International players from UK, Germany, Nigeria, Canada and Japan selected in the 2026 NFL Draft
British tight end Seydou Traore spearheaded a group of international players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft alongside prospects from Germany, Nigeria, Canada and Japan.
Traore was taken in the fifth round, 180th overall by the Miami Dolphins, completing a path to the NFL from humble beginning with the London Warriors and as a member of the first intake of players at the NFL Academy in 2019.
He played in the British American Football League and the NFL Academy under legendary English coach Tony Allen, who was also a mentor to Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who followed a similar path. Traore is the first member of the Academy to be selected by an NFL team in the annual draft.
“He is a tough route runner and showed the ability to make plays in the SEC,” said Dolphins Director of College Scouting Matt Winston of the tight end who was born in France, grew up in London and played college football at Mississippi State. “When you are looking at the International kids you want to see them do it on the field first.”
