NFL players in the NBA

The NFL season starts today, and this got us to thinking about all the great athletes and basketball players that are currently in the NFL. So we came up with a list of the top ten basketball players in the NFL.
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10. Drew Brees
Brees played basketball in high school and although he is not very tall I would take him as my starting point guard. He is a natural leader and a gym rat, he would work his butt off every day and you need guys like that in NBA locker rooms.

9. Tony Romo
Romo has good size and athleticism for a QB at 6 foot 2. I think he could play a little point guard and some shooting guard. Romo averaged 31 ppg in high school, the 2nd highest in the state of Wisconsin behind Caron Butler.

8. Vernon Davis
I would take Vernon Davis on my basketball team any day, his size, speed, and strength are off the charts. Although he is on only 6 foot 4 I may put him at forward, sort of like a Charles Barkley.

7.  Brandon Marshall
This one is interesting just a few weeks ago Marshall said that if there were to be a lockout in the NFL next season he would try out for several NBA teams. No I know Marshall didn't play in college but I have seen him on a football field and I believe his skills would translate to a basketball court. However I know for certain he is not good enough to make an NBA roster.

6. Donovan Mcnabb
Now Donovan is one of those guys that played both basketball and football in College. Although he didn't see much playing time at Syracuse, we are still talking about big east basketball here.

5. Martellus Bennett
Bennett played basketball at Texas A&M and like Mcnabb did not see much floor time. The reason I put Bennett ahead of Mcnabb is because of his size and athleticism at 6 foot 7 250 pounds I think teams in the East should look at signing him to guard Lebron James. (kidding)

4. Terrell Owens
TO is a freak athlete and a very good basketball player. We have all seen him dominate the celebrity game during All-Star weekend and while I'm not in love with his shot he his number 4 on the list because his ability to get to the rim and finish.

3. Jimmy Graham
Graham a rookie in the NFL this season played 4 years of basketball at the U. Graham has a similar build to Martellus Bennett, however he is not as athletic. I really like Graham down low as a banger and a solid rebounder.

2. Tony Gonzalez
Remember the good old days of CAL basketball Jason Kidd dishing to hall of fame tight end Tony Gonzalez? Tony was not a great college basketball player but he was solid in the NCAA tournament when he and Kidd led Cal to the sweet 16.

1. Antonio Gates
 There is no question that Antonio Gates is the best basketball player in the NFL. Gates averaged 16.5 ppg and 7.8 rpg while shooting 50% from the field. In 2002 Gates led Kent State to the elite eight, as far as I'm concerned Antonio Gates is the Michael Jordan of basketball players in the NFL.