2018 CFL draft

[jerrym]

University of Connecticut OL 6'5" 312 lb Trey Rutherford, who is the #2 ranked CFL scouting bureau prospect, has accepted an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Rutherford played in 12 games as a senior at the University of Connecticut. Over his Huskies career, the Markham, Ontario native played in 44 games. ...
Rutherford put forth a strong final season at UConn and further cemented his status as a top prospect in the 2018 CFL draft. If he shows well at the NFLPA Bowl more NFL looks could come.

http://3downnation.com/2018/01/12/ca...e-bowl-invite/

[jerrym]

Here's the latest CFL scouting bureau prospect list.

http://3downnation.com/2017/12/13/cf...inter-edition/

[OV Argo]

Here's the latest CFL scouting bureau prospect list.

http://3downnation.com/2017/12/13/cf...inter-edition/

The 3down site has an article about a bunch of those CFL draft prospects going to a US pro scouting event in Florida upcoming. - could somebody please link it to this thread. And this could be the main 2018 CFL draft thread ?

And in addition to Rutherford going to that NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are also the 2 CIS players (Korte - Olineman (Alberta) and Cibasu - receiver (Carabins) going to the US East-West Shrine Game.

[Wobbler]

Why not? I'm a big fan of the draft, like you, OV, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about the prospects.

[OV Argo]

Why not? I'm a big fan of the draft, like you, OV, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about the prospects.

??? - why not what ?

I was just hoping somebody could link that article about the number of Canadians going to that US scouting camp - to help track the draft prospects - here in this one thread.

[jerrym]

I was just hoping somebody could link that article about the number of Canadians going to that US scouting camp - to help track the draft prospects - here in this one thread.

I think this is what you meant.

Canadian players, including those coming from the CIS, are getting more opportunities to profile their skills in the US each year, as reflected in the growth of their presence at the Collge Gridiron Showcase.

The College Gridiron Showcase has grown exponentially.
Craig Redd, a former certified agent, and Jose Jefferson, a former coach and current athletic director, founded the U.S.-based event which began in 2015. The goal: allowing late round and undrafted prospects to be showcased to as many scouts as possible.
“We’re not the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Game and we’re not trying to be. They’ve been around a long time, they worry about the first, second, third round picks, that’s not the player who we’re going after,” Redd said. “We’re going after that player who needs some more exposure.”
The first-year goal was a modest ten scouts: instead, 65 scouts from 26 NFL teams and 10 to 15 from six of the nine CFL teams showed up, far exceeding expectations. After running a week of practices in preparation for a game in 2015, the format was changed in 2016 and it has remained the same since. It’s an organized training activity style, meaning individual drills, one-on-ones and team periods. ...

Year two saw 85 NFL scouts representing 30 of the 32 NFL clubs and 15-20 from seven of nine CFL teams make the trip to Texas. And year three 111 NFL scouts, 32 of 32 NFL teams and the same CFL numbers. Clearly scouts like the format of the event.
And the number of players getting legitimate pro opportunities backs that up. In three years, 273 players have received NFL opportunities, or about 60 per cent of attendees. There are 45 players from the Showcase on NFL rosters, 16 of whom were drafted. All four players from Canada were selected in the CFL draft and 18 players are currently on CFL rosters. ...
Eight prospects from Canada were invited in 2018 after Canadian company stepped up to sponsor athletes for the week. ...
“Because of the type of players we get, the late round NFL guys rounds four through seven and undrafted free agents, that’s where a lot of scouts make their money,” Redd said. “Earning their recognition and finding those diamonds in the rough, late round gems who end up making their roster and contributing to their franchise.”

http://3downnation.com/2018/01/10/co...rican-flavour/



Five of the eight Canadians invited to the 2018 College Gridiron Showcase come from the CIS rather than from American colleges, reflecting its growing recognition as a source of talent. The five CIS Canadians, as well as the three from American colleges, are profiled below. The CiS players are: OL Andrew Pickett, FB and LS David Mackie, WR Tyrone Pierre, DB/LB Jackson Bennett, and DB Godfrey Oneyka.

http://3downnation.com/2017/12/29/ei...iron-showcase/

[OV Argo]

That's it = thanks Jerry

[doubleblue]

So what is Popp's need this year? I didn't think much of his picks last year, but he didn't have a #1 thanks to the infamous Willy trade. To me it looks like a good O Line year, but there a few good WR's and then a few guys like Oneyka who could become a great Safety in the CFL. Also Laurent at DT.

