May 8, 2011

Mitchell selected second overall by Esks

CFL.ca Staff

EDMONTON — Rice University offensive lineman Scott Mitchell has been selected with the second overall pick by the Edmonton Eskimos. Mitchell was the top-rated prospect heading into the draft according to the CFL Amateur Scouting Bureau.

Mitchell began the season ranked #2 by the Bureau but jumped up to the top spot following an impressive showing at E-Camp.

At E-Camp the six-foot-four, 295-pound offensive tackle really tood out from the crowd in 1-on-1 blocking drills. He also showed his versatility – an important factor given CFL roster sizes – filling in at guard and centre.

The Eskimos then swung a deal with Hamilton and traded up for the fifth overall selection to take Calgary Dinos receiver and Alberta native Nathan Coehoorn.

The Eskimos acquired the pick from Hamilton along with the rights to import offensive lineman Zipp Duncan in exchange for the 10th and 13th overall picks in this year’s draft.

Coehoorn came into the draft as the 7th ranked prospect according to the CFL Amateur Scouting Bureau and is thought to be the most pro ready receiver in this year’s draft class. He performed well at the CFL Evaluation camp posting a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash, 15 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and jumping 35.5 inches in the vertical jump.

Coehoorn who was the Dinos’ leading receiver last year, posting 47 receptions for 753 yards and three touchdowns in regular season and playoff games combined.  He also led the conference in punt return yards with 494 on 42 returns in the regular season, and also was called on to carry the ball on occasion.

At 6’2”, 220 pounds, the 24 year old has drawn comparisons to Jason Clermont of the Saskatchewan Roughriders when it comes to his CFL potential.

The Eskimos continued their draft-day wheeling and dealing, acquiring the the 14th selection overall from Calgary in exchange for the rights to Edmonton’s 2010 first round selection Brian Bulcke.

The Eskimos used the 14th pick to select defensive back Hugo Lopez out of the University of Toronto.

The Eskimos then made one final draft day move sending non-import fullback Graeme Bell to the Riders in exchange for the 46th overall selection in the draft. Edmonton used the pick on Montreal receiver Youssy Pierre to cap their draft.