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BC Lions #CFLDraft Live Blog

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Welcome to our live blog of the 2017 CFL Draft. We will be covering some of the social stuff leading up to the draft itself as well as updating all of the BC Lions picks as they happen. (The love portion of the blog will end after the compkletion of the second round with updates later).

Pre-Draft Banter

Farhan Lalji of TSN reports a trade may be in the works between the BC Lions and the Montreal Alouettes for the 7th overall pick:

The obligatory Simpsons reference on #CFLDraft Day:

The BC Lions have their Draft Central page set up here.

3DownNation’s Justin Dunk feels CFL scouts may have a different opinion of Danny Vandervoort than the media does:

Farhan Lalji reports the Riders like either linebacker Cameron Judge or offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek with the 2nd overall pick:

The BC Lions War Room is ready to go. What will they do with their two first-round picks?

Thirty minutes to the draft and all is quiet. Too quiet we say…so more Simpsons:

Draft Partaaaay at the BC Lions practice facility in Surrey (Photo: Neill Wotherspoon)

Yeah…this. Vancouver too.

The Draft Begins

First Round

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DL Faith Ekakitie – University of Iowa
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders – LB Cameron Judge – UCLA
3. BC Lions – WR Danny Vandervoort – McMaster


4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DL Conner McGough – University of Calgary
5. Edmonton Eskimos – WR Nate Behar – Carelton
6. Calgary Stampeders – (Via Winnipeg for 8th and 34th picks) – DL Randy Colling – Gannon University
3. BC Lions – DL Junior Luke – University of Montreal


Yeah, I said it on May 4th…#Guru


8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OL Geoff Dray – University of Manitoba
9. Ottawa Redblacks – OL Evan Johnson – University of Saskatchewan

Danny Vandervoort and friends celebrate his selection by the Lions:

Wally liked Junior and was pleased he was there at 7:

Second Round

10. Toronto Argonauts – OL Mason Woods – University of Idaho
11. Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Dariusz Bladek – Bethune-Cookman University
12. Montreal Alouettes – DL Fabion Foote – McMaster University
13. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – OL Braden Schram – University of Calgary
14. Edmonton Eskimos – OL Jean-Simon Roy – University of Laval
15. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OL Qadr Spooner – McGill University
16. BC Lions – OL Jeremy Zver – University of Regina


17. Calgary Stampeders – WR Julan Lunch – University of Saskatchewan
18. Ottawa Redblacks – FB Anthony Gosselin – Sherbrooke University

Thanks for following us live through the first two rounds. We’ll update the rest of the picks later this evening. Well done Wally!

2016 BC Lions CFL Draft Recap

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The 2016 CFL Draft is now in the books and the BC Lions had eight picks in the eight round draft. The Lions made a couple of deals with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to get an extra pick, and did not have a pick in the fifth round of the draft. Here is our recap of all their picks.

Trades: B.C. acquired the 5th and 23rd picks from Hamilton for the 3rd and 30th picks. They then reacquired the 30th pick and acquired the 32nd pick from Hamilton for the 21st pick.

Round One: 5th Overall

Player: Charles Vaillancourt Position: Offensive Line University: Laval

1104905-charles-vaillancourtThe Lions took a small risk when they selected a player that many had at the top of the mock drafts. Charles Vaillancourt was one of the big three players available from the offensive line factory of Laval, and has drawn some NFL interest. He’s already tried out for the NY Giants and was not offered a contract, and he has a workout scheduled with the Oakland Raiders this weekend.

Still, it was nice to see the Lions pick a guy who could start for them for years to come and not go off the board as they have done in previous years. Holding the number three pick, the Lions moved down to five, swapping picks with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats who selected offensive lineman Brandon Revenberg out of Grand Valley State.

Vaillancourt should compete for a job right away in BC. He measures up at 6’4″ and 329 pounds and has a fan in TSN draft guru Duane Forde.