Picking at #9 IMO Popp will have to decide between an O Lineman or a WR to get one of the better players in the draft. If he takes a Lineman all the good WR's will be gone by #18 and vica versa.

But there has always been some head shakers taken in the CFL draft and History shows with good reason. That never seems to change.

[OV Argo]

So what is Popp's need this year? I didn't think much of his picks last year, but he didn't have a #1 thanks to the infamous Willy trade. To me it looks like a good O Line year, but there a few good WR's and then a few guys like Oneyka who could become a great Safety in the CFL. Also Laurent at DT.

Picking at #9 IMO Popp will have to decide between an O Lineman or a WR to get one of the better players in the draft. If he takes a Lineman all the good WR's will be gone by #18 and vica versa.

But there has always been some head shakers taken in the CFL draft and History shows with good reason. That never seems to change.

Popp had a history of loading up on NI O-linemen with the Als - had guys in the pipeline when they were starting 5 NIs there; and this is IMO a very deep O-line crop coming up; not sure if the pencilled-in plan is to go with 4 or just 3 NI O-line starters, but might be a good draft year to draft a top guard prospect and see if the guy can contribute (sooner than later); last year's top pick - Mason Woods - did not pan out (except for trade value), so maybe try again with the top pick ? And the O-line crop is maybe deep enough that they could wait till the 2nd round, and maybe use the top pick on another position (not sure where the real need is there either? - a future safety maybe (i think Gabriel could play cover OLB more and he is a good tackler/blitzer to have closer to the line), so Onyeka (Laurier) or Bennett (GGs) might be real good prospects there

As for receiver - a few good prospects on the board; but I really don't see any Argo need there with Williams, Ralph, Noel or Brian Jones still around - one of them could be the little used wide-side WR if need be or just provide good ole depth, and it might be Coombs who is the only starter at slotback ?

Agree with your last sentence for sure - CFL draft = always good for head shaking or a real laugh. ;o)

[paulwoods13]

So what is Popp's need this year? I didn't think much of his picks last year, but he didn't have a #1 thanks to the infamous Willy trade. To me it looks like a good O Line year, but there a few good WR's and then a few guys like Oneyka who could become a great Safety in the CFL. Also Laurent at DT.

Picking at #9 IMO Popp will have to decide between an O Lineman or a WR to get one of the better players in the draft. If he takes a Lineman all the good WR's will be gone by #18 and vica versa.

But there has always been some head shakers taken in the CFL draft and History shows with good reason. That never seems to change.

it's way too early to judge the 2017 draft, but we got three guys who played regularly on special teams and look like they will be able to contribute for years, plus a guy (Woods) who we were able to use to acquire a potential franchise QB. If Evan Foster ends up panning out, we might have done pretty well for a draft without a first-rounder.

As for this year, I hope we get at least a couple of o-linemen as well as a DT. WR would be nice but we have decent depth there already in Williams, Noel, Ralph and Jones.

[jerrym]

it's way too early to judge the 2017 draft, but we got three guys who played regularly on special teams and look like they will be able to contribute for years, plus a guy (Woods) who we were able to use to acquire a potential franchise QB. If Evan Foster ends up panning out, we might have done pretty well for a draft without a first-rounder.

As for this year, I hope we get at least a couple of o-linemen as well as a DT. WR would be nice but we have decent depth there already in Williams, Noel, Ralph and Jones.

