CFL Draft

[jerrym]

Today is CFL Draft Day and questions abound, including will the Argos trade their number 3 draft position and who will they draft first. #5 TRADES THAT IMPACT THE CFL DRAFT discusses the changes in draft position from trades.



Here’s a list of everything you need to know heading into the 2015 CFL Draft, set to kick off on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
1. PRIORITY DRAFT ORDER
1. Ottawa 2. Winnipeg 3. Toronto 4. Montreal 5. BC 6. Saskatchewan 7. Edmonton 8. Hamilton 9. Calgary
Barring a trade, every team will have a chance to draft in the first round for the first time since 1996. Since then, either a trade or a defer to the Supplemental Draft has occurred.
There will be seven rounds in the draft.
2. WILL OTTAWA TRADE THE FIRST OVERALL PICK AGAIN?
The REDBLACKS shocked the CFL at last year’s draft when they traded the first-overall pick to Calgary for offensive lineman Jon Gott.
This year, Ottawa again holds the first-overall selection. Would they move it twice? Unlikely, as GM Marcel Desjardins hinted (http://www.cfl.ca/video/index/id/109765) that the team will likely select an offensive lineman with the pick.
3. HOW MANY OFFENSIVE LINEMEN WILL BE TAKEN IN THE FIRST ROUND?
CFL.ca’s prospect insider Justin Dunk released his final mock draft (http://www.cfl.ca/article/justin-dunks-final-2015-mock-draft) of the first round and it features the names of many offensive linemen. So many, in fact, that he predicts that six of the nine picks in the round will be offensive linemen – including the first five overall. Laval's Danny Groulx moved ahead of Calgary's Sukh Chungh and UConn's Alex Mateas.
4. RECENT DRAFT TRENDS

Over the past 15 years, 66% of draft selections have come from CIS schools.
In 2014, 98% of draft picks were from Canadian universities, the largest margin of the last 15 years.
In 2013, 73% of picks were from Canadian universities, second largest margin in the last 15 years.
In 2012, 47% of draft picks came from NCAA schools, the highest percentage in 14 years (this includes four draft picks from Simon Fraser University which now competes in the NCAA).
Offensive linemen have accounted for 25% of all draft picks since 2000, the most for any position group. Defensive linemen and receivers are next at 18% each.
The 18 defensive linemen drafted in 2014 are the most drafted at one position group in a single draft in the past 15 drafts.
Since 2000, of the 123 first round picks, 43 or 35% have been offensive linemen.
U. of Calgary has the most first round selections in the first round of the CFL draft since 2000 with nine.
U. of Calgary has had at least one prospect selected in the first round in three straight drafts.
U. of Calgary had three first round selections in the 2013 CFL draft, most ever.
5. TRADES THAT IMPACT THE CFL DRAFT

http://www.cfl.ca/article/five-things-to-know-heading-into-the-cfl-draft

[jerrym]

Here is Duane Forde's CFL Draft Primer.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-draft-primer-duane-forde-s-player-rankings-1.281227

[doubleblue]

New guy on Duane Forde's list at DE. Everett Ellefsen 23 years old at McNeese State in Louisianna listed in one write up as 6'3 233 and in the NFL combine list 6'2 247. Runs a 4.9 forty zand was a starter in DI ball. Don't know the Canadian connection. He would be about Ricky Foley's size. He looks like a Football player.

[jerrym]

Alouettes get 8th and 24th pick from Ticats for Ryan Bomben.

http://www.cfl.ca/article/als-acquire-8th-and-24th-pick-for-ol-ryan-bomben

[jerrym]

Ottawa RedBlacks take OL Alex Mateas from the University of Connecticut as first overall draft choice.

http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/football/cfl/redblacks-take-ottawas-alex-mateas-as-first-pick-in-2015-cfl-college-draft

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/alex_mateas_776850.html

[argolio]

Alex Mateas goes #1. Good credentials --a Penn State transfer who played three years at U Conn. He must have left PSU due to the scandal.

I miss Cohon doing the draft. it always looked like he was a bit high (in a good way).

[argolio]

Benevides is doing a nice job on the panel.

An o-lineman with a mean disposition is just what the Bombers need.

We're next!

[jerrym]

Winnipeg takes OL Sukh Chungh, a nasty beast who could have helped the Argos build their non-Caucasian fan base. Argos on the clock.

http://www.godinos.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2718

[jerrym]

Argos take Sean McEwen.

http://www.tsn.ca/tsn-ca-cfl-draft-profile-sean-mcewen-1.206789

[gilthethrill]

Why would we pick McEwen in the 1st round when has already announced he is going back to school????????

[jerrym]

I liked the "Brand new season" ad for Argo season tickets. Good to see some Argo advertising finally.

[argolio]

"might go back to school"

I hope picking him means there's no chance of that!

[jerrym]

Here's a video of Sean McEwen explaining his own strengths: his offfield preparation and athleticism.

http://www.tsn.ca/video/getting-to-know-sean-mcewen-1.247227

[gilthethrill]

"might go back to school"

I hope picking him means there's no chance of that!

This is one exception were I hope the kid doesn't stay in school!!! :)

There is a pic on the Argos site of him smiling wearing an Argo cap......maybe he is receptive of the selection?

[jerrym]

Some more background on McEwen.



Sean McEwen has been selected third overall by the Toronto Argonauts, instantly boosting the team’s size on the offensive line.
He appeared in eight games last year with the Dinos, starting two at centre. McEwen played in the East-West Bowl and was named a Canada West all-star and to the CIS first-team all-Canadian.


http://www.cfl.ca/article/argonauts-take-sean-mcewen-with-third-overall-pick

[gilthethrill]

Alouettes get 8th and 24th pick from Ticats for Ryan Bomben.

http://www.cfl.ca/article/als-acquire-8th-and-24th-pick-for-ol-ryan-bomben

That seems like a steep price....

[argolio]

That seems like a steep price....Could be, but the Ticats are getting an established player.

[jerrym]

I would have liked the Argos to have picked Demski with their second pick, but I knew it was highly unlikely he would be available. Saskatchewan grabs him in the first round.

[argolio]

Geroy Simon in the Lions' war room -- is he spying for the Riders?

[ArgoRavi]

Geroy Simon in the Lions' war room -- is he spying for the Riders?

Simon is back working with the Lions.

[gilthethrill]

Well, round 1 is complete...5 O-linemen off the board......

[argolio]

Simon is back working with the Lions.Ravi missed my super-funny joke. I'm sad. :cry:

[Fumblitis]

Simon is back working with the Lions.I think he's grooming to take Wallys job.

[Fumblitis]

Funny that Lemar Durant is still on the board.

[gilthethrill]

Jake Harty when earlier than I expected....and before Durant and Richards too....

[jerrym]

Here's a video of Argos' Sean McEwen pick, including an explanation by Jim Barker of why the Argos picked him.


http://www.tsn.ca/video/argonauts-select-sean-mcewen-third-overall-1.281614

[argolio]

Based on his highlights, Addison Richards looks like he should be able to make some space for himself with his long stride.

[jerrym]

Fumblitis (http://www.argofans.com/member.php?402-Fumblitis)
http://www.argofans.com/styles/nexus/statusicon/user-offline.png

Funny that Lemar Durant is still on the board.

Duane Forde calls Lamar Durnat the most polarizing player in the draft. That's probably why he is still available.




The first thing you notice about Lemar Durant: he looks like someone who could play in the National Football League.Good length (6-2), stability (230 pounds), fluidity (4.55-second 40-yard dash) and ferocity (he comes down with contested throws), Durant is an athlete who attracts attention on both sides of the border.
Ranked as the No. 8 prospect in Tuesday’s Canadian Football League draft, the wide receiver from Simon Fraser University checks off a number of boxes for teams looking for a long-term answer, even though he didn’t dazzle at the CFL combine in a couple of areas. His performance at getting separation in one-on-one coverage was middling. And he tends to lose focus occasionally, which might explain the former.
Still, videotape doesn’t lie.


http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/d...177/story.html

(http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/draft+picks+including+Lemar+Durant+noticed/11045177/story.html)

[argolio]

We take Daryl Waud. Long-armed, athletic guy.

Going to Washington's mini-camp? Uh-oh, another one we have to sweat out.

[gilthethrill]

Daryl Waud was a good choice....looks like both lines have been bolstered.....should be some good players available in round 3 as well...

[jerrym]

Daryl Waud was a good choice....looks like both lines have been bolstered.....should be some good players available in round 3 as well...

I agree that it's agree that the Argos have bolstered both their OL and DL, assuming they both show up. Here's the TSN profile on Waud.

http://www.tsn.ca/tsn-ca-cfl-draft-profile-daryl-waud-1.200431

[gilthethrill]

We take Daryl Waud. Long-armed, athletic guy.

Going to Washington's mini-camp? Uh-oh, another one we have to sweat out.

I am going to try not to read into the mini camp invite....the Giants already had him at theirs but did not sign him....

[jerrym]

Darryl Forde has Brandon Bridge, quarterback, listed fourth of the remaining choices. It will be interesting to see how long it is before he is selected, if at all.

[argolio]

41 reps for Archamnault? That's impressive.

