CFL Draft 2015, Nic Demski, Pick #6 in Round 1

[Toppy Vann]

It is interesting that the Lions generally speak about the draft as a "crap shoot" and they always get about the same results as playing craps.

On the other hand to listen to the Stamps perspectives on what they got - and GM/HC types like Hufnagel aren't typically masters of the spin - you'd think these guys can play. Then you think - yah right - they all talk that - and start to dismiss it. Then you think - hmmm. Stamps have a solid Nat OL as has MTL Als. Maybe there is something there.

[DanoT]

There is no question in my mind that the lion's biggest weakness is a lack of depth at D line NATs. With Westerman moving from backup/rotational D line last year to starting DT for 2015, that leaves only Menard as a Nat. backup as I think they have decided to pass on Doege. So getting the best D lineman in the draft was essential. Ese can relieve at DE and DT along with Menard AND with his speed looks to be an important contributor on Special Teams. It is a lot easier to dress a 6th D line rotational guy if he is also making a contribution on ST.

Lions currently have enough quality starting NATs that they didn't need to find a ready to star player in the draft.

The bigger surprise to me was the drafting of Boyko in the second round where I would have thought that the Lions would pick a player that they KNOW will become a Lion. Did Boyko get a signing bonus with the NFL team that signed him? (was it Philly?) Or do the Lions have some insider info (from Philly?) that lets them believe that Boyko will eventually be released and coming to the CFL?

In general I like the gambling with a pick or two in the draft as the payoff can be huge and being conservative often doesn't guarantee satisfactory results anyway.

[WestCoastJoe]

http://www.cfl.ca/article/checking-down ... ft-edition

Checking Down: CFL Draft edition

Posted: May 15, 2015 09:00 AM
CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO -- With the 2015 CFL Draft gone in a flash, some of the off-season's most exciting storylines have emerged. This year's draft was full of surprises, risers and fallers and will bring plenty of intrigue across CFL teams just two weeks away from the start of training camps. Most importantly, nine CFL rosters are beginning to take shape as the season approaches.

While CFL.ca has you covered with all the draft coverage you need and more, we're Checking Down for the latest news and notes from each CFL team.

BC Lions

Fans and CFL Draft insiders weren't the only ones surprised by the BC Lions' selection of Ese Mrabure-Ajufo fifth overall. In an interview with TSN Radio, Mrabure-Ajufo said the move 'came right out of left field'.

According to Ullrich, first-year head coach Jeff Tedford had a major say in the team's draft day direction, reportedly helping convince Wally Buono that taking Mrabure-Ajufo in the first round was the right move. Ullrich also reported that football analytics had a say in the Lions' draft decisions for the first time.

Edmonton Eskimos

As the Edmonton Journal's Chris O'Leary writes, recent draft pick and receiver Andrew Johnson's path to becoming an Edmonton Eskimo had many twists and turns. The former star high school quarterback is returning home at a different position.

The Eskimos got plenty of value in highly-touted O-line prospect Danny Groulx in the first round, but did they go a little off the board with their second round pick? As the Edmonton Sun's Gerry Moddejonge writes, David Beard was just hoping to get drafted let alone go to his hometown team in the second round.

The Eskimos continued to reshape their roster ahead of this month's training camp, releasing receiver AJ Guyton and adding some muscle to their O-line with the addition of former first round pick Tyson Pencer.

Calgary Stampeders

John Hufnagel said he was surprised that star SFU receiver Lemar Durant fell to the bottom of the second round, but 'surprised' doesn't even begin to describe Lemar Durant's emotions on draft day. Considered by draft guru Duane Forde the best receiver prospect in the draft since Andy Fantuz, many were shocked by his descent in the draft -- and no one more than himself.

Durant was active on social media on draft night:


There's a new CFL Mr. Irrelevant after Tuesday night's draft and it just happens to be the second quarterback taken, Calgary's Andrew Buckley. It's a title that the Calgary Sun's Scott Mitchell says Buckley, just happy to get drafted, really doesn't mind. The Hec Creighton spent time in Stamps' camp last year and could again return to school in 2015.

It's early to argue over who had the best draft on Tuesday, but the Stampeders look to be an early favourite after getting value in rounds two to three.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Balancing the ratio was a topic of concern entering the Riders' off-season, but even after trading national slotback Cory Watson the Riders have plenty of options in 2015, according to Rob Vanstone of the StarPhoenix.