I agree that it is too early to assess the Argos' 2017 draft. Many successful first year draftees in the past in the CFL spent a year developing on the PR or playing a very restricted role. Edmonton thought enough of Woods to not only trade away the rights for a potential franchise QB but to throw in a third round draft choice. Oneyka had 14 ST tackles, the same number as former Argo and fourth year Bomber Thomas Miles, while Robert Woodson was good enough in his first year to get some game action and make 8 DT and 7 ST, thereby showing promise for the future. It's not impossible that Foster and Justin Herdman could pan out in the long run also.

[jerrym]

CIS 6'3", 241 lb receiver Regis Cibasu from the University of Montreal will be playing in the East West Shrine game on Saturday, January 20th. The video accompanying the following article shows him catching a pass in pre-game practices.

The Shrine Game is the oldest American college football all-star event that has served as an NFL launching point for the likes of Canadian tight end Antony Auclair, offensive lineman Geoff Gray, defensive lineman David Onyemata and offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif in recent years.
For more than three decades, at least two Canadian university players have been invited to the annual game in Florida. It features a week of practices in front of NFL and CFL coaches and scouts followed by a game broadcast on the NFL Network, this year that will be on Jan. 20.

Montreal’s offence was more about ball control and limiting turnovers so there weren’t many passes being thrown around. Cibasu had 27 catches for 387 yards and two touchdowns, which included a 99-yarder, in seven games as a senior with the Carabins. Over four years in USports, Cibasu has 145 receptions for 1,797 and seven touchdowns.
Cibasu burst on to the USports scene as a freshman with 90 receiving yards in Montreal’s 2014 Vanier Cup victory and earned game MVP honours for his effort. Since then Montreal’s talented receiver has developed further and added more muscle to his already impressive frame. Carabins head coach Danny Maciocia said from day one when Cibasu stepped on campus that he could have a chance to play in the NFL if full potential is reached. Physically, Cibasu already has a pro body – one NFL scout believes he has the size – and possesses natural ball skills and run-after-the-catch ability.
The last receiver from the Quebec conference to get a Shrine Game invite was Samuel Giguere in 2008 who spent parts of four seasons with the Colts and Giants before coming north to the CFL where he’s played six seasons.

http://3downnation.com/2018/01/16/un...t-shrine-game/

[OV Argo]

CIS 6'3", 241 lb receiver Regis Cibasu from the University of Montreal will be playing in the East West Shrine game on Saturday, January 20th. The video accompanying the following article shows him catching a pass in pre-game practices.



http://3downnation.com/2018/01/16/un...t-shrine-game/

Als cut Gigure; Mavis is probably going to need one NI receiver to play (little used wide-side WR) in the 5 pack as part of his 7 only need apply plan.

They might be able to draft Cibasu and hope he can fill that role (local guy connection could maybe help with a bit of fan interest?) - but they have a few other NI receivers still around plus last year's draft pick Morrison (good receiver at UBC) who should come to TC.

Hope to watch that Shrine game tomorrow (on NFL Network i think) and see how Cibasu and Alberta O-lineman Korte might fare.

[OV Argo]

Als cut Gigure; Mavis is probably going to need one NI receiver to play (little used wide-side WR) in the 5 pack as part of his 7 only need apply plan.

They might be able to draft Cibasu and hope he can fill that role (local guy connection could maybe help with a bit of fan interest?) - but they have a few other NI receivers still around plus last year's draft pick Morrison (good receiver at UBC) who should come to TC.

Hope to watch that Shrine game tomorrow (on NFL Network i think) and see how Cibasu and Alberta O-lineman Korte might fare.

Watched this game.

Korte played a bit and lined-up at guard; looked pretty good except for one whiff block attempt.

Cibasu did not play much at all and did not have a pass thrown his way that I saw.

Overall - very poor offensive passing display in this game; dropped passes galore and inaccurate throws by the QBs (except for one real nice deep TD pass)

[cfl-cis fan]

it's way too early to judge the 2017 draft, but we got three guys who played regularly on special teams and look like they will be able to contribute for years, plus a guy (Woods) who we were able to use to acquire a potential franchise QB. If Evan Foster ends up panning out, we might have done pretty well for a draft without a first-rounder.

