CFL Mock Draft 1.0, The Alouettes Potential First Choice

With the CFL E-Camp now completed. I am taking my first attempt to see if my mock draft is anywhere close to what the actual draft selection will be in early May.

Without further delay, here is my initial mock draft, enjoy.

Saskatchewan Roughriders: Austin Pasztor, OL, Virginia: Without question the best prospect in the draft, Pasztor could conceivably get an NFL tryout, and may make a CFL team wait for his services. Already the Roughriders have signed Dominic Picard, and Brendon Labatte to solidify their offensive line. But to potentially add another stud lineman, will only help keep their important piece on offense in quarterback, Darian Durant upright and healthy.

Edmonton Eskimos (Via Toronto): Shamawd Chambers, WR, Laurier: General manager, Eric Tillman missed out on signing Andy Fantuz. Already it has been a rough public relations offseason as the Eskimos traded quarterback Ricky Ray to the Toronto Argonauts, and parted ways with receiver Jason Barnes. Tillman has signed wide receiver Greg Carr. But potential new starting quarterback, Steven Jyles will need as many targets, and Chambers could be Fantuz 2.0 for Tillman and the team. Furthermore, Chambers could very well get an NFL opportunity. But with his size, speed, and huge upside, it will be tough to pass him up.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Ben Heenan, OL, Saskatchewan: His stock has been skyrocketing since the East-West Shrine Bowl game in January. The Tiger-Cats have solved their quarterback, receiver, and running back positions with their offseason acquisitions. However, their offensive line needs some help. With Marwan Hage coming off injury, and pending status of Moe Petrus who could explore NFL opportunities, Heenan would be an excellent addition to help open up lanes for running back Martell Mallet, and protect quarterback Henry Burris. Heenan himself could get an NFL opportunity. So he might not be an immediate need for the team.

B.C. Lions (via Montreal): Tyrone Crawford, DL, Boise State: If Crawford is available, the defending champions would be ecstatic to select him. Yes, history has shown the team lost out on former first round selection in Danny Watkins to the NFL this could apply with Crawford. But the Lions do not have many holes to fill except for defensive end. With the retirement of Brent Johnson, Crawford would be a perfect replacement for him. If Crawford opts for the NFL. The Lions could patiently wait for his services.

Calgary Stampeders: Kirby Fabien, OL, Calgary: Last year, John Hufnagel selected Anthony Parker from the University of Calgary. This year, he could continue the local tradition and take Fabien. The Stampeders offensive linemen had a tough 2011 season. Fabien presents an opportunity to alter the ratio. Furthermore, Fabien is an appealing prospect. At 6’6, nearly 300 pounds his long arms could help steer away any defenders from new quarterback Drew Tate. This isn’t a stretch to compare Fabien to Montreal Alouettes all-star, Josh Bourke.

Edmonton Eskimos: Frederic Plesius, LB, Laval: He arguably is one of the most gifted athletes in this year’s draft. During his collegiate career, Plesius has received the highest football education from his time at Baylor University, and Laval University. He could immediately contribute on special teams as he has been a force in the last two years. Some of speculated whether or not he will be converted to defensive end? For the Eskimos who have lost linebackers Rod Davis, and Mark Restelli to the Montreal Alouettes. Plesius could be a solid replacement. He is great in defending the run. Plesius has a high football IQ, and will learn from a defensive mind coach in Kavis Reed.

B.C. Lions: Matt Norman, OL, Western: This might be a surprise selection. But the Montreal native has quietly put together a stellar career at the University of Western. He did fairly well at the E-Camp. The Lions do not have many needs. But if there is one position they could potentially look at replenishing their stock is in their offensive line. With Angus Reid entering the final turn of his career, Norman could come in and learn from him and eventually take over at centre, or guard. Norman possesses a quiet demeanor, but he could very well be entering the discussion of many CFL draft boards.

Players Who Could Jump Up

Ameet Pall, DL, Wofford: Being undersized Pall has defied expectations as he has been stellar at Wofford University. The only question, could he continue to dominate playing bigger and better competition? Furthermore, whoever decides to select him, could that coaching staff make him an edge linebacker? A lot of intrigue in Pall’s skill sets. He has a great motor, but for his sake, he needs to land in situation where they will use his strengths.

Jason Medeiros, OL, McMaster: Medeiros is a great value pick. Even though his University teammate, Kyle Quinlan received a lot of attention during their Vanier Cup run. A lot of Marauder members would heap praise on Medeiros for his hard work, and stout blocking. He has excellent size, a mean streak and could very well jump into the first round.

Ismael Bamba, Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, WR, Sherbrooke: Both of these players had splendid seasons with the Vert et Or. Entering E-Camp, both players were ranked very highly. However, there are not many teams in need of a non-import receiver considering that four were selected in the first round of last year’s draft. But if a team is willing to spend their selection on one of these two players, it would be a solid long term investment pick.

Alouettes Draft Plans

Currently the Alouettes do not possess a first round selection. But sitting with the 11th overall pick, they could go in many directions.

I still believe that defensive tackle, Jabar Westerman of Eastern Michigan would be a good fit for the team. As mentioned in my previous articles, the team needs to shore up their non-import ratio on the defensive line.

Westerman fits the bill with his size, skills, and status. As being whispered by many pundits that the Alouettes could potentially be transitioning to a 3-4 base alignment in 2012. He would be a perfect backup to Aaron Hunt, and could play as a defensive end in the formation.

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