TORONTO — With the testing officially in the books, the waiting game begins for many of football’s top Canadian draft-eligible prospects.
The CFL Combine presented by adidas capped off in Winnipeg last weekend, with some of the country’s top amateurs looking to raise their stock ahead of the 2018 CFL Draft on May 3.
The results may have shuffled a few draft boards, to say the least.
“The athletic level of the group that’s been brought to Winnipeg is top notch,” CFL.ca’s draft guru Marshall Ferguson said during the combine. “They’re impressive for a number of reasons depending on the position group, but there are a lot of positives in this draft class and that’s coming out as we go through the weekend.”
Perhaps the biggest change comes from the top, where Ferguson’s previous projected first overall pick, offensive lineman Peter Godber, might have seen his stock fall after leaving the combine before testing.
Who made the most of the weekend’s showcase? And is a new favourite emerging to go first overall?
Our in-house analyst Marshall Ferguson provides his five stars of the combine:
1. Dakoda Shepley
OL | UBC
Whether it was winning the bench press with 27 reps or owning the top 10-yard sprint in the 40 among O-linemen, Dakoda Shepley stood above the rest of the big men all weekend.
After dominating the testing portion of the combine, the 6-foot-4, 306-pound lineman passed the eye test a day later in the one-on-ones.
“Dakoda’s an animal,” said Ferguson. “He’s tall, athletic and showed off a level of strength that separated him from his peers. I’m not surprised that he tested well, but he didn’t need to test well to stay as a highly-rated prospect but he did, so he only helped himself.”
Shepley then stood up against the top pass-rushers, lining up at multiple positions across the line and highlighting his versatility. The ability to play guard, centre and possibly even tackle could make him a candidate to be picked first overall.
“I think he’ll be drafted with the mindset of a team making him a guard, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets reps at tackles very quickly wherever he lands,” added Ferguson. “Having that versatility can only help when combined with his athleticism.”
2. Daniel Petermann
REC | McMaster
Speedy Daniel Petermann may have raised his stock more than anyone at the combine. Not only did the McMaster product show his polished route-running ability on the field, like expected, he also dominated the testing portion of the showcase.
Petermann had the top 40-yard dash in the field (a time of 4.54) while ranking high in the three-cone and short shuttle on Saturday. On Sunday, he had the top vertical (39 inches) and placed in the top-five in the broad jump.
“Dan Petermann opened a lot of eyes,” said Ferguson. “Special speed. I’ve always seen it on field but it’s nice to see it translate to the national combine stage. He proved he’s not just one-dimensional.”
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound pass-catcher carried a strong day of testing into the one-on-ones, using his speed and savvy route running to allow separation against some of the top DBs.
“Smooth route-runner,” said Ferguson. “Elusive after the catch, which you can’t see in a combine setting. But his upside is huge and he surprised many with his testing numbers.
“He very much put himself on the radar for a top-two round pick.”
3. Mark Chapman
REC | Central Michigan
Another receiver to keep an eye on after last weekend is Central Michigan’s Mark Chapman, who, like Petermann, has upper-echelon speed and possesses fluid route-running.
Chapman tested well at the combine, finishing with the top broad jump (10’7.25″), the top three-cone (7.00 flat), the fourth-best vertical (36 inches) and the third-best shuttle (4.18), putting him among the weekend’s top testers.
On Sunday afternoon, the savvy speedster put his explosiveness on full display, eluding defenders and finding himself open down the field more often than not.
“Explosive, quick, perfect fit for a CFL offence as a speed guy,” said Ferguson. “He flashed on film and flashed on the field in Winnipeg the same way.”
There’s a good chance Chapman, slated to go second overall to Hamilton in Ferguson’s opening mock draft, will be the first receiver selected on May 3.
4. Godfrey Onyeka
DB | Wilfrid Laurier
The draft’s top-ranked defensive back hoped to show he’s fast enough to play the position at the next level. While his 40-time of 4.66 didn’t jump off the page, it was still enough for a top-five ranking in the entire field.
Godfrey Onyeka is considered a can’t-miss first round talent, and on Sunday he showed why when matched up against some of the draft’s top prospects. Onyeka had two interceptions and showed a physical domination over most of his opponents.
“Godfrey has every tool to be an impact player quickly in the Canadian Football League,” said Ferguson. “His determination on special teams and body development over the next year will determine what type of player he becomes at the start of his career.”
Expect Onyeka to make an impact on special teams quickly, while the question on the defensive side of the ball will surround his position. There’s a chance his size and physicality make him a candidate to play WILL linebacker at the next level if he can make the conversion.
5. Jackson Bennett
DB | Ottawa
Versatility is one of the biggest buzz words this time of year, and Jackson Bennett has proven he’s got plenty of it. The Ottawa defensive back tested well on Saturday and Sunday morning, then in the afternoon ran drills with the linebackers and DBs.
In one-on-one coverage against the country’s top young receivers, Bennett held his own every time out.
“Marathon man,” said Ferguson. “He did everything, impressed in everything, has return ability, showed strength in special teams drills and can play a variety of defensive positions if needed. He won the day overall in terms of respect gained.”
Ferguson originally had Bennett going 12th overall to BC, but his stock may have gone up after a strong showing over the weekend.
