Primer: What you need to know about the 2018 CFL Draft

TORONTO — The wait is almost over for fans, general managers and the country’s top amateur football prospects.

Hours of testing and breaking down film all come down to this, the 2018 CFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET in Toronto (available on TSN).

With more than a hundred players eligible and 69 set to join a Canadian Football League roster, we’ve got everything you need to know going into Thursday.

1. What is the priority draft order?

The priority draft order was set in reverse order of the 2017 CFL Standings, with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats holding the top pick (via trade) and the Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts finishing the first round.

The selection order for Round 1 is as follows:

2. The Ticats hold all the cards

Eric Tillman went into Wednesday night with a quarter of the draft’s first 20 picks. The Ticats’ GM used his draft capital to move up twice in separate trades, getting the sixth overall pick from the Eskimos and also acquiring the first overall pick from the Alouettes.

The Ticats may not be done, but for now they’ll have a chance to get high-impact prospects in the first six selections. They also have two picks in the second round, giving Tillman plenty of flexibility going into Thursday night.

While some project Trey Rutherford as the first overall pick, the Ticats could take Mark Chapman knowing they’ll still get a highly-regarded offensive lineman at No. 6.

Whatever happens, there was a reason the Ticats gave up key assets to move from second to first overall. We’ll find out soon which prospect they covet so much more than the rest.

3. Reed makes his move

In contrast to last year, when the Alouettes’ original first round pick went to BC as a result of the Vernon Adams trade, the Als found some consolation from owning the CFL’s worst record last year when they originally held the first overall pick in the draft.

Kavis Reed leveraged that into a trade with Hamilton, moving down one spot to second overall and gaining a serviceable veteran guard in Ryan Bomben. The Alouettes’ general manager wanted to get someone who can provide immediate contributions, and now he’s got a chance to get two in Bomben and the draft’s second pick.

MORE ON THE CFL DRAFT
» O’Leary: Breaking down the Als, Ticats trade
» View: Draft Order | Broadcast Info | Preview
» The Waggle: Getting primed for the CFL Draft
» Draft Rewind: 5 years of 1st round picks
» Hunter takes top spot in final draft rankings

Whoever the Als pick second, should they remain stagnant, Wednesday’s shuffle and the addition of Bomben builds on a busy off-season for Reed, his second at the helm of the team. Reed has added established ratio-breakers in Jamaal Westerman and Henoc Muamba in recent months, both of whom will join Jabar Westerman on a veteran front-seven.

The Als have not picked first overall since 1972 when they selected Larry Smith, a streak that, it appears, will continue. However, with the second pick in the draft, Thursday will mark the third time in the last six years the Alouettes have picked in the top-three, previously taking OL Philippe Gagnon in 2016 (2nd overall) and DB Mike Edem in 2013 (3rd overall).

4. And then there were two

Even with the trade, draft fodder involving the first overall pick appears to have been divided into two camps. Some consider Central Michigan receiver Mark Chapman a likely candidate to go first, especially considering his preparedness to step on the field and contribute almost immediately.

On the other hand, UConn offensive lineman Trey Rutherford has seemingly separated himself from the rest of the highly-touted linemen in the draft, reportedly turning all of his focus to the three-down game. That gives him a huge advantage over those weighing their options south of the border following the NFL Draft.

“Mark Chapman has earned the right to be in that conversation,” said CFL.ca’s draft guru Marshall Ferguson earlier in the week. “But I’d go offensive line with it. I’d go Trey Rutherford just because I really do think his size, his strength and mobility and the way he’s been able to play a variety of positions at UConn, plus he’s decided to focus on the Canadian Football League reportedly — I think those things in combination give him the upper hand.”

Trey Rutherford and Mark Chapman are projected to be the draft’s top two picks (CFL.ca)

Before Wednesday’s trade, Duane Forde had Chapman going first overall to the Alouettes. That may change with the Ticats owning the top pick, but Chapman’s upside won’t be easy to ignore.

