR: Receiver // CB: defending the WR to keep them from completing a catch All Blacks who could play here: Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Naholo, Goodhue
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has made a habit of reeling in tough catches. Photo / Getty Images
Speed? Check. Safe hands? Check. Leaping ability? Check. Whether they were looking to receive the pass or stop the pass from hitting its intended target, this group could flourish. They're all built for the roles and have the athletic tools that would help them succeed.
Offensive and defensive linemen
Average measurements: Height: 188cm–207cm, Weight: 125kg-150kg Role: OL: Block the defensive line from getting to your quarterback or running back // DL: Get to the playmaker All Blacks who could play here: Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Photo / Getty Images
It's not just a case of size when it comes to offensive and defensive linemen - strength and footwork are crucial. Whether it's holding off a pass rusher or trying to break the offensive line and sack the quarterback or halt the runner, you have to be able to move. Tu'inukuafe and Tuungafasi fit the bill.
Kicker / punter
(yes, these are two different roles)
Role: K: kick field goals, and extra points after touchdowns, kickoffs // P: kick out of hands for field position at the end of a set. All Blacks who could play here: Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett
Pretty simple here – you'd expect goal-kickers in rugby to be able to kick in American Football.
Quarterback
Average measurements: Height: 188cm–195cm Weight: 102kg Role: Organise the offence / make passes / run the football All Blacks who could play here: N/A
The passing aspect in American Football isn't one you see in rugby so it's hard to make a call on who might succeed here that fits the desired build.
