5 players who switched positions after joining the NFL

NFL position change - New England Patriots

The New England Patriots apparently had a tendency to switch players' positions during the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era. It's quite uncommon for one team to make so many such changes, but you can't argue with the results.

Houston Texans v Dallas Cowboys

Mike Vrabel

Mike Vrabel was known as a versatile outside linebacker for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, winning three Super Bowls in that span. His coaching career was solely defense-based, but Bill Belichick had Vrabel developing his skills as a tight end.

Vrabel had eight total passes, all for touchdowns, during his time with New England, and he did so while also being an elite linebacker. He caught touchdown passes in both Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX.

New York Jets v New England Patriots

Devin McCourty

Devin McCourty's position change was minor, but highly successful. He entered the NFL as a cornerback, even making the Pro Bowl in 2010. But he eventually saw a decline in his production and the Patriots decided to trade for Aqib Talib to replace him.

They didn't get rid of McCourty, though. Instead, they moved him over to safety. There was an obvious transition period but he made it back to the Pro Bowl in 2016 as a free safety, an impressive feat.