Top Canadian-born football players entering this year’s NFL draft

There is no doubt that football is a big deal in the USA and Canada. From people in North America who use pa sports betting sites to add drama to any game, to people in Canada who keep a keen eye on the NFL, it is arguably the biggest sport around. When it comes to football in Canada, this is perhaps the most promising year for a while in terms of college talent breaking through into the pro league via the annual draft.

As well as being very exciting for anyone who follows football in the country, it is also inspiring for any exciting college or high school players from Canada, increasing their belief that they can make it in the sport. Of course, it takes the right help and lots of hard work! As the names below show, it can be done if you have the talent to go with the support needed. But just which Canadian born football prospects will light up this year’s NFL draft?

Chase Claypool

Perhaps the biggest Canadian-born football prospect in this year’s NFL draft is Chase Claypool. Born in Abbotsford, he has been a real star in college football when playing for Notre Dame. He is quite simply an outstanding physical specimen who offers size, height and speed in the wide receiver position. At 6 feet 4 inches and 238 pounds, he is certainly a handful for any opposition defense! His 2019 college stats show his NFL potential with 13 touchdowns made and 66 passes caught. His sheer physicality also offers up plenty of mismatch opportunities for whoever drafts him. All teams need decent wide receivers to help their quarterback flourish. As a result, sides like the Colts or Patriots may be keen to snap Claypool up early in the draft.

Neville Gallimore

Originally hailing from Ottawa, Gallimore is another big prospect from Canada in this year’s upcoming draft. He plays his college ball at defensive tackle for the Oklahoma Sooners and has impressed while studying there. He is a big unit coming in at around 300 pounds and 6 feet 2 inches. This size and weight gives him the tools needed to compete effectively on the defensive line and to step up to the NFL. With great hands, superb acceleration off the snap and a high work-rate, he will surely be on the radar for any NFL team looking to beef up their interior defense this draft. While he does need to refine his game a little, his sheer directness will be a nightmare for any opposing NFL side to deal with.

JJ Molson

Only three Canadian born players got invited to show their talents in front of NFL scouts at February 2020’s Combine event – Claypool, Gallimore and JJ Molson. Coming from Montreal, Molson has impressed in college ball as a kicker for UCLA during his four years there. All NFL teams know how important the points that these specialist players bring in over a season are. Therefore, there are bound to be some in the hat for him in the 2020 draft. His career percentage in college ball is around the 69% mark. He has good power on him, and the ability to kick for up to 50 yards. While his stats are not out of this world, he is reliable and would be a good addition to any NFL team who need fresh blood in this area.

Nathan Rourke

We all know that quarterbacks spark the most interest from fans and teams alike which is why Ohio Bobcat’s Nathan Rourke is highly tipped to be picked up. Born in Oakville, Ontario, Rourke certainly seems to have all the attributes needed to succeed in the NFL. In his three years as starting QB for the Bobcats, he led them to the 2017 Bahamas Bowl, the 2018 Frisco Bowl and the 2020 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. This shows that Rourke not only has leadership skills, but also that elusive winning habit. When you also add in his superb passing, quick-fire running and dedication to improving off-field, it seems likely that any NFL team who is looking for a hot new QB for their roster will be calling.

2020 NFL Draft set to be big for Canadian born players

There is no doubt that this is an exciting year for football in Canada with so many hot prospects being in the draft. As well as the above, there’s Alberta offensive line Carter O’Donnell and SFU wide receiver Rysen John. One thing is for sure – this glut of young talent will not only help football in Canada gain new respect and to grow but will also give those stars of tomorrow in the country that are just starting out lots of motivation to make it as well.