BLOG: Mock CFL Draft (Round 1)

I decided to predict what players will be drafted by CFL teams in the first round of the CFL draft tonight. The Ottawa Redblacks once again have the number one pick in this year’s draft It is highly unlikely they will traded it once again like last year but anything is possible for the right price.

1. Ottawa Redblacks- OL Sean McEwen, Calgary. It was reported on Monday that McEwen might be returning to university of Calgary in the fall to finish his degree. I feel like he is a sure thing as offensive lineman because he is great blocker and can play every positon on the offensive line. An example of this is the fact that he switched from right guard to center throughout his time in Calgary. He is very good at performing at crucial moments like delivering key blocks in games. McEwen at University of Calgary was named two-time all Canadian including last year and also has been named to the Canada-West All-star team, three times in his career.

2. Winnipeg Blue-Bombers- OL Danny Groulx, Laval. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Groulx is known to be a physical lineman who is not afraid to hit people in the trenches. Groulx has quick feet for his size. There is a lot of talk that he could be a right tackle in the CFL.

3. Toronto Argonauts- OL Alex Mateas, UConn. The Argos in the past have had a struggle with protecting Ricky Ray in the pocket. The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Mateas similar to Groulx is very physical player however he get his physical side because of his training in weightlifting where he was made it to the Canadian Junior Nationals. He was named team captain this year with the Huskies and has played every down for them in the last two years.

4. Montreal Alouettes- OL Jacob Ruby, Richmond. Jim Popp in the past has taken offensive lineman from the NCAA in CFL draft because he feels like they are more pro-ready for the CFL. The 6-7 and 315 pounds Ruby was a four starter at Richmond where he played left tackle. He does have the size being a left tackle in the CFL. There is also talk that the Als could move down because a couple of teams love to grab this pick for a chance at getting Lemar Durant.

5. B.C. Lions – OL Sukh Chungh, Calgary. The 6’ 4″ 300 pound Chungh might be the interesting player in this draft because he can go anywhere from one to five in the draft. The biggest strength is the fact that he has mean side to his game and is very aggressive when it comes to blocking. He was part of the part of the best offensive line in CIS football, the past few years along with teammate, Sean McEwen. Chungh since being a starter in 2012 as been reward for his outstanding play as he was a Canada-West All-star in both 2013 and 2014,in the same years, he was also an CIS All-Canadian.

6. Saskatchewan Roughriders –WR Lemar Durant, Simon Fraser. Durant is the type of player that you do not want to pass on if you need a dynamite wide out. Last year with Simon Fraser he had 29 receptions along with 389 yards and five touchdowns. He does have the speed to be a deep threat receiver and could have long and successful CFL career.

7. Edmonton Eskimos- DT Daryl Waud, Western. The 6’5 and 290 pounds, Waud did not have an impressive CFL Combine in late March however he is still one of the best defender in this year draft. He had has mental toughness side to his game where he will go down in trenches and fight the OL to get a sack. He has been first team all-Canadian twice in his career including last year and also has been OUA all-star three years in his CIS career.

8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats- DB/LB Chris Ackie, Laurier. The 6 feet 2 inches and 210 pounds Ackie is one of the most intriguing player in this year’s draft because he could be considered to be defensive back or linebacker in the CFL. Ackie had an excellent CFL Combine which helped raise his draft stock to being a first rounder. He is probably the most athletic player in this year draft. Wherever he ends up he will make a strong impact on the defensive side of the ball. He could be the next Chip Cox. In the past two years he has been OUA All-star twice and the past year he was a first team All-Canadian.

9. Calgary Stampeders –SB Nic Demski, Manitoba. He could be one of the steals of this draft in my opinion. His coach, Brian Dobie stated to me over the weekend at the East-West Bowl game, “He is unquestionably the most explosive player in the country which allows for him to have playmaking abilities”. Demski during his time with the Bisons was a four time all-Canadian. In his first two years with Manitoba, he only ran back kickoffs and punts. He only became a regular player with the Bisons in 2013 after he made the switched to becoming a slotback instead of running back. In his first year he had 640 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. This past season, he had 589 receiving yards along with five touchdowns and led the CIS in yards per a catch with 21.8.The other great thing about Demski is the fact that he can run back kicks and punts. There is talk that the Montreal Alouettes want him for that reason.

I hope you all enjoy the CFL draft tonight and may the odds be ever in your favor for your CFL teams.

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