Canadians in play for 2015 NFL draft

The 2015 NFL draft will be held in Chicago from Thursday April 30 to May 2. Here’s a look at the Canadians who could be in play on draft day. A number of Canadians may also find their way onto NFL rosters as undrafted free agents.

Top 4: 

Christian Covington (Vancouver, BC), DL – Rice

NFL.com grade: 5.37

Strengths (via NFL.com)

Shoots out of stance and into blocker with good pad level and forward lean. Brings natural power to the party. Effective two-gapper who plays with proper arm extension. Keeps linemen at end of his length and keeps eyes trained on the backfield. Frees himself from blocks with jerk-and-shed action. Athletic movement in space. Can cave interior of the pocket with initial jolt and sustained bull rush.

Full NFL.com scouting report: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/christian-covington?id=2552602

Tyler Varga (Kitchener, Ontario), RB/FB – Yale

This 2010 Football Canada Cup offensive MVP (Ontario West) is an intriguing option for NFL teams because of his versatility. Used primarily as a halfback, some NFL teams view him as a fullback because of his physique and outstanding blocking ability.

NFL.com grade: 5.23

Draft Projection: Round 5 or 6.

NFL.com Bottom Line

Could get pushed into the fullback genre when, in reality, he’s a running back and an instinctive one at that. Varga’s ability to run and catch gives him a shot at the back end of a depth chart, but he might have to show he can take snaps as a move fullback and shine on special teams to make an NFL team.

Full NFL.com scouting report: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/tyler-varga?id=2552578

Brandon Bridge (Mississauga, Ontario), QB – South Alabama

This 2009 Junior National Team alumnus is described as raw but full of potential because of a powerful arm and rushing ability.

NFL.com draft grade: 5.04

Draft projection: Round 7 or priority free agent

NFL.com Bottom Line

That size, arm and athleticism are definitely traits worth taking a chance on, and Bridge could become an interesting talent down the line if a team is able to get his mechanics and touch where they need to be.

Full NFL.com scouting report: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/brandon-bridge?id=2552641

Brett Boyko (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), OL – UNLV

At 6’7” and 310-pounds, Boyko found a home on the UNLV o-line after playing quarterback and defensive line in high school.

NFL.com grade: 4.99

Strengths (via NFL.com)

Good length. Keeps back flat in pass set and keeps head out of his initial punch. Intelligent player and well-liked within program, according to scouts. Four-year starter at left tackle. Can redirect and get some initial pop when he gets full extension.

Draft projection: Priority free agent.

Full NFL.com scouting report: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/brett-boyko?id=2552354

CIS players:  

Can a CIS player get drafted in consecutive years? A year ago McGill’s Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was selected in the 6^th round by the KC Chiefs. More likely a few off this list will get scooped up as undrafted free agents.

Trevaughn Campbell, (Toronto, Ontario) DB – University of Regina

Trevaughn Campbell may possess the best opportunity for a CIS player to get drafted over the weekend but its a bit of a long shot. More likely he may be given an opportunity as an undrafted free agent. Campbell opened some eyes when he posted a record-setting 40-yard dash at the 2015 CFL combine. He could join a string of former Rams in the NFL including Akiem Hicks (NO Saints), Stefan Charles (Buffalo Bills), Jorgen Hus (KC Chiefs), Jon Ryan (Seattle Seahawks) and newly signed OL Brett Jones (NY Giants).

Byron Archambault (Montréal, Québec) LB – Université de Montreal

Another 2009 Junior National Team alum, Archambault was considered by some to be too small and too slow to play at the next level. His exceptional performance at the CFL combine may have put those question marks to rest. Archambault put up 41-reps on the bench press (225 lbs), leading the field in 2015 as well as placing him second in combine history. He continued to perform well, showing his mobility by posting the top shuttle time (ahead of receivers and defensive backs) as well as the 4th best 3-Cone Drill time at the combine. Keep an eye on this Carabin moving forward even if he does not get his name called on draft day as he could find his way into the NFL via free agency just like his teammate David Foucault did a year ago.

Others to watch: Daryl Waud (DL, Western), Sukh Chungh (OL, Calgary), Danny Groulx (OL, Laval) and Ron Omara (LB, StFX).