Toronto Argonauts

Argos pick Canadian OL Shane Richards first overall in CFL draft

by
Justin Dunk
May 2, 2019

Canadian offensive lineman Shane Richards is in Toronto, per sources.

The Argonauts have the No. 1 overall selection in the 2019 CFL draft. Richards was brought in by the Argos after the CFL combine. He stands over six-foot-five, 332 pounds, the body type Argos general manager Jim Popp covets.

The agent for Richards, Johnathon Hardaway, can play hardball for his clients. Popp experienced it first-hand during the Chris Ackie training camp holdout while in Montreal.

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After being named a Calgary high school all-star three times at Crescent Heights, Richards attended New Mexico Military junior college. He chose Oklahoma State over other scholarship offers from Southern Mississippi, Troy and Akron and saw some action as a junior for the Cowboys in 2016.

Richards used his redshirt year in 2017 to fine-tune his body for the final season of NCAA eligibility in 2018. He started two games at right guard and three at right tackle for the Cowboys last season – including his first career start in the season-opener against Missouri State.

Back to back years the two top choices Popp has made during his time in Toronto were both NCAA offensive linemen, Mason Woods (Idaho) second round, 10th overall in 2017 and Ryan Hunter (Bowling Green) first round, ninth overall. Taking Richards first overall means the trend runs to three drafts.

Justin Dunk

Football insider, reporter and analyst.