“I have Mark Chapman going first overall,” said Forde. “When you look at this draft class, Chapman ranks among the guys who will be ready to play the earliest, among the most pro-ready guys in it and therefore able to make the most immediate impact among players in this draft.”

With the departure of Bomben, a veteran fixture on the Ticats’ front five, perhaps the scales have tipped in Rutherford’s favour. Rutherford projects as a guard and would fit nicely alongside Brandon Revenberg and Mike Filer, with American tackles Tony Washington and Ryker Mathews on the outside.

5. Also keep an eye on…

Noah Picton — The Regina Rams quarterback and former Hec Crighton winner is looking to follow the path blazed recently by Brandon Bridge and Andrew Buckley. Both were CFL Draft picks and rare Canadian quarterbacks that have been able to overcome expectations and become primary backups for their respective teams. Picton will have to overcome more than both of those names considering his smaller stature, standing at 5-foot-9.

Dakoda Shepley — The star of the CFL Scouting Combine presented by adidas, Shepley’s draft value is all over the map, largely because of a reported deal signed with the NFL’s New York Jets. If not for his NFL aspirations, Shepley might have been a shoe-in to go first overall in this year’s CFL Draft. Now he could slip a little bit.

Daniel Petermann — A surprise phenom in the testing portion of the combine, Petermann has emerged as arguably the second-best receiver available in this year’s draft. The McMaster product was consistently productive throughout his U SPORTS career, and his ability in the testing and the one-on-ones at the combine checked off several key boxes in the eyes of the scouts.

Godfrey Onyeka — Defensive backs don’t traditionally fly off the top of the draft board in the three-down game, but Godfrey Onyeka has the attitude of a first overall pick. We say that quite literally, because the Laurier product has even said he should be the first one off the board on Thursday night. He may not be, but his confidence, athleticism and unrelenting competitiveness should make him a first round pick.

Jackson Bennett — One of the better performers at the combine in Winnipeg, Bennett’s stock has increased incrementally going into the 2018 CFL Draft. The University of Ottawa product projects as a defensive back at the next level, but has a unique combination of strength, speed and physicality that will allow him to play a multitude of positions on a CFL defence — in addition to becoming a special teams ace.

Jackson Bennett’s stock continues to rise after a dominant showing at the combine (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

Rashaun Simonise — The draft’s biggest enigma could land anywhere in the draft after an up-and-down showing at the 2018 CFL Scouting Combine. Simonise is described as an athletic freak but has barely played the last two years, spending some time on Cincinnati’s NFL practice roster before having his draft year deferred after testing positive for a banned substance. The potential for bust is there, but the upside is considered massive.

David Knevel — The hulking O-lineman out of Nebraska was the top-ranked prospect in two out of three Central Scouting Bureau rankings, eventually falling out of the top spot in April. NFL aspirations aside, some wonder whether his height could prohibit his ability to play inside in the three-down game — but the physical ability won’t likely be ignored throughout the first couple of rounds.

Peter Godber — Once a projected first overall pick, Rice University product Peter Godber may have fallen out of favour after showing up at the CFL Scouting Combine and then skipping the events. Godber did test at his pro day, however, and put up impressive numbers, making him an intriguing offensive line prospect going into Thursday.

6. The horses up front

Last year witnessed the reversal of a significant draft trend, with teams waiting until the eighth overall pick to select an offensive lineman. That hasn’t happened since before 2003, while only two offensive linemen went in the first round in 2017 — a spectacular anomaly. In the two years prior, offensive linemen made up 11 of 17 first-round selections.

Still, the big men up front are what power the CFL Draft. Last year saw 17 offensive linemen taken in the draft in total, tying the second-highest total in a class dating back to 2013. The rare dry spell ended with a run of eight offensive linemen taken in nine picks between the end of the first and late second round.

Combine star Dakoda Shepley could be a first round pick in Thursday’s draft (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

The 18 defensive linemen drafted in 2014 and the 18 offensive linemen picked in 2005 are the most drafted at one position group in a single draft over the past 15 years. Over that span, there have been 10 or more offensive linemen picked every single year — the only position group with that distinction.