As for this year, I hope we get at least a couple of o-linemen as well as a DT. WR would be nice but we have decent depth there already in Williams, Noel, Ralph and Jones.

how was the 2016 draft ............

[paulwoods13]

how was the 2016 draft ............

Still too early IMO, but looks pretty good from this narrow vantage point. Our first seven picks have all dressed for games, three dressed for this year's Grey Cup. Cross plays regularly on offence, Noel is a special teams beast, Kolankowski and Campbell have both contributed as o-line backups/tight ends, Jones and Sackey have potential that may or may not come to fruition, Newton seems to be the most marginal prospect but he has seen action on special teams.

[OV Argo]

I have no idea what/where the Argos will be thinking/looking for the upcoming draft.

Real good & deep O-line crop it seems, but if Kolankowski, Campbell & Sackey are still around from a draft 2 years ago (and hopefully progressed/learned) - then is there need to draft another O-lineman? - maybe if you see a blue-chip starter type and that could well be (Mason Woods was not i guess - be interesting to see how he fares with the Esks).

And the Argos seem plenty deep with NI receiver "depth" - especially if only one (Coombs) is going to get real playing time in the 5 pack ?

And Finley & Gaydosh (maybe Waud too?) provide good DT depth behind Laing at another pencilled-in NI starting position.

Gabriel, Matt Black (or does he get cut again?) and last year's promising (it would seem) DB draft pick Woodson still around for the D-backfield.

Herdman and Onyeka from last year's draft made the roster and can still be around as LB back-up/depth and special teamers ?

Might be a year for the Argos to go real long-range with their picks - best "player" or "athlete" types with no real need to draft at a specific position or area ? However - Not many (if any?) NFL type interest / not going to show in the CFL for awhile = long-range / project/ pipeline type guys, seem to be on this 2018 draft board ? OR - maybe use a draft pick or 2 as trade bait to go get a specific known CFL player from another team ?

[doubleblue]

Yah I agree with you OV that the Argos are in the position with their Canadian content to take the best player available. IMO Popp best picks last year were the later round guys Woodson, Herdman and Onyeka. The day I saw Woods get pancaked at the combine by a much smaller Boateng told me a lot right there. Boateng by the way would have been a much better pick than either Woods or Foster IMO, and it wasn't like he was not a known player. Foster might be of some value if he turns into a ST demon, but at about 5'10 225 (not 6'1 245) he will never be a DE in the CFL. The other three showed enough that they can play at least as good backups in the League. I think Woodson has some possibilities. Jamal Campbell is still on track to eventually start at OT or Guard. Don't know about the other two. Kolankowski maybe at center down the road. But as Obie always says, "better is better". So it would make sense to grab another OLineman when they are available. Ryan Hunter out of Bowling Green (6'4 325)?

Canadian receiver depth look pretty good IMO with Coombs, Ralph, Noel, Williams and even Charette who started some with Montreal. Brian Jones is a FA and might move on as he doesn't seem to fit Trestman's mold. But better is better so how about Mark Chapman (6'1 190) out of Central Michigan who is rated #10

But then maybe Popp couldn't go wrong grabbing S Godfrey Onyeka (6'3 205) out of Western with the 9th pick. Gabriel has had concussion issues and Black is getting up there age wise.

The first two rounds potentially look good this year. Very difficult for any of the Leagues GM's to mess up. So what could go wrong? Oh almost forgot there's that little issue we call draft history, and we always say "what were they thinking with that pick".