“The offensive linemen out of Laval are technically sound. He has the size. They all did well at the (CFL) Combine, but he was the most-consistent of the three.”, said Forde, who had Vaillancourt projected in his top three.

Vaillancourt should have little trouble getting comfortable at Lions’ training camp should he be there, as his coach at Laval, Carl Brennan, has been invited as a guest coach.

“I know Carl likes Dan Dorazio (the Lions’ offensive line coach) a lot,” Vaillancourt said. “He teaches a lot of Dan’s techniques, which is great. I’m going to know a lot more now. Carl Brennan and coach Dorazio are pretty much the same. It’s good for me. Having Carl there is going to be incredible.”

Wally Buono expects good things from Vaillancourt, saying, “He’s a very imposing guy and I felt at the (draft combine) he was the dominant player. Not only did he carry himself well, physically, but when we interviewed him, he was impressive.”

The Lions see Vaillancourt as a possible future centre, and he’s played that position in the past. With the addition of veteran Tim O’Neill for this season, the Lions will have the luxury of easing him into the role at the pro level.

CFL.ca Profile

Wally Buono Speaks on the Selection of Charles Vaillancourt

Round Two: 12th Overall

Player: Anthony Thompson Position: Defensive Back University: Southern Illinois

The Lions added depth to their secondary when they selected Anthony Thompson out of Southern Illinois with the 12th overall pick and Geroy Simon says the 6’1 208 defensive back will  ‘Compete right away.’

I like this selection because the Lions needed to address their Canadian depth in the secondary and they did that with this pick. While I was hoping that Michael Corture would fall to the Lions at 12, Thompson joins fellow nationals Eric Fraser, Mike Edem, Keynan Parker and newly drafted Brennan Vannistelrooy in the Lions secondary.

Thompson was the 15th ranked player and third highest rated DB in Central Scouting’s final rankings. He has good size and in 2015 played in all 11 games and starting in eight. He racked up an SIU best 55 tackles and posted a season-best eight tackles versus Missouri State and Youngstown State while recording at least one tackle in every game he played.

Thomson is a physical player and has great pursuit speed. Checkout some of his Southern Illinois Highlights here:

Round Three: 21st Overall

Player: Brett Blaszko Position: Receiver University: University of Calgary

CaptureBrett Blaszko addresses another need for the Lions and that was their national depth at receiver. He’ll have a chance to contribute right away if he has a strong camp. At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Blaszko has the size and body type to add solid weight and be a dominant receiver. Following a recent tryout with the NY Giants, the University of Calgary Dino felt he wasn’t out-of-place.

“Honestly, I found I fit in well and competed well and showed what I had to show,” said Blaszko . “I didn’t feel out-of-place whatsoever. I think the biggest difference between guys from Canada and the guys there are the finer things. They’re just a little bit more polished.”

“Brett’s an outstanding athlete, he has incredible football talent,” said Dinos head coach Wayne Harris Jr. “He definitely has great hands and he’s deceptively fast. He doesn’t look like he’s running that fast but then you see him running past people and you know he’s quick.”

While he got off to a slow start in 2015 due to injuries, Blaszko was named an All-Canadian in 2014 and has been hitting the gym hard in preparation for his graduation to the pro game, and the Lions could have a beauty if his talents grow and flourish.

Round Four: 30th Overall

Player: Dillon Guy Position: Offensive Line University: Buffalo

Dillon-Guy-1This is where things get interesting. The Lions selected Dillon Guy out of Buffalo after health concerns likely dropped his stock. When healthy, Guy is a player that plays with a nasty streak and could be one of the steals of the draft.

The big concern is a knee injury that kept him off the field in 2014, but the Lions had him thoroughly examined by the best in the business, Dr. Bob McCormack, when they brought him in 10 days ago. Combined with the addition of Vaillancourt the Lions have two promising prospects to beef up the interior of their defensive line and to push current projected national starters Kirby Fabien and Hunter Steward, who is trying to overcome his own injury issues.

