May 25, 2016

Lions lock up Vaillancourt; six other draft picks

Stephane Gaudreau

VANCOUVER — The BC Lions have agreed to terms with seven members of their 2016 CFL Draft class, including fifth overall pick Charles Vaillancourt.

Offensive linemen Vaillancourt and Dillon Guy, receivers Brett Blasko and Shaquille Johnson, defensive back Brennan VanNistelrooy along with fullback Nathan O’Halloran and defensive lineman Boyd Richardson will arrive in Vancouver with other first-year Lions on Tuesday making their way to Kamloops for mini-camp.

Vaillancourt was the Lions’ first round pick after they traded down from third overall to fifth overall with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. A four-year standout with Laval, the 6-foot-4, 329-pound guard was considered one of the most pro-ready players in the draft.

RELATED: Lions feel fortunate to land Vaillancourt

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
He’s heralded for his size and strength, placing second in the bench press last March with 24 reps — and just as well he comes from the football factory of Laval, a school that has now produced five offensive linemen in the first round the last two years.

Wednesday’s signings leaves only second round pick and defensive back Anthony Thompson the only Lions’ draft pick without a contract. The rest of the Lions’ rookies will be at the team’s camp in Kamloops, which will be held from Thursday, May 26 through Saturday, May 28.

As in past years, the Lions will feature four BC junior football standouts at camp including offensive lineman Michele Vecchio, linebacker Layne Hull, defensive back Matt McConnell and running back Nathan Lund.

As part of the CFL’s ongoing efforts to develop elite Canadian quarterbacks, the Lions are also pleased to welcome UBC pivot Michael O’Connor to his second BC Lions Training Camp.

Full training camp opens for all CFL teams on Sunday, May 29.