[OV Argo]

Yah I agree with you OV that the Argos are in the position with their Canadian content to take the best player available. IMO Popp best picks last year were the later round guys Woodson, Herdman and Onyeka. The day I saw Woods get pancaked at the combine by a much smaller Boateng told me a lot right there. Boateng by the way would have been a much better pick than either Woods or Foster IMO, and it wasn't like he was not a known player. Foster might be of some value if he turns into a ST demon, but at about 5'10 225 (not 6'1 245) he will never be a DE in the CFL. The other three showed enough that they can play at least as good backups in the League. I think Woodson has some possibilities. Jamal Campbell is still on track to eventually start at OT or Guard. Don't know about the other two. Kolankowski maybe at center down the road. But as Obie always says, "better is better". So it would make sense to grab another OLineman when they are available. Ryan Hunter out of Bowling Green (6'4 325)?

Canadian receiver depth look pretty good IMO with Coombs, Ralph, Noel, Williams and even Charette who started some with Montreal. Brian Jones is a FA and might move on as he doesn't seem to fit Trestman's mold. But better is better so how about Mark Chapman (6'1 190) out of Central Michigan who is rated #10

But then maybe Popp couldn't go wrong grabbing S Godfrey Onyeka (6'3 205) out of Western with the 9th pick. Gabriel has had concussion issues and Black is getting up there age wise.

The first two rounds potentially look good this year. Very difficult for any of the Leagues GM's to mess up. So what could go wrong? Oh almost forgot there's that little issue we call draft history, and we always say "what were they thinking with that pick".

You seem convinced that Evan Foster is so under-sized at DE; but at the CIS East-West Combine he measured 6-2, 220 - may have been a mistake or a misprint on the height but no way he is 5-10 IMO - he was a play-making DE in CIS ball (arguably as good as Boateng) and also has more athletic testing #s than Boateng (like 30 bench reps = very strong for a smaller rush end type); Boateng BTW goes 6-1, 240 range - so hardly big for a DE and he looked excellent as a rookie playing DE for the Esks; like to see Foster get some playing time at DE for the Argos - but maybe the coaches don't grade him that well - i bet he could play - like Boateng showed. ALL CFL teams made a mistake, IMO, on passing on Boateng in last year's draft (Ottawa - in big-time need of DE help; drafted a long-snapper and a back-up fullback type instead - WTF ?) And if Foster is not playing some DE or making a big impact on STs - maybe time to move on from him ?

I'd like to see the Argos maybe draft a safety prospect too (not sure if Woodson will get a shot there?) - Gabriel got moved around lots (seemed to me) in Chamblin's moving parts back 8 last season - at corner in some looks and up closer as an OLB at times - i think he could play lots as an OLB - good tackler and can blitz well. Godfrey Onyeka (all-star corner in CIS ball but slowish 40 time might mean he will be converted to S in the CFL - has big safety size like a Loffler); or Jackson Bennett (GGs) - very athletic player with safety plus size (6, 212) - who showed versatility playing both in the D-backfield and at LB for the GGs, plus returned kicks.

I bet Chapman - leading receiver on a Div I team (qualified as a National somehow all of a sudden? - Canadian parent maybe) - will be gone early this draft - and Argos have lots of other NI receivers - so don't waste a 1st rounder on the guy - unless they think he is another Paul Masotti or something ;o)

I'd also bet - given Popp's history with Montreal + drafted Woods 1st last year - he will load up on some more O-linemen in this draft that features a deep crop - could maybe well wait till 2nd and 3rd rounds and still get a couple of good prospects - but go for the best pure OG types - maybe Hunter that you mention or Pickett (Guelph)

[doubleblue]

I was wrong on Foster OV. He checked in at the combine 5'11 3/8" 225 25 reps. Doesn't look that tall in person. But Boateng 6' 1/2" 233 16 reps was available. I remember Foote getting some reps at DE in one home game anyway. Not big enough against the big OT's in the League now but was quick off the ball. But who knows maybe they can develop him into a MLB. About the right size.
I watch a bit of CIS ball. I had Spooner rated ahead of Woods and Boateng away ahead of Foster and hind sight kind of backs that up. Maybe they didn't interview very well, who knows.

I saw Pickett you mentioned from Guelph play this year. Looks like he could be a good Guard in the CFL, but with all the NCAA guys coming out this year he might not go until the 2nd or 3rd round.