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| Marcus Cannon / Upper Deck |
Marcus Cannon was drafted by the New England Patriots as the 138th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Back in February, the 22-year-old Cannon arrived at the NFL combine as a powerful offensive lineman with a promising future ahead of him. However, Cannon's future quickly took a turn for worse when routine drug tests revealed he had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a form of cancer. Naturally, this diagnosis put scouts and teams on edge since it would be a gamble to see if this condition could affect his long-term health. With such a display of talent from the young prospect, it was questioned whether this terrible news would be enough to significantly affect his selection in the draft.
Originally, Cannon was projected to be drafted in the second round as scouts saw potential for his ability to open up the rushing game against defenders using his impressive 358 pound build. Various websites including Bleacherreport.com, held NFL mock drafts and they believed that the Indianopolis Colts were likely to select Cannon. The Colts suggested interest in him even after learning that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was recieving chemotherapy treatments. However, teams like the Cowboys and Steelers that were looking to draft Cannon withdrew their interest and only those with voids to fill on their team would likely take the risk. It became apparent that his appeal in the draft pool took a bigger dive than expected as the New England Patriots ultimately selected him in the fifth round.
Cannon's potential to recover fully was heavily considered by teams interested in him as they want him to play at his best. One of his representatives revealed that he would undergo chemotherapy until late June and doctors believed he had a 90% chance of beating the cancer. When asked about his condition, Cannon emphasized that he was trying to stay calm with his family and celebrate the fact that he was going to be in the NFL. His representatives also reassured that he is likely to withstand the effects of his treatments and Cannon himself said that he felt "awesome." Whether or not Marcus Cannon is physically ready to overcome his battle, it is clear that he has the positive mental capability needed not only to play, but excel in the NFL.
Originally, Cannon was projected to be drafted in the second round as scouts saw potential for his ability to open up the rushing game against defenders using his impressive 358 pound build. Various websites including Bleacherreport.com, held NFL mock drafts and they believed that the Indianopolis Colts were likely to select Cannon. The Colts suggested interest in him even after learning that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was recieving chemotherapy treatments. However, teams like the Cowboys and Steelers that were looking to draft Cannon withdrew their interest and only those with voids to fill on their team would likely take the risk. It became apparent that his appeal in the draft pool took a bigger dive than expected as the New England Patriots ultimately selected him in the fifth round.
Cannon's potential to recover fully was heavily considered by teams interested in him as they want him to play at his best. One of his representatives revealed that he would undergo chemotherapy until late June and doctors believed he had a 90% chance of beating the cancer. When asked about his condition, Cannon emphasized that he was trying to stay calm with his family and celebrate the fact that he was going to be in the NFL. His representatives also reassured that he is likely to withstand the effects of his treatments and Cannon himself said that he felt "awesome." Whether or not Marcus Cannon is physically ready to overcome his battle, it is clear that he has the positive mental capability needed not only to play, but excel in the NFL.
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