Mock 3.0: One last look at the 2018 CFL Draft

TORONTO — As the clock ticks down on the first overall pick, it’s time to shuffle the draft board one last time.

Last week’s NFL Draft had plenty of influence, with some top prospects dropping after signing deals south of the border. On the other hand, offensive lineman Trey Rutherford’s stock is through the roof after the University of Connecticut product has declared he’s focusing on the CFL only.

There are still plenty of mysteries before the Als take the podium on Thursday night, when the 2018 CFL Draft officially kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.

For now here’s a general lay of the land going in:

ROUND 1

1. MONTREAL
TREY RUTHERFORD
OL | UCONN

We’ve been splitting hairs on the top end of the offensive line draft for a couple months now. Rutherford has consistently found himself amongst the best players available in this draft, but what truly separates him now is his apparently-singular focus on the CFL. While Ryan Hunter and Dakoda Shepley have NFL undrafted free agent workouts planned, Rutherford does not which should endear him to the Alouettes with the top pick.

I have said throughout the winter that Montreal needs to build from the inside out and adding a rock at offensive line is a great place to start, especially considering Montreal has no other picks in the first two rounds as of now.

2. HAMILTON
MARK CHAPMAN
REC | CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Chapman was by far the smoothest receiver at the CFL national combine, confirming what I had already seen from him in NCAA games for Central Michigan. His burst coming out of routes separates him from most of the 2018 receiver draft class and his hands are as natural as they come.

In Central Michigan’s NCAA-style spread offence, Chapman caught many quick screen passes, ran jet sweeps and was used as a constant threat or decoy with his speed threatening every part of the opposing defence.

June Jones’ offence would suit Chapman immediately, giving the opportunity for relatively-rare early playing time and production for a team which continues to search for long-term answers to the ratio question left behind be Andy Fantuz’s impending departure.

3. BC
DAKODA SHEPLEY
OL | UBC

Dakoda Shepley is not a BC native but no team will understand his pros and cons more than the BC Lions. Add in their natural need to add an athletic edge to a porous 2017 offensive line and I believe you reach a conclusion that the Lions should consider Shepley as an upgrade.

By adding him to their prospective roster – pending NFL opportunities – the Lions would upgrade their ability to get the ball out in space, quickly out of Jonathan Jennings’ hand while getting lineman down field, as is the ever-increasing CFL trend.

 

4. OTTAWA
DANIEL PETERMANN
REC | McMASTER

This might be a reach at number four, but Petermann put himself in the conversation for a top-five pick with a great CFL Combine. He is not just a testing phenomenon though. Petermann was a consistent producer for the Marauders with the ability to turn quick screens into big yards after catch.

That style of play and mentality matches what the REDBLACKS want to do offensively with Trevor Harris and Jaime Elizondo. Petermann could add special teams value due to his elusive nature and develop behind Brad Sinopoli and Julian Feoli-Gudino while taking on the role of recently-departed Jake Harty.

5. SASKATCHEWAN
GODFREY ONYEKA
DB | LAURIER

Onyeka said entering the winter he believed he should be the top overall pick due to his athleticism and versatile playing style. Chris Jones has to be a fan.

Jones could use Onyeka in a plethora of situations on the Riders’ defence and special teams, ranging from punt gunner and kickoff coverage to linebacker and free safety. Godfrey’s instincts and reaction time are amongst the best of any defender at all three levels of the defence in this draft class. He should not get out of the first round.

6. EDMONTON
JACKSON BENNETT
DB | OTTAWA

Jackson Bennett has impressed me through and through as the winter has turned to early spring. He has return game ability similar to Carleton Ravens 2017 draft pick Tunde Adeleke and could slot into free safety as a rotational player with the Eskimos by mid-season.

7. WINNIPEG
MARK KORTE
OL | ALBERTA

He’s got an NFL invitation but Mark Korte is just too good to fall out of the first round. He has the look of a long-term CFL offensive lineman who could develop into an absolute rock on any team’s offensive line. While Winnipeg is in a very good situation – national or international – on their offensive line, you can never have too much talent. The Bombers don’t require a ton of national depth in other areas.

8. CALGARY
JULIEN LAURENT
DL | GEORGIA STATE

Last year the Stampeders took defensive lineman Randy Colling with their first round selection — a mystery to many fans coming from the arena football league who played sparingly in 2017.

Most fans will not know much about Georgia State defensive lineman Julien Laurent, but his ability to get hands up in passing lanes and compress the pocket makes him a threat to add immediate value to a healthy national rotation on the Cowtown defensive line.

