Canadian defensive back Sydney Brown’s stock will be on the rise following an outstanding performance at the 2023 NFL Combine.
The London, Ont. native measured in at five-foot-10 and 211 pounds ahead of Friday’s workout, blazing an official 4.47-second forty-yard dash with a 1.51-second ten-yard split — the fourth fastest run by a safety this year. Brown posted a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump and 40.5-inch vertical, good enough for second and third in the position group respectively. He also recorded 23 reps on the bench.
The University of Illinois product had a career year after taking advantage of his extra year of COVID eligibility in 2022, recording 59 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, 13 pass breakups, six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. He was named first-team All-Big Ten by the conference’s coaches and earned a second-team All-American selection from USA Today, before receiving an invite to the prestigious Reese’s Senior Bowl.
A five-year starter for the Fighting Illini at strong safety, Brown played 51 career games and amassed 319 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, four forced fumbles, 26 pass breakups, 10 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. He was a three-time All-Big Ten honoree in college.
A graduate of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Florida, Brown is the second-ranked prospect in the 2023 CFL Draft according to the league’s winter Scouting Bureau list, one spot behind his identical twin brother, running back Chase Brown. Chase will perform for NFL scouts at the Combine on Sunday.
Both brothers are expected to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, with Sydney projected to go as high as the second round.
