When NCAA Tournament Standout and George Mason star F Jai Lewis (6'7", 290 lbs.) agreed to a rookie free agent contract with the New York Giants earlier this week, it came to no surprise to me. When I watched Lewis during George Mason's miracle run to the Final Four I thought, "this dude would make a devastating NFL tight end or offensive tackle."

It’s not like this trail hasn’t been blazed before. The two best tight ends in football, the Chargers Antonio Gates and the Kansas City Chiefs Tony Gonzalez, are former college basketball players. Carolina Panthers defensive end Juluis Peppers and Philadelphia Eagles QB Donavon McNabb also played Division I college basketball.

The Giants say that Lewis might even play offensive tackle at the next level. Regardless, Lewis is big, athletic for his size, and has a mean streak. Collegiate basketball has also left him with the footwork and soft hands that few football players can match. Lewis was not the only ex-basketball player signed this week. The Rams signed seldom-used Connecticut F Ed Nelson (6’8”, 265 lbs.) to a rookie free agent contract as well.

These signings have got me thinking. Why doesn’t the NFL scout more basketball players? What current NBA players would make NFL studs? Here is my list of answers to that second question…

My All-NFL NBA Team:

Starters

• F Joey Graham, Toronto Raptors (6’7”, 230) – I don’t remember the exact statistics, but Graham was easily the most athletic rookie-to-be at last year’s NBA Draft workouts. He was lighting fast, super strong and had a pogo-stick vertical. To be honest, he’s not even that great of a basketball player at this point. This is the one current NBA player that I definitely think would be a better NFL player. He has the talent to be a Pro Bowl TE.

• F Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings (6’7”, 260 lbs) – He is definitely athletic and powerful enough. However, the main reason for Ron-Ron’s inclusion on this list is for kicks. Just imagine the carnage the “Tru Warier” could cause if he was unleashed on the football field. And you thought that Kellen Winslow was a neurotic TE.

• C Shaquille O’Neal, Miami Heat (7’1”, 320-360 lbs.) – The one guy that dwarfs Ravens T Jonathon Ogden. Would be a monster offensive tackle. How fun is it to think about Shaq lining up against Pro Bowl defensive ends like Peppers and Indianapolis Colts star Dwight Freeney?

• G Nate Robinson, New York Knicks (5’9”, 180 lbs.) Robinson played cornerback while at the University of Washington, so this is no shocker.

• G Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers (5’11”, 165 lbs.) - Now this might come as a shocker, but it shouldn’t. Iverson was an All-State football star in high school. He also has insane speed and quickness, excellent hands, and has a knack for getting open. Add the fact that he’s tougher than your old lunch lady’s chicken fried steak, and it’s obvious that A.I. would be a stud slot receiver. Think Az Hakim (they even look alike.)

Bench

* G Fred Jones, Indiana Pacers (6'2", 220 lbs.) - Jones, a former NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champ, could be a phenomenal reciever. There wouldn't be a CB in the NFL that could match his serious hops. Well, unless you count Nate-Rob.

* G Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets (6'4", 210 lbs.) - Kidd has all the itangibles o####reat scrambling quarterback--smarts, speed, passing accuracy, elusiveness and leadership ability. In my mind, he might just be the best QB in Jersey (and yes, that is a knock on the J-E-T-S for passing on Matt Leinart).

* G Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons (6'3", 210 lbs.) - LenDale White's cuz has safety written all over him. Football seems to be in his family, and as a member of the Pistons, he's definitely tough enough.

* G-F Raja Bell, Phoenix Suns (6'5", 210 lbs.) - Skinny, but as we all witnesssed last night, he can hit. The best clothesline since #### "Night Train" Lane.

* F James Posey, Miami Heat (6'8", 220 lbs.), Posey would make a great special teams player. I can tell you this: He wouldn't have gotten suspended for that downfield shoulder tackle he made on Kirk Hinrich. He would've been congratulated. Needs to work on wrapping up, though.

* F Danny Fortson, Seattle Sonics (6'7", 270 lbs.) Fortson might just have the horsepower, wheels and motor necessary to play DE in the NFL. However, he would have to shed those girly pigtails for sure.

* C Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons (6'9", 250 lbs.) Big Ben would have to beef up to play DE, but I can see him as a relentless pash rusher that rings QB's bells. Can't you?