Canadian defensive backs perform for CFL, NFL scouts at Michigan State pro day

Photo courtesy: Michigan State Athletics

Canadian defensive backs Malcolm Bell and Devynn Cromwell performed at Michigan State University’s pro day on Thursday.

Bell ran an official forty-yard dash in the 4.50-second range, though multiple scouts clocked him at 4.48 seconds, sources told 3DownNation. He also ran a 4.36-second short shuttle and 7.13-second three-cone drill.

The six-foot-one, 191-pound defender also completed 12 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, leapt 33.5 inches in the vertical jump, and a ten foot, one inch broad jump. His arms measured in at 33 inches, which is considered extremely long for a cornerback.

The native of Montreal, Que. played 12 games and made 11 starts for the Spartans in 2025, recording 33 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four pass knockdowns, and one sack. He previously played at the University of Connecticut where he made 93 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 13 pass knockdowns, and one forced fumble over 33 games.

Cromwell recorded 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, leapt 40.5 inches in the vertical jump, and an eleven-foot, three-inch broad jump. Among safeties at the 2026 NFL Combine, he would have placed first in the broad jump, tied for first in the bench press, and ranked third in the vertical jump.

The five-foot-eleven, 200-pound defender was unable to complete testing after suffering an injury to his lower body, the severity of which remains unclear.

The native of Toronto, Ont. played 21 games over the past two seasons at Texas Tech University and Michigan State, making three starts and recording 28 total tackles. He started his collegiate career at the University of Guelph, where he was named a second-team U Sports All-Canadian at halfback in 2021.

Sources told 3DownNation that Michigan State’s pro day was attended by eight CFL teams — all but the Montreal Alouettes. There were also over 20 NFL teams present.

In 3DownNation’s first 2026 CFL Mock Draft, Bell was a late-first-round pick, while Cromwell was projected as a third-round pick.

The 2026 CFL Draft is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

John Hodge
John Hodge is a longtime Canadian football reporter, insider, and podcaster for 3DownNation. Based in Winnipeg, Hodge is also a freelance television and radio broadcaster and curling reporter for Rock Channel.