Do you ever find yourself diving into past draft classes, wondering about the paths not taken? It’s a bittersweet journey, looking at players who soared and those who faltered. As a devoted sports fan, I must confess to indulging in this “what if” exercise more often than I care to admit.
With the upcoming CFL Draft just around the corner on April 29th, it’s only natural to reflect on previous draft selections. Instead of succumbing to hindsight bias, let’s delve into the stories of the last ten first overall picks and see how their careers unfolded.
Joel Dublanko: Making Waves with Edmonton Elks
Joel Dublanko, an exceptional linebacker from Cincinnati Bearcats, caught the eye of many with his impressive performance at the CFL Combine last year. While currently shining in special teams for the Elks, he stands poised to transition into a starting role as a linebacker. Keep an eye out for his breakthrough at Elks’ training camp!
Dontae Bull: Overcoming Adversity with Ottawa REDBLACKS
Dontae Bull faced setbacks due to injuries during his time at Fresno State and early seasons with Ottawa REDBLACKS. However, a promising off-season recovery could pave the way for him to secure a permanent spot as an offensive lineman. His resilience is truly commendable.
Tyrell Richards: Montreal Alouettes’ Rising Star
Despite missing collegiate play in 2021, Tyrell Richards impressed the Alouettes enough to warrant being traded up for as a National linebacker pick. With notable defensive contributions and even making the first tackle in Grey Cup 2023, Richards is proving himself as a force to be reckoned with—both on and off-field (Sharknado enthusiast alert!).
The article continues covering various other first overall picks throughout recent years like Jake Burt from Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2021; Jordan Williams from BC Lions; Shane Richards from Toronto Argonauts; Mark Chapman from Hamilton Tiger-Cats; Faith Ekakitie from Winnipeg Blue Bombers; Josiah St. John from Saskatchewan Roughriders; Alex Mateas from Ottawa REDBLACKS; and Pierre Lavertu from Calgary Stampeders.
Each player has had their own unique journey filled with triumphs and tribulations that illustrate the unpredictable nature of professional sports drafting – truly showcasing that success is never guaranteed but earned through hard work and perseverance.
