Ticats tab Chapman with first overall pick

TORONTO — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have selected Central Michigan receiver Mark Chapman first overall in the 2018 CFL Draft.

Chapman becomes the first pass-catcher since Chris Bauman in 2007 to be taken with the top pick, which the Ticats acquired from Montreal the night before the draft. The Ticats moved from second to first on a Wednesday night blockbuster trade.

A 6-foot, 180-pound native of Port Huron, Mich., Chapman was widely considered one of the draft’s top prospects going into Thursday, ranking second on the most recent Central Scouting Bureau rankings released in April. He also put on a show at the CFL Scouting Combine presented by adidas, running a 4.69 in the 40 and posting the top results in the broad jump and three-cone drill.

 


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Prognosticators had pegged Chapman and UConn offensive lineman Trey Rutherford as the top two candidates to go first overall. But in the end, Chapman’s skill-set as an explosive receiver, especially with the ball in his hands, along with his polished route-running ability was impossible to ignore.

After red-shirting in 2013, Chapman enjoyed four productive seasons at Central Michigan Chippewa. In 2017 he started 12 games and led the team in both receptions (54) and yards (805), adding five touchdown receptions.

Considered one of the draft’s most pro-ready prospects, Chapman should have a chance to carve out a starting role as early as Ticats training camp.