Offensive linemen have accounted for 25.1 per cent of all draft picks since 2003, followed by defensive linemen at 18.4 per cent. More interestingly, offensive linemen have made up 40 per cent of first round picks, meaning there is an unmistakable emphasis on picking O-linemen earlier in the draft.

7. Year of the horse?

There’s a new contender for the title of pro football factory among the U SPORTS ranks, with the University of Calgary emerging as a go-to source for Canadian Football League talent.

Laval previously held that title, but going into this year the two schools are dead even with 50 draft picks dating back to 2013 — tops in the country by a wide margin. Last year, however, Calgary led the country with nine players selected while Laval only boasted three.

This year could see more of the same for the Calgary Dinos, with seven players listed on Marshall Ferguson’s full eight-round mock draft. In contrast, Ferguson projects six players to be drafted from Laval.

Oddly, not one of Ferguson’s projected first round pick is from Calgary or Laval.

Remarkably, both schools have had at least one player drafted every year dating back to 2013. No other school in the country can make that claim.

The next-closest school in producing CFL draft picks is McMaster, tied with Western at 33 players picked since 2003. Saint Mary’s (32) is close behind, followed by Montreal, Manitoba and Regina each with 30.

8. Chapman, Petermann well-received

Offensive and defensive linemen have dominated the draft over the years, but the receiver position has emerged as a bit of a dark horse, ranking third among draft picks over the last 15 years. Dating back to 2003, 146 receivers have been picked compared to 153 defensive linemen and 209 offensive linemen.

What’s clear is that teams are looking for high-impact pass-catchers in the first round of the draft. Receiver is the No. 2 position taken in the first round in the last 15 years, with 23 receivers selected, making up 18.4 per cent of all positions. Two of those are Nate Behar (5th overall) and Danny Vandervoort (3rd overall), who were first-round picks a year ago.

Patience is required when it comes to taking receivers in the first round. Dating back to 2013, only one receiver taken in the first round has made an impact so far in the CFL in Nic Demski (this approach lists Anthony Coombs as a running back, the position at which he was listed when drafted in 2014).

Mark Chapman is looking to become the first receiver picked first since Chris Bauman in 2007 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

Neither Vandervoort nor Behar have made an impact thus far, and neither have 2016 first-round picks Brian Jones (4th overall) and Tevaun Smith (8th overall).

Daniel Petermann and Mark Chapman are on the first round radar this year. Chapman was listed second in Ferguson’s mock draft while Petermann was listed fourth.

Should Chapman go first overall, he would be the first receiver to do so since Chris Bauman, with the Calgary Stampeders, in 2007.

Only five players, Vandervoort (3rd, 2017), Anthony Parker (3rd, 2011), Bauman (1st, 2007), Andy Fantuz (3rd, 2006), David Azzi (3rd, 2004) have been top-three picks dating back to 2003.

9. Trades that impact the CFL Draft

ROUND 1

1st overall – Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Montreal Alouettes

Hamilton acquired Montreal’s original 2018 first-round selection (1st overall) along with Montreal’s acquired 2018 fourth-round selection (31st overall – originally Saskatchewan’s), Montreal’s original 2018 sixth-round selection (44th overall) and Montreal’s original 2019 second-round selection in exchange for national offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, international wide receiver Jamal Robinson, the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list, Hamilton’s original first-round selection (2nd overall), Hamilton’s acquired fourth-round selection (34th overall – originally Calgary’s) and Hamilton’s acquired seventh-round selection (56th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

2nd overall – Montreal Alouettes via Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Montreal acquired Hamilton’s original 2018 first-round selection (2nd overall) along with Hamilton’s acquired 2018 fourth-round selection (34th overall – originally Calgary’s), Hamilton’s acquired 2018 seventh-round selection (56th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s), national offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, international wide receiver Jamal Robinson and the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list in exchange for Montreal’s original first-round selection (1st overall), Montreal’s acquired fourth-round selection (31st overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) and Montreal’s original sixth-round selection (44th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft and Montreal’s original second-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft.

