NRL/Super Rugby players vs NFL
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The main problem they'd have is specialisation. All the guys you've named would be world class in the NFL, but only if they'd spent most of their teens playing it and preparing for it, especially in their chosen positions.
The other problem is that some rugby players rely heavily on their top-end speed to evade defence. This is nullified by the amount of insanely quick backs in the NFL, so they may not look anywhere near as good.
Fun wee exercise though. Others that could excel:
Damien McKenzie: the ability to change direction incredibly quickly and while on the move could make him a great short route runner, although his height may count against him here.
Laumape: could be a great running back, and would love those stupid 1 yard run into a pile of bodies to get it over the line thingies. Yes I know he's no longer in Super Rugby. No I haven't gotten over it.
Steven Kitshoff: surely he'd be great at whatever those angry second-biggest guys do
Ricky Stuart: great sideline coach
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None of them
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Jordie could play quarterback about as good as Mahomes could play fullback in rugby - not so.
Jordie could be a punter and that’s it.
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Would expect Jack Wighton Lattrell Mitchell David Fifita Brodie Retallick Riki Ellison Maria Koroibete might make it if they started early enough.
everyone always looks at the glamour athletic positions, but alot of the smarter rugby players could make the special teams, safety positions with enough game time.
Guys like Nate ebner are not crazy athletes, just make great calls consistantly.
I think tall mobile loosies would be options at tight end. huys like akira(dont think he have the diligence, or luatua are great size for it.
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Jarryd Hayne was one of the most dynamic players in the NRL when he took off to try.
He did not make it, he looked slow and unathletic.
These guys are specialised physical freaks.
Now some top rugby players might make it if that's all they played their whole life, their physical development would be totally different. But genetically they are built different
How many polynesians are top level sprinters? Now how many African Americans are?
Agree with @muddyriver some bigger guys could have made it in other positions, especially defense. But that explosive quickness is a standout of great defensive players. A guy like Aaron Donald is a physical freak.
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Would expect Jack Wighton Lattrell Mitchell David Fifita Brodie Retallick Riki Ellison Maria Koroibete might make it if they started early enough.
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Rugby players of freakish size like say Eben Etzebeth, James Haskell and Billy Vunipola are a dime a dozen in the NFL. Far more common. The flipside is Rugby players have far greater anaerobic capacity than NFLers although with the amount of subs this isn’t great a factor as it was.
Different games though, Apples and Oranges.
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well Jordan Mailata started early enough after being a doggie and bunny junior..he is a beast physically though
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Aren't there quite a few Samoans in the NFL?. Thought I read once that American Samoa were well represented.
