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According to multiple reports, wide receiver Mark Chapman who was the first overall pick in the 2018 CFL Draft is expected to sign with the Denver Broncos. Per reports, the Broncos were following Chapman closely throughout his senior season at Central Michigan.
WR Mark Chapman en route to Denver to sign deal with @Broncos. The 2018 #1 overall recently indicated to @Ticats he wanted to come to CFL ... then Broncos offered him a deal. #CFL
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) July 25, 2018
Chapman was selected in the first-round of the 2018 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The two-sides could not come to terms on a deal and Chapman even tried out for the New York Giants during their rookie minicamp but did not make the team. Now he will join the Broncos and try to crack their 53-man roster or latch on to their 10-man Practice Squad.
During the CFL Combine, Chapman impressed scouts in attendance which helped him being the first overall pick. Here’s a blurb from Hustlebelt.com about his performance at the Combine.
Chapman was a high riser on the CFL radar after a monster combine performance, and was being considered as the first pick even before Montreal traded out of the pick. Chapman posted a 4.69 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump, a 10 feet and 7 1/4 inch broad jump and a 4.12 shuttle exercise in the CFL Combine, wowing scouts with his quick feet and athletic ability in one-on-one drills.
Chapman played five seasons at Central Michigan and put up some solid numbers during his time there. During his career, he totaled 147 receptions for 2,040 yards and 10 touchdowns. This past season, Chapman totaled 59 receptions for 875 yards and 5 touchdowns. Now the 5’11’, 183lb wide receiver will look to make the Broncos roster.
The Broncos are signing Chapman because they had two wide receivers end up on the did not report list. Those players being former third-round pick Carlos Henderson and UDFA Jimmy Williams. Looks for Chapman to replace one of them on the 90-man roster as they decide to move on.
Chapman will now compete with Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, Jordan Taylor, Isaiah McKenzie, Kenny Bell, John Diarse, River Cracraft, Tim Patrick, and Jordan Leslie for a spot on the Broncos 53-man roster or 10-man Practice Squad.
Here are some highlights of the newly signed Broncos wide receiver.