Kelowna’s Danny Watkins was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles at the number 23 position in the National Football League draft. The draft took place at Radio City music hall in New York City. Danny, who never played high school football, is a volunteer fire fighter and was greeted by thunderous applause by a group of New York city firefighters. After being congratulated by the NFL commissioner he was interviewed by “Prime Time” Deon Sanders. Watkins is the 17th Canadian ever drafted in the NFL, and the fourth to go in the first round.
A complete list of Canadians who have been selected in the NFL Draft:
Danny Watkins – 1st round Eagles 2011
Vaughn Martin – 4th round Chargers 2009
Austin Collie (born in Hamilton) – 4th round 2009 Draft – Colts
Nick Kaczur – 3rd round 2005, Patriots
OJ Atogwe – 3rd round Rams 2005
Jesse Palmer 4 round Giants 2005
Teyo Johnson (born in White Rock BC) – 2nd round 2003 Raiders (now plays in UFL)
Nate Burleson (born in Calgary) – 3rd round 2003 – Vikings
Jerome Pathon – 2nd round – 1998 Colts
OJ Santiago – -3rd round 1997 draft Falcons
Tim Biakabutuka – 1st Round 1996 Panthers
Mark Montreuil – 7th round San Diego Chargers in 1995
Tom Nutten – 1992 7th round Rams
Tyrone Williams – 1992 – 9th round — Phoenix
Tony Mandarich – 1989 – 1st round – Green Bay
Mike Schad – 1st round 1986 Rams
Rueben Mayes — 3rd round 1986 Saints
Chris Schultz – 7th round 1983 Cowboys
Danny Watkins (born November 6, 1984) is a Canadian offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Eagles in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was drafted fourth overall by the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in the 2010 CFL Draft, but played out his last year at Baylor University, the 2010 season. Watkins is also know for his work as volunteer firefighter in West Kelowna.
Watkins attended Butte College from 2007-2008 where he played for the school’s football team, helping them to a perfect 11-0 record in 2008.
Watkins transferred to Baylor University where he played football with the Baylor Bears football team, beginning in 2009.
As a senior in 2010, Watkins earned first-team All-Big 12 honors from numerous publications after leading the team with 134 knockdowns and an average coaches’ grade of 90 percent. He posted the highest grade of any lineman in 12 of 13 games and led the team in knockdowns in every game. Watkins was drafted fourth overall in the May 2010 CFL Canadian Draft by his hometown B.C. Lions, but he chose to return to Baylor for his senior season…2009: Starter at left tackle in all 12 games in first season at Baylor as junior in 2009… Earned first Baylor letter… One of 11 Bears to start all 12 games in 2009… Averaged an 89 percent grade over season from offensive line coaches… Totaled 103 knockdowns in 12 games…JUCO: Junior college All-American offensive lineman from Butte College in Oroville, Calif… Canadian with only two seasons of football experience… Rated No. 39 on Rivals.com’s junior college top 100 listing… Ranked 56th on SuperPrep’s Juco 100 listing… Named 2008 first-team All-America by JC Athletic Bureau as sophomore… Led Butte to perfect 11-0 season and 2008 California Community College Athletic Association championship as sophomore… Unanimous All-NorCal Conference selection at offensive tackle in 2008… Part of Butte line which accounted for 398.3 yards per game in 2008… Named to Region I All-California first team as sophomore… Played in all 22 games as freshman and sophomore at Butte.
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