CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Big Day for the Big Blue

Published on April 20, 2006 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - It was a big day for the Big Blue.

The day began with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers acquiring defensive back Kelly Malveaux in a trade with the Montreal Alouettes.

The Bombers received the rights to Malveaux in exchange for a sixth round (43rd overall) pick in today's CFL college draft.

"We've been interested in Kelly Malveaux for a long time, ever since he was playing in Calgary," Bombers G.M. Brendan Taman said. "He is a consummate professional and he will greatly enhance our secondary."

Malveaux (5-9, 185, Arizona '97, DOB: May 11, 1976 in Bellflower, Calif.) has spent six seasons in the CFL. He began his CFL career in 1999 as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders following stints with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe.

Following a tryout with the New England Patriots in 2000, he spent the spring of 2001 with the Orlando Rage of the now-defunct XFL before joining the Calgary Stampeders in July of that year.

Malveaux spent three seasons (2001-03) with the Stamps before being traded to Montreal in exchange for current Bombers cornerback Omar Evan on Jan. 26, 2004.

He appeared in all 18 of Montreal's regular season games in 2005, registering 63 defensive tackles, one quarterback sack, five special teams tackles and nine pass knockdowns.

The other big news for the Big Blue was the addition of some top notch Canadian talent in the CFL College Draft.

Even though the team did not have a pick until the third round, it did an outstanding job of stockpiling Canadian talent.

With the first of two third round picks, the Bombers selected University of Windsor Lancers wide receiver/slotback Arjei Franklin with the 19th overall pick in the draft. Franklin (5-10, 185, DOB: April 25, 1982 in Scarborough, Ont.). He was a two-time All-Canadian and three-time first team Ontario University Athletics All-Star. He is Windsor's all-time leading receiver in both touchdowns and all-purpose yards.

"It feels great to be playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers," Franklin said. "I already know (Bombers offensive lineman) Dan Gyetvai and I trained with (former Bomber) Robert Gordon so I feel like I already have a connection with the team.

"I consider myself to be a pretty explosive player who can turn short passes into big gains. That's how I like to play, at top speed all the time."

Winnipeg selected Laval Rouge et Or offensive lineman Dominic Picard with their other third round pick (23rd overall). Picard (6-2, 282, DOB: June 22, 1982 in Sainte-Foy, Que.) represented Laval University at the East-West Bowl in 2004 and again in 2005 and was a conference all-star both years. He was named the QIFC's top lineman in 2005 and the QIFC Rookie of the Year in '02.

With their lone selection of the fifth round (36th overall), the Bombers chose University of Saskatchewan Huskies running back David Stevens. Stevens (5-11, 210, DOB: June 8, 1983 in Moose Jaw, Sask.) was the leading rusher in the Canada West Conference in 2005. He was also a first team All-Canadian and a Hec Creighton nominee. Stevens was one of the most versatile players available in the draft.

The Bombers used their sixth round pick (49th overall) to select Minot State Beavers defensive end Dexter Ross. Ross (6-3, 245, DOB: Oct. 14, 1980 in Ottawa, Ont.) has outstanding athleticism for a big man. He was a first team All-Conference star for Minot State and was second in all of Division II football for quarterback sacks and tackles for a loss.

"I thought today we addressed all the needs we had going into the draft especially at the non-import receiver and centre spots," said Canadian College Draft Coordinator and receivers coach Bob Dyce.

"Overall, I think we did very well with our draft picks. We feel we've improved our non-import talent with some very good athletes who have played at a high level throughout their college career."

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Canadian Football League Stories from April 20, 2006


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