6th overall – Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Edmonton Eskimos

Hamilton acquired Edmonton’s original 2018 first-round selection (6th overall) and Edmonton’s acquired 2018 fifth-round selection (37th overall – originally Hamilton’s) in exchange for Hamilton’s acquired second-round selection (10th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s via Montreal) and Hamilton’s original third-round selection (20th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

7th overall – BC Lions via Winnipeg Blue Bombers

BC acquired Winnipeg’s original 2018 first-round selection (7th overall) and Winnipeg’s original 2018 second-round selection (16th overall) in exchange for BC’s original second-round selection (12th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft and BC’s original first-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft.

ROUND 2

10th overall – Edmonton Eskimos via Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Saskatchewan Roughriders via Montreal Alouettes

Edmonton acquired Hamilton’s acquired 2018 second-round selection (10th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s via Montreal) and Hamilton’s original 2018 third-round selection (20th overall) in exchange for Edmonton’s original first-round selection (6th overall) and Edmonton’s acquired fifth-round selection (37th overall – originally Hamilton’s) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

26th overall – Winnipeg Blue Bombers via Toronto Argonauts

Winnipeg acquired Toronto’s original 2018 third-round selection (26th overall) along with international defensive back TJ Heath and Toronto’s original 2017 first-round selection (1st overall) in exchange for international quarterback Drew Willy.

ROUND 4

28th overall – Calgary Stampeders via Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Calgary acquired Hamilton’s original 2018 fourth-round selection (28th overall) along with Hamilton’s original fourth-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft in exchange for international defensive lineman Charleston Hughes and Calgary’s original fourth-round selection (34th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

29th overall – Ottawa REDBLACKS via BC Lions

Ottawa acquired BC’s best 2018 fourth-round selection (29th overall) and the rights to a player on BC’s negotiation list in exchange for international defensive lineman Odell Willis.

31st overall – Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Montreal Alouettes via Saskatchewan Roughriders

Hamilton acquired Montreal’s acquired 2018 fourth-round selection (31st overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) along with Montreal’s original 2018 first-round selection (1st overall), Montreal’s original 2018 sixth-round selection (44th overall) and Montreal’s original 2019 second-round selection in exchange for national offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, international wide receiver Jamal Robinson, the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list, Hamilton’s original first-round selection (2nd overall), Hamilton’s acquired fourth-round selection (34th overall – originally Calgary’s) and Hamilton’s acquired seventh-round selection (56th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

Montreal originally acquired Saskatchewan’s best 2018 fourth-round selection (31st overall) in exchange for national defensive back Andrew Lue.

34th overall – Montreal Alouettes via Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Calgary Stampeders

Montreal acquired Hamilton’s acquired 2018 fourth-round selection (34th overall – originally Calgary’s) along with Hamilton’s original 2018 first-round selection (2nd overall), Hamilton’s acquired 2018 seventh-round selection (56th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s), national offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, international wide receiver Jamal Robinson and the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list in exchange for Montreal’s original first-round selection (1st overall), Montreal’s acquired fourth-round selection (31st overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) and Montreal’s original sixth-round selection (44th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft and Montreal’s original second-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft.

Hamilton originally acquired Calgary’s original 2018 fourth-round selection (34th overall) along with international defensive lineman Charleston Hughes in exchange for Hamilton’s original fourth-round selection (28th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft and Hamilton’s original fourth-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft.

ROUND 5

36th overall – Saskatchewan Roughriders via Montreal Alouettes

Saskatchewan acquired Montreal’s original 2018 fifth-round selection (36th overall) along with international quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. and the rights to a player on Montreal’s negotiation list in exchange for Saskatchewan’s best 2018 third-round selection (23rd overall), national defensive back Tevaughn Campbell, Saskatchewan’s best third-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft and the rights to a player on Saskatchewan’s negotiation list.

