Argonauts Select Seven in 2015 CFL Draft

Argonauts.ca Staff

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts added to their Canadian content today with seven picks in the 2015 CFL Draft.

With the third overall selection, the Argonauts bolstered their offensive line with the addition of Sean McEwen from the University of Calgary. The 6-3, 297-pound, native of Calgary, Alberta, played in 32 games over four seasons with the Dinos. Calgary’s 2011 Rookie of the Year was named a Canada West All-Star in three consecutive seasons (2012-14), and was honoured as a first-team All-Canadian in 2014 and second-team All-Canadian in 2013.

Commented Argonauts General Manager Jim Barker, “We understand Sean could be a futures pick but he was the top player on our board. He is athletic, smart and tough, and he loves the game. Getting players who are true centres is not easy as there aren’t many of them available. We are thrilled to get Sean McEwen with the third overall pick.”

Commented Argos third round selection Sean McEwen: “This is the most excited I’ve ever been in my life. Hearing Scott Milanovich’s voice on the phone was a surreal experience but at the same time something that I felt that I’ve worked hard for and deserve. In terms of deciding on my immediate future that is something that I will have to sit down with my family and discuss. Both academics and pro football are  huge parts of my future.”

In the second round, the Argonauts used their 12^th overall pick to nab Western University defensive lineman Daryl Waud. The 6-5, 270-pound, native of Hamilton, Ontario, registered 75 defensive tackles, 8.5 quarterback sacks and one interception returned for a touchdown in 29 games with the Mustangs. The three-time CIS All-Canadian and first-team OUA All-Star recently participated in the NCAA’s East-West Shrine Game in January.

Barker on Western’s Daryl Waud, “Daryl is a big body-type who gets off the ball well. He adapted well in the East-West Shrine Game against very good competition. We were thrilled he was available to us in the second round as his presence addresses a need on our defensive line.”

Commented Daryl Waud, the seventh ranked prospect in the CFL Scouting Bureau: “I couldn’t be happier after being selected by a first-class organization like the Toronto Argonauts. After a long CIS season and offseason dedicated to training, it’s nice to see that my progress and hard work has paid off to this point. I’m excited to get to training camp and contribute any way that I can.”

The Argonauts continued to add to their defensive line selecting another OUA product, defensive lineman Cameron Walker from the University of Guelph, in the third round (21^st overall) of the 2015 CFL Draft. The two-time first-team OUA All-Star notched 37.5 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks and two forced fumble in 2014.

Barker on 2014 Yates Cup Finalist Cam Walker, “Cam Walker has a great body-type and he reminds me of my former college roommate Clay Matthews Sr. He is in great shape, has a high motor, and we believe he will be an excellent special teams player.”

Commented Walker, “To be honest, I wasn’t even expecting it. My phone started ringing and the next thing I knew, I was selected by the Argonauts. I’m excited to be able to continue my football career with the team that I grew up watching. It’s been a long road but I can’t thank my family, high school and Guelph coaches enough for their help along the way.”

The Double Blue used their fourth round pick (30^th overall) to take Laval receiver Matthew Norzil. In 15 regular season games over four seasons with the Rouge et Or, Norzil hauled in 41 passes for 643 yards. He was named a RESQ All-Star in 2012 after leading Laval and ranking third in the CIS in touchdowns (6).

Barker on Matthew Norzil, “We rated Matthew as one of the most athletic receivers in the draft. He missed most of the last two seasons due to injury but we recently saw him run a 4.4 second 40-yard dash. If he stays healthy we believe he will be a great player in this league one day.”

Commented Matthew Norzil, “I’m very excited for the challenge ahead of me. I would like to thank my family, coaches and roommate, Hamilton’s S.J. Haidara, for keeping me level-headed throughout this process.”

Toronto kept things offensive selecting 2014 CIS rushing leader Dillon Campbell in the fifth round (39^th overall). The product of Wilfrid Laurier had 185 carries for 1,458 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 12 catches for 206 yards en route to being named a first-team All-Canadian, and the OUA’s MVP and nominee for the Hec Creighton last season.

Barker on Campbell, “Dillon is an explosive athlete whose production was off the charts at the CIS level. He has a strong work ethic that we expect will translate to the CFL game.”

Commented Whitby, Ontario native, Dillon Campbell, “It’s an honour to be selected by the Argonauts. It’s been a long time coming. After all the work I put in on and off the field, it’s good to see my dream finally come true.”

With a pair of seventh round picks, the Argos drafted Toronto native and University of Toronto product Kevin Bradfield with the 55th overall as well as Dan MacDonald, a long snapper from University of Guelph, 56th overall.

Bradfield, a 2014 CIS first-team All-Canadian and OUA All-Star, had 48 receptions for 603 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 15 times for 100 yards with the Varsity Blues last fall. He also solidified himself in UofT football history as the school’s all-time punt return leader with 1,287 punt return yards on 120 returns.

Barker, “Kevin is a local guy, from UofT, who is a very good punt returner with great speed. He is coming into his own as a receiver and we are looking forward to seeing him develop as pass catcher.”

Commented Bradfield, “Being a kid from Toronto, who grew up watching the Argonauts, it’s truly a dream come true. I can’t believe I have been granted the opportunity to play in front of my family in my hometown.”

MacDonald had played 17 games over four seasons with the Guelph Gryphons, recording 11 tackles.

Barker on MacDonald, “Dan is a reliable long snapper with tremendous upside. We look forward to seeing him come to camp and compete to backup current long snapper Jake Reinhart.”