Time for my annual kick in the crotch! CFL to NFL prospect thread! The rules of the game have changed with the new CFL&NFL collective bargaining agreements: -NFL now considers CFLer UDFA's for the purposes of offering signing bonuses, now to me, that is a antitrust violation lawsuit waiting to happen, these players have no agreements with either the NFL or CFL, to limit their bonuses is a restraint of trade of a person who is no party to the agreement, how can they do so? The upshot is, signing bonuses are now limited to 75k for CFL to NFLers. -CFL now has a standard 3yr contract with no option windows, in the past a CFLer could opt out of their deals and tryout for a NFL squad, if they stuck on a NFL roster or practice squad for a yr, their CFL deal was voided, if not, they returned to play out their contracts. -Cam Wake, maybe, has been supplanted as the best CFL to NFL player by the Seahawks Brandon Browner, 6'4, he is tied for 3rd in the NFL in int's with 5, including a game winner vs the NY Giants. A good crop this yr: Top 10 1.-Jovon Johnson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PvAMrm-Xdw Solid Cb prospect who won the CFL's version of the DPOY, Jovon Johnson, 28 yrs old and sort of a Vontae Davis clone, Alen compared him to DJ Moore of the Chicago Bears, really physical with a burst, he also returned punts for the Blue Bombers. Dolphins comparison: Vontae Davis' http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=9985&draftyear=2006&genpos=CB 2.-Justin Hickman, http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=15568&draftyear=2007&genpos= fmr UCLA OLB, slightly under 6'2, pass rusher deluxe, long arms, great footwork, his 13 sacks led the Hamilton Ticats, by Pro Football Focus's pass rushing metrics, he would be a mid ranged passrusher, Cam Wake would have been a top 3 all time pass rushing prospect, Hickman played DT which makes him a good SOLB prospect. NFL comparison, Daryl Tapp Scouting Report:http://seventhmillenniumsportsgear.com/dc2007draft/2007_justin_hickman.php Redskins forum: http://www.extremeskins.com/archive/index.php/t-197976.html /added because he did not make it due to lack of talent, he injured a knee, for a longshot guy that is the kiss o' death. Personal Observation: Eh, one of those guys who just comes out of the pile and makes a play, doesn't stay blocked. 3. Jovan Olifaiye http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=86117&draftyear=2009&genpos=og RT/RG, when Jovan arrived with the BC Lions, HC Wally Buono told anyone who would listen, "you will come back and thank us for making you a millionaire" people scoffed at the time, the Detroit native allowed -0- sacks for an entire CFL season, 20 games, no sacks, he began as a All Star RG, wound up playing RT for the BC Lions on their Grey Cup championship run. He came in for a workout at LG in Miami. And MN: Dolphins player he compares to: Vern Carey 4. Khaliff Mitchell DT http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=11546&draftyear=2009&genpos= Khalif came to BC after being stuck on the Singletary 49ers practice squad, whe Samuari Mike left, he headed North to get playing time, and was promptly frozen out by Buono who knew what he had, Khalif took up the challenge and was so brutally explosive in practices Buono had 10 yr CFL C Angus Reid ask him to activate him so he would throttle back the contact in weekly practices. I've heard many stories through the yrs, a Practice Body simply dominating enough to change plans is not one of them Compares to: Melton for the Bears Mitchell came in for a workout in Miami 5. -Solomon Eliminian http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=57434&draftyear=2009&genpos=olb BC Lions, MLB/SOLB in the 4-3, Sol-E is simply the most brutal hitter in the CFL, as voted by his peers in the league 2 consecutive yrs, sort of the CFL version of Ray Lewis, but too short for the Dolphins at 6'0, he has the makings of a Sam Mills type with more pop. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ9OtEizjP8&feature=related 6.-Jerrell Freeman http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=73529&draftyear=2008&genpos=ss Saskatchewan Rough Riders LB, fmr College safety who bulked up in the CFL, he is more athletic then Sol-E, a sideline to sideline playmaker his lack of size means he won't be of interest to the Dolphins, but he can play in the NFL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FO1b1KG10Y Compares to: Brandon Abendayo Did not rate him higher simply because he is a quiet player, he has wheels, but is not a Daemon type of player. 7. Greg Carr http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=56571&draftyear=2009&genpos=WR fmr FSU Wr Carr has great size at 6'6, but as Alen Dumjunovic said of him: High Cut, drops to many balls" that has held true in the CFL, sort of, Carr has mastered the corner route in the EZ, he now has much better hands for the Blue Bombers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6fa57mMbFQ Personal Observation: Eh, ever see one of those tall guys who just are not that coordinated? That's Carr, but he is physically uncoverable at times, just a mismatch when he lines himself up. 8. Marcus Thigpen http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=33078&draftyear=2009&genpos=RB Fmr Indiana Rb has proven to be quite explosive in the CFL, playing with Fmr Dolphin Chris Williams, the Ticats had playmakers all over the field, Thigpen is a plus Returner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QWpEP2-X8U Worked out with the Dolphins Compares to: Stefan Logan Personal Observation: Explosive player, but a fumbler, I like his game but would have to see him take some NFL Types of shots before I bought in, maybe he is Stefan Logan, maybe not, but a threat every week. 9-Justin Medlock: 9. Justin Medlock (K, Hamilton Tiger-Cats) - It is possible that 2011 may have been a breakthrough season for kickers in the Canadian Football League. You had the 41-year old Paul McCallum miss just three kicks all season on his way to breaking the single season accuracy record. Medlock wasn't far behind McCallum's pace, and is the CFL's best from long range. The only question surrounding Medlock is whether he will take his talents to the NFL. Personal Observation: He's a kicker. 10-Fill in the blank, I tip my hat to Scouts who do the work up there, they maybe are seeing something I have not, add in, the CFL is archaic when it comes to FA and Option yrs, Could be anyone really. Hope this is useful, and if anyone has any questions, please ask.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/17/cfl-offensive-lineman-attracting-nfl-interest/ Also played RG, good to see PFT catching up... But I'll say, Jovon Johnson is a much better bet to make the jump, no offense to Jovan O.