But he's a Ticat, so he is now evil.

[Wobbler]

I'd be happy with any of Campbell, Forde, Langlais, or Murray Lawrence in the third.

[jerrym]

Brett Boyko goes to the Lions in the second round. An interesting question to look back at in the future: if the Argos are gambling on the immediate availability of McEwen and Waud, why not gamble on the number one overall ranked player, especially when his NFL profile shows significant weaknesses for that league?



<section><article>PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 5.46 and 5.48 seconds
Vertical jump: 26 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet
Bench press: 17 reps of 225 pounds</article></section><section>ANALYSIS<article>STRENGTHS Good length. Keeps back flat in pass set and keeps head out of his initial punch. Intelligent player and well-liked within program, according to scouts. Four-year starter at left tackle. Can redirect and get some initial pop when he gets full extension. Has outstanding instincts and football intelligence to recognize defensive line games and blitzes.</article><article>WEAKNESSES Upright and straight-legged out of stance. Plays with no leverage and has below-average play strength at point of attack. Hands look weak and sloppy in placement. Waist-bending run blocker with no hip snap or drive in run game. Lacks foot quickness to handle good edge rushers and slow to the perimeter when called on.</article><article>DRAFT PROJECTION Priority free agent</article><article>BOTTOM LINE Lacks the athleticism teams want from tackles and the strength they are looking for at guard, but his savvy should get him into a camp. His best position may end up at center.



http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/brett-boyko?id=2552354


</article></section>

[Wobbler]

Instead we go off the board with Cameron Walker. He was at the Toronto regional combine but was hurt and didn't go to the main combine. Hopefully we saw something everyone else missed.

[ArgoRavi]

I am going to try not to read into the mini camp invite....the Giants already had him at theirs but did not sign him....

I agree. It is a long way from a mini-camp invite in either the CFL or NFL to actually getting signed. Chances are much better than not that Waud will show up this year although there are no guarantees.

[OV Argo]

McEwen (hopefully he shows up to dis-spell some rumours there) and Waud (is he shows up) are great picks IMO - 2 guys who can play right away IMO

[argolio]

Laval WR Matt Norzil in the 4th.

Als take Brandon Bridge right after.

Anyone have a scouting report on our 3rd round pick, the kid from Guelph?

[Wobbler]

The first of the combine dopers comes off the board... to us. Matt Norzil in the 4th round. Injury issues, character issues... I'm not a fan of that pick.

[OV Argo]

Instead we go off the board with Cameron Walker. He was at the Toronto regional combine but was hurt and didn't go to the main combine. Hopefully we saw something everyone else missed.


Back-up /under-study to Foley - hopefully a good one/ passed on DE Blanc from Montreal who arguably was the quite better CIS player.

[jerrym]

Here's some background on Cameron Walker and a video of him playing.



#52 Cameron Walker

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-3
Weight: 210
Hometown: London, ON
Year: 2
Eligibility: 2
Program: Commerce
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas

CAREER

2013: Started in seven games in his third season with the Gryphons… recorded 26.5 total tackles, six sacks for a total loss of 29 yards, nine tackles with a total loss of 35 yards, including one broken up pass.
Playoffs: Against Windsor he recorded 3.5 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Against Queen’s he recorded three solo tackles and one sack.
AWARDS: Week 2 & 9 Gryphon Defensive Player of the Week, 2014 West Team Member at East West Bowl, OUA Second Team All-Star

2012: Suited up in all eight games in his second season with the Gryphons…recorded 31.5 total tackles, one sack for a loss of nine yards, one fumble recovery and one broken up pass.
Playoffs: Suited up in his first post season appearance playing in the 42-39 overtime semi final victory over the Queen’s Gaels and the 30-13 Yates Cup Final loss to the McMaster Marauders
AWARDS: OUA 2012 First Team Defensive All-Star…..Football Team’s Special Teams Player of the Year…Week 5 & 6 Special Team’s Player of the Week

2011: Suited up in all eight games in his rookie season with the Gryphons… recorded 12.5 total tackles.


http://gryphons.ca/roster.aspx?rp_id=7004


Here's a video of him playing on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKGqunQArZw

["Issues"Mcgee]

I'm hoping we get Murray-Lawrence. He genuinely wants to play for the Double Blue.

["Issues"Mcgee]

Damn BC picked him up.

[OV Argo]

Campbell - CIS rushing leader

Argos kicking some @$$ this draft IMO - all accomplished players and addressing areas of need = about time !

[jerrym]

Here's YouTube video of receiver Matt Norzil. It has some interesting background music to say the least.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyQ4wJyBCk8

As alluded to earlier, he has tested positive for anabolic performance-enhancing drugs, as well as having a history of injuries.

http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/sports/sports-cfl/story/1.3068061

[jerrym]

I glad to see a Canadian quarterback finally get drafted, although I know there are major questions about his passing accuracy. Hopefully, the CFL will start to develop more Canadian qbs.




The Montreal Alouettes selected Canadian quarterback Brandon Bridge in the fourth round of the CFL draft Tuesday night.Bridge, a native of Mississauga, Ont., was taken with the fourth selection of the round, No. 31 overall.The six-foot-four, 229-pound Bridge completed 160 of 307 passes (52.1 per cent) for 1,927 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season for the South Alabama Jaguars.Bridge began his college career at Alcorn State before transferring to South Alabama in 2012.Bridge, who has run a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, also ran for 297 yards and four TDs in 11 games last season.Bridge was invited to the NFL combine in February but wasn't selected in the league's draft.He attended the Dallas Cowboys rookie mini-camp as a free agent but wasn't offered an NFL contract.


http://www.brandonsun.com/sports/breaking-news/montreal-alouettes-take-canadian-quarterback-brandon-bridge-in-cfl-draft-303541531.html?thx=y


His passing accuracy did improve in 2014 over to 2013 so there is hope for the future.




<tbody style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">
SEASON
CMP
ATT
YDS
CMP%
YPA
LNG
TD
INT
SACK
RAT
RAW QBR
ADJ QBR


2014
160
307
1927
52.1
6.28
67
15
8
23
115.8
45.0
34.6


2013
29
66
398
43.9
6.03
56
1
2
4
93.5
52.1
45.2

</tbody>


http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/507211/brandon-bridge

[ArgoRavi]

I glad to see a Canadian quarterback finally get drafted, although I know there are major questions about his passing accuracy. Hopefully, the CFL will start to develop more Canadian qbs.


http://www.brandonsun.com/sports/breaking-news/montreal-alouettes-take-canadian-quarterback-brandon-bridge-in-cfl-draft-303541531.html?thx=y


His passing accuracy did improve in 2014 over to 2013 so there is hope for the future.



http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/507211/brandon-bridge

Montreal and Hamilton would seemingly have been the best landing spots for Bridge as Hamilton's depth behind Collaros is questionable while it is debatable whether Montreal has any kind of long-term solution at starting QB. I would say that Bridge made out well landing with the Als which is the team where he will have the best opportunity to develop and have a shot at the starting position at some point in the not-too-distant future. I still see him as a significant project but he will get a shot.

[OV Argo]

Argos doing well IMO; not sure i get taking a long-snapper in the late rounds when there are still some outstanding college ball O & D players still on the board: _DTs Tennant, LeBlanc & Dale = all CIS all-stars; receiver Pospichill; several DBs like Linnen (Manitoba); outstanding CIS QBs in Yantz & Cousineau, etc. BUT - it is the CFL draft we're talking here - where projects, back-up fullback types and long-snappers are sometimes more valued than proven college ball position players. Gotta love the deep thinkin' good ole boys !

[ArgoRavi]

Instead we go off the board with Cameron Walker. He was at the Toronto regional combine but was hurt and didn't go to the main combine. Hopefully we saw something everyone else missed.

For what it's worth, Walker was a second team OUA all-star in 2013 and a first team all-star in 2014 so he seems to have steadily improved.

[ArgoRavi]

Argos doing well IMO; not sure i get taking a long-snapper in the late rounds when there are still some outstanding college ball O & D players still on the board: _DTs Tennant, LeBlanc & Dale = all CIS all-stars; receiver Pospichill; several DBs like Linnen (Manitoba); outstanding CIS QBs in Yantz & Cousineau, etc. BUT - it is the CFL draft we're talking here - where projects, back-up fullback types and long-snappers are sometimes more valued than proven college ball position players. Gotta love the deep thinkin' good ole boys !

Good long-snappers are at a premium in pro football, OV, so I don't see a problem taking one with their last pick in the seventh round to add some depth at that very important position. I am sure that some of the players that you wanted to see selected will still make their way to training camps as free agents. I also don't think that QB is a position of need for the Argos. Barker said that he likes Yantz but not as much as the current crop of Argo QBs so he wasn't going to use a pick on him.

[argotom]

Not because of Bridge and the odd Canadian being drafted but really getting no opportunity, it is high time the new commish can sway the BOG to create a position for a 4th QB being a Canadian on the roster.

