As sports fans, we’ve all indulged in the bittersweet exercise of revisiting past draft picks. The infamous “What If?” question lingers as we scrutinize selections that could have changed the course of a team’s history. It’s a peculiar form of self-inflicted agony, yet one that I find myself drawn to time and time again.
“How often as a sports fan do you scroll through past draft classes and ask yourself the dangerous question of ‘What If?'”
The upcoming CFL Draft on April 29 serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of player selections. With the hindsight bias looming large, it’s tempting to second-guess decisions made in previous drafts. Let’s take a deep dive into the last 10 first overall CFL Draft picks and explore their journeys.
Joel Dublanko – LB – Edmonton Elks – 2024
Joel Dublanko, known for his standout performances at Cincinnati Bearcat, transitioned to the professional arena with promise. His swift agility showcased during the CFL Combine hinted at his potential to evolve from a special teams standout to a formidable starting linebacker for the Edmonton Elks.
“A productive linebacker during his Cincinnati Bearcat days.”
Dontae Bull – OL – Ottawa Redblacks – 2023
Dontae Bull’s ascent faced hurdles due to injuries, hindering his progression after being drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks. Despite glimpses of talent in limited games, Bull seeks a healthy offseason and robust training camp to secure a pivotal role as an offensive tackle.
“A broken leg during his final year at Fresno State…has slowed [Bull’s] development.”
Tyrell Richards – LB – Montreal Alouettes – 2022
Tyrell Richards’ unconventional path from Syracuse University to CFL highlighted Montreal Alouettes’ strategic move in acquiring this National linebacker. With impactful defensive contributions under his belt, including a memorable tackle in the opening kickoff of the 2023 Grey Cup, Richards proves himself beyond conventional metrics.
“Despite not playing collegiately in 2021…[Richards] traded up to select [him].”
Jake Burt – REC – Hamilton Tiger-Cats – 2021
Jake Burt’s narrative embodies both hope and disappointment as injuries impede his trajectory post-draft selection by Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The envisioned resurgence of tight end prominence in CFL fell short due to setbacks, leaving room for future aspirations amidst unfulfilled promises.
“I always root for success…the return of the tight end.”
It goes without saying that every draft pick carries its own story – tales woven with ambition, resilience, and unforeseen challenges.
Stay tuned for more enthralling insights into how these athletes navigate their professional paths against all odds.
