April 19, 2006

Live chat on CFL.ca

CFL fans will have an opportunity to speak to a player selected in the first round following Thursday's CFL Canadian Draft.

The annual draft will begin at 12 noon ET, and will last six rounds. CFL member clubs will select a handful of talented and highly touted Canadian players, stemming from CIS, NCAA and NAIA post-secondary institutions.

The defending Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos have the first overall pick following a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Edmonton traded quarterback Jason Maas to the Tabbies in exchange for quarterback Danny McManus, offensive lineman Tim Bakker and the top pick.

The B.C. Lions have three selections in the first round, and will select second, fourth and sixth overall. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders are the only two teams that do not have a pick in the opening round.

Fans can follow the draft live on CFL.ca.