[Rich]

Here's YouTube video of receiver Matt Norzil. It has some interesting background music to say the least.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyQ4wJyBCk8

As alluded to earlier, he has tested positive for anabolic performance-enhancing drugs, as well as having a history of injuries.

http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/sports/sports-cfl/story/1.3068061

If this guy can stay healthy he looks like a steal. Great YAC ability. It'd be great to have his size and speed as wide side WR.

[ArgoRavi]

The Argos' second to last pick, in the seventh round, was Kevin Bradfield from the U of T. I am guessing that the Argos will be looking at him as a kick returner as he had a fair bit of success doing that in the CIS.

[OV Argo]

Good long-snappers are at a premium in pro football, OV, so I don't see a problem taking one with their last pick in the seventh round to add some depth at that very important position. I am sure that some of the players that you wanted to see selected will still make their way to training camps as free agents. I also don't think that QB is a position of need for the Argos. Barker said that he likes Yantz but not as much as the current crop of Argo QBs so he wasn't going to use a pick on him.

Nobody else was going to take a long-snapper Ravi = they could have easily signed him as FA - but - i guess at that point in the draft - who knows. The point still is - that CFL good ole boy types will ignore proven, all-star, stat leader type Canadian players in the CFL draft, to pick back-up fullbacks, long-snappers or otherwise little used project /special teamers at best types, AND THEN have the nerve to constantly moan about lack of Canadian talent or "ratio problems" and petition for more American players and less Canadians = laughable or moronic IMO - but again, it is the CFL we're talking here.

[Wobbler]

Here's some background on Cameron Walker and a video of him playing.
[B]http://gryphons.ca/roster.aspx?rp_id=7004
Your link is more current than the text you pasted: he's now listed as a DL (and 6'4" 235 lbs). That is still light for a pro rush end, but he can work on that. As OV pointed out, he might make a good understudy for Foley and a national backup at DE would/will be nice to have.

[jerrym]

Here's YouTube video of Dillon Campbell, 2014 OUA MVP and Hec Creighton nominee.

I love the way they continually have to gang tackle him to bring him down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSuyUAw2YBU

[Wobbler]

Nobody else was going to take a long-snapper Ravi = they could have easily signed him as FA - but - i guess at that point in the draft - who knows. The point still is - that CFL good ole boy types will ignore proven, all-star, stat leader type Canadian players in the CFL draft, to pick back-up fullbacks, long-snappers or otherwise little used project /special teamers at best types, AND THEN have the nerve to constantly moan about lack of Canadian talent or "ratio problems" and petition for more American players and less Canadians = laughable or moronic IMO - but again, it is the CFL we're talking here.
I really wish you'd take this opportunity to share your genuine insights regarding CIS players instead of lapsing into your ceaseless, tedious bitching about CFL coaching, OV. The draft is a celebration of amateur Canadian football.

Which player should the Argos have drafted instead of Dan MacDonald and why?

[jerrym]

Kevin Bradfield looks like more of a kick returner than receiver, but could also be good on coverage teams with his speed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSuyUAw2YBU

[ArgoRavi]

Here's YouTube video of Dillon Campbell, 2014 OUA MVP and Hec Creighton nominee.

I love the way they continually have to gang tackle him to bring him down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSuyUAw2YBU

Here is video of the interview the Argos did with Campbell back at the combine: https://www.facebook.com/ArgosFootball/videos/978943615471580/

Out of all of the Argos' picks, this is the player who intrigues me the most and could turn out be the sleeper for them. Barker seemed to fall in love with this guy during his interview.

[doubleblue]

Not bad drafting by Barker again this year. Some question marks getting them all here right away. The first two picks McEwen and Waud could be in camp this year or maybe not for a while.
I like Cam Walker 6'3 250, I think he can develop into to a good DE. Norzil has size 6'2 186 and speed 4.5 but has some reported questionable off field issues. Dillon Campbell 5'8 195 4.5 is a good little RB who hopefully can contribute, but he was still there in the 5th. WR Kevin Bradfield 6'1 185 4.7 and LS Dan MacDonald are depth picks. Wouldn't mind seeing Barker bring Louis Mensah 6' 230 4.8 in as a FA. He came to the combine as a LB but I saw some clips of him also playing fullback. He was a bulldozer and also broke some long runs playing for Fort Lewis College.

[Wobbler]

Barker seemed to fall in love with this guy during his interview.
Thanks Ravi - that was pretty impressive. (I had to look up "kinesthetic learning")

[jerrym]

Although Daniel MacDonald gets very high praise for his long snapping, an important skill as demonstrated when teams lack a good long snapper, he seems to have demonstrated limited skills beyond that.



Daniel MacDonald has had a lot of praise from players and coaches in Burlington all along. The idea that he had professional calibre speed and accuracy really started after Rob Maver [Calgary Stampeders kicker] saw him demonstrating his skills. It was Maver to the best of my knowledge who, after timing him with a stop watch, first said he was pro calibre. His punt snapping performance in the GTA Vs GHR Allstar game also raised his profile. A retired veteran high school coach whose grandson is now on the Mac roster told me MacDonald's snapping was the most impressive thing he saw in that game.


http://www.allcanadagridiron.info/forum2/index.php?topic=15446.0;wap2



Position: RB
Height: 5-10
Hometown: Burlington, ON
Elig: 4
Yr: 4

CAREER

2013: Suited up in three games in his third season with the Gryphons…Recorded two solo tackles for a combined total of 2.5 tackles on the season.



2012: Suited up in seven games in his second season with the Gryphons…caught four passes for 30 yards and recorded three tackles in three games.

Playoffs: Suited up in the overtime 42-39 semi final win over the Queen’s Gaels. It was his first OUA playoff appearance and he recorded two assists on tackles.



2011: Suited up in five games in his first season with the Gryphons… carried the football once for three yards… recorded one catch for nine yards



http://gryphons.ca/roster.aspx?rp_id=7771

[OV Argo]

I really wish you'd take this opportunity to share your genuine insights regarding CIS players instead of lapsing into your ceaseless, tedious bitching about CFL coaching, OV. The draft is a celebration of amateur Canadian football.

Which player should the Argos have drafted instead of Dan MacDonald and why?

DTs - Donnovan Dale or Jacob Leblanc - both CIS all-star DTs and nominees for CIS down lineman of the year; both pro plus size at DT; JS Blanc - CIS all-star DE and set the CIS sack record awhile back and just helped Montreal to a Vanier win; Bobby Pospichil - tremendous career receiving production in US college ball at SFU; QBs Jordan Yantz or Gabe Cousineau - both with excellent passing stats and led their teams far into the play-offs (Vanier win for Cousineau); DB Jordan Linnen - CanWest all-star DB with excellent play-making stats in the play-offs last season (4 INTs and a fumble return for a TD); RBs Brandon Deschamps (UBC) or Boutin from Laval who put up excellent CIS rushing stats ... want me to go on ?

NOW - tell me why the Argos or other CFL teams should ignore such players in the draft to instead take long-snappers or little used back-up fullbacks or other special teams/ 3rd string back-up/project candidates (and i do get that not all great college ball all players are automatically good pro prospects - but c'mon) ? I already said I thought the Argos did very well in this draft (best IMO), but you want me to see some top notch Canadian football offence or defence positional players totally passed-over in the CFL draft so that a long-snapper gets picked instead as some sort of celebration of amateur Canadian football ??? Do you ever think you'll OFTEN see all-American college ball all-star, stat leader type players, including QBs who led their teams to a national title, passed over in the NFL draft so somebody can take a long-snapper who was never mentioned in draft rankings instead ??? And then I have to listen to CFL fan forum sheep (not here though ;o)) bleat constantly about CFL "ratio problems" or not enough Canadian talent out there for the CFL ???

:o

[ArgoRavi]

Although Daniel MacDonald gets very high praise for his long snapping, an important skill as demonstrated when teams lack a good long snapper, he seems to have demonstrated limited skills beyond that.

It is rare for a long-snapper to do anything but long snap anyway. I doubt that the Argos are looking for anything more out of him.

[ArgoRavi]

DTs - Donnovan Dale or Jacob Leblanc - both CIS all-star DTs and nominees for CIS down lineman of the year; both pro plus size at DT; JS Blanc - CIS all-star DE and set the CIS sack record awhile back and just helped Montreal to a Vanier win; Bobby Pospichil - tremendous career receiving production in US college ball at SFU; QBs Jordan Yantz or Gabe Cousineau - both with excellent passing stats and led their teams far into the play-offs (Vanier win for Cousineau); DB Jordan Linnen - CanWest all-star DB with excellent play-making stats in the play-offs last season (4 INTs and a fumble return for a TD); RBs Brandon Deschamps (UBC) or Boutin from Laval who put up excellent CIS rushing stats ... want me to go on ?

NOW - tell me why the Argos or other CFL teams should ignore such players in the draft to instead take long-snappers or little used back-up fullbacks or other special teams/ 3rd string back-up/project candidates (and i do get that not all great college ball all players are automatically good pro prospects - but c'mon) ? I already said I thought the Argos did very well in this draft (best IMO), but you want me to see some top notch Canadian football offence or defence positional players totally passed-over in the CFL draft so that a long-snapper gets picked instead as some sort of celebration of amateur Canadian football ??? Do you ever think you'll OFTEN see all-American college ball all-star, stat leader type players, including QBs who led their teams to a national title, passed over in the NFL draft so somebody can take a long-snapper who was never mentioned in draft rankings instead ??? And then I have to listen to CFL fan forum sheep (not here though ;o)) bleat constantly about CFL "ratio problems" or not enough Canadian talent out there for the CFL ???