Guy certainly doesn’t lack confidence, telling CFL.ca’s Justin Dunk, “I know I’m the best prospect in this draft. It may sound arrogant, but that’s the way I think.”

Round Four: Shaquille Johnson Position: Receiver University: London (Juniors)

Not content with having one Shaq on their roster after drafting running back Shaquille Murray-Lawrence last year, the Lions went out and got another one in 6’0″, 190 pound receiver Shaquille Johnson.

Johnson’s stock rose after a solid combine performance where he posted 4.39 time in the 40 and was impressive with his route running and catching.

It’s been a bumpy road for Johnson on his journey to the pros. The native of Brampton, Ontario was the nation’s top rookie for the McGill Redmen in 2012 after making 61 catches for 792 yards and five touchdowns. Those 61 receptions broke the CIS rookie record of 57, which was set by Andy Fantuz, who of course has gone on to a great career in the CFL.

Following that however, he failed a course during his freshman year, and wasn’t able to afford to take the course again. That made him ineligible to play in 2013, and he eventually transferred to Western. After playing for the Mustangs in 2014, when he caught 20 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns, he was forced to leave school and work full-time to support his family. Not ready to give up on his football dreams, Johnson joined the Beefeaters last fall and made 30 catches for 606 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games.

Johnson might be somewhat of a project, but his addition adds to the national depth the Lions needed at receiver.

Round Five: No pick (Traded to Hamilton)

Round Six: 48th Overall

Player: Brennan Van Nistelrooy Position: Defensive Back University: University of Alberta/Calgary

Again looking for depth in their secondary the Lions drafted former Okanagan Sun standout Brennan Van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy brings impressive credentials with him accumulated while playing four seasons with the Sun in the British Columbia Football Conference. He was a four-time BCFC all-star defensive back and was named the BCFC’s top defensive back for three seasons (2013, 2014 and 2015).

In 2016 he committed to the University of Calgary Dinos, and it’s likely that’s where he will play in 2016 after attending Lions camp in June.

“Brennan is a mature physical player with outstanding football instincts. He was a leader on a very successful team and we look for him to contribute immediately,” states Dinos’ Head Coach Wayne Harris.

If Van Nistelrooy makes the Lions roster, it would likely be as a special teams player, but playing a year of CIS in a solid Dinos’ program would likely be beneficial before jumping to the pros.

Round Seven: 57th Overall

Player: Nathan O’Halloran Position: Fullback University: Windsor

Rolly Lumbala isn’t going anywhere, but he isn’t getting any younger either, so the Lions plucked fullback Nathan O’Halloran in the seventh round out of Windsor. The 6’1, 226 pound O’Halloran looks to be a north/south runner and is good at catching balls out of the backfield. He also looks to follow his blocks well. O’Halloran also plays special teams, which is where he will need to cut his teeth with the Lions.

He’ll have a solid mentor in Lumbala who is a true professional. Here are some highlights of O’Halloran’s work at Windsor.

Round Eight: 65th Overall

Player: Boyd Richardson Position: Defensive Line University: University of British Columbia

For their final choice, the Lions looked in their own backyard, selecting Vanier Cup Champion and UBC Thunderbird, Boyd Richardson.

The 6’3 235 pound defensive lineman projects to be a special teams player to start his pro career. He has solid strength and was among one of four players at the combine to do 27 reps on the bench. Justin Dunk of CFL.ca says, “Richardson showed some power and with his current build he could be an interesting special teams type. If he added some thickness and bumped inside that might ultimately be his best spot in the CFL.

Richardson is a native of Regina, Saskatchewan.

Grade: A

As a BC Lions fan you have to be pleased that the Lions targeted three areas where they needed to improve their depth. The offensive line in particular has some promising selections in Vaillancourt and Guy, while the secondary and receiving depth were also improved. With the exception of Vaillancourt the Lions didn’t risk a pick on a player that was NFL bound, and hopefully for them, things will pan out with the Laval stud.