Padre, you've said in the past that the CFL is a passing league, right? How has Olafioye looked in your opinion?
He checks the box about "when you do not hear about an offensive lineman they are doing their job" Not giving up a sack in 20 gms in the CFL is very impressive tbh.
Off to the NYJ training facilities. These guys can sign futures contracts on 1/2, but my dude, Jovon Johnson cannot workout until February as that is a part of the option yr agreement.
Jerome Mesam is a interesting Running Back in the sense that he is more of a classic NFL tailback, large Rb with good speed and very physical, have no word yet on who he may be working out for, or how serious his knee issue was, could be a MCL sprain. http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=85110&draftyear=2009&genpos=RB 6'4 248 coming out of tiny Graclenad College, is not quite prototype CFL back measurements, he is a problem child however. http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=81663&draftyear=2008&genpos=OG
Khalif Mitchell worked out for the Eagles Jovan Olafioye worked out for the Giants after working out for the Jets.
That's the conundrum of offensive line play in the CFL D22, with the 1 yd gap and the style of play. Is it the player's talent, or is it the gap? http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Olafioye+proving+coach+correct/5766546/story.html
Generally the Safeties are not NFL prospects, what happens is when a Cb loses a step, they move him Safety. All of the passing favors Vet Safeties or the secondary will..get..torched...
Oh sure BDH, the CFL has a parallel draft themselves, after the NFL's, the top rated guy, Blake, is a 4th rd type. Last yr Danny Watkins was drafted by the Eagles, and the BC Lions, the money is so much larger in the NFL they usually choose the NFL. Ditto OJ Atogwe, drafted by BC in 2004. Thing is, the Canadian College system is not like the NCAA and as you can see, NCAA schools recruit Canadian HS guys. For example those Canadian players go all ninja and you don't know they are from Canada when playing in the NFL a guy like: Reuben Mayes for example great Rb for the Saints, from Canada... Keep an eye on those Canucks BDH..they stealthy When looking at these guys, think "metric' instead american standard, there are only some positions that translate to the NFL game -Wr -Cb -Qb -KR -Passrushing DE Lb's and Ol's are just toss ups, for example perenniel ST pro bowler (and fmr Dolphin) Brandon Abendejayo, played a couple of yrs in BC, but usually Lb's have a tough jump
NYJ worked out the Riders Jerrel Freeman my #6 guy, they also worked out Jovan Olifioye my #3 guy They have previously signed Garret McIntyre, this past offseason he played DT in Hamilton but Lb for the Jets and he quietly has had 18 tackles and 2 forced fumbles for the jets. That should bump up interest in my #2 guy, Justin Hickman, who led the pac 10 in sacks in 2007.
Tryouts Steelers: Jerrel Freeman (#5 ) Vikings: Solomon Eliminian (#6) Still waiting to hear if Carr is getting any looks, would be surprised if Colts or Jax did not kick the tires. First workout for Sol-E that I'm aware of, he'd be a good fit in MN Aside, Dolphins signed Fmr Boise State Rb Ian Johnson
per 1130 am sports in BC That is impressive, and it is more then 7, Jovan has already worked out in Miami, he is the most sought after CFL to NFL player since Cam Wake in 09. Let me add, it's interesting that Olafioye played at NC Central, iirc so did camp invitee Louis Ellis a DT in the same time frame.
