Jim Barker was on with Hodge on 3rd down. He mentioned that they have talked to Shand and Luiji Vilain. I guess they’re not ready to sign up here yet. It sounded like the Argos would be playing them at DE if they eventually come up to the CFL. I don’t know what happened to Ojo who was highly rated last year as their number 1 pick. Maybe I nodded off a few times but I don’t recall him playing a down at DE this past season. Special teams only so we will have to see where that goes in 2026.
2 Likes
Though he probably won’t be in the CFL immediately, Akheem Mesidor plays for Miami tomorrow. He put up his best collegiate season yet this year, with 26 solo tackles, 7 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. Along with teammate Rueben Bain, he was on the All-ACC first team. Watch him play against the Aggies of Texas A&M tomorrow.
1 Like
He’s been mocked as high as 1st round which I think is a bit rich, but if he’s even day 2 of the NFL draft he likely won’t be drafted to the CFL.
1 Like
The only knock against him is his height at 6’3. You’re average NFL 4-3 DE is around 6’5. I think he goes 2nd round in the NFL draft. He’s productive.
2 Likes
I think another knock against him is his age. He’s going to be 25 by the draft. Both of this things will keep him out of the first IMHO. But we’ll also have to see how he tests in the pre draft process, if he’s not a monster he could even go day 3.
1 Like
Had some injury issues and also got lucky with the Covid year. As of right now, he’s probably the biggest Canadian prospect who could go in this year’s NFL draft. Def don’t think he’s a first round guy in the NFL, there’s a lot of other defensive lineman that will go in front of him(Rueben Bain, TJ Parker, Peter Woods, Keldric Faulk, etc).
2 Likes
I think Mesidor is kind of a tweener by NFL standards but he is still too good not to get drafted. Probably not until 2nd or 3rd rounds.
2 Likes
We are now in the thick of bowl season and next month will be all star game season. Towards the end of January teams will get more info on which players they’d actually be able to select.
2 Likes
Who does everyone want their team to draft based on the top 20 of the scouting beaureau or even a USports player you loved?
Ti-Cats: Rene Konga or Malcolm Bell
1 Like
I would love the Ticats to draft either of those guys or Trae Tomlinson or Jett Elad. I also think Daniel Djabome would be a solid pick
A couple of relevant articles. Now, I think Alford entered the portal last year before going back on it and entering the draft, but it does look like Benefield won’t be entering the draft this year (likely not to be seen in the CFL at all if he plays well in a better conference next year). Taylor getting an East-West Shrine Bowl invite might see him get more NFL interest and drop him in the CFL draft.
1 Like
Taylor seems to have the versatility that pro teams love. Played LT, LG, RG and RT at Boston College.
2 Likes
Some prospects have officially declared for the draft recently: WR Nick Cenacle, WR Dylan Djete, and DT Rene Konga. Potentially 2 first rounders there.
1 Like
This is a big addition to this draft class. I think he’s a little small to get serious NFL looks but he could be a ratio breaker on the edge of a CFL team.
1 Like
Small for an NFL DE but maybe not for a hybrid edge defender (i.e., DE/OLB) or special teams player
Even as a 3-4 OLB he’s on the smaller end at 6’3” 237lb (assuming those are accurate) so he would have to be very athletic. But you’re right, if he’s athletic enough then teams certainly could see a future for him on specials.
1 Like
He can still put on weight and be a SAM linebacker in a 3-4 or a 4-3.
2 Likes
A SAM LB in a 4-3? Yeah I suppose he could but he’s never played the position so I don’t know how long an NFL team will give him to train into a new spot when there’s going to be a bunch of players available who have played that position before. I think the NFL’s loss will be the CFL’s gain.
1 Like
Hybrid edge seems or STs seems the likley NFL options
1 Like
I think you might be forgetting just how hard it is to catch on in the NFL. I think we’ll see him in CFL backfields sooner than later.
1 Like