Ottawa native Akheem Mesidor, a defensive lineman at Miami, is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Five Canadians have been taken in the first round of the draft. Some facts:
1986 — Mike Schad, OL. Queen’s, No. 23 overall by Los Angeles Rams. Schad, of Belleville, Ont., is not only the first Canadian-born player to go in the first round but so far the lone Canadian university player to do so. He played for the Rams (1986-88), Philadelphia (1989-1993) and Cleveland (1994) before finishing his football career with the CFL’s Ottawa Rough Riders (1995).
1989 — Tony Mandarich, OL, Michigan State, second overall by Green Bay Packers. No Canadian has gone higher in the NFL draft than Mandarich, of Oakville, Ont. Often referred to as, “the best offensive line prospect ever,” Mandarich never lived up to that lofty billing. In fact, he enjoyed more success later in his career with Indianapolis (1996-98) than he did with Green Bay (1989-92).
1996 — Tim Biakabutuka, RB, Michigan, eighth overall by Carolina Panthers. Biakabutuka left the former Zaire with his family at age four as they settled in Montreal. Biakabutuka enjoyed a stellar college career but injuries limited him to just 50 games with Carolina (1996-01). Biakabutuka ran for 2,530 yards (4.1-yard average) with 17 touchdowns while adding 77 catches for 789 yards and three touchdowns.
2011 — Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor, No. 23 overall by Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia had high hopes for Watkins, projecting the then 26-year-old as a rookie starter but released the Kelowna, B.C., native Aug. 31, 2013. Watkins signed a one-year deal with Miami shortly afterwards but in 2014 left football to realize a childhood dream of becoming a firefighter.
2019 — N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State, No. 32 overall by New England Patriots. Born in Toronto, Harry relocated to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a baby before moving to Arizona. He was twice a Pac-12 all-star at Arizona State (2016-18). Harry was with New England (2019-21), Chicago (2022) and Minnesota (2023-24) and Seattle (2024), registering 64 catches for 714 yards with five TDs.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 26, 2026.
The Canadian Press