9. TORONTO
RYAN HUNTER
OL | BOWLING GREEN

Hunter shows all the signs of a long-term CFL lineman; from build and size to natural quickness he is the full package. The only reason for his drop in Mock Draft 3.0 is his NFL opportunity, meaning a team like Toronto at the back end of the first round could take him with the hope of seeing a payoff down the road.

ROUND 2

10. HAMILTON

David Mackie, RB, Western. The Darian Durant, pick which was flipped for Zach Collaros this winter, is about to turn into Jeremiah Masoli’s new best friend. David Mackie is THE Swiss army knife of the 2018 CFL Draft. Mackie led the country in rushing last year for a dominant Western Mustangs ground attack while serving up skilled blocks that come with a CFL-style high degree of difficulty and execution in the Mustangs’ power run offence.

Mackie could develop under Carl-Olivier Prime in Hamilton and be unleashed in a variety of creative ways by June Jones over the next couple years. As the old saying goes in the CFL, “the more you can do..” He also has experience as a long snapper and Aaron Crawford is on the mend for Hamilton meaning Mackie – the predominant H-back in this year’s draft – comes with big-time upside.

11. HAMILTON

Isaiah Guzylak-Messam, DB, Laurier. While all the hype coming into the national combine was – rightfully so – about Laurier’s Godfrey Onyeka, his Golden Hawks teammate Isaiah Guzylak-Messam was never far behind in the Winnipeg evaluation. A Hamilton native and graduate of MacNab secondary, Guzylak-Messam is a physically-thrashing defensive back with a ball hawk mentality who finishes every play. His immediate impact could come on special teams learning from another U SPORTS player of similar background and playing style in Jonathan Langa.

12. BC

Ryan Sceviour, OL, Calgary. The Lions could use almost every pick on Jonathon Jennings‘ protection plan in the first half of the draft in May and nobody in an orange jersey should complain. Sceviour is the best member of a consistently-dominant Dinos offensive line this year and should be a high pick.

13. OTTAWA

David Knevel, OL, Nebraska. Knevel is a mountain of a man with a skill-set any CFL coach would love to work with. The big question is whether or not he will end up north or south of the border. With a couple of rookie mini-camp invites and his God-given size, Knevel could stick with an NFL roster into the summer months, but he is well worth the risk here for an already-talented REDBLACKS national line group.

14. SASKATCHEWAN

Rashaun Simonise, REC, Okanagan. Simonise didn’t impress athletically at the national combine the way many assumed he would, but there is no denying his natural length and hands. His profile as a former NFL experienced speedster fits the Riders’ draft profile as of late and given the Riders’ structure, Simonise could compete with nationals Devon Bailey and Josh Stanford immediately for playing time.

15. HAMILTON

Micah Teitz, LB, Calgary. Teitz plays low and fast, serving as an effective linebacker both in pass coverage and against the run in Calgary. After losing Mitch Barnett in free agency to the BC Lions, Hamilton should be happy to add Teitz as a depth weak side linebacker. Any positives that come from this pick for the Ticats are an added bonus as the selection came from Edmonton for the rights to John Chick last year who recently retired.

16. WINNIPEG

Marco Dubois, REC, Laval. Arguably the most sound special teams player in the draft, Marco Dubois’ game is all about length. Length of arms to lock out blockers on a punt coverage unit, length of stride to outrun teammates on kickoff coverage, and length of speed to outrun many larger players. Dubois will make whatever team picks him better on special teams immediately.

17. CALGARY

Peter Godber, OL, Rice. Godber didn’t impress many football operations team staff by arriving in Winnipeg and deciding not to test until his pro day, but once Godber did test the numbers were impressive. When combined with his consistent play and ability to stay on the field, Godber should be off the board by the mid-teens at the latest.

Once the favourite to go first overall, Peter Godber is expected to fall on Thursday (Rice University)

18. TORONTO

Andrew Pickett, OL, Guelph. Pickett has been overshadowed at times by bigger frames and bigger names, but the more I watched back his game film after the national combine I came to realize he absolutely deserves to be a top-20 pick. The Argos have an established relationship in recent years with Guelph and that trend could continue with the final pick of the second round.

ROUND 3

19. MONTREAL

Mathieu Breton, DL, Bishop’s. Breton has a unique frame which could intrigue the Alouettes to take him ahead of more polished players.

20. HAMILTON

Darius Ciraco, OL, Calgary. The Burlington, Ont. native would do well to learn and develop behind former Calgary Dinos teammate and current Ticats offensive lineman Braden Schram.

