Top 10 NFL Prospects from Outside of Football

In making this list, I am hoping to cover the most amount of territory possible. Both in having athletes from any relevant sport as well as covering NFL positions.

From here I ranked them according to the likelihood of them succeeding in the NFL, of course excusing the ridiculousness of it!

I'll be calling them the Toronto Misfits. The former Buffalo Bills, now owned by Ted Rogers and coached by Greg Popovich!

10. Roy Halladay, SP, Toronto Blue Jays

Quarterback, Reminiscent of... ?

First things first, we must recognize that NFL Quarterback is possibly the toughest position to succeed at in all of professional sports. While it would make sense that it would be a Major League Pitcher, there is really no way of assuming it would be one over another.

But at 6'6" and 225lbs, Doc fits nicely with the "prototypical" stature. He has proven his ability to play games from start to finish -often of importance after the two minute warning- and has a Win-Loss record of 131-66.

If you want a Brett Favre type, look for Jonathan Papelbon. If you want the next Matt Ryan, try Cole Hamels. I'll take the Tom Brady.

9. Usain Bolt, 100m & 200m World Record Holder

Wide Receiver, Reminiscent of... Randy Moss.

Another obvious choice would be Kobe Bryant, but at 6'5" and 195 lbs what NFL GM wouldn't give Bolt an audition? He is only 22 and could easily bulk up to meet Randy Moss' 215. Maybe even to 240 to match Calvin Johnson.

While we don't know if Kobe could take the hits, we also don't know if Bolt can catch. But with his obvious athletic ability I'd bet yes.

A more realistic choice would be to find a slot receiver in Alan Iverson but I'm looking for a Hall of Famer!

8. Allen Iverson, SG/PG, Detroit Pistons

Punt/Kick Return, Reminiscent of... Devin Hester

We've been watching Iverson travel around, through, over, and under NBA defenders for years. If he can put pads on and move even close to as fast as he does on the court, why not send him in?

And if he can't take the hits, his street-cred goes down the tubes.

7. Jarome Iginla, RW, Calgary Flames

Running Back, Reminiscent of... Edgerin James.

At 31, Iginla would not likely be a candidate, but at this point neither is Edge. In his prime though, Jarome would have many tools required for an NFL tailback.

His combination of speed, power, and vision make him a great candidate to carry the ball through a pack. And something tells me this longtime team captain and leader would be up to the challenge.

6. Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

Defensive Tackle, Reminiscent of... Robert Mathis.

At 6'4" and 260lbs some coaches would ask him to add weight but at the same time Mathis has enjoyed a successful career at 6'2" and 245lbs. I'm not about to start doubting his upper-body power, but I may want to look into his footwork and the type of drive (engine) he has.

I will also include Howard as a prospect for an Offensive Line, particularly at Center, so I can focus on more positions.

5. Matt Holliday, OF, Oakland Athletics

Linebacker, Reminiscent of... Brian Urlacher

Yes, Urlacher is quite the stretch...

At 6'4" and 235lbs Holliday just looks like a guy that doesn't get enough pleasure out of smashing a home run. I think he wants to be the bat and little Darren Sproles can be his hardball!

I had a really hard time deciding between Matt and Vladi, but with the added weight, I gave him the edge. Adding 20lbs (though slightly unreasonable) would put him neck and neck with Urlacher and would likely reduce his great speed.

I matched him with Urlacher for now because of intensity.

4. Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets

Safety, Reminiscent of... Adrian Wilson

At 200lbs and only an inch taller, Reyes looks similar in stature to Ed Reed. But with the lateral movements and ability to react that are critical at the Shortstop position, I don't see why (at the least) he couldn't contribute in football as a dominant tackler.

While Reyes has unquestioned speed (leading the league in stolen bases from 2005 to 2007) it may be asking a lot to assume he has the ball-hawking skills of Ed Reed.

For that reason I would assume his god-given abilities would translate much like they do for thumper Adrian Wilson (who weighs in higher, at 230).

3. Georges St-Pierre, UFC Welterweight Champ

Cornerback, Reminiscent of... Antoine Winfield.

We often hear the phrase "hit 'em in the mouth" used around the NFL. I'm not sure even Dick Lebeau would say that given this DB prospect.

Depending on your source, GSP comes in at 5'10" and 170, but seeing as how he is rumored to be setting up for a catchfight match in 2010 (between welter and middle weights) against Anderson Silva, I don't see his weight being any kind of an issue...Nor his toughness.

If St-Pierre ran a good 40, he could be a potential recking-ball at corner. If not so quick, move him to Safety. Either way, his footwork and focus could help him succeed.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Winger, Manchester United

Kicker, Punter, Reminiscent of... Adam Vinatieri and Shane Lechler

As true soccer fans will surely know, I am far out of my element here. Maybe I should be mentioning Beckham here, but I assume this young football megastar can also make some impressive kicks. The kind of kicks that could make a kicker an NFL MVP.

Then again maybe not.

Regardless, if I am wrong here my faith in the "other" football will forever vanish. Soccer fans, please let me know who would be a better fit here.

1. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers

Tight End, Reminiscent of... Antonio Gates

More than likely, James would combine the size of Mercedes Lewis with the athleticism of Antonio Gates. He was recruited to play football by many top colleges before choosing basketball and the immediate success' of the NBA. But he is already doing football commercials...A nice first step.

C'mon?!

At 6'8" and 250lbs I wouldn't change a thing about him. I say that with conviction, yet I hear he can add muscle at will and would leave it up to him to "get comfortable" in the NFL.

This list was made because of LeBron. I just hope he gets bored after five NBA Championships and tries a hand at another sport.