Imagining 2017 Final Four Stars as NFL Prospects

The NFL draft doesn't spend many days outside the headlines, but the NCAA tournament—and specifically the Final Four—has claimed a rare place atop the news cycle.

But what if those popular sporting events intersected?

We're taking a look at some of the remaining March Madness stars and thinking about those college basketball players as NFL prospects. Instead of a true comparison, our goal is identifying the best positional match when factoring body frames and skill sets.

Inevitably, there will be disagreement about hypotheticals. Let's all try to remember it's just sports and briefly enjoy the ridiculous.

Bonus: Luke Maye, North Carolina

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Yes, we can agree Luke Maye isn't a traditional star. But after sinking a game-winning shot to upend Kentucky, he's earned a place among 2017's most impactful players.

At a sturdy 235 pounds, the sophomore is built like a football player, too.

Though he's an undersized major-conference power forward, Maye would tower over defenders if he played tight end. Yes, it only took seven paragraphs for a forward-to-tight-end mention. But Maye actually has the vaunted "bloodlines" for football.

B/R's Jason King noted Maye's father, Mark, was a quarterback at UNC in the mid-1980s. He ranks 11th in school history with 3,459 yards and 13th with 20 touchdowns, per Sports-Reference.com.

Jordan Bell, Oregon

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Someone takes a shot, and Jordan Bell is there to block or alter it. If a quarterback threw a pass, he'd do the same thing.

We think of the 6'9" forward as a disruptive edge-rusher. Since NFL teams no longer have a true base defense because of spread offenses, Bell could be a subpackage blitzer.

Now, there's more to playing defensive line than being powerful and fast. But when rushers get hung up at the line of scrimmage, their best contributions are knocking down passes or disrupting a quarterback's timing by throwing up a hand at the perfect moment.

After watching Bell block eight Kansas shots and frustrate several more, it's apparent he understands that timing.

Przemek Karnowski, Gonzaga

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The complete list of active NFL players 7'0" or taller:

Once we agree to consider hypotheticals, the focus returns to Przemek Karnowski being a massive presence in the trenches.

A 300-pounder, he's best suited to contribute on the interior. Karnowski lacks great foot speed, which is crucial for offensive tackles because they kick-slide to protect the edge.

But with excellent size and a long reach, Karnowski is built like an offensive guard or center.

Joel Berry II, North Carolina

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Joel Berry II is a crafty point guard. Although he stands just 6'0", the junior oversees the floor and confidently attacks.

Sure sounds a lot like a safety, right?

At Lake Highland Prep, Berry played football for one year before hanging up the helmet. Buddy Collings of the Orlando Sentinel noted the UNC star suffered two concussions and two injuries, which persuaded Berry to concentrate on basketball.

Berry's knowledge, vision and aggressiveness are necessary traits to roam the back end of a defense. Of course, that injury history might cause a red flag or two on scouting reports.

Dillon Brooks, Oregon

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Dillon Brooks is both a passionate competitor and clutch performer. You deal with the former while praising the latter.

And that's OK! It also makes him a perfect wide receiver.

For example, he's taken a harmless but violated-the-sanctity-of-the-game three-pointer that maddened legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. Brooks has also (seemingly intentionally) kicked somebody below the belt and badly flopped in hopes of selling a charge, for which Utah fans promptly booed him.

But those are Page 8 headlines compared to game-winning last-second shots against UCLA and Cal. When the game is on the line, you want to make sure the ball finds Brooks.

Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga

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Nigel Williams-Goss isn't quite a superstar, but he's heavily involved on offense and defense for Gonzaga.

The point guard has tallied 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game this season, which is his first with the Bulldogs since transferring from Washington.

But what position matches a non-ball-dominant player with scoring potential yet someone whose consistency is the primary issue despite it not breaking the team? Cornerback.

Williams-Goss has often put together complete, productive games on both ends. However, he's shot below 40 percent 12 times. Nevertheless, Gonzaga is 12-0 in those outings.

Although the Bulldogs are better when he's carrying the team, Williams-Goss struggling doesn't mean they'll likely lose.

Justin Jackson, North Carolina

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A long, lanky perimeter star, Justin Jackson won't physically overwhelm a defender. But, man, is he a problem.

With a near-seven-foot wingspan, per DraftExpress, the small forward could be a lethal jump-ball receiver. Factor in his 4.7 rebounds per game, and Jackson is used to snatching the ball away.

Though Jackson's thin build would be an issue, he could establish himself as a dangerous red-zone target like 6'5" former Atlanta Falcons wideout Brian Finneran, who caught 15 of his 19 career touchdowns inside the 20-yard line during a 10-year career.

Sindarius Thornwell, South Carolina

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South Carolina has a decent all-around roster, but the team wouldn't have assembled this surprise run without an offensive leader.

Sindarius Thornwell is the quarterback.

In true Aaron Rodgers-like form, Thornwell has guided a program with quality pieces farther than it probably should be. The SEC Player of the Year enters the Final Four averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per NCAA tourney game.

Thornwell must retain that scoring form for the Gamecocks to stay alive in March Madness. While that's a high-pressure spot, it's one that allows a star player to become a legend.