:o


You do know, OV, that the vast majority of NCAA players including conference all-stars and stats leaders don't make it to the NFL? It is only a select few that make it in either league and, unfortunately, many who succeed at the amateur level don't make it as pros but that is because these are two very different levels of play.

[Mookie Fan]

Argos doing well IMO; not sure i get taking a long-snapper in the late rounds when there are still some outstanding college ball O & D players still on the board: _DTs Tennant, LeBlanc & Dale = all CIS all-stars; receiver Pospichill; several DBs like Linnen (Manitoba); outstanding CIS QBs in Yantz & Cousineau, etc. BUT - it is the CFL draft we're talking here - where projects, back-up fullback types and long-snappers are sometimes more valued than proven college ball position players. Gotta love the deep thinkin' good ole boys !

I think you make some great points. I'm happy the Argos selected a RB but I personally cannot believe that the Argos did not draft one DB. The Argonaut secondary has struggled a lot and experienced a large number of injuries the last two seasons. The team needs to get better in the secondary, and should have drafted a national player who could have contributed there, probably as a backup, at least at first, but maybe even as a starter if needed. What if Jermaine Gabriel gets injured? Who are we relying on, Matt Black? And if so, what after that?

Unlike many people on this site who are high on Matt Black, I think this team can do better. He's isn't ancient, but he's 30, has been very injury-prone, was only a passable starter as a safety. He is better as a cornerback, and has had some special teams success, but isn't anything special. His speed is okay, but he isn't a burner as Jalil Carter was, that's for sure. He makes up for it a bit with technique and good attention-to-detail, but we can find younger, cheaper and better national players to do his job. I'm sick of hearing about how "experienced" Matt Black is. Jermaine Gabriel proved he was the superior player almost instantly, regardless of his lack of "experience". There could be another Jermaine Gabriel out there in this year's crop of draft eligible players.

I don't know what Matt Black is making, but I would imagine as a Canadian and a veteran, he is making well over the league minimum salary. Matt Black is solid and consistent in his mediocrity, but with a team running on a smallish budget, is spending way over the minimum on Matt Black a wise thing to do? Eric Black had better prove himself as this team is thin at DB, both in nationals and internationals. Matt Black is a grossly overrated football player who is a waste of cap space. We should have ditched Matt Black, drafted a young DB to take his place (to be paid the CFL minimum at first hopefully) and used the $40 000+ saved to re-sign Anthony Woodson.

[Wobbler]

Thanks OV; I knew that you'd be familiar with several interesting candidates. You shouldn't keep this stuff to yourself (seriously!)

Reinhart, our LS, is an effective young guy and I don't think there's any reason to think we might lose him soon. Barring evidence to the contrary, I agree with you - we probably should have taken a chance on someone who could surprise us. I was astonished that we didn't pick Forde or Tennant in the seventh round, but then again I'm generally at the mercy of Duane Forde's evaluations of CIS/NCAA talent.

[Mookie Fan]

DTs - Donnovan Dale or Jacob Leblanc - both CIS all-star DTs and nominees for CIS down lineman of the year; both pro plus size at DT; JS Blanc - CIS all-star DE and set the CIS sack record awhile back and just helped Montreal to a Vanier win; Bobby Pospichil - tremendous career receiving production in US college ball at SFU; QBs Jordan Yantz or Gabe Cousineau - both with excellent passing stats and led their teams far into the play-offs (Vanier win for Cousineau); DB Jordan Linnen - CanWest all-star DB with excellent play-making stats in the play-offs last season (4 INTs and a fumble return for a TD); RBs Brandon Deschamps (UBC) or Boutin from Laval who put up excellent CIS rushing stats ... want me to go on ?

NOW - tell me why the Argos or other CFL teams should ignore such players in the draft to instead take long-snappers or little used back-up fullbacks or other special teams/ 3rd string back-up/project candidates (and i do get that not all great college ball all players are automatically good pro prospects - but c'mon) ? I already said I thought the Argos did very well in this draft (best IMO), but you want me to see some top notch Canadian football offence or defence positional players totally passed-over in the CFL draft so that a long-snapper gets picked instead as some sort of celebration of amateur Canadian football ??? Do you ever think you'll OFTEN see all-American college ball all-star, stat leader type players, including QBs who led their teams to a national title, passed over in the NFL draft so somebody can take a long-snapper who was never mentioned in draft rankings instead ??? And then I have to listen to CFL fan forum sheep (not here though ;o)) bleat constantly about CFL "ratio problems" or not enough Canadian talent out there for the CFL ???

:o

I believe it has been noted that Brandon Deschamps (and Boutin too, I believe) both have good size. We have a number of smallish national and international RBs on our roster and could have used at least one of these two. We also recently signed yet another small international RB. Maybe he was signed for training camp competition, but how much room do we have for these guys? Also, how will we have an interesting competition at training camp and a balanced offence with a huge bunch of small RB clones on our roster?

As for Dechamps and Boutin, I don't believe they were drafted. Maybe we could sign one or both of them as free agents? That of course implies that they'd get a fair chance to make the team and compete for playing time with our stable of overrated international RBs. They probably wouldn't, so why bother I guess, eh? (Messrs. Barker and Milanovich)

As for the the two receivers we selected in the draft, both have pretty good height and are not very heavy. Hopefully they can help us win. That should be the main objective, so I'm willing to overlook any supposed shortcomings related to injury history and drug test violations and give them a chance.

[OV Argo]

You do know, OV, that the vast majority of NCAA players including conference all-stars and stats leaders don't make it to the NFL? It is only a select few that make it in either league and, unfortunately, many who succeed at the amateur level don't make it as pros but that is because these are two very different levels of play.


You aren't really seriously interested in answering the questions I raise Ravi - but rather instead are more concerned about defending CFL good ole boy thinking; perhaps you never heard of the outstanding college ball players who could have been drafted - and that's OK; and maybe you think it makes more CFL sense to draft a long-snapper or a little used 3rd string fullback candidate instead - and that's OK too. Now name me all the examples of star NCAA position players who get over-looked by the NFL so they can draft long-snappers nobody ever heard of in college ball ? ;o)

[Mookie Fan]

You aren't really seriously interested in answering the questions I raise Ravi - but rather instead are more concerned about defending CFL good ole boy thinking; perhaps you never heard of the outstanding college ball players who could have been drafted - and that's OK; and maybe you think it makes more CFL sense to draft a long-snapper or a little used 3rd string fullback candidate instead - and that's OK too. Now name me all the examples of star NCAA position players who get over-looked by the NFL so they can draft long-snappers nobody ever heard of in college ball ? ;o)

The NFL does overlook players for different reasons, but not to the extent the CFL does. Often if a player is seen as "undersized", or has "character issues", or is a QB in a college-style option offence (and doesn't want to switch to another position, a la Eric Crouch), they might not get drafted, or will get drafted much lower. (Former Argo Eric Crouch played QB at Nebraska and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams as a WR prospect.) That being said, most of the best star college players in the NCAA will at least get drafted. If they are seen as players who won't adapt to the pro game, they might get drafted lower, but they often at least get drafted somewhere. The NFL is a ruthless business, but their teams often give a star player at a lower level at least one shot in one one of their many mini-camps, or sometimes even the main training camp, however small their chance is. Most star CIS QBs don't even get drafted, and many CIS stars at other positions don't get drafted either, and are sometimes signed as free agents later.

[paulwoods13]

Although Daniel MacDonald gets very high praise for his long snapping, an important skill as demonstrated when teams lack a good long snapper, he seems to have demonstrated limited skills beyond that.

Long snappers basically need no other skills. If you can get the ball back in a hurry to the right spot, you have completed your job. Maybe he's better than Reinhart.

EDIT: Ravi beat me to this.

[1argoholic]

Long snapper is a very important spot but I'm always for drafting the best player available when your on the clock. Barker has always made some interesting picks and most have turned out pretty well so I'm going to trust his judgement.

I still remember JP Darce who was our long snapper in 96 and I think it was right after that season he left and became the Seahawks long snapper. It may have been after the back to back championships but I believe he left after 96. Anyhow he ended up making $500 thou a year as an NFL long snapper.

There's always questions to be made after a draft.

I worry way more about the Leafs upcoming draft. I just don't trust that organizations judgement.

[paulwoods13]

Nobody else was going to take a long-snapper Ravi = they could have easily signed him as FA - but - i guess at that point in the draft - who knows. The point still is - that CFL good ole boy types will ignore proven, all-star, stat leader type Canadian players in the CFL draft, to pick back-up fullbacks, long-snappers or otherwise little used project /special teamers at best types, AND THEN have the nerve to constantly moan about lack of Canadian talent or "ratio problems" and petition for more American players and less Canadians = laughable or moronic IMO - but again, it is the CFL we're talking here.

At least one other LS was drafted.