21. BC

Nelkas Kwemo, LB, Queen’s. The Gaels and Lions have a long-standing relationship, which could reappear in the third round or earlier with Kwemo heading west to earn a role on special teams. Nelkas’ frame is unique and his potential with the right coaching feels limitless.

22. OTTAWA

Etienne Moisan, REC, Laval. Patrick Lavoie returned to Montreal this off-season via trade, meaning the REDBLACKS are open to developing a big-framed pass catcher with blocking ability. Moisan checks off many of those boxes.

23. MONTREAL

Tyrone Pierre, REC, Laval. Pierre is a dynamic pass-catcher with room to improve in route-running and decision-making, but his frame and play style is reminiscent of current Alouettes pass-catcher George Johnson.

24. TORONTO

Regis Cibasu, REC, Montreal. Cibasu is as physically-dominating a receiver as there is in this draft.

25. CALGARY

Dagogo Maxwell, DB, UBC. A freaky athlete with an aggressive mentality, Maxwell would fit in nicely with former Carleton Ravens defensive back and return man Tunde Adeleke to form a dynamic duo of options for Calgary defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks and Special Teams Coordinator Mark Kilam.

26. WINNIPEG

Brett Wade, DL, Calgary. Sometimes film tells a story that could be ignored if not supported in a combine setting. Brett Wade’s quick swim move during one-on-ones in Winnipeg could have the Bombers’ staff imagining him back in Manitoba soon.

Calgary defensive lineman Brett Wade helped his stock at the combine last month (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)

ROUND 4

27. MONTREAL

Royce Metchie, DB, Guelph. A solid all-around defensive back with good recognition skills and a playful on-field demeanour. Metchie showed well at the national combine and would fit nicely behind Dondre Wright in Montreal to begin his career.

28. CALGARY

Jordan Beaulieu, DB, Western. Jordan Beaulieu is football. He’s loud, brash, excitable and highly skilled. His energy is infectious and never stops from snap to whistle. The Mustangs’ special teams ace will undoubtedly turn some heads in training camp and Calgary’s special teams coordinator Mark Kilam would be the perfect mentor to shape Beaulieu’s raw energy.

29. OTTAWA

Justin Howell, DB, Carleton. Howell maintains leverage and positioning on special teams better than almost any other defensive back on film in the 2018 CFL Draft. He has the size of a weak side linebacker but plays with the burst of a halfback. Not completely sure of a natural positional fit at the next level but a name to know that gained respect through winter evaluation.

30. OTTAWA

Paul Kozachuk, LB, Toronto. Remember that weird afternoon when Odell Willis was a REDBLACK and Charleston Hughes was a Ticats defensive lineman? This pick comes from the Odell flip flop in Ottawa. Kozachuk came out of nowhere to many at the regional combine level, posting excellent times in a variety of speed drills. On film he is very sound in maintaining leverage and positioning on special teams and, thanks to his natural athleticism, could develop into a solid backup weak side linebacker.

31. MONTREAL

Eric Mezzalira, LB, Calgary. A better pass rusher than cover man, Mezzalira has worked hard to develop a true linebacker skill-set over the last three years of increased playing time, while always being one of the most intuitive players on the field.

32. EDMONTON

David Polynice, DB, McGill. Polynice’s performance at the Eastern Regional Combine didn’t shock anyone who watched his game film. He is a responsible point-of-attack defender who shows the signs of an educated player who rarely guesses and trusts his eyes in zone coverage to jump routes with great anticipation.

33. WINNIPEG

Matteo Del Brocco, REC, Queen’s. Del Brocco deserved to advance from the Ontario Regional Combine in my opinion after his testing performance, but route-running likely lost him the bid over a less athletically-inclined receiver such as Western’s Harry McMaster. Del Brocco has good size, runs well and with a closer attention to detail should become an above average developmental receiver. He could go much later in the draft but in a relatively thin second tier of receivers Del Brocco is a name to know.

34. HAMILTON

Mitch O’Connor, REC, McMaster. Mitch O’Connor is the best-kept secret in the 2018 draft. O’Connor tested well at the Ontario Regional and will serve his dues on special teams immediately. Despite battling injuries off and on for the majority of his senior season, O’Connor battled through to establish himself as a physical presence on all special teams units. At the national combine in Winnipeg I asked a coach if they had heard of Mitch O’Conn.. They stopped me short, winked and said, “don’t worry, we’re well aware of him.” I wonder how interested Hamilton will be in keeping Mitch close to campus come May.

