2009 CFL Draft

The 2009 CFL Draft is underway and for the first time in league history, the first two rounds are being shown live on TSN.

I love the fact the draft is being shown on television as it helps legitimize the CIS - which, in my opinion, is an under appreciated league. The quality of football is top notch and it amazes me that more people aren't into it and TV / Media coverage lacks in many markets (with the exception of Saskatoon).

So as the draft progresses, here are some random thoughts / draft results...

1st Round, 1st Overall: Hamilton Tiger-Cats - Simeon Rottier (OL - Alberta Golden Bears)

1st Round, 2nd Overall: Toronto Argonauts - Etienne Legare (DL - Laval Rouge et Or)

TRADE

To Hamilton: 6th Overall Draft Pick, 13th Overall Draft Pick

To BC: 3rd Overall Draft Pick

1st Round, 3rd Overall: BC Lions - Jamall Lee (RB - Bishop's Gaiters)

No surprise with this pick, as the Lions really wanted Lee despite the fact he signed with the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. It's a high risk that could be a big reward should Lee ever play in the CFL.

1st Round, 4th Overall: BC Lions - James Yurichuk (LB - Bishop's Gaiters)

I've spoken to a few people who share the same thoughts, isn't it a bit weird to see so many analysts and hosts on TSN for this draft? None of the athletes are in studio, neither of the teams are there. It's just Commissioner Marc Cohon who's reading out the picks as they arrive.

I won't complain too much as we should be thankful that this is even on TV, but hopefully they jazz this up next year.

1st Round, 5th Overall: BC Lions - Matt Carter (WR - Acadia Axemen)

The CFL has just announced that they want to host a regular season game in Moncton, New Brunswick in the 2010 Season. A great idea!!! It'll be nice if the league could expand to ten teams...
1st Round, 6th Overall: Hamilton Tiger-Cats - Darcy Brown (WR - St. Mary's Huskies)

1st Round, 7th Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Dylan Steenbergen (OT - Calgary Dinos)

We're getting closer to Scott McHenry's projected draft selection. The Saskatchewan Huskies receiver was once ranked 6th but has since dropped down to 11th. I'd expect to see him go in the next few picks here...

1st Round, 8th Overall: Calgary Stampeders - Eric Fraser (DB - Central Michigan)

And that's the end of the first round. The second round begins with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and wouldn't it be something to see the Green and White select McHenry... fingers crossed!

2nd Round, 9th Overall: Saskatchewan Roughriders - Tamon George (DB - Regina Rams)

Well the Riders didn't look too far for their first pick of the draft. So with that out of the way, the only thing left to wonder is where Scott McHenry goes... pegged at 11th, it appears he'll be wearing the Green and Gold of the Edmonton Eskimos.

2nd Round, 10th Overall: Toronto Argonauts - Matt Lambros (WR - Liberty University)

Two straight picks from the Edmonton Eskimos coming up... you can sense McHenry will be heading to Alberta. Either that, or he'll join former teammate Dylan Barker with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with the 13th Overall Pick.

2nd Round, 11th Overall: Edmonton Eskimos - Gord Hinse (OL - Alberta Golden Bears)

2nd Round, 12th Overall: Edmonton Eskimos - Dedrick Sterling (DL - Queen's Golden Gaels)

So McHenry is dropping down the draft list... one has to wonder if it's due to his numbers. Doesn't get the ball as much as he should because the Huskies have so many options. Will the Ti-Cats once again look to the Huskies as they have in previous years???

2nd Round, 13th Overall: Hamilton Tiger-Cats - Ryan Hinds (DB - New Hampshire)

2nd Round, 14th Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Martin Bedard (TE - Connecticut)

2nd Round, 15th Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Matt Singer (OL - Manitoba Bisons)

2nd Round, 16th Overall: Calgary Stampeders - Tristan Black (LB - Wayne State)

A stunning turn of events. I really thought Scott McHenry would go in the first two rounds but he's been dropping down this draft - dare I say the "Brady Quinn" of the CFL Draft? Something to keep in mind... former Huskie, Kelly Bates, was drafted in the 4th Round, 32nd Overall in 2001 and he's since had a tremendous career with the BC Lions including a Grey Cup Championship.

The TV Coverage is done...so I'll update the Rider results, and any Huskie that gets drafted. I'll be heading to Huskies Spring camp here pretty quick to speak with Scott McHenry so I may be a little slow with results. In the meantime, keep an eye on CFL.ca

3rd Round, 17th Overall: Saskatchewan Roughriders - Nick Hutchins (OL - Regina Rams)

4th Round, 31st Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Ivan Brown (DL - Saskatchewan Huskies)

4th Round, 32nd Overall: Calgary Stampeders - Scott McHenry (SB - Saskatchewan Huskies)

So the wait is finally over, two members of the Saskatchewan Huskies are heading to the Canadian Football League.

Ivan Brown will join former teammate Paul Woldu with the Montréal Alouettes. He got the call while on the field at spring camp this morning and was all smiles during our interview. He's in his final year of eligibility with the Huskies and could return should the Als feel he'll gain more by finishing off with the U of S than riding the pine in La Belle Province.

Scott McHenry dropped quite a bit from his initial projections but it was worth it, as he joins the defending Grey Cup Champions Calgary Stampeders. The nice thing about the CFL Draft is that it really doesn't matter where you get drafted, it's a foot in the door and as long as you're willing to put in the time and effort you'll land on your feet. Kelly Bates is a prime example... in 2001, he was drafted in the 4th Round, 32nd Overall (just like McHenry) by the BC Lions. He's since won a Grey Cup and is a highly regarded Offensive Lineman and an all-star in 2007.

We'll hear from McHenry, Brown and Bates tonight on the Evening News at 6pm and News Final at 11pm.