[paulwoods13]

I think you make some great points. I'm happy the Argos selected a RB but I personally cannot believe that the Argos did not draft one DB. The Argonaut secondary has struggled a lot and experienced a large number of injuries the last two seasons. The team needs to get better in the secondary, and should have drafted a national player who could have contributed there, probably as a backup, at least at first, but maybe even as a starter if needed. What if Jermaine Gabriel gets injured? Who are we relying on, Matt Black? And if so, what after that?

Unlike many people on this site who are high on Matt Black, I think this team can do better. He's isn't ancient, but he's 30, has been very injury-prone, was only a passable starter as a safety. He is better as a cornerback, and has had some special teams success, but isn't anything special. His speed is okay, but he isn't a burner as Jalil Carter was, that's for sure. He makes up for it a bit with technique and good attention-to-detail, but we can find younger, cheaper and better national players to do his job. I'm sick of hearing about how "experienced" Matt Black is. Jermaine Gabriel proved he was the superior player almost instantly, regardless of his lack of "experience". There could be another Jermaine Gabriel out there in this year's crop of draft eligible players.

I don't know what Matt Black is making, but I would imagine as a Canadian and a veteran, he is making well over the league minimum salary. Matt Black is solid and consistent in his mediocrity, but with a team running on a smallish budget, is spending way over the minimum on Matt Black a wise thing to do? Eric Black had better prove himself as this team is thin at DB, both in nationals and internationals. Matt Black is a grossly overrated football player who is a waste of cap space. We should have ditched Matt Black, drafted a young DB to take his place (to be paid the CFL minimum at first hopefully) and used the $40 000+ saved to re-sign Anthony Woodson.

Man, your hatred for Black is pretty severe. I don't share it, for the record. IMO he is more than capable of backing up Gabriel. And I believe we also have Shawn Herbert still as well.

[doubleblue]

Thanks OV; I knew that you'd be familiar with several interesting candidates. You shouldn't keep this stuff to yourself (seriously!)

Reinhart, our LS, is an effective young guy and I don't think there's any reason to think we might lose him soon. Barring evidence to the contrary, I agree with you - we probably should have taken a chance on someone who could surprise us. I was astonished that we didn't pick Forde or Tennant in the seventh round, but then again I'm generally at the mercy of Duane Forde's evaluations of CIS/NCAA talent.

I was surprised too that Maxx Forde didn't go in the middle rounds. Has pretty good size at 6'3 265 and ran a 4.78 forty which Barker would term a 4.8 guy. That's fast enough to play DE. Tennent really dropped from some of the early ratings. Has the size. Maybe too much, as Wally gave him a lecture about his weight during the BC interview. Also very slow at 5.57. Auston Johnson another guy who I thought could be a late round pick for somebody like Saskatchewan as depth behind Emry.
I thought it was a little humorous that Wally was scolding Tennent about his weight and then BC drafts OT Campbell Allison who was obviously a way over weight at the Combine.

[OV Argo]

I think you make some great points. I'm happy the Argos selected a RB but I personally cannot believe that the Argos did not draft one DB. The Argonaut secondary has struggled a lot and experienced a large number of injuries the last two seasons. The team needs to get better in the secondary, and should have drafted a national player who could have contributed there, probably as a backup, at least at first, but maybe even as a starter if needed. What if Jermaine Gabriel gets injured? Who are we relying on, Matt Black? And if so, what after that?

Unlike many people on this site who are high on Matt Black, I think this team can do better. He's isn't ancient, but he's 30, has been very injury-prone, was only a passable starter as a safety. He is better as a cornerback, and has had some special teams success, but isn't anything special. His speed is okay, but he isn't a burner as Jalil Carter was, that's for sure. He makes up for it a bit with technique and good attention-to-detail, but we can find younger, cheaper and better national players to do his job. I'm sick of hearing about how "experienced" Matt Black is. Jermaine Gabriel proved he was the superior player almost instantly, regardless of his lack of "experience". There could be another Jermaine Gabriel out there in this year's crop of draft eligible players.

I don't know what Matt Black is making, but I would imagine as a Canadian and a veteran, he is making well over the league minimum salary. Matt Black is solid and consistent in his mediocrity, but with a team running on a smallish budget, is spending way over the minimum on Matt Black a wise thing to do? Eric Black had better prove himself as this team is thin at DB, both in nationals and internationals. Matt Black is a grossly overrated football player who is a waste of cap space. We should have ditched Matt Black, drafted a young DB to take his place (to be paid the CFL minimum at first hopefully) and used the $40 000+ saved to re-sign Anthony Woodson.

Agreed - big-time - that the Argos could really use some secondary help/competition, and IMO there were several very good college ball DBs not drafted at all there, and they would have made some sense for the Argos - could still be signed as FAs i guess, but the fact they used a pick on a long-snapper shows the respect they had for some other all-star type college ball players.


However - disagree - big-time - on your assessment of Matt Black who IMO has done nothing but show he can play in the CFL - could be a starting corner if not for his birth certificate and capable at safety too (I like Gabriel better though) = a versatile guy to have even if he is viewed as a back-up at all D-backfield positions. Sure - you might be able to find a better DB, and a NI one too, but that would take drafting and signing one or two and having them compete in a TC - but maybe they think Eric Black and Hebert are good there ?

[Will]

The simpleton in me as it pertains to CIS football asks this, McEwen sounds like he's a great prospect and everything. However, he is a C and the Argos have Jeff Keeping at that spot who is now in his early 30's. I guess at that age you can start to justify drafting his replacement, but I'd ask if there was a more immediate need the Argos could have addressed with that 1st round pick or did the talent level at C drop off enough to justify the pick? Nevertheless, McEwen will have the opportunity to learn from one of the better centres in the Canadian Football League.

Many people wanted the Argos to address the National depth along the defensive line and they achieved that by drafting Waud and Walker. I think Laing is a FA after this season so the Argos are preparing for contingencies.

What is/was the knock on Dillon Campbell that saw him drop to the 5th round?

[Wobbler]

I think McEwen will play guard until we need him at center.

[ArgoRavi]

The simpleton in me as it pertains to CIS football asks this, McEwen sounds like he's a great prospect and everything. However, he is a C and the Argos have Jeff Keeping at that spot who is now in his early 30's. I guess at that age you can start to justify drafting his replacement, but I'd ask if there was a more immediate need the Argos could have addressed with that 1st round pick or did the talent level at C drop off enough to justify the pick? Nevertheless, McEwen will have the opportunity to learn from one of the better centres in the Canadian Football League.

Many people wanted the Argos to address the National depth along the defensive line and they achieved that by drafting Waud and Walker. I think Laing is a FA after this season so the Argos are preparing for contingencies.

What is/was the knock on Dillon Campbell that saw him drop to the 5th round?

As Wobbler says, McEwen can play guard in addition to centre. I don't know what the knock on Campbell is other than his size maybe. Duane Forde, for what it's worth, believes that Campbell can contribute to an offence at this level.

[jerrym]

As Wobbler says, McEwen can play guard in addition to centre. I don't know what the knock on Campbell is other than his size maybe. Duane Forde, for what it's worth, believes that Campbell can contribute to an offence at this level.

The video of Campbell continually forcing defences (granted they are at the university level) to gang tackle him reminds me of Cory Boyd, while his Argo interview showing an engaging personality makes it highly unlikely the Argos will have Boyd-type personality issues with him.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSuyUAw2YBU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSuyUAw2YBU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSuyUAw2YBU)

[Argo]

Thanks Ravi - that was pretty impressive. (I had to look up "kinesthetic learning")

No you didn't.

[Argo]

Good work by B, M and Co.

I'm afraid, though, it could well be Mathematical Sciences (such redundancy) exclusively for another year.

I like OL, DL, an explosive receiver (if he doesn't miss too many games), and a talented RB (please don't try to convert him to yet another hybrid). It appears that every pick has something to commend it.

It sure would have been neat to have drafted Mississauga native QB Brandon Bridge. I suppose I will have to settle for enjoying the successful future I expect him to have in Montreal, which is certainly a good situation for him (sans immediate NFL interest).

[R.J]

Solid draft by the Argos IMHO. Drafting McEwen, Waud, Walker, Norzil and Campbell were all solid picks. Don't know much about Bradfield or MacDonald so can't speak for that.
Campbell is an impressive running back, just worried if he'll actually get a real shot. I'm actually surprised that Walker fell to the third round, lots of potential there. Should McEwen and Waud find their way to Argos camp eventually, I could see both being starters by next season.

Actually I don't think any team had a bad draft this year, if Boyko ever ends up in BC and becomes the player he's projected to be, along with Mrabure-Ajufo, Steward and TJ Player, the Lions could have a solid line for years to come. Winnipeg choosing Addison Richards as high as the did was the only question mark for me. Love Montreal's picks of Ackie and Ruby (who IMO could be the eventual Bourke replacment) and I'm really hoping that Bridge gets a really shot at QB, especially because I think Crompton is terrible (still holding out hope that Marsh can find his mojo again).