35. TORONTO

Kene Onyeka, DL, Carleton. Onyeka is one of the best pass rushers of the last two years in U SPORTS but will have to evolve his game in the CFL. Without the lower body power of a Kwaku Boateng, Onyeka has learned to use his hands and variation of pass rush moves to get home a bunch in 2017. The Argos are wise to always keep a variety of positions developing and need a defensive lineman to bring along. Why not Onyeka?

Kene Onyeka could join his cousin Nakas if he’s drafted by the Argos (Carleton University)

ROUND 5

36. SASKATCHEWAN

Atlee Simon, RB, Regina. Atlee Simon quietly had a wonderful weekend in Winnipeg at the national combine. He struts the ability to serve as an undersized running back with a strong lower body, or a change-of-pace slotback capable of handling the rock in space as he’s done so successfully for Quarterback Noah Picton and the Regina Rams.

37. EDMONTON

Tanner Green, RB, Concordia. A big-bodied fullback and native of Alberta, Tanner Green should get an opportunity in camp come May to show he is more than just a special teams contributor — although he has no problem serving that role. One of the largest members of the offensive skill position 2018 class should see some action in the pre-season if he can establish himself as more than just a big blocking frame.

38. BC

Bo Banner, DL, Central Washington. Banner is much too talented to fall this late in the draft and I don’t truly expect him to be around after the second or third round, but one coach told me during interviews in Winnipeg Banner had a less than ideal response to the concept of contributing on special teams. As an undersized defensive lineman, Banner has to rely on his quickness to rush and would need to play specials at that weight or put on some pounds to not get lifted out of the run game as a defensive rotation player.

39. CALGARY

Christopher Amoah, RB, Laval. Amoah posses the best jump cut and vision in this years CFL draft at the running back position. He has fantastic burst and long speed as shown by his 4.47s 40-yard dash at the 2017 East-West Bowl combine. This pick was acquired by Calgary from the REDBLACKS for Drew Tate.

Laval running back Chris Amoah has flashed plenty of talent as a pure runner (Yan Doublet/Laval)

40. EDMONTON

Archelaus Jack, REC, SMU. A former Riders practice roster player who has bounced around the CJFL and U Sports Jack doesn’t have a ton of variety to his game which could hurt his draft stock as a wide receiver. As a special teamer his competitive nature will be tested early and often but the raw athleticism is there and ready to be accessed.

41. WINNIPEG

Antony Dufour, REC, Laval. Another in a long line of 2018 Laval skill position players. How did they lose to Western in the Vanier Cup?!

42. CALGARY

Sean Harrington, LB, Michigan State. Harrington didn’t impress in the special teams drills at the national combine the way many thought he would due to extensive specials experience against major division one NCAA talent but still appears ready to step in and play in a moments notice.

43. TORONTO

William Watson, REC, UBC. A depth pick ready to develop and contribute behind summer of 2017 standout Jimmy Ralph.

44. MONTREAL

Khadim Mbaye, LB, Ottawa. Mbaye measured in larger than expected and ran better than some evaluators I asked for a projection of him on. A true between-the-tackles linebacker with a great ability to shoot the gap and anticipate before arriving with force. Will the CFL’s speed and requirement of early recognition take away that distance advantage for him?

ROUND 6

45. SASKATCHEWAN

Trisitan Koronkiewicz, DL, Saskatchewan. Koronkiewicz put up solid numbers at the Western Regional Combine and supplied consistent pressure for the Huskies in 2017 on a defence that struggled to get much pressure in Canada West.

46. BC

Bryce Vieira, RB, Ottawa. Vieira was a consistent producer for the Gee-Gees offence during his time in Ottawa. With good size and quickness Bryce could go earlier to any team interested in carrying a depth national running back. Those teams unfortunately for most backs in this draft are few and far between.

47. BC

Nicholas Bartolacci, OL, SMU. Another depth lineman pick for the Lions.

48. EDMONTON

Mickael Cote, LB, Concordia. Cote has the size and mentality of a CFL linebacker right now but will have to refine his game to find playing time. Allow him to do that in Edmonton behind Adam Konar and friends.

49. WINNIPEG

Jean-Gabriel Poulin, LB, Western. Jean-Gabriel Poulin was the heart and soul of Western’s Vanier Cup Championship defence in 2017. He is a brick wall against most if not all U SPORTS running backs and receivers, able to effectively ‘wall’ skill position players where he would like in zone coverage and battle through contact on pass rushes and special teams.

