Defensive Tackle Neville Gallimore was the top Canadian prospect for the CFL and NFL before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. The 6’2′, 302 pound Ottawa native has the tools to succeed, but can he put them all together for a long NFL career? Let’s take a look at Dallas’ prospect and see what may lie in store for him.
Neville Gallimore Profile: Canadian Talent of the NFL
Background of the Canadian Cowboy
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 17, 1997, Gallimore attended St. Patrick’s High School before transferring to the Canada Prep Academy in Welland. He played teams across the United States, giving him the exposure needed to be recruited to the University of Oklahoma. 247Sports.com tagged Gallimore as a four-star prospect, the 51st best prospect overall, and the seventh-best defensive tackle prospect. Rivals.com had him as a four-star prospect, the number 83rd overall prospect, and the ninth-best defensive tackle prospect. Scout.com had Gallimore as a four-star prospect, the 88th overall prospect, and the top Canadian prospect. ESPN.com rated him a four-star prospect, the 165th overall prospect, the 16th-best defensive tackle prospect, and the top Canadian prospect. Gallimore became the first Canadian to compete in the U.S Army All-American Bowl. He selected the University of Oklahoma to continue his career.
University Achievements and Awards
During his collegiate career, Gallimore totaled 148 tackles including 18 tackles loss. He also had nine sacks with two passes defended and five forced fumbles. Gallimore received a 2018 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and became a finalist for the Jon Cornish Trophy. In 2019, he received First-Team All-Big 12 Honors from the media and Second-Team from the coaches. He declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Draft Projection and Selection
The Cowboys drafted Gallimore 82nd overall in the third round of the NFL draft and the Saskatchewan Roughriders drafted him 71st overall in the eighth round of the CFL draft. He signed a four-year $4,680,449 rookie contract with the Cowboys. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein predicted Gallimore to be a second-round selection, comparing him to current Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Quinton Jefferson.
Scouting reports labeled Gallimore as a very raw talent that suffers from imbalance and a lack of steadiness when set in position. Surprisingly, he doesn’t play up to his size and can be pushed aside, but he has speed and good to help make up for his lack of strength. He has the work ethic and the ability to constantly create pressure on the quarterback, forcing rushed and interceptable passes.
Play To Date and The Future Ahead
In his first season with the Cowboys, Gallimore racked up 28 tackles including four tackles for loss. He also hit the quarterbacks four times and defended one pass. Gallimore became the starter after Gerald McCoy and Trysten Hill both suffered season-ending injuries. He has started the 2021 season on the injured list.
Gallimore’s first season was tough as he was thrust into a starter’s role in the middle of the campaign. He did well considering the circumstances, but losing some time with injury this season may set him back a bit.
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