[OV Argo]

Solid draft by the Argos IMHO. Drafting McEwen, Waud, Walker, Norzil and Campbell were all solid picks. Don't know much about Bradfield or MacDonald so can't speak for that.
Campbell is an impressive running back, just worried if he'll actually get a real shot. I'm actually surprised that Walker fell to the third round, lots of potential there. Should McEwen and Waud find their way to Argos camp eventually, I could see both being starters by next season.

Actually I don't think any team had a bad draft this year, if Boyko ever ends up in BC and becomes the player he's projected to be, along with Mrabure-Ajufo, Steward and TJ Player, the Lions could have a solid line for years to come. Winnipeg choosing Addison Richards as high as the did was the only question mark for me. Love Montreal's picks of Ackie and Ruby (who IMO could be the eventual Bourke replacment) and I'm really hoping that Bridge gets a really shot at QB, especially because I think Crompton is terrible (still holding out hope that Marsh can find his mojo again).

IMO - Argos graded out best this draft (can't recall when I've said that before) - got some proven college ball players and at lots of position areas.

As far as no other teams having a bad draft year - have to disagree there: Ottawa got their predicted guy with the 1st overall pick and sounds like a good one, but after that = very questionable to brutal IMO - have no idea what they're thinking there with a bunch of those picks; Ticats took 4 linebackers ???; Edmonton picks are mostly kinda iffy maybe; Bombers got a couple of good picks with their 1st two, but then a lot of WTF, IMO. Riders did good considering not having a bunch of high picks; Stamps solid as usual; BC did OK, inspite of a big reach / lack of drafting finesse 1st pick - they took a couple of gamble/futures picks (Covington & Boyko) buy got some good prospects who will show-up too. Als did their usual getting some O-Linemen, but be interesting to see where Ackie fits in or if he gets to play any D (maybe an OLB or a safety - but they already have 2 experienced safeties in Brouillete & Edem and they drafted another one still in Coady ?)

Seems like a lot of teams' thinking was load up on NIs at positions where they are pencilled-in to play or even are just back-ups? - like you need 4 or 5 guys to compete for 2nd or 3rd string at a little used spot ??? A whole whack of very good college players not drafted at all IMO, with some very questionable picks made at the same positions ???

[Wobbler]

John Hodge's draft grades: (http://3downnation.com/2015/05/13/recapping-grading-the-2015-cfl-draft/)

Above average: Calgary, Montreal
Average: Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, BC
Below average: Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Hamilton

He makes some good points, I think. Why the heck did Hamilton use four of its six picks on LBs? Yes, they tend to be good special teamers, but in a strong draft like this, finding starters should be the focus.

[OV Argo]

John Hodge's draft grades: (http://3downnation.com/2015/05/13/recapping-grading-the-2015-cfl-draft/)

Above average: Calgary, Montreal
Average: Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, BC
Below average: Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Hamilton

He makes some good points, I think. Why the heck did Hamilton use four of its six picks on LBs? Yes, they tend to be good special teamers, but in a strong draft like this, finding starters should be the focus.

NO WAY Calgary or Montreal did better in this draft than the Argos, IMO (unless Lemar Durant pan-out as an outstanding CFL impact receiver, which he might). Doubtful Varga ever shows up in the CFL; did they draft a Canadian QB for a laugh or a PR stunt ?

Ticats drafting 4 LBs - and 2 of them were the big pure MLB studs of this draft; and when they already have Plesius there, who got benched in favor of a mediocre rookie import last year ??? - maybe they plan to pencil-in a NI MLB ?

Still baffled by Ottawa's draft thinking - makes me think Desjardins is as much of a moron as that clown Tillspin was in his shot to run the Renegades.

And WTF is this Hodge guy thinking fullbacks are important in today's CFL - that's just flat-out bizzarre IMO - it's a part-time, little used position where the fullback barely touches the ball - might as well put an O-lineman in there just for the better blocking skills; did this guy ever see the CFL of years ago and real impact fullbacks like Blake Marshall ???

[Wobbler]

Curtis Rush's take on our draft (http://3downnation.com/2015/05/13/argos-draft-picks-show-interesting-thought-process/) isn't very insightful, IMHO. He questions why we chose McEwen over Groulx without seeming to understand that we needed an interior lineman more than a tackle, and seems baffled by the idea that Dillon Campbell doesn't watch much football. I thought Campbell's interview (posted earlier by Ravi) was really strong, and I'm glad we drafted him.

[Argo57]

Curtis Rush's take on our draft (http://3downnation.com/2015/05/13/argos-draft-picks-show-interesting-thought-process/) isn't very insightful, IMHO. He questions why we chose McEwen over Groulx without seeming to understand that we needed an interior lineman more than a tackle, and seems baffled by the idea that Dillon Campbell doesn't watch much football. I thought Campbell's interview (posted earlier by Ravi) was really strong, and I'm glad we drafted him.

I think many of the "draft gurus" are completely full of crap, except for Mel Kiper of course.
Argonauts did extremely well overall but I do question the last couple of picks, filled most areas of need although a DB in the last round or two would have been nice.

[Wobbler]

I don't think Rush would describe himself as a draft guru, but I agree with you: we had a good draft. I would have made different choices in the seventh round, but... eh. It's the seventh round.

[jerrym]

Dillon Campbell sounds like he'll be coming to TC with the right attitude.



Dillon Campbell isn’t your run-of-the-mill running back. The explosive Laurier back, ran with a chip on his shoulder last season after being snubbed for OUA first-team all-star honours in 2013. The slight made him work harder in the winter and spend extra time in the gym, which he parlayed into a spectacular season for the Golden Hawks.

On Tuesday, the Argos used their fifth-round pick on Campbell, a kid who grew up in the GTA’s Eastern edge, having ties to the communities in Pickering, Ajax and Whitby.
There’s no added incentive in disproving any doubters for Campbell, only a commitment to hard work and preparing himself mentally with rookie camp now beckoning. “There’s no extra motivation other than to learn the system,’’ said Campbell during a phone interview. “This a first-time experience, a new level. “It’s starting to set in that I’ve been drafted. In two weeks I’ll be at Argos rookie camp. It’s an exciting time.”
The exciting news of being drafted was delivered by Argos GM Jim Barker, who moved up last year to take Anthony Coombs third overall. Coombs showed promise, starting at slotback for an injured Andre Durie, but succumbed to a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery





http://www.torontosun.com/2015/05/13/argos-pick-taking-snub-like-a-pro

[argofandave]

Did anyone else have trouble logging onto tsn.ca to watch the draft? I was able to watch the first four picks then I decided to have a quick look at my emails and when I went back to tsn.ca, I was locked out and couldn't log back in.

[jerrym]

Did anyone else have trouble logging onto tsn.ca to watch the draft? I was able to watch the first four picks then I decided to have a quick look at my emails and when I went back to tsn.ca, I was locked out and couldn't log back in.

I had no problems with the site.

[doubleblue]

Did anyone else have trouble logging onto tsn.ca to watch the draft? I was able to watch the first four picks then I decided to have a quick look at my emails and when I went back to tsn.ca, I was locked out and couldn't log back in.

Me too. I had no idea what my Bell password is/was.

[paulwoods13]

If we can believe this, the bar has been set for McEwen to sign: $20k-ish signing bonus and salary around $80k.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/top-cfl-picks-land-rookie-record-signing-bonuses/

BTW it's hilarious to suggest that $20k is a record signing bonus. I wonder what Vince Ferragamo and Rocket Ismail got, to name just two, got for putting pen to paper. I presume Dunk means record for a draft pick, but even that is dubious, IMO. I find it hard to believe there has never been more than $20k paid to a draft pick before now.

[Wobbler]

I think McEwen should finish his degree. We can wait a year.

[gilthethrill]

If we can believe this, the bar has been set for McEwen to sign: $20k-ish signing bonus and salary around $80k.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/top-cfl-picks-land-rookie-record-signing-bonuses/

BTW it's hilarious to suggest that $20k is a record signing bonus. I wonder what Vince Ferragamo and Rocket Ismail got, to name just two, got for putting pen to paper. I presume Dunk means record for a draft pick, but even that is dubious, IMO. I find it hard to believe there has never been more than $20k paid to a draft pick before now.

I seem to recall J.I. Albrecht ticking off a few CFL GMs when he signed 1st round pick Donovan Carter to a huge signing bonus...I am sure it was more than $20k....

[doubleblue]

Curtis Rush's take on our draft (http://3downnation.com/2015/05/13/argos-draft-picks-show-interesting-thought-process/) isn't very insightful, IMHO. He questions why we chose McEwen over Groulx without seeming to understand that we needed an interior lineman more than a tackle, and seems baffled by the idea that Dillon Campbell doesn't watch much football. I thought Campbell's interview (posted earlier by Ravi) was really strong, and I'm glad we drafted him.

Maybe Rush was thinking that the Argos already had a back up Center in #2 pick last year Dhillon and Dan Groulx would be a more logical pick to play RG or RT back up Van Zeyl. Jeff Keeping used to play Guard at one time, but seems to have found his best position at Center. Maybe he has given some hints that he would be retiring in a year or two. But IMO by drafting by McEwen Barker has put him ahead of Dhillon on the depth chart and maybe off the roster.

[eiben35]

Donnovan Carter was given a 40,000 to 50,000 signing bonus. Not sure where Mr. Dunk got his info from that Matteas and Chungh received the most.