In one of the deepest drafts for offensive linemen in recent memory, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were one of two teams (Hamilton being the other) that didn't select a single O-lineman on Tuesday. The Regina Leader-Post's Murray McCormick talked to Riders GM Brandon Taman about the Riders' draft strategy.

After being drafted sixth overall by the Riders, Manitoba native Nic Demski is switching sides -- and as the Winnipeg Sun's Paul Friesen writes, he's excited to be headed to Saskatchewan.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Jordan Yantz sat through what felt like an eternity while going undrafted in Tuesday night's draft, but after getting a call from the Bombers soon after he's excited to be Winnipeg-bound. The Nanaimo Daily News' Scott McKenzie has more.

After allowing a franchise-worst 70 sacks last season, the Bombers looked to bring an attitude change to their offensive line. With the addition of national Dominic Picard and now second overall pick Sukh Chungh, they seem to be doing just that. The Winnipeg Sun's Kirk Penton has more on what Chungh brings to the Bomber O-line.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

According to the Hamilton Spectator's Drew Edwards, Ticats offensive lineman Joel Reinders is retiring from professional football and will now go from protecting quarterbacks to protecting citizens as he pursues a career as a police officer.

After hearing all week about how the Ticats might trade up in the draft, the Ticats moved their first round pick afterall -- just not to move up or down. Kent Austin comments on the Ticats' first three rounds after the team traded its first round pick to get offensive lineman Ryan Bomben before selecting Montreal linebacker Byron Archambault in the second round.

Toronto Argonauts

The Argos caught some off guard with the selection of Sean McEwen at third overall (with Laval OL Danny Groulx still on the board and McEwen potentially returning to school), but the Toronto Sun's Frank Zicarelli writes that it's the right move for an Argo team not looking for a quick fix but instead building for the future.

Granted full access to the Argo 'War Room' on draft night, TSN's Mike Hogan offers his behind-the-scenes look at the Double Blue during the 2015 CFL Draft.

Taking a page out of their 2012 Grey Cup-winning formula, the Toronto Argonauts have signed linebacker Brandon Isaac. The hard-hitting veteran was at the team's Florida mini-camp from May 2-4 and adds some playmaking ability to the Argo defence.

Argos receiver Mike Bradwell announced his retirement on Thursday, ending a six-year career spent entirely with his home-town team. The move leaves the Argos a little thin when it comes to national receivers.

Ottawa REDBLACKS

After announcing his own selection, offensive lineman Alex Mateas is set to become a cornerstone on the REDBLACKS' offensive line for years to come. He's an Ottawa native and one of the most pro-ready players in the draft, making his selection a no-brainer for GM Marcel Desjardins.

With training camp coming in hot, the REDBLACKS spent part of Wednesday and Thursday after the draft trimming down their roster. Receiver Eric Fraser was among those released on Thursday, while kicker Brett Maher was let go on Wednesday. Also out of the fold is John Delahunt, who announced his retirement.

Montreal Alouettes

The Alouettes threw a couple of changeups during Tuesday's CFL Draft, trading for an extra first round pick and turning heads with the selection of Chris Ackie fourth overall. In the end, writes Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette, the Als wound up getting exactly who they wanted and both players are excited to become Alouettes.

A new era of Canadian quarterbacks in the CFL is underway, starting with the Alouettes' fourth-round selection of highly-touted national quarterback Brandon Bridge. Bridge, the first of two QBs selected in Tuesday's draft, says he's eager to work under the watchful eye of the CFL's all-time leading passer.

[Toppy Vann]

Why the Lions passed over Lamar Durant is a bit of a mystery if he is as good as they say he is - leaving him to arch rival Calgary.

Interesting media comments by the young REC:

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-5 ... 58052.html

[WestCoastJoe]

Why the Lions passed over Lamar Durant is a bit of a mystery if he is as good as they say he is - leaving him to arch rival Calgary.

Interesting media comments by the young REC:

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-5 ... 58052.html

I agree with those that think Durant, despite sliding in the draft, might be very effective with the Stampeders. Obviously some teams cooled on him, possibly because of poor interviews, or some concern re attitude, etc.
...............

Re Ese Mrabure-Ajufo, once again ...

The Lions had him rated #5 in the draft. And they picked him at that spot.

