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The rule of thumb for NFL drafts is that extra high quarterback prospects equals extra pleasure. Throw in a couple of nice receivers, the potential for some large trades and you have got your self a very good time.
By these measures, this yr’s draft ought to be higher than most.
When the made-for-TV spectacle begins tonight in Detroit, the highest three picks are nearly assured to be quarterbacks: USC star Caleb Williams is a lock to be chosen first general by Chicago, whereas Heisman winner Jayden Daniels of LSU will in all probability go second to Washington earlier than New England takes large Drake Maye of North Carolina with the No. 3 choose.
There are additionally three standout receivers on this yr’s draft class. Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr. (son of the Indianapolis Colts nice) is predicted to go fourth to Arizona, whereas LSU’s explosive Malik Nabers and Washington’s highly effective Rome Odunze are projected for the highest 10.
An enormous commerce appears like an actual chance as a number of groups in determined want of a quarterback will not be at the moment in place to nab one of many high three guys. Minnesota is the obvious candidate to commerce up within the draft after dropping Kirk Cousins in free company and never changing him with anybody (Sam Darnold doesn’t depend). The Vikings, who’ve the No. 11 choose, might be eyeing Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
Soccer followers on this aspect of the border may even be happy to know that, as soon as once more, a handful of Canadians are anticipated to be picked within the draft. Do not count on any to go within the first spherical tonight, however a handful ought to get chosen both Friday night time throughout rounds two and three or Saturday afternoon when the draft wraps up with rounds fourth via seven.
Final yr, a report 5 Canadians had been chosen — all in rounds two via 5. Three had been linemen, and none of them made a big effect as rookies. However working again Chase Brown confirmed some pop because the second-stringer for the Cincinnati Bengals, whereas his twin brother Sydney Brown, a security with the Philadelphia Eagles, had a 99-yard interception return for a landing earlier than tearing an ACL within the season finale.
To determine which Canadians would possibly get drafted this yr, I turned to my CBC Sports activities colleague Dion Caputi. He is a draft skilled who follows prospects year-round, and he is a Vikings fan. So you understand he is actually dialled in proper now.
Dion thinks 4 Canadians will get picked — two tight ends and two offensive lineman. Here is his scouting report on every participant and a estimate of the place within the draft they’re going to go:
Theo Johnson, tight finish, Penn State (spherical 2 or 3)
Dion’s take: The Windsor, Ont., native’s interesting traits embody a rocked-up 6-foot-6, 259-pound body, lengthy arms to create a big catch radius and “plus” straight-line pace for his place and measurement. He’ll make many contested catches downfield, and his ascending manufacturing in school affords the potential for a excessive ceiling beneath a extra structured NFL passing offence. Learn extra about Johnson right here.
Isaiah Adams, offensive line, Illinois (spherical 4)
Dion’s take: Adams, from Ajax, Ont., took an uncommon path to the NFL draft. He started his collegiate profession at Wilfred Laurier College in Waterloo, Ont., earlier than a quick cease at Backyard Metropolis Neighborhood Faculty in Kansas led him to NCAA Division I ball at Illinois. Adams proved to be a flexible commodity for the Illini, contributing each as a sort out and a guard. He is extra prone to find yourself as a guard within the professionals as a consequence of his energy and compact construct. Adams might be a five-plus-year starter within the NFL if he addresses some footwork issues.
Tanner McLachlan, tight finish, Arizona (spherical 5)
Dion’s take: Although he is thought-about a good finish, the Lethbridge, Alta., native’s ability set and bodily composition are extra akin to that of a contemporary “big-slot” receiver. McLachlan hauled in a mixed 79 receptions for 984 yards and 6 touchdowns over the previous two seasons after transferring to Arizona as a walk-on following a torn ACL at Southern Utah. He is not the most effective blocker, however his receiving expertise alone might get his identify known as early on day three of the draft if well being issues aren’t a difficulty.
Anim Dankwah, offensive sort out, Howard (spherical 7 or undrafted free agent)
Dion’s take: The Brampton, Ont., native is actually the largest offensive lineman within the draft, measuring 6-foot-8 and 353 kilos. With an imposing body and massive wingspan, he was Howard’s unquestioned starter on the all-important left sort out place for 3 straight seasons. However a lot meeting can be required together with his footwork and lateral effectivity on the professional stage, making him an intriguing long-term developmental prospect. The NFL loves a bodily specimen, and Dankwah suits the invoice.
Dion additionally wished to say defensive again Qwan’tez Stiggers, who just isn’t Canadian however was named the CFL’s Most Excellent Rookie final yr with the Toronto Argonauts after leaving school within the wake of his father’s sudden loss of life in 2020. Stiggers might go within the later rounds.
Huge College of British Columbia offensive lineman Giovanni Manu is also a late-round choose, which might make him the primary U Sports activities participant taken within the NFL draft in eight years.
