CFL Mock Draft 2.0

It is time for my second attempt in predicting the first round of the CFL Draft. In my last mock draft, I had Virginia Cavaliers offensive lineman, Austin Pasztor going first overall.

The reaction that I received after my first try was that some prospects would be destined for an NFL tryout. As a result it could drop them down in the draft due to the unknown future if they will ever wear a CFL uniform.

Without further ado, here is my second crack of my CFL mock draft.

Saskatchewan Roughriders: Shamawd Chambers, WR, Laurier: It seems Chambers stock is gaining steam on both sides of the border after his solid E-Camp performance. This wouldn’t be the first time the Roughriders would take a receiver this high in the CFL Draft. In 2006, with the third choice, they selected Andy Fantuz. With Fantuz now in Hamilton, general manager, Brandan Taman needs to fill the big non-import hole. Furthermore, it would give another weapon for quarterback, Darian Durant. Previous Pick: Austin Pasztor, OL, Virginia.

Edmonton Eskimos: Ben Heenan, OL, Saskatchewan: Heenan is an intriguing prospect. There are some pundits who believe Heenan could get a shot in the NFL after an excellent East-West Bowl game in Florida. Moving ahead, yes the Eskimos signed Simeon Rottier. But at the end of the day with a new starting quarterback in Steven Jyles. He will need as much protection until he is comfortable in his new role. Heenan is an excellent run blocker, could make this young line very tough. Previous Pick: Shamawd Chambers, WR, Laurier.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State: Crawford is another player who could be spending time in the NFL. But if he ever ventures up north, it would help fill a need for the Tiger-Cats. Hamilton lost defensive end Justin Hickman to the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, and released Stevie Baggs. Crawford is a southern Ontario product from nearby Windsor, Ontario, and could generate a local buzz for a team eventually moving into a new stadium. His high motor and blue collar mentality would seamlessly fit in with the Hamilton culture. Previous Pick: Ben Heenan, OL, Saskatchewan.

B.C. Lions: Austin Pasztor, OL, Virginia: Without question he is the best prospect in the draft. But due to the circumstances that Pasztor could be playing professionally in the NFL. His stock might drop. The Lions have never shied away from taking a player with NFL aspirations (see Danny Watkins). Given that general manager, Wally Buono is a patient man. There are not too many immediate needs for the defending champions who are looking to repeat in 2012. Previous Pick: Tyrone Crawford, DL, Boise State.

Calgary Stampeders: Kirby Fabien, OL, Calgary: Even though Fabien did not participate in the bulk of the CFL E-Camp drills. His potential outweighs the unknown of not testing in-front of the team scouts. As stated in the previous mock draft, head coach, and general manager, John Hufnagel knows Fabien well given that they play in the same backyard. The Stampeders offensive line was decimated by injuries, and inability to protect whoever was at quarterback. Fabien could fit the bill and be a long-term player for the offense. Previous pick: Kirby Fabien, OL, Calgary.

Edmonton Eskimos: Frederic Plesius, LB, Laval: I will keep Plesius here, as stated before; the Eskimos have lost a lot of linebacker bodies through free agency. Arguably, Plesius is the most ready prospect to make an immediate contribution to a CFL team through special teams. Some pundits have speculated that he is a bit stiff in pass protection, but with teaching, he could become better at this. Plesius favourite linebacker growing up was former Edmonton great, Willie Pless. He could have the tangibles to become the next solid Canadian linebacker to play with the Eskimos. Previous pick: Frederic Plesius, LB, Laval.

B.C. Lions: Jabar Westerman, DL, Eastern Michigan: Westerman is an intriguing prospect. He comes from a family of football players. As his brother Jamaal is playing for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. His other brother Jawaan also tested during E-Camp weekend. The Lions lost Aaron Hunt through free agency. Westerman could be a long term project that new head coach Mike Benevides could plug into the middle of the defense once he is ready to go. Keep an eye on Westerman, his size alone could entice general managers take a shot on him. Previous pick: Matt Norman, OL, Western.

Great Value Picks

I still believe McMaster offensive lineman, Jason Medeiros could get a long look as a first round selection. However, if he falls into the second round, a CFL team would be receiving great value.

Medeiros has a nasty streak that blends well with his skill sets. An excellent pass blocker, he is stout at the point of attack. He has displayed a high football IQ playing a position which does not receive any praise.

Ameet Pall is another intriguing prospect. Some experts have said he is undersized. But he has had a stellar career at Wofford University.

A high motor, Pall has an excellent burst in his first step off the line of scrimmage. He has drawn comparisons to the Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil given how closely they resemble in physical stature.

Another question, could a CFL team see Pall as an outside linebacker than as a pass rusher?

Finally, keep an eye on Queen’s receiver, Giovanni Aprile. With this being a deep and talented receiving class, Aprile’s stock has definitely moved up the board.

He would immediately play on special teams. Given time to develop, he could eventually become a solid contributor on offense. His hands are underrated, and he ran a respectable 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds at the E-Camp.

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