Four Canadian Players Selected in the 2024 NFL Draft
April 30 2024 - 2:21PM
This season's 2024 NFL Draft saw four players drafted from Canada,
showcasing the breadth of talent from the region as the NFL
continues to prioritize international growth at all levels of the
game.
The first Canadian selected in the 2024 NFL Draft was in the
third round. With the 71st pick, the Arizona Cardinals selected
Isaiah Adams from the University of Illinois. Adams, an Ajax,
Ontario native, started in 25 games during his time at Illinois,
earning an academic all Big Ten honors and an invitation to the
2024 Senior Bowl.
In the fourth round (No. 107 overall), the New York Giants
selected Theo Johnson, from Pennsylvania State University. Johnson,
from Windsor, Ontario, spent four seasons at Penn State, appearing
in 44 games with 29 starts, 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12
touchdowns. He was named a team captain in his senior year.
With the 126 overall pick in the fourth round, the Detroit Lions
selected Giovanni Manu from the University of British Columbia.
From Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Manu was the first-ever
football player from the University of British Columbia to be
selected in an NFL Draft. He spent four seasons at the University
of BC and was named a 2x All-Canadian – seeing 502 offensive snaps
in 2023.
In the sixth round (No. 194 overall), the Cincinnati Bengals
selected Tanner McLachlan from the University of Arizona.
McLachlan, a Lethbridge, Alberta native, walked on to the
University of Arizona football team after playing two seasons at
Southern Utah University. He currently holds University of
Arizona’s school reception record with 79 receptions.
“We are thrilled to have seen four Canadian athletes drafted
this season, as we continue to prioritize global expansion at the
NFL,” said NFL Canada Managing Director David Thomson.
“Congratulations to all, and we look forward to following each
player as they begin their NFL careers.”
In addition to the players that were drafted, four Canadian
athletes were also signed as undrafted free agents, including:
- Theo Benedet (University of British Columbia) to the Chicago
Bears
- Kyle Hergel (Boston College) to the New Orleans Saints
- Anim Dankwah (Howard University) to the Philadelphia
Eagles
- Casey Bauman (Augustana University) to the Los Angeles
Chargers
For more information, please contact:Holly
Wilks, Narrative PR, holly.wilks@narrative.ca