Illinois running back Chase Brown runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. Five Canadians are projected to be selected in this year's draft, which begins Thursday night in Kansas City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Darron Cummings
Multiple Canadians being called in the NFL draft is a trend agent Murphy McGuire doesn’t see ending any time soon.
Five Canadians are projected to be selected in this year’s draft, which begins Thursday night in Kansas City. If that happens, it would surpass the previous high of four (in 1986, 2014 and ’21).
“That’s just them coming down and saying, ‘Hey, I know what I want, I believe in this dream and I’m going to go do everything I can and work my tail off to get there,'” said McGuire, director client management for Octagon, a Houston-based agency in sports, entertainment and culture. “That’s what this draft class reflects.
“Moreover, going forward, I think we’re probably going to see more of this, not less of it.”
Should two or more Canadians be called this week, it would mark a fourth straight year that multiple Canucks have been taken in the draft.
McGuire represents Tavius Robinson, of Guelph, Ont., a defensive lineman who spent the last three seasons at the University of Mississippi. The other top Canadian prospects include: Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron, of Victoriaville, Que.; Illinois running back Chase Brown, of London, Ont., and his twin brother, Sydney, a defensive back at the school; and Eastern Michigan offensive lineman Sidy Sow, of Bromont, Que.
The six-foot-six, 257-pound Robinson began his college career at Guelph (2018-19). He transferred to Ole Miss before the 2020 season when the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled football north of the border for the entire year.
But even while with the Gryphons, Robinson said his goal was always to secure an NFL opportunity.
“I always wanted to play at the highest level and be the best player I could be,” he said. “Being at Guelph, obviously it was going to be harder to get that (NFL) shot but it was always in my head.”
At least one Canadian has been selected in the NFL draft since 2011 but nine have been taken since 2020. Overall, 70 Canucks have been drafted since 1966, which is the start of the Super Bowl era.
A big reason the recent increase in Canadian draftees has been the influx of Canucks into the NCAA football ranks. And more high-school players in this country are relocating to the U.S. to increase their chances of getting noticed by American universities.
Robinson said watching the likes of linebacker Jesse Luketa (Ottawa), receivers Chase Claypool (Abbotsford, B.C.) and John Metchie III (Brampton, Ont) and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore (Ottawa) excel in the NCAA ranks then get drafted into the NFL served as inspiration for him.
“I think it just goes to show how many good players we have up here,” Robinson said. “I think at the end of the day the difference between the universities (in Canada and U.S.) is the resources.
“I think if we had the same resources (in Canada) then you’d see more and more. It’s great to see (five Canadians with solid NFL draft prospects) and hopefully that number continues to rise every year. There are so many great football players in Canada and I always say they deserve a shot and the recognition.”
Throughout his time at Mississippi, Robinson understood he was also representing his native country.
“Most definitely,” he said. “All of the kids who have the same dreams as I do and want to do the same thing I do.
“I’m here to show them it’s possible.”
McGuire couldn’t agree more.
“It’s kids seeing that and saying, ‘If they can do it, why the heck can’t I?” he said. “Now, there’s a lot work involved, don’t get me wrong, I know what that kid (Robinson) has done to get here. He has worked his butt off.
“But I think it’s more so a testament to these kids wanting to come down here and be great. As corny as that may sound, it’s true. That’s what I chalk it up to.”
McGuire also gave the NFL kudos, saying it does a solid job of marketing its game on the world stage.
“It’s a global game and the more you see it, more kids want to be part of that,” he said. “I think in this world there’s more access to that than there’s ever been before.
“You’ve got to give the NFL credit.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 26, 2023.
