The road to the 2025 NFL Draft is heating up as draft-eligible players showcase their talents at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. While this annual event doesn’t always feature the biggest names, it’s a prime opportunity for many prospects to make a lasting impression on NFL scouts. This year, Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma has captured attention as the first player from a Canadian university to earn an invite to the Senior Bowl.
Elgersma: Canada’s NFL Hopeful
Taylor Elgersma, a 6-foot-5, 212-pound quarterback from London, Ontario, is aiming to become the first Canadian-born quarterback in 20 years to make an NFL roster. The last Canadian quarterback to do so was Jesse Palmer in 2003. Elgersma played for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, where he showcased steady development over three seasons as a starter.
Here’s a look at his college stats:
- 2022 (10 games): 2,141 passing yards, 15 TDs, 9 INTs, 125 rushing yards
- 2023 (11 games): 3,482 passing yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs, 182 rushing yards
- 2024 (13 games): 4,252 passing yards, 35 TDs, 11 INTs, 245 rushing yards
The Senior Bowl Opportunity
Elgersma’s inclusion in the Senior Bowl wasn’t guaranteed. With limited spots for quarterbacks (typically six to eight), the competition was stiff. But when another invitee dropped out, Elgersma got his chance thanks to endorsements from coaches and NFL insiders. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy highlighted Elgersma’s size and arm strength as key factors in his selection:
“Just from a tools perspective, him being almost 6-foot-5 and 213 pounds and clearly having the arm strength on tape… it isn’t a question at all.”
Why the Senior Bowl Matters for Elgersma
Unlike most prospects who come from Division I powerhouse programs, Elgersma’s experience is limited to Canadian college football. This has made his Senior Bowl performance crucial for gaining recognition. The showcase allows him to prove that his strong college numbers can translate to the NFL level. While he’s had some good moments in practice, including showcasing his arm strength, he also threw a costly interception, highlighting areas for improvement.
How Does Elgersma Compare to NFL Talent?
Physically, Elgersma has drawn comparisons to former first-round pick Paxton Lynch due to his size, arm strength, and ability to make plays outside the pocket. His mobility isn’t elite, but it’s sufficient for extending plays when necessary. Scouts are particularly interested in seeing how he performs against top-tier competition in the Senior Bowl game.
Canada’s NFL Pipeline
If Elgersma earns a spot in the NFL, he will join a growing list of Canadian players making an impact in the league. Currently, 27 active players hail from Canada, including notable names like WR Chase Claypool, RB Chuba Hubbard, and S Jevon Holland.
Here’s a quick list of active Canadian-born NFL players:
- OG Isaiah Adams (Arizona Cardinals)
- RB Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals)
- WR Joshua Palmer (Los Angeles Chargers)
- S Jevon Holland (Miami Dolphins)
- DT Neville Gallimore (Los Angeles Rams)
What’s Next for Elgersma?
Whether or not Elgersma is selected during the 2025 NFL Draft, his Senior Bowl performance will be a key factor in his NFL journey. Even if he goes undrafted, strong showings could lead to a training camp invite or a practice squad opportunity. His size, tools, and determination give him a chance to be the next Canadian success story in the league.
Taylor Elgersma’s path to the NFL is a testament to hard work and perseverance. With the right opportunities, he could be the next player to make history as a Canadian quarterback in the league. His performance at the Senior Bowl will be crucial, but his physical attributes and steady growth suggest he’s ready for the next challenge.