Messam is no surprise, this is the first mention of Weldon Brown: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=56718&draftyear=2009&genpos=cb
http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/nflbuzz/tag/justin_hickman?obj_id=46855&obj_type=4 From December 2010, it turns out Ireland worked out Hickman in 2010, we wound up signing Restelli in Janaury of 2011, so it would be safe to say, my #2 guy is not coming to Miami. What is noteworthy is of the 4 guys we worked out in 12/10, 3 wound up signing with teams Arceneuax in MN/McIntyre in NYJ/Restelli with Miami, who did not stick. Interesting, I'm listening to Schefter's appearance on WQAM on 12/30 and he is really tlaking up Marc Trestman for the Dolphins HC job, talking about Trestman being on the short list for the Oakland job and how he's seen as being great with Qb's. Talking about it would be a mistake not to have him on our HC list.
Brandon Browner has also had a tonne of holding, illegal contact and PI penalties. He struggled pretty bad early on this year. Been getting better though. Be shocked if Mitchell is back in BC. Solomon I could see back as hes a tad undersized for the NFL imo.
He's agent seems certain he will get a NFL offer, I suspect he will as well. Tomorrow these guys can start signing, or Tuesday, hope we land some of them. Oddity, but the Jags have no one on the practice squad ATM, I'd think they are going to have a flurry of signings.
Oddly enough, Olafioye was scheduled to work out for...the Colts today, with the Polians being fired they canceled the workout.
More oddity, as nearly as I can determine, Jovon Johnson has visited the Browns and Eagles, but today's eagles stuff appears to have pushed back any meeting he may have had planned. Eagles plan on parting company with Asante Samuel, so they are sniffing around Cb's.
Nice! Still would like to sniff around Jovon Johnson though. Let me add the Riders added fmr 2nd rd pick Robert Veikune, the league is sort of stocking up on guys who were great OLB/DE prospects for the NFL who did not pan out for one reason or another: Esks: Marcus Washington/Julious Williams Stamps: Chris McCoy Riders: Vekune TiCats: Robert Rose I have not followed the CFL long enough to say if this is the norm, or if there is a sort of Cam Wake effect happening, add in John Chick and Phillip Hunt were rostered in the NFL as pass rushers/special teamers and I tend to think this is a trend
so the Phins would play Mitchell at end? how tall is Johnson Padre? hes a good return guy as well so that would help. you have a 40 time on him?
Looks about 5'8 or so, 4.59 40. http://www.goerie.com/article/20111...von-Johnson's-tryout-with-Bengals-rescheduled Never know, interest in him appears to be picking up steam. Mitchell's pre CFL scouting report: Sounds a bit like Tony McDaniel
What's interesting is that is the first time Oliafioye's name has come up in re Jax, and Andy Fantuz's name is the first time anywhere and explains why he wouldn't sign a deal with the Riders, Fantuz wants to play in the NFL but he is coming as close to being a Diva as a CFL Wr can get.
Per Scout.com They pretty much worked out every guy in my top 9: -Jovon Johnson -Justin Hickman -Jovon Oliafioye -Sol-E -Jerrell Freeman -Marcus Thigpen They only passed on #4 Khalif Mitchell #7 Greg Carr #9 Justin Medlock Andy Fantuz was my #2 guy in 2011
Apparently we landed him, with 1 practice squad slot left, I guess it is down to waiting for the announcement. FWIW I think this is legit as the Jags worked out pretty much every significant CFL to NFL prospect save for...Khalif Mitchell, and the Jags run the 4-3, so it would stand to reason they didn't work him out because he had already signed elsewhere
Yes, simply because Ireland has to land him imo. If he is the wizard at finding diamonds in the rough, if that is what is keeping him employed, why wouldn't he offer the max 60 signing bonus for him? He also plays a position we need someone at, RG, as well as RT.
Jovon Johnson is in Miami for a workout..nice. Kick those tires, though his game is more physical then it is wow you with a shuttle drill.
I'll keep my fingers crossed. Would be nice to fill one more hole before the draft, even free agency!
Would be great, but don't get to hyped if it happens, keep in mind they are just having the door opened for them, what they do afterwards is up to them, and things like the draft, injuries, whether a coach likes them etc Cory G was the #2 overall in the 2010 CFL draft, great athlete, never played in the CFL as he made KC's roster, he is something of a ST daemon.
per PFT That would be stunning, Popp is cemented into Montreal's fixtures, but a competent GM, I seriously doubt Irsay would make this move, but keep in mind, the packers' Qb Coach Tom Clement is a long time CFL player and coach, and the Ticats wanted Bills Qb George Cortez, a fmr Ticats staff member, for head coach.
I believe that is workout #11 for JovanO, and the rams do make sense for him as their OL was as bad as ours in 2011, so from his pov, he'd have a better chance of starting and then earning a larger contract. My #6 player, he'd fit in as a weakside Lb in the 4-3 imo
