Mesidor and More: How 2026’s International Draft Picks Fared and Who to Watch in 2027
Over the years, the NFL has made greater strides to increase its appeal overseas. The current season has seen games take place in Brazil, the U.K., and Australia, with international games expected to form a key part of the league’s plans for the future.
While the audience has grown, so too has the number of non-American prospects who are eligible in the draft each year. The 2026 edition proved to be one of the more striking for the number of players beyond American borders that were either picked or signed as free agents. But how have they performed in the regular season so far? And how likely is a non-American prospect to be taken in the early rounds in 2027?
Akheem Mesidor showing promise amid Chargers woes
Canada is no stranger to producing NFL prospects, with the sport incredibly popular north of the American border. However, the 2026 draft marked only the sixth time that a Canadian was taken in the first round, as Akheem Mesidor was selected by the Chargers with the 22nd overall pick.
Los Angeles had high expectations entering the season, which have given way to disappointment, but their latest first-round selection has been a bright spot amid the frustration. Mesidor has recorded 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks, while the edge rusher also forced a fumble in the 23-17 loss to Denver.
As a Canadian first-round pick, Mesidor gives readers north of the border a reason to follow the Chargers, despite a disappointing season. He’s expected to feature against the Texans on Sunday, November 8, and bettors outside of Ontario and Alberta can claim the Tonybet promo code in Canada, which can be used on NFL games throughout the season.
How other non-US draft picks have fared in 2026
Canada has produced several talents who have gone on to enjoy excellent NFL careers, but 2026 also saw German tight end Marlin Klein hear his name called in the second round. The now-Houston Texan caught a 16-yard reception against the Buffalo Bills, and while he has been a healthy scratch in several weeks of the season, more opportunities will come as he gains NFL experience.
The 2026 draft also marked another successful year for the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. First established in 2017, it has kickstarted the careers for players who reside outside of the U.S. and Canada, such as Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata, with Seydou Traore and Uar Bernard picked in this year’s draft.
Neither player has played regularly so far. While Traore has been an active member of the Miami Dolphins roster, seventh-rounder Bernard has spent time on the practice squad after being waived in August. Another IPP player, Kansei Matsuzawa, also made the practice squad in Las Vegas after being waived by the Raiders.
Americans to dominate top order of 2027
Mesidor might have flown the flag for international stars in the 2026 draft, but a few other prospects look like they could be ones to watch in 2027. While American players look set to dominate the top order, Manchester-born Emmanuel Oyebadejo has looked impressive for the Florida Gators, and the edge rusher could be taken on Day Two.
Additionally, the IPP could offer prospects a route into the third or potentially even the second day, as fans saw when Traore was picked by Miami this year. Americans will continue to dominate the league, but the global appeal of the NFL is only set to increase as more international talents make active rosters.