Catching Up With The Ticats’ 2017 Draft Class At The End Of Its Rookie Season (Part 1 of 3)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats had a successful 2017 Draft. Of the Ticats’ seven picks, four are currently on the active roster, and two are on the practice roster.
The Ticats have seen great value from their draft picks, all the way from first-round pick Connor McGough through to eighth-round pick Sean Thomas-Erlington.
It’s time to take a look back at the rookie season of the Ticats’ 2017 draft class as the year draws to a close.
Connor McGough (DL)
2017 CFL Draft: 1st Round, 4th Overall
University career: University of Calgary
Connor McGough was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta and chose to stay local for University. He went to the University of Calgary and joined the Dinos. He began his university career as a running back before converting to defensive end for his final three seasons. The speed he displayed as a running back gave him an advantage coming off the edge and pressuring the quarterback as a defensive end. McGough registered 67 tackles, nine sacks, and 17 tackles for a loss during his collegiate career. He was a two-time Canada West All-Star and earned a spot on the Second Team All-Canadian list in 2014.
McGough’s draft stock picked up steam as the 2017 CFL Draft approached. He cracked the final iteration of the 2017 CFL Scouting Bureau Top 20, coming into the draft as the 20th ranked prospect in Canadian football. Evidently, the Tiger-Cats’ head office liked his performance at the national combine and grabbed McGough ahead of schedule with the fourth overall pick.
CFL rookie season (to date): Status – Active Roster
McGough took full advantage of his preseason opportunities. He recorded two quarterback sacks, three defensive tackles, and one special teams tackle in Preseason Week B. His preseason performance coupled with his play at training camp ensured that he dressed in the first game of the regular season.
McGough recorded his first special teams tackle in the first game of his professional career against the Toronto Argos in Week One.
“It took a couple plays just to calm the nerves down a bit because you’re on national TV and there’s all that crowd around. But it just fuels you through the game. It just keeps the energy up. It was a really cool experience my first game and you have to step back every time, realize the blessing of being able to play in front of a great crowd like that,” McGough reminisced.
McGough’s special teams tackle in the opening game of the regular season set the tone for the rookie campaign that would follow. He quickly established himself as a key special teams player, recording 18 special teams tackles, second on the team behind Jay Langa.
“I’ve had a lot of experience playing punt, punt return, and sometimes kick-off return, but the main difference [with the Ticats] was kick-off,” said McGough. “It’s been really good so far. It’s a great tool to have as a Canadian player, to be able to excel at specials.”
McGough also saw some action on the defensive side of the ball, adding three defensive tackles to his special teams totals. Those tackles were highlights of a rookie season filled with great plays.
“I guess the biggest thing I would take away from this season is just how we stuck together as a team through all the adversity because it’s easy to keep your spirits down when you’re on a losing streak. Just to see how the team came together, and the coaching staff kept pushing us, and how we came together as a family, and kept pushing to a common goal,” said McGough. “That’s the one thing I’ll be taking from this year for sure.”
Future:
One common theme across the Ticats’ 2017 Draft Class is versatility. McGough took that mantra to heart and spent his rookie season adding “tools to the toolbox.”
McGough learned all aspects of special teams, and he even spent time practicing long snapping under the tutelage of the Ticats’ resident long snapper, Aaron Crawford.
“You never know when an opportunity might come up that you need to help the team out in any way,” said McGough.
McGough was able to step in and immediately produce in his first professional season. Considering the versatility and promise he showed in his rookie campaign, McGough has a bright future in the CFL.
Braden Schram (OL)
2017 CFL Draft: 2nd Round, 13th Overall
University career: University of Calgary
The Ticats snagged two University of Calgary players in this year’s draft, taking the second of the Dinos duo, Braden Schram, in the second round. Schram was born in Manning, Alberta and stayed in-province for post-secondary. He was an anchor on the Dinos’ offensive line throughout his collegiate career, earning Canada West All-Star honours in two seasons and being named a First Team All-Canadian in 2015.
Braden Schram jumped in the Scouting Bureau’s rankings after a strong national combine. Schram entered the draft ranked 16th in Canada after going unranked previously. The Ticats addressed the defensive line in round one, and opted for an offensive lineman in round two, picking up Schram 13th overall.
CFL rookie season (to date): Status – Practice Roster
Braden Schram impressed in his preseason snaps and has since dressed in nine regular season games. Schram has dressed in the third-most regular season games of any 2017 Tiger-Cat draft pick.
Jeff Krever of CFL.ca named Braden Schram to his All-Rookie CFL roster as a starting guard, a testament to his potential.
Mike Filer, Ryan Bomben, and 2016 first-round draft pick Brandon Revenberg headline the depth chart at interior offensive line, so Schram has been able to focus on development in his rookie campaign.
Schram currently holds down a practice roster spot.
Future:
Schram boasts an excellent physical skill set and sound fundamentals. He has the potential to be a long-term starter in the CFL, especially learning under mentors like Filer and Bomben.
Next up: Kay Okafor (OL) and Justin Vaughn (DL)…