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Mississauga – The Toronto Argonauts selected Toronto-native Mike Bradwell with their first pick of the day, then continued the trend by making three of their next six picks GTA-born players. In all, six of the Argos’ seven draft picks were either OUA players or were raised in the Toronto-area. Remarked Argonauts’ Assistant GM/Director, Player Personnel, Greg Mohns, “We’re extremely pleased with the way the draft unfolded. We got a lot of players who have roots in the GTA and, overall, we fulfilled all of our needs by picking who we believe to be the best athletes available. There were some players we targeted who were taken off the board by other teams, but based on our ratings, all of the players we drafted will more than fulfill the needs we have. Our first pick, Mike Bradwell, is a good example of how the draft went for us. He was the highest-rated player on our board and the best athlete available for our needs.”
Mohns continued, “We’re extremely excited about the prospect of Mike Bradwell joining the Argonauts family. He is a talented, athletic receiver with outstanding size and speed. We feel he will blend in nicely with our existing Canadian talent at the receiver position.” Remarked Ottawa-born Jean-Nicolas Carriere, “I’m surprised but happy to be drafted by Toronto. It is very close to home so my mom will be able to come to games, which is very important to me. She is my biggest fan and comes to all of my games. I’ve just started with my trainer on a 3-week program to come ready to compete at training camp – I’m very excited.” Mohns was thrilled about his team’s third round selection, “We were pleasantly surprised that Jean-Nicolas was still available in the third round. He’s a tremendous athlete who is a role player. He will give us depth by serving as a backup at both defensive end and outside linebacker. We think he has the athletic ability and body-type to be a tremendous special teams player in the CFL.” Whitby, Ontario, native Delroy Clarke didn’t play football until university and just finished his final exam of the year in criminology today. Commented Clarke, “This feels great – like a dream come true. All of the hard work has paid off. At the same time, I know there’s a lot more work ahead of me so I’m busy getting ready for training camp. I’m extremely happy to be so close to home.” Mohns has watched Clarke closely throughout his college career, “Clarke was the second-highest rated defensive back on our draft board. He has had a tremendous career at Ottawa and he’s an athlete with good height, good speed and he’s very intelligent. Our staff is very enthusiastic about this player.” Toronto-born Richard Zulys was reached after just completing his final exam of the year and while moving into a new home in London, “I’m honoured and surprised. This is one of the best days of my life. I grew up watching the Argos and to get a chance to compete for the team I grew up watching is beyond belief.” Mohns feels his staff may have found a hidden gem in Zulys. “He’s a player who has a lot of upside and potential as an offensive lineman. He was a 4-year starter who dropped down on many other boards because of a shoulder surgery he had in January. We did our homework and received a medical report last night that clears Richard to play full contact football well before camp starts. We project that he’ll be a solid offensive guard for the future.” Tyler Scott was not eligible to play for Western Ontario last year after transferring from Saginaw Valley in the NCAA. Scott remarked, “It’s shocking! I was watching the draft on my computer nervously. I had worked out for the Argos and was hoping they would take me. It is very emotional and exciting, and I’m thrilled to have two of my teammates coming with me. Toronto is a great city and organization.” Mohns is eager to see Scott in action, “Tyler is an intriguing prospect who did not play at Western Ontario last year because he transferred from Saginaw Valley in the U.S. When another player turned down a spot at this year’s evaluation camp, I’d asked the CFL to invite Tyler. We liked what we saw there and worked him out again in London a few weeks ago. We left the workout excited about his potential. He has great hands, size and good speed.” Mark Dewit finished his final sociology exam during today’s draft, “This is definitely one of the most exciting days of my life. This draft has been something I’ve been working towards for years and now the day has come and I got the result I wanted.” Mohns was enthusiastic about his team’s new and versatile Canadian lineman. “We were very surprised that Mark was still available in the sixth round. We immediately changed our late-round strategy and we returned to our original draft philosophy – take the highest-rated player from our board that is still available. He really impressed our coaches with his blue-collar worker ethic. He is smart and athletic, and can probably play all the offensive line positions.” Mohns has looked to the future by selecting Matt Black. “Matt is a redshirt player in the NCAA who is a tremendous athlete with great speed. His physical play and aggression make up for his lack of height, and his quickness make him a lethal threat as a returner. With another year still to play at Saginaw, he should be a pleasant addition for us next year.” |