For me, and I guess for some others, the question is: "Did we overrate him?" Did the McAvoy analytics, or the video, or the Combine performance, or Wally's influence, or Tedford's influence, cause us to rate him too high? There would seem to be a good chance we could have gotten him in round 2.

Is he the kind of player that looks good, looks athletic, gets us thinking about potential, leading some to think that the ceiling is sky high? From the Combine video, the hype about his speed seems too high. His time in the 40 yard sprint (4.838) seems slow for a hopeful rush end. I did not see any video of his results in the one on ones. It seems he averaged 2.5 sacks per year in college, not numbers to get excited about. He was a surprise 1st round pick. Even Ese himself was shocked that he was drafted so high. It didn't sound like Wally thought he was a lock for big time minutes on the D Line. Wally certainly didn't hype his potential in comments after the draft.
............

As stated by some, there were "safer" picks available at spot #5, higher rated picks, including Groulx, Ruby and even Durant. Will Daryl Waud turn out to be a more effective D Lineman than Ese?

If we had taken Jacob Ruby or Danny Groulx, I suppose some might feel we already have the makings of a good National O Line roster. What, another O Lineman? Some might feel it was time to roll the dice a bit.

It is always disconcerting to fans when a guy is drafted higher than expectations. Of course, in time, we will see if he was an astute pick, or a draft pick based on potential that ultimately disappoints.
...........

It does seem that there was a deep and talented crop of players available. And guys all the way down to our last pick, Maxx Forde, seem to have good potential.

At this time of the year, the expectations are running strong. Reality comes later. We will see. Boom or bust for us? Our draft approach was not conservative. It seems to have been taken with an aggressive approach.

Just some idle musings on the draft, as a fan ...

[DanoT]

I am happy that the Lions didn't go for the best athlete available but instead they addressed their most pressing need, backup/rotational NAT D line guys to play behind Westerman. Ese seems to have decent speed for a big man and Wally is on record as saying Ese could make a contribution on Special Teams. Lions have enough talented NATs on the roster that they didn't need to draft a starter.

[WestCoastJoe]

I am happy that the Lions didn't go for the best athlete available but instead they addressed their most pressing need, backup/rotational NAT D line guys to play behind Westerman. Ese seems to have decent speed for a big man and Wally is on record as saying Ese could make a contribution on Special Teams. Lions have enough talented NATs on the roster that they didn't need to draft a starter.

I hear ya, Dano. For myself, as a fan, I hope the Lions tried to draft a potential All-Star in the 1st round. I got the impression that Wally's expectations for Ese were as you stated, a backup, with possible ST utility. Kind of low expectations for a 1st round pick in a deep draft, it seems to me. Or maybe Wally is just choosing to not over-hype their pick.

Here is some discussion in an article by Lowell Ullrich of the analytics prepared by Neil McAvoy for this draft.

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/footb ... story.html

B.C. Lions try draft analytics for first time

BY LOWELL ULLRICH, THE PROVINCE MAY 13, 2015

If everyone this side of TSN draft guru Duane Forde was surprised by the direction taken by the B.C. Lions with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the CFL draft Tuesday, rest assured the same held true with their choice, Ese Mrabure-Ajufo.

It was the instinct and film-study diligence that has kept him employed in football for five decades which still made the most difference for the B.C. Lions when Wally Buono made his decisions on draft day.

But a willingness to adopt new-age methods also factored into Tuesday’s Canadian college lottery.

Director of player personnel Neil McEvoy put together his own formula of football analytics that was used for the first time in a serious fashion by the CFL team when making their eight selections.

Using statistics that get published in newspapers don’t help much when assessing a group of players who play both three-down football and the four-down variety, said McEvoy, whose system involved grading all measurables taken from the annual league evaluation camp in March.

Height, weight, speed and several other camp gradings were all compiled and ranked against those in the same position group.

Same for those who had taken a Wonderlic test, which measures cognitive ability. The lower the number, the better the score. It’s not Moneyball, but it helps.

“Analytics in football is not as easy as what it might be in baseball. You can’t base everything off analytics either. It’s just another measuring stick,” McEvoy said Wednesday.

Analytics have become a part of scouting in the NFL as giant information firms have been hired by teams to produce numbers that go so far as to assist in weekly game-planning.

B.C.’s system isn’t as complex, but did play a role in the process. Maxx Forde, the team’s final-round pick, ranked best for the Lions among defensive linemen. Top pick Ese Mrabure-Ajufo was fourth. Further validation came the old-fashion way, through the eyes of their general manager.

