The Detroit Lions were the first team to register interest in Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne, but they aren't alone.
Hayne, a two-time MVP of Australia's highest-level Rugby League competition, recently announced his intention to leave the sport to chase his NFL dream. A long-time fan of the NFL, Hayne got rave reviews from Lions RB Reggie Bush, and also made an impression on the Seattle Seahawks when visiting their practice facility earlier in the year.
According to FoxSports.com.au, six NFL teams are in the running for the dynamic fullback. Despite having the same name as an NFL position, there isn't a direct NFL equivalent to a Rugby League fullback. Involving kick returning, defensive prowess (the fullback is typically the last line of defense for rugby teams) and running with the ball, Hayne could fill a variety of roles for the NFL team that lands him. Teams would likely start Hayne out as a return man on special teams - a position his rugby experience makes him well-suited for.
The Lions - on the advice of Bush - have offered Hayne a deal that would see him train with the team on a trial basis. The Seahawks have been confirmed as one of the other teams interested in the former Parramatta Eels star, but the four other teams remain a mystery. We wouldn't be at all surprised to see a few teams struggling with their return game (New Orleans, Cleveland, Tennessee, NY Jets) take a long look at Hayne, who will be training in Los Angeles while he weighs his NFL options.
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