Daniele Franceschi, Argos Admirals insider
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts currently hold the third overall selection in tonight’s CFL Draft. Coming off a disappointing 8-10 campaign in 2014, the Boatmen will be looking to add some young talent to what is already a diverse and multi-dimensional roster.
It was only a year ago that the Argonauts engaged in a blockbuster draft day trade with the Edmonton Eskimos, a deal which saw the Double Blue acquire the third overall selection in the 2014 CFL Draft. The Argos subsequently used that pick to select Manitoba Bisons running back/slotback Anthony Coombs.
So, can Argo fans expect some more Draft Day fireworks on Tuesday evening? It doesn’t seem likely, but few are as calculated and deceptive as Argonauts general manager Jim Barker.
Moving the third overall pick isn’t out of the realm of possibility, however, keeping the third overall selection in this particularly deep draft class may prove more beneficial than trading it away.
Canadian offensive linemen tend to come at a premium in the CFL. The Argonauts currently have 11 offensive linemen on their roster, and of those 11, only six are Canadian. Dating back to 2010, the beginning of Jim Barker’s tenure with the Double Blue, the Boatmen have selected three offensive line prospects in the first round of the CFL Draft. It’s a recipe that has proven to be successful for the Argonauts: during Barker’s tenure as GM, the Double Blue have surrendered more than 50 sacks in a season just once.
Equipped with a veteran-infused offensive line, it would be wise for the Argonauts to consider injecting some Canadian youth to the unit. This particular draft class is loaded with highly touted offensive line prospects. Players like Alex Mateas, Jacob Ruby and Sukh Chungh are among the pass-protectors who are capable of making an immediate impact at the professional level.
Standing at six-feet, four inches tall and 309 pounds, Alex Mateas is a young and relatively inexperienced offensive line prospect who possesses a ton of upside. The 24-year-old Ottawa, Ontario native began playing football during his sophomore year of high school and immediately garnered attention from collegiate programs south of the border. After spending one year at Penn State University, Mateas transferred to the University of Connecticut, where he appeared in 32 games, making 29 starts at centre for the Huskies.
Mateas’ greatest asset is his versatility. While he isn’t the most technically sound offensive lineman in the 2015 draft class, his size and strength make him a very intriguing pro prospect.
In the final installment of the CFL Scouting Bureau rankings, Mateas was ranked the third-best prospect among all draft-eligible players.
Looking ahead to the second round, the Argonauts may want to consider adding some depth along the defensive line or in the secondary.
Last season, the Double Blue defence surrendered an average of 25.3 points per game, which was the third-highest in the CFL. The off-season acquisition of Ricky Foley should bolster the Argos’ front seven, but numerous concerns remain on the back-end.
The Boatmen could do worse than selecting a highly regarded, charismatic defensive back. Wilfred Laurier defensive back Chris Ackie saw his draft stock soar after an impressive showing at the CFL National Combine in Toronto. The six-foot-two, 210-pound Cambridge, Ontario native is a multi-faceted defensive weapon. Boasting a vertical jump of 40 inches and a broad leap of nearly 11 feet, Ackie clearly possesses the physical tools to play at the next level.
But what if Ackie isn’t available when the Argonauts hit the clock with the 12th overall selection? Who is a potential fallback option?
Enter University of Regina defensive back Tevaughn Campbell.
After failing to qualify for the CFL Scouting Bureau’s winter rankings, Campbell checked in at No. 15 on the Bureau’s final pre-draft list. The six-foot, 185-pound Toronto native turned heads at the CFL Combine after posting a record-breaking 40-yard dash time of 4.355 seconds. Campbell, a track-and-field standout at the University of Regina, also recorded impressive results in the broad jump (10-feet, nine inches) and vertical leap (38.5 inches) drills. The former CIS Canada West All-Star is a lethal kick returner and is capable of playing virtually any position in the secondary.
With the correct combination of coaching and mentorship, Campbell has the potential to become an elite defensive back in the Canadian Football League. One of his greatest assets is his tireless work ethic.
Speaking with reporters at the CFL Combine in Toronto, Campbell stated: “I don’t really take time off during the off-season. After football season, I go right into track-and-field. It’s not very strenuous on my body… I’ll try to become bigger, faster, and stronger.”
As the draft progresses into its final stages, it is imperative that the Boatmen enact a definitive player-targeting strategy. In all likelihood, Jim Barker and his staff have already done their due diligence and possess a general idea of what they’re looking for when assessing late-round prospects.
Historically, the Argonauts have done a masterful job of identifying quality talent in the latter portion of the draft. In 2012, the Boatmen used their fourth round pick to select Northern Colorado linebacker Herve Tonye-Tonye, who has since become a mainstay on the Argos’ special teams units.
Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Chris Getzlaf is a great example of the value that can be found in the later rounds of the draft. Despite being selected in the fifth round in 2007, the 32-year-old Regina native has enjoyed a prosperous professional career, capturing two Grey Cup championships and recording 1,000 yards receiving on two occasions.
Year-in and year-out, the draft is a monumental event on the football calendar. It signifies the conclusion of a long off-season and the beginning of a new campaign. The CFL Draft is a unique spectacle, one rooted in uncertainty. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from covering the draft over the course of the past few years, it’s to always expect the unexpected.
Nothing ever goes according to plan. Teams are as methodical and meticulous as ever on draft night, a combination which produces compelling narratives and genuine entertainment.
Enjoy the draft, Argos Nation! And may the odds be forever in your favour.