Isaiah Guzylak-Messam (21) during the CFL Combine at the Axworthy Health & RecPlex Centre in Winnipeg MB, Sunday, March 25, 2018 (Photo: Johany Jutras)
With the 2018 CFL entry draft fast approaching and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats now in possession of the first overall pick, tonight should be interesting. The amalgamation of prospects hard work, dedication and sacrifice will not go unnoticed as this years 2018 draft class is poised to be loaded with star-studded players eager to make their presence felt in the city of Hamilton. With the acquisition of the first overall pick from the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton can look to fill some holes on their roster along with drafting highly sought after talent. Hamilton now has the luxury to select any player they wish at the number one spot which will allow GM Eric Tillman to select his new franchise player.
Though drafting players can ultimately lead to success, the Tiger-Cats have their fair share of veteran players. Experience, knowledge, and repetition are sure-fire ways to build a winning culture in TigerTown. Veterans players are the structural framework of a franchise, which, the Tiger-Cats have built upon. With Ryan Bomben now an Alouette, Mike Filer has become cornerstone piece and has the experience to lead the way for what has the potential to be a highly potent offence.
With the surplus of selections that the Tiger-Cats now have to pick from with a grand total of four picks in the top 20 at number 1,6,11,15. These picks can be used to truly rejuvenate the Black and Gold and be in the running for a huge comeback in June. Because of the sheer volume of picks Hamilton has, there are places the Tiger-Cats can look to fill with fresh talent coming off the draft board such as the need for a Fullback, a position which is not currently filled on the roster.
There is no question that the Fullback position has lost its glory within the realm of Football in recent years due to the spread offence that has grown to reflect playbooks more but, they provide many benefits teams are coming around to. The primary role of a Fullback is to create holes for the runner when need be and give the Quarterback pass protection in the pocket. Drafting a Fullback will allow the Quarterback under centre to go through his looks and execute the play to the best of his abilities. Along with the standard offence, a Fullback can strengthen a red-zone offence as well. With different formations requiring different players, having the luxury to run a “T” or an “I” formation within the 10-yard line.
This 2018 draft does have some stand out options in the Fullback position but none as highly sought after as David Mackie from the University of Western Ontario. At 6’3” 252 pounds, Mackie was slotted in the running back position at Western but found himself as a predominantly blocking back. Mackie played in five regular-season games in the 2017 OUA season all while amounting a single touchdown along with three carries for 13 yards. Mackie stands out as a player who is able to gel with a variety of offence schemes along with being able to be a powerful block in the run game.
With the Tiger-Cats having depth at the Offensive line position, there is no real sense of urgency to draft players for the line. With that being said, with the Tiger-Cats having such depth, bringing in more offensive linemen such as Trey Rutherford from UConn or Dakoda Shepley from the University of British Columbia (Who recently signed as an undrafted free agent with the NY Jets). Both Rutherford and Shepley are traditional Canadian football players. Both are extremely good getting off the line and using their strength to keep their defender in front of them and make holes and opportunities for the offence.
Though Hamilton has depth at the Wide Receiver position, drafting an electric talent in the first or second round is an easy way to generate some buzz in the locker room. With receivers being such a key piece in the success of an offence, drafting game ready receivers that are fast off the line and can get open, will allow Hamilton to control the pace and tempo of games this season.
This year’s draft class of receivers has some names that have received a lot of praise such as Central Michigan receiver Mark Chapman, whose brother Jarret Chapman was signed by Hamilton after going undrafted. Chapman brings to the table a quick and elusive frame with the hands to match. Along with Chapman, McMaster football product Daniel Petermann has been climbing the CFL draft board after his combine performance. His ability to generate yards of bubble-screen and short passing plays makes him an attractive option for any team looking to bolster their passing offence.
With holes to fill and the right amount of picks to do it, Hamilton can embrace the ideology of selecting the best possible player at every pick, draft to fill holes, or even package later round picks to trade for already proven players. Whatever Hamilton decides to do on with pick number one, Canada, the CFL, and Tiger-Cats fans will be watching in anticipation to see just how much Hamilton will shake things up this season.