Prospect Profile: Height won’t hold back Noah Picton

TORONTO — It was a question the Regina Rams’ starting quarterback had probably answered a hundred times, but he knew it was coming anyway.

Is size going to stand in the way of Noah Picton playing quarterback in the Canadian Football League?

“It’s been the same commentary growing up,” responded Picton. “‘He’s too small to play’.”

“At each level that’s kind of how it goes. Coming to the CFL, those same people are going to be saying the same things, but I think going forward I’ll be able to prove those people wrong as well.”

There are short quarterbacks, and then there’s Noah Picton. Listed at 5-foot-9, Picton has overcome questions about his size since he started playing the position in high school.

Now, a year after winning the Hec Crighton as the U SPORTS most outstanding player in 2016, he’ll look to go pro at the 2018 CFL Draft.

“Noah Picton deserves to get an opportunity, regardless of his stature. His quickness at the quarterback position is unlike everything we’ve seen in the last five-plus years for Canadian quarterbacks.”

CFL Draft analyst Marshall Ferguson

Canadian quarterbacks have made for an interesting case study over the years, with Andrew Buckley and Brandon Bridge paving the way for the next big name. That appears to be Picton, whose impressive footwork and accurate arm were on full display during the CFL Scouting Combine presented by adidas last month in Winnipeg.

But as Picton proved capable of making all the throws necessary in the three-down game, questions about his height would not go away.

“Noah Picton deserves to get an opportunity, regardless of his stature,” said CFL.ca’s Marshall Ferguson. “His quickness at the quarterback position is unlike everything we’ve seen in the last five-plus years for Canadian quarterbacks. His ball placement is always receiver-friendly, and he carries himself like somebody who deserves an opportunity, regardless of whether or not he gets drafted.”

Bridge was drafted in the fourth round, 31st overall, while Buckley went in the seventh round, 62nd overall. For the record, Ferguson did not place Picton in his second of three mock drafts leading into next month.

However, the success of Bridge and Buckley should pave more paths to the pros for Canadian quarterbacks. And by all accounts, talent is not an issue for the Rams’ four-year starter.

Picton has already envisioned what it might be like to have his name called on draft day.

“It would be a dream come true, really, to get onto a CFL roster as just a local prairie kid from Regina, Saskatchewan, growing up cheering for the Riders,” said Picton. “To be able to step into the CFL and lead a team would be an unbelievable experience.”

The CFL Draft will unfold on May 3 at 8 p.m. ET.