First overall CFL pick, receiver Mark Chapman going to Denver Broncos

Canadian receiver Mark Chapman is heading to the Denver Broncos, per sources.

The Broncos training camp begins on July 28. Chapman had been followed closely by Denver scouts throughout his senior NCAA season and the draft process.

He attended New York Giants rookie mini-camp but did not receive a contract offer. However, Chapman was impressive and put that on film for other teams around the NFL to see. All 32 teams attended the Central Michigan University pro day where Chapman performed well. Clearly, the Broncos took notice offering a contract in advance of training camp.

Chapman was selected No. 1 overall in the 2018 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but the team and player were “light years apart” during contract negotiations in May. He came to Hamilton on June 29 watching the Ticats beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Bob Young’s private box, although, the meeting was positive, no deal came to fruition.

Chapman led Central Michigan University with 59 receptions and 875 yards while reaching the end zone five times in 13 games during his senior season in 2017. He made 147 receptions for 2,035 yards and 10 touchdowns over four years with the Chippewa’s.

The son of a marine, Chapman was ready for pro football deployment and it’s going to be in Denver for the start of his career.