It seems that at some point Zac was on the NFL's radar (Look at the scouting report below). I wonder how and why he slid in their estimation, allowing the Lions to get him on their roster.
The way NFL teams evaluate prospects is sometimes bewildering. But it is great for the CFL. Some guys that do not fit the "NFL profile" star in the CFL, and, we CFL fans know, could also play in the NFL. One example of this is the seeming prejudice Bill Parcells has towards only wanting big guys on his team (thus allowing us to pick up Stefan Logan after his release by the Miami Dolphins).
It's easy to have high expectations for Zac. As I have said, he reminds me of Buck Pierce 3 years ago. One of Zac's strengths would seem to be his ability to make quick accurate reads. He also has escapability, the qualities of character Buono values, and a quick release.
Too bad for Gino Guidugli (if it turns out he is released), no knock on him, but the team has to go with the player the team feels has more potential, and grades out higher.
By the way, it's good to see how sharp Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson were against Calgary. It makes for a tough decision for Wally Buono, but a good situation for the Lions.
Zac Champion
According to ESPN's Mel Kiper, Zac Champion's performance during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, including his stunning overtime defeat in 2007's game against conference rivals University of Hawaii, has garnered considerable attention from NFL scouts and is considered a likely late first round or early second round draft pick. Sports news website, Rivals.com, projects Champion as high as the 23rd overall pick in the first draft pick.
Champion has expressed interest in succeeding legendary Green Bay Packers retiring quarterback, Brett Favre and Favre himself has shown considerable interest in the young prospect. In an interview on March 6th, 2008 with CNN, Favre was quoted as saying that Champion's "great potential and leadership qualities" would make him a purrfect fit for the relatively young talent on the Packers team he led to the playoffs.
