Bombers pleased with Draft Day picks
Published on April 20, 2006 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - It may have taken a while before they got to make a selection in this year's Canadian College Draft, but it was well worth the wait for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Even though the Blue & Gold did not have a pick until the third round, the team 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.
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."
Canadian Football League Stories from April 20, 2006
- Big Day for the Big Blue - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- CFL Off-Season Transactions - CFL
- CFL Announces 2006 Canadian Draft Results - CFL
- Alouettes acquire Nealon Greene - Montreal Alouettes
- Bombers pleased with Draft Day picks - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Bombers acquire Malveaux - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Eskimos select eight players in 2006 CFL Canadian College Draft - Edmonton Elks
- Argos draft six in 2006 - Toronto Argonauts
- Alouettes select Eric Deslauriers in first round - Montreal Alouettes
- Eskimos draft DE Braidwood first overall - Edmonton Elks
- Argos take DT Daniel Federkeil with first pick - Toronto Argonauts
- CFL Announces First Round Selections of the 2006 CFL Canadian Draft - CFL
- Edmonton Selects Braidwood as First Overall Pick in 2006 CFL Canadian Draft - CFL
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