The recent 2023 NFL Draft produced a record number of Canadians selected by NFL teams, with five such prospects now set to embark on a career in the pros.
The event, which took place in Kansas City, saw quarterback Bryce Young taken at No.1 with the Carolina Panthers using the pick they acquired from the Chicago Bears to bring in a player they reckon will become their franchise QB.
As mentioned above, five Canadians were also drafted on the night, and you could get the scoop on the best of the lot right below.
Matthew Bergeron
The former Syracuse star was projected to be picked late in the first round or early in the second. The Atlanta Falcons took him off the board in the second, making him the 38th overall pick of the draft.
Bergeron grew up in Victoriaville, Quebec, and played several sports, including basketball, hockey, and soccer, while he was also a swimmer. He got an invite to a football camp at Syracuse in 2018 and later earned a Division I scholarship.
An offensive lineman, Matthew was able to work out with six-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Staley and the mentorship is likely to make a telling impact on his NFL career.
The 23-year-old could play offensive tackle on both sides, given his pure athleticism and versatility. And, though the Falcons aren’t expected to move the needle, Bergeron is certainly someone to pay attention to.
“I think he can play left tackle [in the NFL],” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said of the Canadian. “Occasionally he’s a little late off the snap so figure out what the heck that’s all about. That should be able to be solved.
“I think he can play tackle, I think he can stay at tackle. I know some might say, ‘Okay, you kick him to guard.’ I think he could do that but I didn’t see anything with him that would be a reason why I’d move him.”
Sydney Brown
Sydney Brown, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 66 overall (round 3), grew up in London, Ontario but moved to Florida to play his high school football before attracting attention from American colleges.
The 23-year-old safety ended up at Illinois, where he made the Big 10 first team in 2022. One of the most impressive players in the Senior Bowl, Brown met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the draft, but he was ultimately taken by Philadelphia, the team thought to have won the draft.
His versatility will come in handy for the Eagles as he can also slot in at cornerback.
Jeremiah rated Sydney the 68th prospect among all draft prospects but he was picked two spots better after his role in the nation’s most impactful defense. The former Fighting Illini standout made six interceptions in 2022, along with 59 tackles (3.5 for loss), one sack, and seven broken passes in 12 starts.
Chase Brown
Sydney’s brother Chase has also been drafted into the NFL, with the Cincinnati Bengals picking him at No. 163 overall in the fifth round. While the Falcons surprisingly drafted a running back at No. 8 overall and the Detroit Lions did so just four picks later, the position has become less of a commodity in the NFL, which left Chase with a slim chance of getting selected in the same round as his brother.
The former Illinois star enters the league with lots of expectations on his shoulders, having earned the reputation of a workhorse.
Brown finished fourth in rushing among D-1 players last season, as well as second among players in Power 5 conferences. He made 328 carries for a total of 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns, He scored another three touchdowns as part of the passing game, having registered 240 receiving yards.
The John Cornish Trophy winner also had an impressive outing at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“Brown was solid during on-field drills, making cuts and catching passes with more fluidity than some of his fellow combine RBs,” NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter said, per the Canadian Press. “He’s not going to break a lot of ankles in the NFL but I believe he displayed the speed and just enough shiftiness to be picked on Day 2 of the draft.”
As these talented Canadian prospects prepare to make their mark in the NFL, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2023-24 season. It’s an exciting time for football enthusiasts, and with the growing popularity of sports betting, there are even more opportunities for fans to engage with the game.
If you’re looking to add some extra excitement to the NFL season, you might consider exploring some of the top Canadian betting sites. These platforms offer a wide range of betting options, allowing you to wager on various aspects of the game, from predicting the outcome of a match to individual player performances.
So, as we eagerly anticipate the start of the 2023-24 NFL season, let us embrace the excitement of witnessing Canadian talents shine on the biggest stage of American football. Let’s come together to support and cheer for these remarkable athletes as they embark on their professional careers and make their mark in the NFL.
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