{McEvoy's} system involved grading all measurables taken from the annual league evaluation camp in March.

Measurables (size, weight, speed) tell quite a lot about a player of course. It seems to me, however, that some guys without top measurables fall through the cracks. And some guys with great measurabes do not pan out well as pros.

"Height, weight, speed and several other camp gradings were all compiled and ranked against those in the same position group."

--> Can the guy play? Can he make plays? Too small? Not in the case of Doug Flutie, etc.

“Analytics in football is not as easy as what it might be in baseball. You can’t base everything off analytics either. It’s just another measuring stick,” McEvoy said Wednesday.

B.C.’s system isn’t as complex, but did play a role in the process. Maxx Forde, the team’s final-round pick, ranked best for the Lions among defensive linemen. Top pick Ese Mrabure-Ajufo was fourth.

This is a bit puzzling. Forde rated higher in the analytics than Ese, who only scored fourth, of the D Linemen.

Further validation came the old-fashion way, through the eyes of their general manager.

This is key. No matter how you evaluate, it does come down to subjective judgment. Wally has had many hits in his years judging talent. With some notable misses. Rammer might remember this: What was that player's name, a few years back, the would-be defensive end who was small, slow and lacking in pass rush skills, that Wally brought to Training Camp, the one who got pancaked a lot by the O Linemen? The apple of Wally's eye had to be released early in the season, when it became apparent that he just did not have the right stuff.

Edit: Gary Butler. Gone but not forgotten.

[Hambone]

Measurables aren't everything but for the record EMA & Forde struggled on the bench but finished 1st, 2nd or 3rd for DL in all other categories.

[WestCoastJoe]

Measurables aren't everything but for the record EMA & Forde struggled on the bench but finished 1st, 2nd or 3rd for DL in all other categories.

Yes, agree about measurables.

Forde sounds like he has some potential too. Hopefully these guys can play for us. EMA. You coined it, Hambone. I am going to use it. No worries about spelling or hyphens, et cetera.

[Toppy Vann]

The testing these leagues do helps build a data base for all of them us to use as well as gain insights into how they appear in terms of coachability, competitiveness, physical conditioning and attitudes.

It helps them see their approach to physical conditioning and their ability to apply this to simulations.

It might as WCJ suggests lead to a player falling thru the cracks OR it might lead to picking some guy who is superb at this but doesn't really grasp the complexities of the game OR doesn't get fired up to come to practice and play at a high level over nor to do any personal study of film and opponents. Lots of the latter type of players end up being picked.

It's not an exact science as the Lions GM says. He goes so far to say it's a 'craps shoot' or words like that.

This 5th pick could be getting the Gary Butler Award. Remember this guy:

The BC Lions Football Club announced today that defensive lineman Gary Butler has been released. Butler appeared in all eight games this season recording four defensive tackles, seven special teams stops and a pass knockdown.

Bloggers on the Lionbackers.com website who had wondered when coach Wally Buono would get around to dumping kick returner Robert Jordan (left) can wonder no more.

Jordan, winner of the unofficial “Gary Butler Award”, was finally punted from the team Monday and replaced by practice roster player Yonus Davis.

The “Gary Butler Award”, in the second year since its inception, was bestowed by readers on Jordan for his “outstanding commitment to mediocrity,” in the words of a blogger named David.

Butler, from Division II California-Pennsylvania, was a defensive end that Buono took a liking to even before the start of the Lions’ 2009 training camp. He remained with the team well into August, taking reps at the expense of Ricky Foley, who went on to finish tied for the CFL lead in sacks.

Foley, among others, seethed that Buono had taken to giving Butler a long leash, even though the player had proven that he was out of his league.

This year, the coach apparently had the same fascination with Jordan, who had an impressive college resume with the University of California Bears but never could seem to get untracked as a Lion.

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2010/07/2 ... rd-winner/

The reality is that if given time to show what they can do versus the pros in a real TC some of those not selected might stick. Just like some of the chosen won't stick and won't be given much opportunity to show their stuff as they won't keep their top players on the practice field just to test out more rookies on try outs.

What the HC sees in this guy could be a Butler type mirage OR the real deal. We shall see.

Every QB the Lions signed looked in video and media releases the next Travis Lulay or Jeff Garcia or Casey Printers. Yet they kept signing more of them as they simply don't have enough data yet. If Jordan Rodgers didn't a brother playing QB for Green Bay would he be sought after? Is he here for what he's shown or what might be revealed? We shall see.....


