Every CFL team is finalizing their boards for the 2017 CFL draft as the combine, late additions and NFL signings have caused changes at each position. The draft is set for Sunday at 7 p.m. EST. Rankings were assembled after conversations with player personnel men across the CFL.
Offensive lineman
1) (1) Justin Senior, Mississippi State
The lone Canadian selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, sixth round by Seattle, solidifies Senior’s spot as the No. 1 prospect in the Canadian class.
2) (3) Geoff Gray, Manitoba
Gray skipped the CFL Combine in favour of his own pro day where he performed well enough to earn a priority free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.
3) (2) Dariusz Bladek, Bethune-Cookman
He may very well be the first offensive lineman taken mainly because Senior and Gray have legitimate NFL opportunities. Bladek is pro-ready.
4) (4) Mason Woods, Idaho
At 6-foot-9, 320 pounds, Woods has the physical size to play tackle in the CFL., though he started 21 games at guard for the Vandals over the last two seasons.
5) (NR) Braden Schram, Calgary
The Dino had a stellar CFL Combine in which he showed versatility and toughness in the one-on-one session. That display vaulted the 6-foot-3, 311-pounder into the top tier group of offensive lineman available.
Receivers
1) (5) Alex Morrison, UBC
A broken arm suffered last September wrecked his USports season, but his size and performance at the combine has Morrison moving up draft boards across the CFL. He received an invite to Giants mini-camp.
2) (NR) Julan Lynch, Saskatchewan
Used CFL combine appearances to shoot up the rankings. Impressive combo of size and athleticism.
3) (3) Danny Vandervoort, McMaster
Dominated at the CFL Combine against any defensive back that lined up across from him.
4) (4) Nathaniel Behar, Carleton
Rare receiver who could make an impact on special teams. Size works against him, but he’s a strong willed prospect.
5) (1) Mitchell Picton, Saskatchewan
Solid combine but did not create as much buzz as the four pass catchers ahead of him now.
Running backs/fullbacks
1) (3) Anthony Gosselin
Well built, strong, stout fullback. Ultra reliable blocker who can play special teams too.
2) (2) Johnny Augustine, Guelph
Augustine had a strong CFL combine in which he performed well in both the pass protection and one-on-one catching drills.
3) (1) Ante Litre-Milanovic, Simon Fraser
Expected to test better than he did, but displayed a pro-ready physique.
4. (5) Isaac Lauzon, Sherbrooke
Underrated athleticism. Interesting prospect who teams have taken notice about.
5. (4) Sean Thomas-Erlington, Montreal
Lots of production and reps against the top USports program in the country, Laval.
Defensive lineman
1) (1) Eli Ankou, UCLA
Signing a priority undrafted free agent contract with the Houston Texans will cause Ankou to fall down the CFL draft board, but he’s the most talented defensive lineman in the class.
2) (2) Faith Ekakitie, Iowa
Strong senior season on film has vaulted the Brampton, ON native up the charts.
3) (4) Junior Luke, Montreal
A disruptive force on the interior, Luke has shown well when playing against Laval, a CFL offensive line factory.
4) (3) Justin Vaughn, Fordham
Vaughn was productive at a NCAA Division I school and if his shoulder heals as it should, he’ll be a steal.
5) (NR) Randy Colling, Gannon university
Late add to the draft, lots of experience from the Arena league.
Linebackers
1) (NR) Cameron Judge, UCLA
When you’re closing gaps on Christian McCaffrey that’s about all scouts need to see.
2) (1) Christophe Mulumba, Maine
The Montreal native is active, physical and instinctual with lots of college playing experience.
3) (4) Frederic Chagnon, Montreal
Built like a linebacker and tape makes up for a slow 40 at the combine.
4) (2) Jordan Herdman, Simon Fraser
Much better football player than tester, Herdman seems to be trending back in a positive direction.
5) (NR) Alexandre Chevrier, Sherbrooke
He’s an athletic player who will contribute on special teams. Needs more development at linebacker.
Defensive backs
1) (NR) Abubakarr Conteh, Grambling State
Fast riser who has worked out for five CFL teams, Conteh’s stock has been rising quickly.
2) (1) Dondre Wright, Henderson State
The physical defensive back might be better as a box player in the CFL.
3) (2) Robert Woodson, Calgary
CFL bloodlines, father Tony played linebacker and brother Anthony is a current Stampeders running back, are strong.
4) (3) Nathaniel Hamlin, Carleton
Size to play at the next level, but needs to be more physical.
5) (5) Tunde Adeleke, Carleton
Speed caught the attention of CFL teams, that said, he must prove it useful in the pro game.
Specialists
1) (2) Felix Menard-Briere, Montreal
Led USports in punting average for the 2016 season.
2) (1) Adam Searl, UCLA
Mainly a punter with a pretty strong leg.
3) (3) Lewis Ward, Ottawa
His leg might be CFL-calibre but he needs to be more accurate.
4) (4) Michael Domagala, Carleton
Consistent at Canadian university level and might translate to CFL game.
5) (NR) Clark Green, Windsor
Under the radar who handled all three kicking duties for the Lancers.
