All-time fave Argo draft picks

[OV Argo]

In terms of football talent + value to the team.


My top 5 (without a real in depth look); in chrono order :

Paul Bennett - 77 (*territorial exemption in the day) - great DB/safety, outstanding punt returner; but only 3 Argo seasons

Chris Schultz - 82 (25th overall = steal)

Paul Masotti - 88 (15th overall = steal)

Kevin Eiben - 2001 (26th overall = steal)

Cleyon Laing - 2012 (9th overall)

All except Bennett were long serving Argos who contributed to a GC Champs team !

Time for another such great pick (and maybe a couple of guys from the last couple of draft classes pan-out that way)

[Wobbler]

Matt Black - 45th overall in 2008. Not a flashy player (with one obvious exception) and he spent more time as a backup/ST guy than as a starter, but incredible value for a 6th round pick.

And big bonus points for being a 10-year vet who played his entire career with the Argos. Who else has done that in the last 20 years? Eiben was close, but I can't think of anyone other than Black who actually pulled it off.

[carlos]

Matt Black - 45th overall in 2008. Not a flashy player (with one obvious exception) and he spent more time as a backup/ST guy than as a starter, but incredible value for a 6th round pick.

And big bonus points for being a 10-year vet who played his entire career with the Argos. Who else has done that in the last 20 years? Eiben was close, but I can't think of anyone other than Black who actually pulled it off.

Did Jeff Johnson make 10 years? Checks all the other boxes imo.

[gilthethrill]

Did Jeff Johnson make 10 years? Checks all the other boxes imo.

JJ entered the league as a member of the Hamilton franchise. He was not drafted by the Argos.

[Shatto]

I know this doesn't meet the criteria of best draft picks but could not let Andre Durie's name go unmentioned. During his time at York, he set rushing records and was mentioned in the media as a possible NFL player. A devastating leg injury meant he was unable to play his last 2 years at York and his football career looked to be over. The Argo management saw enough potential that they signed him even though he only saw spot playing time until his 4th year and then he took off. He was named as an Eastern All-Star in 2013. An great example of overcoming great adversity through determination.

Again apologies for going outside of the criteria but thought he deserved recognition.

[OV Argo]

I know this doesn't meet the criteria of best draft picks but could not let Andre Durie's name go unmentioned. During his time at York, he set rushing records and was mentioned in the media as a possible NFL player. A devastating leg injury meant he was unable to play his last 2 years at York and his football career looked to be over. The Argo management saw enough potential that they signed him even though he only saw spot playing time until his 4th year and then he took off. He was named as an Eastern All-Star in 2013. An great example of overcoming great adversity through determination.

Again apologies for going outside of the criteria but thought he deserved recognition.

Durie = undrafted; like Jerome Messam; or excellent kickers in Rene Paredes & Lewis Ward

Good on the Argos for bringing Durie in and giving him a chance - he was an outstanding talent (and even though he made it more as a receiver - a real double threat)