Who won the CFL Draft? Team-by-team rankings

A super-sized eight round CFL Draft flew by and there’s plenty to digest.

Instead of grading of how each team did, let’s rank the 2016 draft classes from one to nine. Yes, there are many downs to be played out that will determine whether or not each pick turns out to be a success or failure, but snap judgments can be fun.

1) B.C. Lions

B.C. slid down two spots in the first round and snapped up Laval offensive lineman Charles Vaillancourt (pictured) who is said to be the most pro-ready blocker in the class. Landing fleet-footed defensive back Anthony Thompson in the second round and Dillon Guy in the fourth really could improve B.C.’s Canadian talent. If Guy can prove his right knee is healthy and injuries are all behind him, that pick could turn out to be a steal. And receiver Shaquille Johnson is as explosive as receivers – regardless of passport – come.

2) Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Big blue netted three players who at one time or another during the draft process were thought of as potential first round picks. Defensive end Trent Corney, offensive lineman Michael Couture (pictured) and defensive back Taylor Loffler should all contribute in the near future and linebacker Shayne Gauthier has the makings of a special teams demon. And Rupert Butcher gives Winnipeg a big, athletic body on the defensive line.

3) Hamilton Tiger-Cats

A versatile offensive lineman, playmakers aplenty and special teams contributors with upside highlight Hamilton’s haul. Blocker Brandon Revenberg (pictured) flew in to visit six CFL teams, which means he was clearly coveted. Mercer Timmis should fit well in the Ticats’ offence at slot and running back. Receiver Mike Jones has speed to burn. Athletic and chiseled receiver Felix Faubert-Lussier looks like a later-round steal. Linebacker Terrell Davis is physical and should make plays on special teams soon.

4) Calgary Stampeders

Calgary landed linebacker Alex Singleton (pictured) – a player that was in the discussion at No. 1 overall down – at six. Juwan Brescacin gives the Stamps a big-bodied receiver. Offensive lineman Roman Grozman and defensive lineman Quinn Horton help fortify the trenches. While defensive back J.P. Bolduc could be a sneaky contributor.

5) Toronto Argonauts

Grabbing Brian Jones (pictured) fourth could give Toronto a new age Andy Fantuz – he’s caused the Argonauts fits for years. Jones combined with Llevi Noel instantly upgrades the double blue at Canadian receiver. D.J. Sackey, Jamal Campbell, and Chris Kolankowski are all athletic offensive lineman with upside.

6) Saskatchewan Roughriders

No. 1 pick Josiah St. John can play guard or tackle and gives Saskatchewan immediate help up front. Kicker/punter Quinn van Gylswyk (pictured) could form a Canadian kicking duo with Tyler Crapinga. Receiver Josh Stanford, who was rated as the top player at his position before the CFL Combine by some teams, could be a low-risk-high-reward choice.

7) Ottawa Redblacks

Nine fresh names were added by Ottawa, eight of which will be at training camp. Jason Lauzon-Seguin (pictured), a Laval offensive lineman, fell to the Redblacks at seven which likely put a smile on general manager Marcel Desjardin’s face. Ottawa grabbed two more blockers, including Randy Beardy who is an intriguing prospect.

8) Montreal Alouettes

Rule number one: never underestimate what Jim Popp and Montreal’s front office does in the draft. Second overall selection, offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon (pictured) brings a strong, nasty presence to the Als. Well-built running back/fullback Wayne Moore went higher than most evaluators thought. And even if the rest of the picks don’t jump off the page you can bet they’ll be more productive than at first glance.

9) Edmonton Eskimos

With solid Canadian depth built up in a number of spots, Edmonton went with two “futures” picks in receiver Tevaun Smith (pictured) and defensive back Arjen Colquhoun. Those selections could pay off in a big way or result in not much return if both players carve out long careers in the NFL. Some late value was there with receiver Doug Corby, linebacker Doug Parrish and linebacker D.J. Lalama.