Pair of Canadian prospects selected high in the NFL draft

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The NFL Draft wrapped up last weekend, with the three-day slog ending with 259 players drafted across 7 rounds. Every year there seems to be more and more Canadian prospects selected in the draft, as the sport continues to grow in Canada with the popularity of the NFL.

In recent years, Chase Claypool of the Chicago Bears, Jevon Holland of the Miami Dolphins, and Josh Palmer of the LA Chargers were drafted and have made an immediate impact with their teams. Also, who could forget Kansas City Chiefs lineman Laurent Duvarnay-Tardif? Drafted in 2014 out of McGill, Duvarnay-Tardif made headlines throughout his career for working on his medical residency while in the NFL. The Quebec native put his career on hold during the pandemic, and again for this upcoming season to work as a legitimate doctor. The former Chief has a 2020 Super Bowl title to his name.

The 2023 draft included two names that were drafted in premium rounds, and are surely to make an impact at the next level, perhaps even as soon as this season.

Matthew Bergeron, Offensive Guard, Atlanta Falcons (2nd Round), Victoriaville, Quebec

Starting with the highest drafted Canadian. Victoriaville, Quebec native Matthew Bergeron was drafted 38th overall by the Atlanta Falcons. The offensive lineman played his college ball at Syracuse, in part because it was a reasonable drive from his home town.

Bergeron has a massive frame, coming in at 6’5″ and 322 pounds. Despite playing offensive tackle in college, he is expected to shift inside to left guard, where size and strength is valued more than athleticism.

Bergeron’s profile is quite similar to Duvarnay-Tardif’s, with both hailing from Quebec and converting from tackle to guard in the pros. However, Bergeron comes in with significantly more hype, as he was drafted much higher than Duvarnay-Tardif (6th round).

The Atlanta Falcons are going through a bit of a transition, pivoting to 2nd year quarterback Desmond Ridder. The team used their first round pick on generational running back talent Bijan Robinson. Needless to say, Bergeron should play an important role in pass protection as well as opening holes for Robinson.

Here’s hoping the young French-Canadian has a long and illustrious career.

Sydney Brown, Safety, Philadelphia Eagles (3rd Round), London, Ontario

Sydney Brown became the second Canadian drafted after being selected by the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in the 3rd round. Brown played his college ball at the University of Illinois.

Brown projects as a sub package safety that could be a chess piece type of defender at the next level. Some tackling issues may have dropped him down some teams boards a bit, but his athleticism, versatility, and instincts should earn him plenty of playing time going forward. He has the benefit of joining an Eagles defense which ranked 2nd in the NFL in yards allowed last season.

Brown will look to follow in the footsteps of Holland, another Canadian safety who was drafted in the 2nd round in the 2021 draft. The Miami Dolphins safety has been an impact player since his first season, and could perhaps be a mentor type figure for Brown going forward.

Time will tell if Bergeron and Brown become starters in the NFL. The cool thing is that just about every year now, there are at least a few Canadian prospects drafted and set up for success.

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