Jean-Gabriel Poulin led a Vanier Cup-winning defence last season at Western (Brandon VandeCaveye)

50. CALGARY

Boston Rowe, LB, Calgary. A solid safe depth pick that filled the stat sheet several times over for the Dinos during his tenure. Any Stampeders coaches that saw him play live will understand how fast Rowe gets to the football in the moment of need.

51. MONTREAL

Will Altema, RB, Montreal. With the final piece of the S.J. Green deal, the Alouettes will stay close to home. Altema has the best combination of size and speed at the running back position in this draft. Complemented by his quick cuts and ball security, he is comparable to former Carabins ball-carrier and 2017 Ticats draft pick Sean Thomas-Erlington.

ROUND 7

52. MONTREAL

Micheal Brouwers, DL, McMaster. Brouwers tested better than expected and produced during his senior season at McMaster. Perhaps it’s enough to earn a flyer from a group looking to draft potential at all possible positions.

53. EDMONTON

Jacob Firlotte, DB, Queen’s. This pick was acquired by the Eskimos from Hamilton in exchange for receiver Shamawd Chambers. Jordan Hoover earned a role on the Eskimos last year as a tall-ranger free safety. Firlotte could fit that mold.

54. BC

Justin Buren, REC, SFU. Buren ran better than expected at the national combine after advancing from the Western Regional and complements his smooth routes with a tenacious ball-fighting mentality. The Lions might want to keep Buren in the area to take a longer look at a value pick.

55. OTTAWA

Simon Gingras-Gagnon, REC, Laval. Overshadowed by his Laval teammates for various reasons (Moisan-size, Dubois-specials experience, Pierre-athleticism) but don’t be fooled. Gingras-Gagnon is still a very solid player.

56. HAMILTON

Nolan McGreer, OL, Carleton. Undersized but athletic, McGreer projects as a guard if he can add some strength and weight.

57. EDMONTON

Dashaun Smellie, REC, Bishop’s. Canadian Duke Williams light. Big frame. Slow off the line but willing to jump and battle for anything thrown his way.

58. WINNIPEG

Alex Taylor, RB, Western. A bit too romantic to place the Mustangs standout and Winnipeg native with the Bombers? Perhaps, but it’s a mock draft, we’re already deep into fantasy land. Taylor runs crisp routes and is great off tackle, but struggled in special teams drills at the combine. He could develop behind Andrew Harris and Kienan LaFrance. A Winnipeg native blue and gold running back party!

Another talented running back out of Winnipeg, Alex Taylor has offensive upside (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)

59. CALGARY

Noah Akharoh, REC, Windsor. The Stamps continue to draft athleticism and improve team speed. Akharoh meets those standards despite being undersized.

60. TORONTO

Ryder Stone, RB, Dartmouth. Stone has good burst through the line, isn’t afraid to run between the tackles and looked good in special teams drills at the combine.

ROUND 8

61. MONTREAL

Ben Koczwara, OL, Waterloo. A 2017 East-West Bowl and 2018 Ontario Regional participant, Koczwara has solid size and feet capable of holding his own in training camp this May.

62. HAMILTON

Justin Lawrence, OL, Alberta. Amongst the most sound offensive line game tapes I watched, Lawrence is up against it with his uniquely short and wide frame — but he deserves a chance to develop in a pro football structure for his work at left guard for the Golden Bears.

63. SASKATCHEWAN

Brock Makaric, REC, Michigan State. A developmental receiver possibly capable of back-stopping and studying Rob Bagg for the next couple of years.

64. OTTAWA

Nicholas Parisotto, DB, Guelph. Big. Physical. Special teams experience. Every team needs a host of Parisottos.

65. EDMONTON

Arnaud Gendron-Dumouchel, OL, Montreal. They sure do love their big offensive lineman in Edmonton. Matt O’Donnell, Justin Sorensen and trading James Franklin for last year’s 10th overall pick Mason Woods. Why not add the freaky long frame of the Carabins raw tackle?

66. HAMILTON

Jeremy Magan-France, DL, Bishop’s. A talented pass rusher who has bounced around the Canadian university scene more than once. Perhaps Magan-France finds a permanent home alongside Justin Vaughn in Hamilton.

67. WINNIPEG

Rashari Henry, DL, Laurier. The Bombers add defensive line depth and quality locker-room character.

68. CALGARY

Joel Van Pelt, DL, Calgary. All-Canadian frame and potential but the testing numbers at the Western Regional hurt his case. I hope Van Pelt gets a chance and finds his game.

69. TORONTO

Lekan Idowu, DB, Windsor. Undersized but deserves an opportunity.