PS WHERE IS GARY BUTLER TODAY? WIKI says this:

Turns out he's managed to do not bad in the AFL:

AFL CAREER NOTES

Enters second season with the Cleveland Gladiators
Collected 41 tackles and five sacks in 16 games in 2013 with the Pittsburgh Power
Recorded 47.5 tackles and four sacks as a rookie in 2011 with the Pittsburgh Power


COLLEGE/PERSONAL NOTES

Played collegiately at California University of Pennsylvania
Earned Western Division Defensive Player of the Year with 69 tackles, 12 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2008
Born in Pittsburgh, PA

http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team ... utler-gary

Pittsburgh Power

Butler played in 2011 and 2013 for the AFL's Pittsburgh Power.
Cleveland Gladiators

On April 8, 2014, Butler was assigned to the Cleveland Gladiators. On June 3, 2014, Butler was reassigned by the Gladiators. On June 5, 2014, Butler was again assigned to the Gladiators.

Why Gary moved to the Gladiators you ask?

The franchise (Pittsburgh Power) competed through the 2014 season, where they finished a franchise best, 15-3, but ownership decided to cease operations on November 17, 2014. AFL Commissioner Scott C. Butera said, "We are trying to affect a transaction that will allow the Power to continue to play in Pittsburgh."[3] The team is not playing as part of the AFL for the 2015 season.

[WestCoastJoe]

Thanks for the memories, Toppy.

Gary Butler. In way over his head in the CFL.

Nice to know the young man found his level of play somewhere.

[Toppy Vann]

Thanks for the memories, Toppy.

Gary Butler. In way over his head in the CFL.

Nice to know the young man found his level of play somewhere.

I wanted to be the first to say that if Ese can't play. Joking.

But every coach has his or her idea of what is a good player and how important they stress certain variables.

Hey Wally might be setting up his HC and McEvoy to take the wrap. HC for liking Ese and McEvoy for his method...lol.

[WestCoastJoe]

http://www.cfl.ca/article/barker-lookin ... -advantage

Barker looking for Argo draft picks to 'take advantage'

Posted: May 17, 2015 10:00 AM

CFL.ca Staff
With files from Argonauts.ca

TORONTO – Jim Barker is happy with the Argonauts’ draft but is now looking forward to the next step.

The general manager has done his job by selecting the players he wanted. Now it’s up to them to take advantage of the opportunity.

“They all have a little role cut out for them and it’s up to them to come in and show that they can fill that role,” Barker said in an interview with Argonauts.ca.

Finding value in later rounds is very important in a draft. Once all the perceived top-end talent is off the board, teams mining for talent can feel like they showed up late to a gold rush.

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 Argonauts were able to snag one of each of the draft's top-ranked offensive and defensive linemen propects with their first two picks. Here's who they selected:

OL Sean McEwen (3), DL Daryl Waud (12), DL Cameron Walker (21), REC Matt Norzil (30), RB Dillon Campbell (39), REC Kevin Bradfield (55), LS Dan MacDonald (56)

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.

[WestCoastJoe]

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.”

Top rated DL slid down the list somewhat. We will see how he fares in the pros.

[WestCoastJoe]

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-5 ... 28404.html

Search Web2015 CFL draft first round recap: early run on OL leads to surprises in middle

By Andrew Bucholtz 12 May, 2015 11:07 PM 55 Yard Line

The 2015 CFL draft was a difficult one to predict, given how much talent was involved and how many notable storylines there were, and that played out in the first round Tuesday night. The surprises began even before the draft did, with Hamilton trading out of the first round to acquire Montreal lineman Ryan Bomben, and they continued once new CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge started announcing picks. Ottawa taking third-ranked prospect Alex Mateas first overall wasn't unexpected, given his skill level and his hometown connections, but it wasn't a foregone conclusion, and things got weirder from there.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers picked second, and elected to take Calgary Dinos' guard Sukh Chung, listed at sixth in the CFL's final pre-draft prospect rankings. That also wasn't completely unexpected, as some (including TSN's Duane Forde) had Chung as the top player in this draft, but Winnipeg did have plenty of other options, including other linemen like fifth-ranked Danny Groulx and 13th-ranked Jacob Ruby as well as a variety of skill players. It was the third pick, from the Toronto Argonauts, that was really surprising. They elected to stick with offensive linemen (marking the only time in CFL draft history that three offensive linemen were taken in the first three picks) and with Dinos, taking another Calgary player, 10th-ranked centre/guard Sean McEwen.


