Draft
Round
-
February 8, 2018

FA Most Wanted: An impact pass-catcher

Patrick Doyle/CFL.ca

TORONTO — In a pass-heavy league like the CFL, receivers are always a topic of conversation.

That’s why heading into free agency, pass-catchers are a hot commodity, especially those that can make an impact like DaVaris Daniels.

Keeping in mind that Daniels has yet to play a full season – he suited up in just 11 games in 2016 and was held to 13 last season – he has become one of the elite. If he played in all 18 games, Daniels was on pace to exceed the 1000-yard mark in both of his Canadian Football League campaigns.

At six-foot-one and 207-pounds, Daniels’ skill and size make him one of best and he is the 11th ranked free agent according to CFL.ca:

11
DaVARIS DANIELS
REC | CGY

FA RANKINGS
OVR – 11
TEAM – 2
POS — 3
2017 BY THE #’S
GP – 13
REC – 47
REC YDS – 743

 

Injuries limited Daniels to just 13 games and 743 yards in 2017. The 25-year-old also caught four touchdown passes in his sophomore season and made a Grey Cup appearance with the Stampeders. He was also named a Shaw Top Performer in Week 10 after he made eight catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns in his team’s win over the Toronto Argonauts.

After starting the year on the practice roster, Daniels made his debut in Week 8 and by season’s end was named 2016’s Most Outstanding Rookie. He caught 51 passes for 885 yards (good for second on the team) and nine touchdowns in 11 games. Daniels also caught 107 yards and a touchdown in the Western Final and tallied 89 yards through the air, 33 yards on the ground and touchdown in the Grey Cup.

Before Daniels joined the Stampeders, he signed with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in May of 2015. He was then claimed by the New England Patriots in September of 2015 and attended the Philadelphia Eagles’ mini-camp in 2016. In college, Daniels played three seasons (2011-13) at Notre Dame.

If he hits the open market on February 13, Daniels will likely garner attention from any team looking for a skilled wideout.