Trade discussions heat up around CFL draft

As the clock ticks down on CFL draft day, trade discussions have spiked.

The B.C. Lions are trying to get into the first round. General manager Ed Hervey came into Thursday with seven choices and none until the bottom third of round three.

Montreal, the other team without a first round selection, has made overtures about moving up the board for a first round choice – it would take both of their second round picks or future selections.

Winnipeg holds two first round picks and a number of franchises have inquired about the availability of the fourth and fifth choices. The latter seems more likely to be auctioned because it would allow general manager Kyle Walters to draft the player he wants at four and not put another team in front of the Bombers.

Saskatchewan has fielded calls regarding the sixth overall selection. If the Riders don’t love a particular player at six, general manager Jeremy O’Day could have the option of moving down and stocking additional picks in a deep draft.

In the Steel City, Hamilton holds two second rounders and two thirds – assets to maneuver if there is a couple prospects the Ticats covet at the top of the draft.