When David Onyemata’s name was first read out at the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago, it tied the longest streak in which Canada has seen one of their own selected at this stage. Between 1979-1984, nine players from Canada made it into the NFL, a figure which has climbed to 11 since 2011 – at an average of at least one player each year. With footballing talent in Canada clearly higher than it has been for years, there were number of exciting players who could be set to make a real impact in the NFL this year.
NFL Draft Town, Chicago, 2016 _ Flickr – Photo Sharing! 
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“NFL Draft Town, Chicago, 2016” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Design Feast
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the Canadian talent selected in this year’s Draft that could go on to make a name for themselves this season.
Tevaun Smith (Wide Receiver)
Despite going undrafted, Tevaun Smith became the second Canadian in two seasons to sign for the Indianapolis Colts, following in the footsteps of Tyler Varga last year. The receiver showed during his time at Iowa that he has the ability to produce the big plays, averaging 17.6 yards per catch in his senior year, including an 85-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the Big Ten Championship to secure the Hawkeyes’ longest offensive play of the season. Boasting a 4.33 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical, it was no surprise the Texans and the Colts were interested in signing Smith before Indianapolis moved first and tied the Toronto-born receiver to a deal.
David Onyemata (Defensive Tackle)
While other Canadians were forced to settle for free agent contracts, David Onyemata was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round. The Nigerian-born defensive end has enjoyed a remarkable road to the NFL, earning his place in the Draft after catching the eye of a number of NFL scouts during his time at the University of Manitoba. Onyemata has all the physical attributes to be a huge success in the NFL as a defensive tackle. The Saints will now be looking to see just how the youngster handles training camp before deciding on his role in a team priced at the time of writing at a 60/1 with next season’s Super Bowl odds.
Arjen Colquhoun (Defensive Back)
Something of a late entry into the 2016 Draft, Arjen Colquhoun now knows his NFL dream is alive after signing a free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys. A versatile member of the defensive line, the former Michigan State star made a name for himself last year at both cornerback and safety. Starting 11 games for his college in 2015, the defensive back racked up a career-high 45 tackles, 22 total passes defended and two interceptions, playing a key role in the Spartans going on to win a Big Ten Championship.
Mehdi Abdesmad (Defensive Line)
The only Canadian invited to the 2016 NFL Combine, Abdesmad was expected to be snapped up by an NFL team in this Draft. While he didn’t go in the Draft, the former Boston College star was snapped up by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent, and the defensive lineman now has a real chance of earning himself a real chance in the rotation over the next few months. Having missed the entire 2014 season with a knee injury, Abdesmad bounced back in 2015 and stood out with 49 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks for the Eagles before entering the Draft.
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