CFL’s top-ranked prospect selected in fourth round of NFL draft

A historic first for David Onyemata.

The Manitoba Bisons defensive lineman was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round, 120th overall, of the NFL draft Saturday.

The six-foot-three, 300-pound Onyemata became the first Manitoba player even taken by an NFL squad and fourth Canadian university performer selected in eight years.

The Nigerian-born Onyemata only took up playing football upon arriving at Manitoba but last season was named Canadian university football’s top lineman.

And earlier this week, he was named the top prospect by the CFL scouting bureau for the league’s draft May 10.

Onyemata impressed at his pro day, registering 33 reps in the bench press, which would’ve been tops among defensive linemen at the NFL combine.

The 23-year-old also posted a 33-inch vertical and broad jump of nine feet 11 inches.

In 2012, the Saints took Regina Rams defensive lineman Akiem Hicks in the third round of the NFL draft.

– CP