It’s that time again! Football is around the corner, and the BC Lions have added new cubs to the den in the 2018 CFL Draft. Here is a recap of the Lions picks today.

1st Round: 3rd Overall: Peter Godber, Offensive Lineman: Rice University (NCAA)

Ed Hervey did what most thought he would do and addressed the offensive line with his first selection in the draft, 3rd overall.

Peter Godber is a physical player who may be ready to contribute sooner than later for the Leos. His football skills are impressive and he’s also set himself up for life after football, majoring in Sports Management and Kinesiology.

Gobder soured some in football circles with his decision not to test at the CFL Combine, and was sent home after he announced he would opt for a pro-day showing instead. He is represented by agent Jonathan Hardaway who has a reputation of focusing on NFL deals for his client and being a tough guy to negotiate with.

While his stock may have dropped during the combine, it rose again during his pro-day where his testing numbers were impressive. At 6-foot-4, 307 pounds Godber posted the following numbers:

• 5.36 40-yard dash
• 4.68 short shuttle
• 7.65 three-cone
• 28″ vertical
• 8’4″ broad jump
• 36 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Godber, a known gym rat played at a high level starting 35 of 48 games during his NCAA career at Rice, and would be a solid addition to the interior of the Lions offensive line. His addition will push the likes of David Foucault and Charles Vaillancourt for the starting right guard spot after the Lions parted ways with Kirby Fabien this off-season.

Gord Randall, USports Analyst for Krown Countdown U had this to say about Godber:

Godber doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the draft but they’ll get him right away (and he’s better than Rutherford).

1st Round: 7th Overall: Julien Laurent, Defensive Tackle: Georgia State (NCAA)

Hervey went to the defensive side of the line of scrimmage with his 2nd pick of the first round. With the 7th overall pick they secured in Wednesday’s trade with Winnipeg, the Lions selected defensive tackle Julien Laurent out of Georgia State.

A two-year starter, Laurent anchored Georgia State’s offensive line that was stingy against the run in 2017, and was part of a defence that helped set school records for fewest points per game allowed (24.5), fewest rushing yards per game (136.4), fewest yards per rushing attempt (4.13) and most sacks (24). Laurent tied for the team lead with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 24 tackles and a pass breakup.

His real strength is against the run and he should be able to free up the Lions linebackers to make pressure plays by drawing attention on the line of scrimmage. His addition also helps the Lions commit to a Canadian starter on the defensive line, with Junior Luke and David Menard already in the mix,

ACADEMIC HONORS:

• 2017 CoSIDA Academic All-District (first team)

• Dean’s List, Spring 2015, Spring 2017

• Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, Spring 2016, Fall 2016

ATHLETIC HONORS:

• 2017 All-Sun Belt Conference (honorable mention)

2nd Round: 16th Overall: David Mackie, Fullback: Western (USports)

The Lions picked up a fullback with their 3rd pick of the day picking up David Mackie from the Vanier Cup Champion, Western Mustangs

A key component of the Mustangs offence, Mackie earned his first OUA All-Star nod this season, earning a spot on the 1st Team. He is described as a versatile player and is good at picking up blocks as well as catching the ball out of the backfield. His skills as a long snapper could prove valuable as well as contributions on special teams. He was the 18th ranked prospect in the draft.

The Lions have gotten 11 solid seasons from Rolly Lumbala, who isn’t done yet, but the Lions have added some depth at the position.

The Mustangs posted this on Twitter following Mackie’s selection:

Here’s a look at the newest member of the @BCLions, David Mackie! #PurpleReign #CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/9xFLEkNBLY

— Western Mustangs (@WesternMustangs) May 4, 2018

3rd Round: 21st Overall: David Knevel, Offensive Lineman: Nebraska (NCAA)

At 6’9″ 305 (330 on his pro-day) pounds, David Knevel is a specimen, but the Lions may have to wait while to get him as he has NFL aspirations and has reported workouts lined up:

Add Knevel: Reported NFL minicamps stints w/ Saints, Raiders come first #BCLions #CFLDraft

— Lowell Ullrich (@FifthQtr) May 4, 2018

Knevel, who was at one time the top ranked player by the Central Scouting Bureau, the sees himself as a tackle. The Lions have taken chances on players like this before, both with Danny Watkins and Brett Boyko, that haven’t panned out. But the pick is very solid if Knevel, who says he’d love to play in Canada if the NFL doesn’t workout ends up coming North.

Here is Knevel talking about his pro-day performance.

4th Round: 34th Overall: Isaiah Guzyak-Messam, Defensive Back: Wilfred Laurier (USports)

The Lions went back to the defence and picked up defensive back Isaiah Guzyak-Messam in the 4th round with the 34th overall pick. The Lions originally didn’t have a pick in the round but swung a deal with Montreal, sending the 36th and 46th pick to the Alouettes.

At 6’1″, 207 lbs, Guzyak-Messam played in 7 games in 2017 registering 2 interceptions, 28 tackles and 7 pass knockdowns.

As you’ll see by his 2018 highlight tape, he likes to hit…hard.

6th Round: 47th Overall: Rashari Henry, Defensive Lineman: Wilfred Laurier (USports)

The Lions stuck with the Laurier Golden Hawks in the 6th round after sitting out the 5th, selecting defensive lineman Rashari Henry. Playing from the defensive end position Henry was a teammate of one of last year’s impact picks, Kwaku Boateng of the Edmonton Eskimos and has also been inspired by former Lions first round pick Ese Mrabure, who is now with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Here is a great piece on Henry’s CFL Combine experience in his own words.

You can checkout his highlight package here:

7th Round: 54th Overall: William Watson, Wide Receiver: UBC (USports)

The Lions looked in their own backyard with their 7th and final pick of the day, selecting UBC’s William Watson with the 54th overall selection. Watson was named to the College Football America 2017 Yearbook U Sports Starting Lineup, CFA’s version of an All-Canada team. The Lions have Danny Vandervoort looking to play a bigger role, but the retirement of Marco Iannuzzi adding some depth at this position couldn’t hurt.

Gord Randall, had this to say when I asked him about Watson:

Will is a scrapper who has a real underdog mentality. He’s got marginal size but he will work for you, guaranteed.

Struggled with drops earlier on in his uni career but worked to improve that and also became a polished route runner. He’ll battle well for contested balls and elevates well for a smaller guy.

Has done some returning but has never been the main guy there. Certainly motivated and could be tough enough and athletic enough to stick as a teamer. One other thing to keep in mind about Will… Geroy knows him better than anyone.

All in all it was a solid day at the office for Ed Hervey and the Lions. Next up training camp…it’s great to have football back. I’ll be chatting with Eskimo Empire Podcast host Andrew Hoskins and Travis Currah of the 2 and Out CFL Podcast about the draft and other CFL topics this weekend on a special Episode of the BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast. Stay tuned!