37th overall – Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Edmonton Eskimos via Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Hamilton acquired Edmonton’s acquired 2018 fifth-round selection (37th overall – originally Hamilton’s) and Edmonton’s original 2018 first-round selection (6th overall) in exchange for Hamilton’s acquired second-round selection (10th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s via Montreal) and Hamilton’s original third-round selection (20th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

Edmonton originally acquired Hamilton’s original 2018 fifth-round selection (37th overall) along with international defensive lineman John Chick in exchange for Edmonton’s original second-round selection (15th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

39th overall – Calgary Stampeders via Ottawa REDBLACKS

Calgary acquired Ottawa’s original 2018 fifth-round selection (39th overall) in exchange for international quarterback Drew Tate.
Fifth Round Selection – Saskatchewan Roughriders

Saskatchewan forfeited its original fifth-round selection after selecting national linebacker Brandyn Bartlett in the 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft.

ROUND 6

44th overall – Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Montreal Alouettes

Hamilton acquired Montreal’s original 2018 sixth-round selection (44th overall) along with Montreal’s original 2018 first-round selection (1st overall), Montreal’s acquired 2018 fourth-round selection (31st overall – originally Saskatchewan’s), and Montreal’s original 2019 second-round selection in exchange for national offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, international wide receiver Jamal Robinson, the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list, Hamilton’s original first-round selection (2nd overall), Hamilton’s acquired fourth-round selection (34th overall – originally Calgary’s) and Hamilton’s acquired seventh-round selection (56th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

45th overall – Saskatchewan Roughriders via Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Saskatchewan acquired Hamilton’s original 2018 sixth-round selection (45th overall) along with international defensive lineman Mike McAdoo in exchange for international wide receiver Ricky Collins Jr. and Saskatchewan’s original seventh-round selection (56th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

Sixth Round Selection – Ottawa REDBLACKS

Ottawa forfeited its original sixth-round selection after selecting national receiver Austin Reuland in the 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft.

47th overall – BC Lions via Saskatchewan Roughriders

BC acquired Saskatchewan’s original 2018 sixth-round selection (47th overall) in exchange for national defensive back Mike Edem and BC’s original eight-round selection (63rd overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

51st overall – Montreal Alouettes via Toronto Argonauts

Montreal acquired Toronto’s best 2018 sixth-round selection (51th overall) along with Toronto’s original sixth-round selection (45th overall) in the 2017 CFL Draft in exchange for international wide receiver S.J. Green.

ROUND 7

53rd overall – Edmonton Eskimos via Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Edmonton acquired Hamilton’s best 2018 seventh-round selection (53rd overall) along with Hamilton’s original fifth-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft in exchange for national wide receiver Shamawd Chambers.

56th overall – Montreal Alouettes via Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Saskatchewan Roughriders

Montreal acquired Hamilton’s acquired 2018 seventh-round selection (56th overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) along with Hamilton’s original 2018 first-round selection (2nd overall), Hamilton’s acquired 2018 fourth-round selection (34th overall – originally Calgary’s), national offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, international wide receiver Jamal Robinson and the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list in exchange for Montreal’s original first-round selection (1st overall), Montreal’s acquired fourth-round selection (31st overall – originally Saskatchewan’s) and Montreal’s original sixth-round selection (44th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft and Montreal’s original second-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft.

Hamilton originally acquired Saskatchewan’s original 2018 seventh-round selection (56th overall) along with international wide receiver Ricky Collins Jr. in exchange for international defensive lineman Mike McAdoo and Hamilton’s original sixth-round selection (45th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

ROUND 8

63th overall – Saskatchewan Roughriders via BC Lions

Saskatchewan acquired BC’s original 2018 eighth-round selection (63rd overall) in exchange for national defensive back Mike Edem and Saskatchewan’s original sixth-round selection (47th overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft.

65th overall – Edmonton Eskimos via Saskatchewan Roughriders

Edmonton acquired Saskatchewan’s original 2018 eighth-round selection (65th overall) along with the rights to a player on Saskatchewan’s negotiation list in exchange for international defensive lineman Cedrick McKinley and the rights to a player on Edmonton’s negotiation list.

66th overall – Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Edmonton Eskimos

Hamilton acquired Edmonton’s original 2018 eighth-round selection (66th overall) in exchange for international linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis.