Scouting Report: Analyzing Canada’s Talent Pool for the NFL Draft

By Rupert Walters

October 22, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The NFL draft has evolved into a global event, showcasing talented players from countries beyond the United States. Canada has emerged as a significant source of talent, producing notable players such as Jevon Holland, Josh Palmer, Benjamin St-Juste, Matthew Bergeron, and John Metchie III.

The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft is anticipated to further expand this trend, with many Canadian prospects projected to be selected.

NFL draft choices –

Theo Johnson, Te, Penn State

Theo Johnson, Te,

Theo Johnson emerged as a reliable pass-catching option at Penn State, accumulating 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns over four seasons. Hailing from Windsor, Ontario, he was regarded as the top Canadian prospect in the 2020 recruiting class and lived up to expectations throughout his college career.

Johnson’s pre-draft profile improved as he showcased his skills alongside the most athletic testers at the NFL Combine. Among participating tight ends, he excelled, ranking first in the shuttle (4.19) and placing second in the 40-yard dash (4.57), vertical jump (39.5 inches), and broad jump (10-foot-5). His performance positioned him as a likely top-100 selection in the draft.

Isaiah Adams, Ol, Illinois

Isaiah Adams initially played in Canada at Wilfrid Laurier University.

In contrast to most Canadian prospects, Isaiah Adams initially played college football in Canada at Wilfrid Laurier University before transferring to Garden City Community College and, eventually, Illinois. During his time at Illinois, Adams demonstrated versatility by playing tackle and guard.

Adams excelled at tackle and guard positions throughout his two-year stint at Illinois. Although his nearly 34-inch arms are ideal for playing tackle, his strength and ability to overpower defenders in the running game make him better suited for guard. Adams, a native of Ajax, Ontario, is considered an underrated prospect who can seamlessly fit in at either left or right guard.

Anim Dankwah, Ot, Howard

Anim Dankwah: He stands out with impressive measurements, including a height (nearly 6-8), weight (353 pounds), wingspan (85.5 inches), and arm length (35 1/8 inches)

Anim Dankwah possesses the blend of size, length, and strength that NFL teams highly value in a developing offensive tackle prospect. He stands out with impressive measurements, including a height in the 91st percentile (nearly 6-8), weight in the 97th percentile (353 pounds), wingspan in the 94th percentile (85.5 inches), and arm length in the 82nd percentile (35 1/8 inches), as per MockDraftable. It’s rare to find NFL prospects with such imposing physical attributes.

Dankwah played for five seasons at Howard University in Washington, D.C., participating in 39 games. As a three-year starter at left tackle, he has gained valuable experience leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. Dankwah’s performance peaked in the recent season, allowing a career-low 11 pressures in 2023.

Moreover, betting fans can check the transfer odds at Sports Interaction Canada. They can also engage by placing wagers on the expected transfers.

Qwan’tez Stiggers, Cb, Toronto Argonauts

Earning a spot with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. His impressive performance for the Argonauts, including starting all 16 games, notching 53 tackles, and five interceptions, culminated in him being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie for the 2023 season.

Despite being born in Atlanta, Georgia, Stiggers has perhaps the most remarkable story of any prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. In 2020, he was slated to play college football at Lane College, an HBCU program, but tragedy derailed his plans.

Following his father’s passing in a single-vehicle accident, Stiggers was forced to leave school prematurely. Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to play college football as the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subsequently, Stiggers joined the Fan-Controlled Football League, an indoor 7-on-7 format, before earning a spot with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). His impressive performance for the Argonauts, including starting all 16 games, notching 53 tackles, and five interceptions, culminated in him being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie for the 2023 season.

Stiggers continued his improbable journey to the 2024 NFL Draft by turning heads at the East-West Shrine Bowl. With more than 10 pre-draft visits, he has garnered significant interest from NFL teams.

Although Stiggers is not Canadian by birth, Canada has played a crucial role in his football journey. Although he never played college football, his draft selection will mark a historic moment in his career.

Tanner Mclachlan, Te, Arizona

Wildcats’ all-time leading receiver among tight ends.

Tanner McLachlan showcased his skills as a formidable pass-catching option during his time at Arizona, where he amassed 79 receptions for 984 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons. His performance made him the Wildcats’ all-time leading receiver among tight ends. McLachlan’s journey to Arizona, where he walked on from Southern Utah, demonstrated his ability to compete at a higher level.

At the NFL Combine, McLachlan caught the attention of scouts with a 4.61-second 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical jump. Hailing from Lethbridge, Alberta, he is viewed as a tight end capable of stretching the seam, with the versatility to line up attached to the line of scrimmage as the “Y” or play in space as a modern “F” tight end.

Final Thoughts

The NFL draft has evolved into a global event, showcasing talents from beyond the United States, with Canada emerging as a notable source. The upcoming 2024 draft is expected to continue this trend, with Canadian prospects like Theo Johnson, Isaiah Adams, Anim Dankwah, Qwan’tez Stiggers, and Tanner McLachlan demonstrating the country’s depth and diversity of talent.

The NFL Draft – a global event.