Toronto Argonauts: Recapping the 2017 CFL draft

The Toronto Argonauts made six picks in the 2017 CFL draft, focusing mostly on the defensive side of the ball and selecting only one player on offence.

The Toronto Argonauts would draft only one offensive player in the 2017 CFL draft. They had to wait until the second round to make their first pick and like last year they went with a talented player with size on the offence.

Here is a breakdown for each player taken by the Argos in this year’s draft:

Woods has a good chance to see time with the Argos this season coming playing against quality competition in Division 1 football which should make the transition to professional football easier. The Argos made it a point to address the offensive line this offseason, bringing back Chris Van Zeyl, while adding Peter Dyakowski and J’Michael Deane.

Speaking to the Toronto Sun‘s Frank Zicarelli and other reporters at the draft, Argos GM Jim Popp said:

"“Getting Mason at the size that he is, he is still going to mature into a fine football player. He has played three years of major college football and has played against a lot of great talent which will make it an easier transition to come in as a pro athlete.”"

https://twitter.com/CFL/status/861558810413903875

The biggest question for Foster is where he fits on a CFL roster given his size. He has great speed so that will be an asset on special teams but what will his ceiling be? Although as a third round pick he could fit somewhere on the defensive side maybe rotating in when the team needs speed on the outside.

This was considered the steal of the draft by the Argos as the 14th the top ranked defensive back finishing 14th on the final CFL draft rankings. He will look to follow in the footsteps of his brother Anthony in finding success in the CFL.

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Woodson ran a 4.64 at the combine and put on a show in the one-on-one drills against the top receiving prospects. He showed his strong athletic ability with a 10’0.5″ broad jump and towering strength with 18 reps on the bench.

While speed is an important aspect for a defensive back is important, against big strong receivers he will have to show off his strength especially when he wants to establish his positioning.

This is an interesting pick, because Onyeka is an accomplished player at the CIS level and only started playing football in his third year of high school. He was a big part of the Golden Hawks run to the 2016 Yates Cup which pulling off a stunning victory over the Western Mustangs.

In the OUA playoffs he led the league in tackles with 16.5 while adding an interception and two pass breakups. He certainly has the talent and track record to play an integral part of the team’s future on defence.

Playing with his twin brother Jordan, the Herdman brothers formed a formidable linebacking duo despite SFU going through a major rebuild. Both worked off each other with their quick feet and showed their versatility participating in both linebacker and defensive back drills showing their effective range in the backfield.

Next: Argos acquire All-Star SJ Green

What would your overall grade be for the Argos at this year’s draft? Further, which picks do you agree or disagree with? Share your thoughts in the comments section.