Prospects at the 2017 CFL combine put the pads on Saturday in Regina for the final chance to impress scouts in a football setting.
There were some players who put on a show like Ticats defensive back Craig Butler (2011), Eskimos receiver Shamawd Chambers (2012), Riders defensive lineman Linden Gaydosh (2013), Stampeders defensive lineman Quinn Smith (2014), Alouettes linebacker Chris Ackie (2015) and Bombers defensive back Taylor Loffler (2016) did in their respective years at the combine.
A star performance can cement a top draft ranking, elevate a mid-tier prospect into the upper echelon or put an under-the-radar player firmly on the radar.
1) Danny Vandervoort, McMaster, REC
Vandervoort was No. 1 far and away over any other player when the helmets were strapped on. Every route was smooth as he easily created separation and made catch after catch no matter which defensive back lined up across the line of scrimmage. Dominant would be the best word to describe what Vandervoort did at Evraz Place.
2) Johnny Augustine, Guelph, RB
After an excellent pass pro session where he pancaked Laurier linebacker Nakas Onyeka on one particular rep, Augustine dazzled while running routes against linebackers and he stuck around to line up versus defensive backs. What Augustine did in Regina could lead to him being the first running back off the board in May.
(Matt Smith, CFL)
3) Junior Luke, Montreal, DL
Even though defensive ends like Evan Foster, Mark Mackie and Connor McGough displayed edge pass rush ability at the combine, it’s been hard for players with those body types to translate Canadian university success into the CFL. That’s why Luke stands out among the defensive line group. He was able to create push and consistently get to the imaginary quarterback against a range of offensive lineman.
(Matt Smith, CFL)
4) Braden Schram, Calgary, OL
The Dinos product moved across all the offensive line positions as the one-on-one session took place and really did a strong job showing his versatility. Schram was tough and battled right until the whistle. That display could very well vault the six-foot-three, 311-pounder into the primary group of offensive lineman available in the class.
(Matt Smith, CFL)
5) Nate Hamlin, Carleton, DB
Size, speed and coverage ability boosted Hamlin’s draft stock. He looked fluid in coverage and in large part stayed close with receivers in a drill that’s set up for offensive players to have success.
(Matt Smith, CFL)
