5 Canadian NFL Draft prospects 49ers should select in 2023

No. 1: Chase Brown is expected to go first overall in the CFL Draft

Imagine being the parents of Chase and Sydney Brown. You have two extremely talented kids who are destined to live their dreams of playing pro football. But you have to think about their backyard days. Who decided they were going to be the running back?! Which one of them tackled the hardest?!

Either way, you have Chase and Sydney ranked side-by-side in the CFL.

Chase Brown has a bit of Christian McCaffrey in him. He’s not afraid to make first contact, has the ability to bounce off the line and his speed takes him to the next level.

On any other NFL roster, he’d probably be a backup. Like Hubbard with Carolina, good enough to be on the roster but needs to prove himself.

However, the 49ers produce quality running backs like wild. Give Brown a shot in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and we could see this kid challenge CMC within the next couple of seasons.

Pros

Here’s what Zierlein had to say about Canada’s top prospect:

"Adept at following and steering lead blocks into linebackers. Sets up his open-field moves to elude tacklers. Fluid routes coming out of the backfield. Good hand-eye coordination making catches on the move."

Cons

"Ball security issues popped up in 2022. Looks for cutbacks prematurely, limiting linebacker flow. Very average power through first contact."

Among many awards, Chase was the recipient of the Jon Cornish Trophy. Cornish played for the University of Kansas, before making a name for himself with the Calgary Stampeders. Cornish is from New Westminster, BC and the award goes to the top Canadian in NCAA Division One football.

Look for many of these Canadians to be drafted in both leagues this spring.