It was a good day at the office for Wally Buono, and the only thing that would have made it better was maybe adding the likes of BC products Taylor Loffler, Michael Corture or Terrell Davis.

Let the games begin!

2014 BC Lions CFL Draft Selection Recap

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It was a crazy afternoon with several trades coming down and the Lions were front and centre, trading their 5th overall pick for QB Kevin Glenn. And while the first round was on TSN, the later rounds were carried on TSN.ca and TSN GO. If you were a Bell or Rogers subscriber that is. The league and their “National” broadcast partner need to realize there are football fans outside of eastern Canada.

But enough whining by me, here is a round-up of the BC Lions eight selections in today’s CFL Draft.

Round 1: 5th Overall: BC trades the 5th overall pick to Ottawa for QB Kevin Glenn

glennGlenn is coming to a team that should contend for a Grey Cup and he’s likely to play a role in that effort in a Western division he is very familiar with. The Lions have questions with Travis Lulay and until he resumes full training and shows the shoulder is no longer an issue, they needed some experienced insurance. Even if Lulay returns without problems Glenn will be needed and the team can’t afford a slow start in a tough division, so this addition was a no brainer. The Lions also had to pick in their back pocket for the 2nd round.With two picks in the 2nd round waiting for them.

Earlier in the day it was rumoured that the Lions were trying to move up to the top two picks. After Calgary managed to secure the number one pick from Ottawa and Winnipeg kept their pick the Lions decided to use their 5th overall choice to address their depth at quarterback. In acquiring Kevin Glenn the Lions now have a solid one two punch at the pivot spot.

“We tried to make some trades to try to move up in the draft that didn’t occur,” said GM Wally Buono. “And then we made an evaluation of the fifth pick in comparison to a veteran quarterback who could help us win. When it was all said and done, we decided the best for this football club at this time is to get Kevin Glenn.”

Round 2: 12th Overall (Via Edmonton): Tchissakid Player (Offensive Guard, Northwestern State)

At 6’6, 300 lbs, Player has the size and was the only NCAA Division 1 player in the entire draft class. Born in Winnipeg but raised in Texas, Player was a three-year starter at Northwestern State. His ranking might have been higher if not for a hamstring injury that kept him from auditioning at the CFL Combine.


As Lowell Ullrich pointed out, Lions play by play man Rick Ball has got some practicing to do with the name:

Round 2: 14th Overall: Pascal Lochard (Running Back, Laval)

Lochard comes to the Lions after an RSEQ All-conference selection in 2013. In 33 college games he posted 301 carries for 1749yds and 17 touchdowns. He also chipped in 24 receptions for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. He stands 6’0, 215 pounds and is described as a shift back who makes people miss. He has strong special teams skills as well.

Round 3: 27th Overall (Via Saskatchewan): Casey Chin (Linebacker, SFU)

Casey Chin is a local product who played his high school football with the New Westminster Hyacks before completing a college career at SFU. Chin was ranked 12th in the final Central Scouting Bureau rankings so getting the talented local player was a bonus for the Lions with the 27th pick.

A linebacker in college, Chin may originally find himself on the Lions roster as a special teams contributor and a possible long snapper. A valuable position for a non-import on any CFL roster.

Chin had a stong showing at the CFL Combine, Chin had 25 bench press reps, putting him in a tie for ninth overall and second among linebackers. He posted a 35.5″ vertical jump, placing him second among linebackers and sixth overall. On day two, Chin finished the 40-yard dash in 4.716 seconds which placed him third among linebackers. He finished first among his group in the shuttle and 3-cone segments of the combine.

In nine games with SFU last season, chin posted 119 tackles (which led the GNAC for the third straight year), with 68 solo efforts. He added three sacks, three interceptions and a fumble recovery as well.

