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Rob Gronkowski is one of the best athletes running around in the NFL - but how would he fare in the 15-man code?

OPINION: An American football writer landed himself in hot water this week with rugby-mad Kiwis, after daring to suggest that the NFL's best players could "dominate" world rugby.

But before our patriotic pride causes us to completely dismiss his claims, let's take a look at what a NFL XV might look like and how they could potentially stack up.

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT

When looking at what kind of players could transition from football to the 15 man code, the front row is perhaps the toughest position to justify. So, let's go with Suh. The Miami Dolphins' enforcer plays defensive tackle. Explosive, aggressive and happiest when mixing it with the big boys up front.

Height: 1.93m. Weight: 139kg.

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2. Mike Tolbert, FB

A full back's job is to block/protect the quarter back, and Tolbert is the best in the business at that, never one to back down from physical contact. A strong carrier of the ball, however, lineout throwing would be an issue.

Height: 1.75m. Weight: 110kg.

3. Khalil Mack, DE

The 2017 NFL defensive player of the year is a physical freak, plain and simple. Mack has carved out a career throwing bodies onto the ground and has raw, off the mark power. Could be a weapon at set piece. 

Height: 1.91m. Weight: 112kg.

4. Rob Gronkowski, TE

The undisputed best tight end in the NFL, the one they call Gronk is practically an unstoppable force when catching the ball and accustomed to running right over the top of defenders. The big man is injury prone, however.  

Height: 1.98m. Weight: 120kg.

5. Travis Kelce, TE

A weapon with ball in hand and earns his dollar blocking, Kelce would be right at home packing down in the second row and carrying the ball into contact two wide of the ruck. At 118kg, he'd be a big ask to get up at lineout time. 

Height: 1.98m. Weight: 118kg

6. Luke Kuechly, LB (c)

If you wanted a leader in the pack, look no further than Kuechly. The 27-year-old line backer is a tackling machine with a nose for the ball and a good turn of pace. Perfectly built for the side of the scrum. 

Height: 1.91m. Weight: 107kg. 

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Von Miller sacks Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins last year.

7. Von Miller, LB

The Super Bowl 50 MVP would be the stuff of nightmares for opposing first five-eighths. Miller is by far and away the best pass rusher in the NFL. Lightning-quick acceleration and aggressive in contact, your prototypical open-side flanker. 

Height: 1.91m. Weight: 113kg.

8. Leonard Fournette, RB

Sam Cane would have his work cut out for him trying to drag down this beast - as would any flanker in world rugby for that matter. Fournette is one of the best young running backs in the NFL and a physical freak. His combination of speed and power could be a weapon off the back of a scrum. Defence would need a lot of work.

Height: 1.85m. Weight: 103kg.

9. Russell Wilson, QB

Flair, speed, communication and expert decision making. Wilson is exactly the type of experienced head you would want barking orders at the pack. Throwing passes with two hands instead of one would take some getting used to.

Height: 1.8m. Weight: 93kg.

10. Colin Kaepernick, QB

The NFL don't seem to want the controversial superstar, so perhaps a code hop would do the former 49er some good. Big, fast and cool under pressure, Kaepernick certainly has the temperament for the number 10 jumper. If nothing else he would certainly generate some media hype. 

Height: 1.93m. Weight: 103kg.

11. Odell Beckham Jr, WR

Every rugby team needs a player who can create something out of nothing, and the one they call OBJ has that is spades. The league's best wide receiver is electric on his feet, has great hands and blinding speed. A defensive liability, but worth the risk.  

Height: 1.8m. Weight: 90kg.

12. Marshawn Lynch, RB

He might be in the twilight of his career, but 'Beast Mode' is the exact player you'd want setting a target in the midfield. Think Ma'a Nonu with longer dreads.

Height: 1.8m. Weight: 98kg. 

13. Le'Veon Bell, RB

The best running back in the NFL would be right at home at centre. Bell's combination of speed, power and footwork would make him a nightmare for opposing backlines. 

Height: 1.85m. Weight: 102kg.

14. Julio Jones, WR

You couldn't get much safer under the high ball than Jones. The Falcons' wide receiver has the safest pair of hands in the NFL and the ability to finish half chances. Like OBJ, he would need some serious hours on the tackle bags. 

Height: 1.91m. Weight: 100kg.

15. Earl Thomas, FS

Leader of the legendary Sea Hawks defensive unit dubbed 'the legion of boom', Thomas is just the man you would want at fullback as a last line of defence. A former kick-returner in his youth also, the free safety would not look out of place on the counter attack.

Height: 1.78m. Weight: 92kg.

 - Stuff