5 Canadian NFL Draft prospects 49ers should select in 2023

No. 2: Sydney Brown would elevate the 49ers secondary immediately

Defensive back Sydney Brown can be compared to current 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga. They’re similar in height and weight, have the tendency to remove the player from the ball, and are always looking for the turnover.

Brown is from London, Ontario, spending his college career at Illinois. He played in the Senior Bowl due to his splendid 2022 season. Brown racked up a total of 59 tackles, and six interceptions while contributing seven pass breakups.

He was impressive at the NFL Combine with a 4.47 40-yard dash, 23 reps on the bench press, and registered 40.5 inches at the vertical jump. Currently, the Canadian is slated to be an average backup or special teams player.

Brown could benefit from some time in the CFL, but there are NFL draft boards that have in going in Round 2. He’ll definitely go within the first two to three picks in the CFL draft, but the dream is south of the border.

Pros

Zierlein gives some thoughts on Brown’s strengths:

"Uses force to slow tight end’s route release. Exploits the crevices as run defender in the box. Steps downhill to create a firm edge against an outside run."

Cons

If Zierlein is correct in his scouting, there are some concerning disadvantages:

"Struggles to stay connected in man coverage. Below average change-of-direction quickness in space. Urgent charge to the throw leads to imbalance in tackle attempts after catch. Ball-carriers slip from his grasp too often."

Despite his NFL scouting report, Sydney Brown is ranked second in CFL scouting. Put him in the right defensive scheme and his ceiling is sky-high.