Round 4: 32nd Overall: David Menard (Defensive Line, Montreal)

David Menard adds some Canadian depth to the defensive line. He was ranked 13th in the final Scouting Bureau rankings. He posted a Combine best 33 reps on the bench press.

Ridley Scouting says:

A stout, gap plugging strongman clad in the Carabins uniform. David had 33 reps on the bench at the Combine. He was the RSEQ Rookie of the Year in 2010, All-RSEQ honers along with being named All-Canadian. Since then he has been All-RSEQ 2 more times & in his SR season averaged a QB sack a game. Recovered 5 career fumbles.

Round 5: 41st Overall: Alexander Fox (Receiver, Bishops)

The 5’8 180 pound fox comes to the Lions as the leading receiver in the CIS in both yards and receiving touchdowns in 2013, including 5 games over 100 yards and a 256 yard game against McGill.

Ridley Scouting says:

He is the most productive receiver in the draft class with over 2500 yards. Also returned punts, except his SR year when he was a force on offense.

Round 6: 50th Overall: Dylan Roper (Defensive Line, SFU)

When you saw this name you might have had a light go on in your head if you’re a long time Lions fan. Dylan Roper is the nephew of former Leos offensive lineman Gerald Roper.

Roper measures up at 6’2″ and 222 pounds and is another local kid from North Vancouver who went to high school at the football factory of Carson Graham where he was a two-time North Shore all-star, two-time BCHSFA Western Conference all-star, BCHSFA Provincial all-star, and the 2010 Senior Bowl Defensive MVP.

In 2013 for SFU he posted 37 tackles, 6 sacks and forced a fumble, while adding a fumble recovery. Ridley Scouting describes him as an undersized but tough defensive end. He earned an invite to the CFL Combine after a strong showing at the Edmonton Regional.

Round 7: 59th Overall: Guillaume Bourassa (Running Back, Laval)

The Lions added a second running back from Laval with the pick of 5’11, 200 pound Guillaume Bourassa. Bourassa also returned kicks for Laval and capped his four-year career with his third Vanier Cup ring in four years. As shown on his YouTube recruiting video, he can also contribute as a receiver out of the back field and on special teams.

Class of 2013: Recap Of The BC Lions Seven Draft Selections

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Hunter Steward in action for Liberty University (Photo: Liberty University)

The 2013 CFL Canadian College Draft has come and gone and it will likely be sometime before the BC Lions see what they got from this year’s group of picks. Some are projects, some may look south of the border. Let’s take a look at the newest members of the Pride as we try and learn a bit more about them.

Hunter Steward – Offensive Lineman – Liberty University of Lynchurg, Virginia. (1st pick, 6th overall)

Heading into the draft, the Lions were looking to address their non-import offensive line depth. The club saw three of its top choices plucked by other clubs by the time their pick came up, and rather than take a risk on a player that was drawing interest from the NFL, the club went off the board somewhat to select Steward, a 6’7” 290 pound lineman from Liberty where he will return next season to complete his final year of collegiate eligibility. The Lions project that Steward; a converted defensive lineman, could develop into a tackle in the CFL, but they will have to wait until 2014 to make that assessment.

His coaches say:
• Very athletic
• Plays with a lot of energy
• Is still learning the position, but is going to be a great football player.

Liberty University Profile

Seydou Junior Haidara – Wide Receiver – Laval University (2nd pick, 12th overall)

Widely regarded as one of the best receivers available in the draft, the Lions selected Haidara with their second pick of the day. At 6’1” 215 pounds, he’s a big bodied receiver who the Lions feel can play multiple positions in the offense, be it wideout, slot or tight end. Head coach Mike Benevides added that Haidara was also at the top of the class in special teams where his career will likely begin with the Lions if he impresses enough at camp, giving him a chance to hone his skills under an already solid set of receivers. If that doesn’t work out, he still has another year of CIS eligibility left.

