The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added some promising non-import talent today, acquiring four players and the rights to one other in the 2010 CFL Canadian Draft, including wide receiver Cory Watson, who was taken ninth overall.
“From all of the analysis and study we have done we think we have done pretty well with the guys that we will have coming into camp,” said Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice. “They are all young guys with a lot of potential to grow.”
Watson (6-2, 204, Concordia, DOB: March 27, 1984 in Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec) was Concordia’s leading receiver the past three seasons. In 2009, Watson caught 52 passes for 821 yards and six touchdowns. He led the Quebec University Football League in receptions, receiving yardage and yards per game, while also ranking second in Canadian Interuniversity Sport in those categories. He was named a second-team CIS all-star.
“It feels awesome to be picked in the first round,” Watson said following the draft. “I’ve heard great things about Winnipeg and am very excited.”
The Blue Bombers swapped picks with Hamilton in round three, sending their 22nd overall to Hamilton for the Ti-Cats’ 28th overall pick and the negotiation rights to quarterback Alex Brink. Brink has agreed to a contract in principle and more information on this transaction is pending.
With their second selection (28th overall), the Blue Bombers selected Chris Smith, linebacker from Queen’s University. Smith (6-2, 220, DOB: Jan. 31, 1988 in Toronto, ON) was the defensive player of the game in the 2009 Vanier Cup, as his club defeated Calgary. Smith finished the game with 4.5 tackles, a 15-yard sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery and was a major force in the second half as the Gaels held the high-powered Calgary offence to just six points. Smith has played four seasons at Queen’s and earned a starters role in 2007 when he started all ten games at linebacker. Smith finished second on the Gaels in solo tackles with 38, and total tackles with 52 – behind only second team All-Canadian and current Bomber Thaine Carter.
The Big Blue scooped up running back Anthony Woodson with their fourth round pick (29th overall). Woodson (6-0, 196, DOB: Jan. 7, 1988 in Calgary, Alberta) led the Canada West in rushing in 2007 with 1,183 yards. He was a conference all-star and runner up to quarterback Teale Orban from Regina as Canada West Player of the Year. He was also named a second team All-Canadian. In 2008, Woodson was injured early in the season but returned for the final regular season game and the two playoff games. He finished with 105 yards on 36 carries, recording two touchdowns – one receiving and one rushing in Calgary’s win in the Hardy Cup.
Winnipeg picked defensive lineman Chris Greaves (6-5, 290, DOB: Jan. 8, 1987 in Toronto, ON) with their sixth round pick (45th overall). Greaves, a defensive lineman with Western, was named to the OUA second team all-star. He finished the 2009 season with 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks and was part of a Mustangs defence that tied the OUA lead with 22 sacks.