On talent alone, choosing McEwen isn't a bad pick, as most had him right in the group of five top offensive line prospects. However, he talked a lot before the draft about going back to school this year to finish his degree, which had many thinking he might fall in the draft. McEwen said on a conference call afterwards that he hasn't decided how he'll finish his degree yet, and he may still be able to play this year, but that's still some extra uncertainty for a third-overall pick. It may wind up being a good one for the Argos, but it was one many didn't see coming.

Things got even more unpredictable when it came to the fourth pick, where Montreal took Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks' defensive back Chris Ackie. That's no knock on Ackie, who was ranked 11th overall heading into this draft. Many saw him as the best defensive player in this class, and his combination of combine-proven speed and agility with impressive game tape speaks well for him. He's also a versatile player who should be able to help either at DB or LB, which could give them additional options for how to use the likes of Marc-Olivier Brouillette and Mike Edem. However, it was interesting to see the Alouettes go away from the run on offensive linemen, especially with a Laval product like Groulx still available.

The most out-of-nowhere pick came next, with the B.C. Lions taking another Golden Hawk, Ese Mrabure-Ajufo. Mrabure-Ajufo was the second-ranked defensive lineman pre-draft, behind Western's Daryl Waud (who already has another NFL minicamp coming up with Washington, which may have hurt his stock), but he was ranked 17th overall compared to Waud's seventh, and he didn't have a lot of pre-draft buzz. B.C. clearly liked him, though, and comparing across positions isn't easy; who knows if he's better than the linemen or receivers that were still on the board? We'll find out as the years go on, but there weren't many people who called this pick.

With the sixth pick, Saskatchewan also made a bit of a surprising choice. Many figured they'd go receiver, and they did, but they chose Nic Demski from the Manitoba Bisons. There was a real debate about who the top receiver in this class was, ninth-ranked Demski or eighth-ranked Lemar Durant, but Forde and many other draft analysts figured Durant had a slight edge. From this corner, picking Demski could be a great move; he's not as big, but he's more polished, has arguably better college film, seems more versatile and might turn out to be the better of the two receivers in the long run. It's not something that was expected, though.

This set up Edmonton to take the long-overlooked Groulx, a guy who seemed like even a potential first-overall pick before the draft, at number seven. Groulx could be an excellent fit for the Eskimos, as he has the size to play tackle in the CFL and the experience doing so at a high level. He's looked great in college with Laval, and also shone at the CFL combine, especially in the one-on-ones. Whether Edmonton lines him up at tackle or guard (as they did with another former college tackle, Matt O'Donnell, who left to return to the NFL this offseason), he should be a nice part of their line going forward.

Montreal then had a second pick, eighth overall, thanks to their pre-draft trade with Hamilton, and they used it to take Ruby. This makes some sense; Ruby's a guy with tackle size who did well at Virginia (where, oddly enough, he was recruited by head coach Mike London, who happens to be the father of current Alouettes' receiver Brandon London), and this let the Alouettes get in on that group of five top offensive linemen, also potentially replacing the depth they lost from trading Bomben away pre-draft. We'll see how Ruby does in the CFL, but this may turn out to be a nice pick.

Calgary then pulled out another surprise with the ninth and final pick of the first round, going to the offensive line again despite the group of five being gone. They elected to take another Laval lineman, Karl Lavoie. This also could work out well; Lavoie did well for the Rouge et Or and played tackle there, and even if he likely projects as a guard at the CFL level, evaluators still had lots of praise for him. It's just notable to see the Stampeders go that way at this spot, taking a guy who wasn't even in the final top 20 instead of grabbing a more-highly-touted prospect. Of course, those rankings are just an average of team submissions and are far from the be-all and end-all, but it's interesting to see them off by this much without NFL interest being the reason why. Calgary did grab more universally-acclaimed prospects later in the draft, though, taking Durant 18th overall, fourth-ranked Tyler Varga (who has signed in the NFL) 19th overall, and 15th-ranked DB Tevaughn Campbell 22nd overall. So, they wound up with the popular picks and the not-so-popular ones, just in an unusual order. That seems a fitting way to wrap up a highly unconventional first round.