Haidara speaks about his experience at the CFL Combine.

Bo Lokombo – Linebacker – Oregon (3rd pick, 21st overall)

With their third pick the Lions certainly rolled the dice a little bit, taking Abbotsford native Bo Lokombo, who plays for a solid program in Oregon and is already drawing interest from NFL teams. It may be awhile if ever, before the Lions see Lokombo in black and orange,

Being a local product the Lions have seen a lot of Lokombo and the club simply felt that at that time in the draft, there was too much upside to pass up taking the chance.

With Adam Bighill and Solomon Elimimian in place, the Lions have time to watch the Lokombo story play out, and if it ends up in their favour, they probably drafted one of the best prospects in this year’s class. He and DL Stefan Charles (who was drafted by the Eskimos) were consistently at or near the top of the prospect rankings. Lokombo will be returning to Oregon for another season, with his sights set firmly on next year’s NFL draft when he will be eligible for selection.

Oregon Ducks Profile

Matt McGarva – Defensive Back – Windsor (4th pick, 33rd overall)

The Lions dipped into some family genes with their selection of DB Matt McGarva of Windsor. McGarva’s brother, Sean is a Community Relations coordinator for the club. With the loss of Cauchy Muamba in the off-season, an aging secondary and the departure of Byron Parker, defensive back was another area the Lions were hoping to address.

At 6’0”, 191 pounds, the Surrey native is a hometown product who lists himself on his Twitter account as an “avid BC Lions fan”, so he should be thrilled with today’s events. He was named a second team all-Canadian in 2011 after finishing the season with 48 tackles for the Lancers.  He went on to earn his second-straight OUA all-star nod last fall in his final year of eligibility with Windsor, despite playing just four games.

McGarva is a fitness nut and will “cut his teeth” on special teams according to Lions DB coach Mark Washington as the club tries to groom him for a non-import spot in the secondary one day.

CIS Profile

Matthew Albright – Offensive Lineman – Saint Mary’s (5th pick, 42nd overall)

The Lions went back to the offensive line with their 5th pick of the day; selecting 6’5” 295 pound Matthew Albright from Saint Mary’s. Winner of a Russ Jackson award in 2012, presented to the player best exemplifying the attributes of academic achievement, football skill & citizenship, Albright played tackle for the Huskies and was named a conference all-star in 2012. His offensive line with the Huskies gave up just 10 sacks last year in 8 games and averaged a league best 201.4 yards a game.

Matt Walker –Defensive Back – UBC (6TH pick, 50th overall).

The Lions stayed local with their next pick selecting UBC’s Matt Walker, who had an impressive invite camp with the Lions in April. Walker will get a taste of the CFL at training camp this season, but will likely return to UBC where at 21, he still has three years of eligibility left.

Walker played high school football in Vernon & from there went to University of Saskatchewan Huskies as a WR.  He played one season with the Bratislava Monarchs in Slovakia in the spring 2011  In the fall of 2011 he came to the Okanagan Sun about 4 games in as a WR but transitioned to DB in his 2nd game. Walker played in one exhibition & 1 regular season game in 2012 for UBC before an ACL tear ended his season.  He fully rehabbed the injury and is back at full speed (4.59 40 at April e-camp).

(Thanks to Heather Foster for the info on Matt).

UBC Profile

Cameron Thorn –Defensive Lineman – Guelph (7th pick, 58th overall)

With their final pick in the Lions added a natural defensive lineman who they hope to covert to the offensive line, selecting Guelph’s Cameron Thorn. The Ontario native also possesses ability as a long-snapper, a valuable commodity in the CFL.

This past season the 6-foot-5, 290lb fourth year player appeared in eight regular season games for the Gryphons and racking up 19 tackles, and one sack. In 2012, Thorn played in the East West Bowl at Western University on the West Team.

Guelph Profile

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