Tuesday 26 April 2016 11:21, UK
With less than a week to go until the 2016 NFL Draft, head coaches and general managers are busy making their final preparations, going over game footage and analysing all potential draft routes.
However, 24 teams will attend the pro day for former Baylor basketball player Rico Gathers. The power forward hasn't played football since he was 13, but is hoping to impress scouts and coaches as a potential NFL-calibre tight end.
During a three-week intensive work out Gathers has been catching passes from NFL quarterback Matt Flynn, as well as working with former NFL safety Ryan Clark to help develop his technique.
Measuring up at 6ft 7in, Gathers will perform a range of speed and agility tests as he works through a full scouting combine routine at the New Orleans Saints training camp.
Gathers is not likely to get picked up until the end of the draft, if at all, but this appearance could have a large bearing on whether teams will consider taking a gamble on him.
The transition from college basketball to the NFL isn't unprecedented, however most players have some experience of playing at the college level. Jimmy Graham and Julius Thomas both started out playing basketball before playing a season of football and electing for the draft.
Antonio Gates was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers, having never played a down of college football. The tight end went on to play in eight Pro Bowls and became San Diego's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
You can follow the 2016 NFL Draft on Sky Sports 1 from midnight on Thursday and with us here all week on www.skysports.com/nfl
