TORONTO – They did not have as many selections at the draft yesterday, but that did not stop the Saskatchewan Roughriders to go big.
Four laps after starting the session, putting his hand on the Josiah St. John Blocker, a giant 6ft 6in, the Riders have mentioned the name of one who was considered the best player available: David Onyemata.
» See the final table of the 2016 CFL Draft
« I am extremely lucky and happy to have been selected in the front row, said St. John, who became one of the cornerstones of the rebuilding of business by the Riders general manager and head coach Chris Jones. And whether in Saskatchewan, a place that has a long tradition and a base of committed supporters, it’s great. I can not wait to put me to work and contribute to the success of the club. »
As expected, Jones and Riders had to take some risks because they had no selection between the first choice of the session and the 24 th selection. This is where they chose defensive back at the University of Calgary Elie Bouka. As Onyemata, Bouka rights belong to an NFL team and Riders may have to wait to see it with the CFL.
It was possible that three offensive linemen from Laval University are selected in the first round and that’s exactly what happened. With the second choice, the Montreal Alouettes have drafted guard Philippe Gagnon. For the latter, it was a dream come true.
« For sure it’s special, said Gagnon. This is the team that I see on TV since I started watching football. Play Montreal is the dream of any kid who plays football in Quebec. »
Gagnon had noted the national evaluation camp with 40 repetitions in the bench press. Still, he said he was surprised to hear his name so quickly.
« I did not set myself a target for the draft, said Gagnon. Out in second place was a surprise. I learned on TV – I have not got the call from Mr. Popp in time. It was pretty special. I’m happy and excited about the challenge. »
« For sure it’s special, said Gagnon. This is the team that I see on TV since I started watching football. Play Montreal is the dream of any kid who plays football in Quebec. «
Philippe Gagnon adds power and guts to the Alouettes offensive line. (Yan Doublet / Laval)
The Ticats traded with the Lions for the third choice and be sure to select the versatile lineman Brandon Revenberg offensive of Grand Valley State.
« I got the call and I thought I was going to Vancouver, but it was Coach Austin on the phone, said Revenberg. This is where I learned that Hamilton was traded and that I would become a Ticat. »
The Argos surprised by selecting catcher Brian Jones fourth. Linebacker Alex Singleton took the lead Calgary to the sixth level, whereas before and after him, it was a case any Lavaloise: Charles Vaillancourt became a Lion and Jason Lauzon-Séguin is found on the Ottawa side.
With three players drafted in the first round, Laval University Calgary joined with the greatest number of selections in the first round since 2001. Laval continued his domination and retains his title of nursery quintessential Canadian football: for the second year in a row, at least two of their players find takers in the first round (Danny Groulx and Karl Lavoie in 2015).
Like the Riders, the Eskimos have not been afraid to make the rights of players who could not join them immediately. They set their sights on the recipient Tevaun Smith and Iowa defensive back Arjen Colquhoun Michigan State.
Winnipeg had no first round pick at his disposal since the club had sold last year during the Supplemental Draft to acquire Garrett Waggoner. With two choices in the second round, the club selected the defensive lineman Trent Corney and Virginia offensive lineman Simon Fraser Michael Couture.