[AngeloV]

Donnovan Carter was given a 40,000 to 50,000 signing bonus. Not sure where Mr. Dunk got his info from that Matteas and Chungh received the most.

In reality, we really don't know that Carter was given that much. I'm with OV on this. You can't always believe what gets reported as fact.

[Mookie Fan]

Man, your hatred for Black is pretty severe. I don't share it, for the record. IMO he is more than capable of backing up Gabriel. And I believe we also have Shawn Herbert still as well.

I don't have any hatred for Matt Black at all. I was just trying to comment about his football abilities. I'm sorry if it came across that way. I probably exaggerated and went too far. I just feel that in a cap world, it's easy to overpay (by CFL standards) for backup players, especially when they're nationals. I don't know much about Herbert, but he sounds promising. I honestly cannot remember if I've seen him play much at all--maybe on special teams?

[gilthethrill]

Redskins rookie camp wrapped up yesterday....Waud is not listed on their roster, but I am unable to find any information as to whether he was signed or not.

[Wobbler]

Well, unfortunately...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TSN's Duane Forde reports Western DT – and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> draft pick – Daryl Waud has been signed by the Washington Redskins. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Kirk Penton (@PentonKirk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentonKirk/status/600044147358183424">May 17, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Suddenly our draft doesn't look so great.

[Fumblitis]

First year guys generally don't crack the roster in the first year anyway so now he gets some pro experience down south.

[Argo57]

Well, unfortunately...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TSN's Duane Forde reports Western DT – and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> draft pick – Daryl Waud has been signed by the Washington Redskins. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Kirk Penton (@PentonKirk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentonKirk/status/600044147358183424">May 17, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Suddenly our draft doesn't look so great.

The down side of our draft strategy (see Cory Greenwood).

[doubleblue]

I'm a little surprised at this news. I was looking up news on the Redskins mini camp yesterday. 65 players attending and it was mentioned that they would have to cut players from their 90 man roster to keep anyone out of the mini camp. So Waud will be gone until September at the earliest I presume.
I don't think it will be that big a deal this year. Laing can rotate with a couple of the import Tackles and Cam Walker will get a good chance to make the 44 man roster as Foley's back up.

[Wobbler]

If we only lose Waud for a single season it won't be a long-term problem. If McEwen goes back to school it won't be a long-term problem.

But we're at a competitive disadvantage, since BC is the only other team to spend any high draft picks (Boyko in their case) on players who won't be at camp this year.

[jerrym]

Here is some of the reasoning behind Barker's choices. While, as the article notes. finding players that remind of someone you knew in the past can be comforting in that you project similar traits onto the player, sometimes it also affects your objective analysis of the player. However, I do think overall the Argos did a good job even if they don't get Waud or McEwen this year.



When it came to the second round, Barker believes that players started falling in his lap. That’s when he was able to draft defensive lineman Daryl Waud, a projected first rounder.
“We didn’t think Daryl would fall to us in the second round and he was a guy we actually talked about in the first round, just because of a need,” said Barker. “But to have the top guy who’s on your board at the time of your pick and fill a need is pretty nice.”
Some were surprised when Toronto used the third-overall selection on offensive lineman Sean McEwen considering he may return to the University of Calgary for one more season. Barker is hoping that McEwen realizes the opportunity he presently has with the Argos and takes advantage of it.
“He hasn’t made a firm decision. Hopefully as he thinks about it, he’ll realize that this is the right opportunity for him right now,” explained Barker. “To be able to step in and have Jeff Keeping, Tyler Holmes, Chris Van Zeyl and Wayne Smith around you, it’s like a dream come true for a young, Canadian player. Hopefully he takes advantage of the situation we have here and decides to play.”
One of the factors that attracted Barker to choose McEwen was his desire to be a coach one day. Barker says that McEwen reminds him of current offensive line coach Jonathan Himebauch and is impressed by his ability to reach a three-technique and potentially play guard.
Barker understands that McEwen may end up being a futures pick, but says it has never been the team’s expectation for any draft pick to come in and play immediately. McEwen shares Barker’s excitement about being drafted but is still juggling with the choice of going back to school.
"Hearing (head coach) Scott Milanovich's voice on the phone was a surreal experience but at the same time something that I felt that I've worked hard for and deserve,” said McEwen “In terms of deciding on my immediate future, that is something that I will have to sit down with my family and discuss. Both academics and pro football are huge parts of my future."
Finding similarities in players that you may draft can be comforting. Like McEwen and Himebauch, third-round pick Cam Walker also reminded Barker of someone from the past, his old college roommate Clay Matthews Sr. But sometimes the line between past and present can become blurred, and Barker is looking forward to Walker being groomed by Ricky Foley. ...
The rest of the Argos’ draft class rounds out with a pair of receivers (Matt Norzil, Kevin Bradfield), a long snapper (Dan MacDonald) and a running back (Dillon Campbell).
Norzil was ranked as one of the most athletic receivers in the draft but fell because of injury concerns. He missed most of the last two seasons but Toronto is hoping he can stay on the field and make an impact.
A local talent, Bradfield grew up watching the double-blue even throughout his time at the University of Toronto and is excited about the possibility of suiting up for his hometown team.
MacDonald is a Guelph-alum, just like the team’s current long-snapper Jake Reinhart. He will now battle the former Gryphon for a starting gig.
Campbell starred at Wilfrid Laurier and posted the second-fastest 40-yard-dash at the CFL Combine amongst running backs. He scored 13 touchdowns in eight games and was named the 2014 OUA Men’s Football MVP.

http://www.cfl.ca/article/barker-looking-for-argo-draft-picks-to-take-advantage

[paulwoods13]

With respect to Waud, assuming he actually gets to Redskins camp (and even if he has signed, that is not a sure thing), there are two dates to watch. The first roster cutdown (to 75) happens a few days before the final preseason games, which this year will be played on Sept. 3-4. The final cutdown (to 53 plus practice roster) is about five days later. If Waud gets cut in the first wave, chances are good he'll come north. If he survives to the final cut, chances are we won't see him this year because he will either make a practice squad or believe he is one phone call away from being picked up. Personally I think his chances are not good -- at 280-290 he is not heavy enough to play DT in many NFL schemes, and he plays a position that is not heavily used on special teams. For his sake I hope he proves me wrong (as Greenwood did five years ago -- I never saw him sticking, much less for four years). For our sake I hope he gets the NFL out of his system quickly.

[jerrym]

Darryl Waud's father, David, played one pre-season game for the Argos in 1983, obtaining an Argos flag in the process. The article mentions Darryl had an upcoming tryout with the Redskins. We now know Washington signed him.
Being a Hamilton boy, you can be sure he will get a lot of ribbing if he eventually ends up with the Argos.



But he kept the flag and he decided to place it inside his truck during Tuesday night’s CFL draft, just in case his son Daryl would somehow get selected by Toronto.
As fate would have it, Daryl Waud would go to the Argos, Toronto using its second draft pick to select this articulate and football savvy defensive lineman.
Daryl’s dad would present the kid with the Argos flag.
“It was neat,” Daryl Waud said. “Being with my dad, my family, we were all sitting around the TV watching the draft. It was a lot of fun.”
The Waud family gathered at the home of Daryl’s grandmother with David Waud ordering in food.
David Waud would never pursue football once he was released, but he’ll now follow his son, regardless of the path he takes.
Waud was invited by the New York Giants to their mini-camp last weekend.
He’ll be auditioning for the Washington Redskins this weekend.
When he spoke on the phone Thursday, Waud had just arrived in Virginia.
If things go well with Washington, Waud will be in the NFL.
If not, he’ll embrace the opportunity of being an Argo and trying to tolerate the reaction he’ll get from his friends.
As a kid who grew up in Hamilton, Waud was a big booster of the hometown Ticats.
“I grew up hating the Argos,” said the 6-foot-5 Waud, who played his CIS football at Western. “Being from Hamilton, it’s funny how I’d get drafted by the Argos, but I’m honoured.
“As soon as I got drafted, there were all kinds of text messages from friends saying: ‘We love you, we’re going to buy your jersey, but we’re not going to root for the Argos.’ But they are going to root for me.

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/05/14/like-father-like-son-for-waud

[gilthethrill]

Darryl Waud's father, David, played one pre-season game for the Argos in 1983, obtaining an Argos flag in the process. The article mentions Darryl had an upcoming tryout with the Redskins. We now know Washington signed him.
Being a Hamilton boy, you can be sure he will get a lot of ribbing if he eventually ends up with the Argos.


http://www.torontosun.com/2015/05/14/like-father-like-son-for-waud

I would put $$$ that Paul Woods has David Wauds pre season game somewhere in his extensive library...:)

[ArgoRavi]

I would put $$$ that Paul Woods has David Wauds pre season game somewhere in his extensive library...:)

If David Waud played the first preseason game of 1983, he would have witnessed the last time that a CFL player successfully drop-kicked a ball when Jan Carinci did a drop-kick for a convert. David Waud, btw, was a seventh round draft pick of the Argos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_CFL_Draft

[paulwoods13]

I would put $$$ that Paul Woods has David Wauds pre season game somewhere in his extensive library...:)

Sadly there were no telecasts of preseason games back then. I sometimes audio-taped road games back in the day but wouldn't have bothered to do it in preseason.

[paulwoods13]

If David Waud played the first preseason game of 1983, he would have witnessed the last time that a CFL player successfully drop-kicked a ball when Jan Carinci did a drop-kick for a convert. David Waud, btw, was a seventh round draft pick of the Argos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_CFL_Draft

As it happens, I played organized touch football on occasion in the past 15 years with two guys taken in 1983: Ed Slabikowski and Scott Leckie. The Argos, after loading up with NI talent in the 1981 and '82 drafts, traded away their top picks in 1983 and ended up with just one good (albeit very good) guy in 1983: territorial exemption pick Kelvin Pruenster, who was a starter for most of his career and won Grey Cup rings in both 1983 and 1991.

[ArgoRavi]

The drafting this year isn't over yet, folks: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> Supplemental Draft is Wed.- includes DBs Garrett Waggoner (Dartmouth) &amp; Jarret Chapman (CMU). Best Supplemental Draft class since 2011.</p>&mdash; Duane Forde (@DuaneFordeTSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/DuaneFordeTSN/status/600663000161263617">May 19, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Wobbler]

I was just thinking about the supplemental draft the other day. If the regular draft was unusually deep this year I assume that the SD will be also. Maybe it's not too late to find someone willing to come to camp. ;)

[doubleblue]

The drafting this year isn't over yet, folks: <iframe style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; border: currentColor; width: 500px; display: block; visibility: visible; position: static; min-width: 220px; max-width: 100%;" id="twitter-widget-0" class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" title="Twitter Tweet" height="208" frameBorder="0" allowTransparency="true" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async=""></script>


Never heard of these guys, anybody know how high they are rated. <iframe style="display: none;" id="rufous-sandbox" frameBorder="0" allowTransparency="true" scrolling="no"></iframe>

[jerrym]

Never heard of these guys, anybody know how high they are rated. <iframe style="display: none;" id="rufous-sandbox" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Here's some info on them and on the process.


The guidelines for the supplemental draft are as follows:Clubs who wish to participate in the Supplemental Draft will be contacted on an individual basis and will be asked to submit their draft selections by order of waiver priority (each Club will be advised of the preceding Club’s bid). For example, Calgary will start the draft with the chance to offer a seventh round pick in the 2016 CFL Draft and move upwards through waiver priority.
The team willing to forfeit the highest original pick in the 2016 draft will get the player, while the process will repeat for the second player in the draft.
Jeremy O'Day (Toronto, 1997), Noel Prefontaine (Toronto, 1998), Paul Pearson (Calgary, 1978) and Ted Laurent (Edmonton, 2011) are among the most notable players selected in the Supplemental Draft, in which 27 players have been taken in total since 1957.
Waggoner, a six-foot-one, 225-pound defensive back will be the first to go in the draft. The Sarasota, Fla. native achieved the distinction of playing in the most games (42) of any Dartmouth football player in history and racked up a full case of awards while at Dartmouth:
• 2013: co-recipient of the John M. Manley ’40 Award “as the player who demonstrated the most improvement through his efforts in the weight room.”

• 2012: recipient of Dartmouth football’s Bob Blackman Award for the player who most contributed to the success of the team.

• 2010: recipient of the Doten Award for making a significant contribution to the success of the team as a sophomore.
Waggoner is a leader both on the field and off. One of three team captains in 2013, he clinched the season’s final game with an interception. Throughout his five-year Dartmouth career he hit hard and he hit often, racking up tackles in every game.
In 2013 he finished fifth on the team in tackles (48) and third in passes defended (6), while in 2012 he was tied for team lead in interceptions (2), passes defended (5), and fumbles forced (2). He lead the team in tackles and solo stops in 2010, and earned a reputation for consistency by dropping at least one tackle per game in 2013.
If drafted, he would become a third-generation CFLer – his father was a draft pick of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and his grandfather played for the Ticats from 1951 to 1957. Waggoner recently became a Canadian citizen.
Chapman, a six-foot, 194-pound defensive back, was voted a team captain in 2014 by the CMU Chippewas. From 2012-2014 he appeared in all games save two (due to injury). For each of the past three years he has achieved a season high of at least eight tackles in one game – eight in a 42-28 loss to Toledo in 2014, ten at North Carolina State in 2013, and ten (including nine solos) at Northern Illinois in 2012. ...
Chapman was a stalwart contributor for the Chippewas throughout his involvement in their football program. In 2013 he ranked sixth on the team in tackles (54 total, including 25 solos – up from 51 tackles in 2012) and his four pass break-ups tied him for second on the team.

http://www.cfl.ca/article/prospects-up-for-grabs-in-cfl-supplemental-draft

[Wobbler]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> Supplemental Draft, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers landed DB/LB Garrett Waggoner, forfeiting their 2016 1st Round pick to do so.</p>&mdash; Duane Forde (@DuaneFordeTSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/DuaneFordeTSN/status/601081929664835584">May 20, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Winnipeg must really have liked him, if they were willing to give up the first overall pick in 2016...

[gilthethrill]

In the #CFL (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash) Supplemental Draft, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers landed DB/LB Garrett Waggoner, forfeiting their 2016 1st Round pick to do so.
— Duane Forde (@DuaneFordeTSN) May 20, 2015 (https://twitter.com/DuaneFordeTSN/status/601081929664835584)<SCRIPT charset=utf-8 src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async></SCRIPT>

Winnipeg must really have liked him, if they were willing to give up the first overall pick in 2016...

Thats fine...the Argos will move up a notch in the 2016 draft.....

[doubleblue]

Wow giving up a first for a Safety. Waggoner has some good numbers. Size around 6'1 225 and his best forty time is 4.46 and is a hitter from the Safety position. But next year there will be a can't miss O Lineman and Winnipeg will have to sit there and watch. I wish all the best for them and Waggoner but he didn't get much NFL interest that I have heard of as all most of the 1st rounder do every year.

[ArgoRavi]

Wow giving up a first for a Safety. Waggoner has some good numbers. Size around 6'1 225 and his best forty time is 4.46 and is a hitter from the Safety position. But next year there will be a can't miss O Lineman and Winnipeg will have to sit there and watch. I wish all the best for them and Waggoner but he didn't get much NFL interest that I have heard of as all most of the 1st rounder do every year.

A few CFL teams believe that Waggoner has starting potential in his rookie season at weak side linebacker.

[Argo]

This move by the Bombers should pay off.

[OV Argo]

Wow giving up a first for a Safety. Waggoner has some good numbers. Size around 6'1 225 and his best forty time is 4.46 and is a hitter from the Safety position. But next year there will be a can't miss O Lineman and Winnipeg will have to sit there and watch. I wish all the best for them and Waggoner but he didn't get much NFL interest that I have heard of as all most of the 1st rounder do every year.

Bit of a gamble - giving up a 1st rounder - but i guess they feel Waggoner can be an impact player - at either OLB or safety - we shall see.

Next year's draft has a few blue chip O-Lineman perhaps ( like Charles Vaillancourt - huge OG from Laval = IMO one of the best pure CFL O-Line draft prospects in some time); plus a few big target receivers (like Brian Jones - 6-4, 230 slotback with athletic testing #s, and AUS Hec nominee last year) = Bombers will have to watch that 1st round (unless they make a trade).

[Wobbler]

Thanks OV. On a somewhat related note, are there any good CIS punters/kickers on the horizon?

[doubleblue]

Bit of a gamble - giving up a 1st rounder - but i guess they feel Waggoner can be an impact player - at either OLB or safety - we shall see.

Next year's draft has a few blue chip O-Lineman perhaps ( like Charles Vaillancourt - huge OG from Laval = IMO one of the best pure CFL O-Line draft prospects in some time); plus a few big target receivers (like Brian Jones - 6-4, 230 slotback with athletic testing #s, and AUS Hec nominee last year) = Bombers will have to watch that 1st round (unless they make a trade).

I'm not up on this years CIS Seniors yet but there always seems to be some good Linemen coming out of Laval. I found a dozen Canadians playing down South in Div I and a few sound like they could be first rounders. DT Mendi Abdeshad 6'7 290 Boston College, WR Tevaun Smith 6'2 200 Iowa and WR Juwan Brescacin 6'4 228 Northern Illinois could be rated high. OT Josiah St. John 6'6 300 Oklahoma and OG Dillon Guy 6'4 315 Buffalo should also be rated in the first two rounds.
Others in Div I are DE's Trent Corney 6'3 250 Virginia and Tarique Anderson 6'5 250 Delaware State. DT's Allen Champagne 6'4 285 North Carolina and Terry Ayeni 6'2 280 Iowa State. DB's Mike Topolinski 6'1 199 Michigan State, Arjen Colquhoun 6'1 195 Michigan State and Anthony Thompson 6'1 215 Southern Illinois.
There will also probably be a few players (like Waggoner) who will qualify as Nationals down there under the new rules as well.
With the CIS Schools turning out several excellent players every year now we should be looking at another good Draft next year, although maybe not as deep as this year.