Braidwood could prove to be the best top CFL Canadian Draft choice in a long time
By Josh Bell-Webster,
CFL.ca
The Edmonton Eskimos rarely get the top pick of the annual CFL Canadian Draft, given the fact that the organization had not missed the playoffs for 34 consecutive seasons.
But a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats gave the Eskimos the No. 1 pick in 2006, which was used on Washington State defensive end Adam Braidwood.
After one season, it looks to be a solid selection. Braidwood played 15 games with the Eskimos in his rookie season, including 10 starts on the defensive line. Braidwood earned 20 tackles including four sacks, and had one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
For his efforts, Braidwood was named the top rookie on the Eskimos in 2006. But to his credit, he believes there is still a lot of work for him to do.
“I think I have a lot of stuff to work on,” admitted Braidwood. “I made a lot of mistakes, especially early which I don’t plan on doing next year.”
“I came close to meeting my expectations, but I have a lot to improve on.”
There are always high expectations when you enter training camp as a club’s top draft choice; even more when you are the first player chosen overall. Braidwood was conscious of this fact throughout the season.
“If it hadn’t, I’m sure some of the veterans would have reminded me,” laughed Braidwood. “You catch a little flack about it. It’s definitely some extra pressure. Those picks are valuable.”
“There was a lot of rookies playing and making an impact this year. So all those picks count for sure.”
The 2006 season marked the first time since 1992 that four team nominees for CFL Most Outstanding Rookie were drafted in the same year; Braidwood, kicker Luca Congi of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, receiver Arjei Franklin of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and defensive back and East Division winner Etienne Boulay of the Montreal Alouettes. Not included in this list are the contributions of B.C. Lions linebacker Jay Pottinger and Roughriders receiver Andy Fantuz and linebacker Tristan Clovis.
Braidwood, being a Pac-10 alumnus, knows a thing or two about seeing quality football players, having played against the USC Trojans in their heyday. When he attended CFL Evaluation Camp, he was impressed with the talent he saw.
“I’ve been to a lot of combines and a lot of camps,” said Braidwood. “I’ve seen a lot of football players, and last year when I was there, I was looking around and I was like, there’s a lot of good athletes here. That camp was no joke. There was some serious talent coming out last year.”
“You look at guys like Boulay and Fantuz, all those guys are real talented players. They’re going to be impact players for a long time in the CFL.”
Braidwood admitted that the longer CFL season was one of the things he needed to get used to as a rookie.
“I’ve played hurt before,” explained Braidwood. “I hurt my elbow in my senior year. There’s just little things that wear on you as the season goes on. It’s just getting used to practicing for so long. There’s twice as many games, and you’re playing the same teams over and over again. You have to re-evaluate yourself after every game.”
There are upwards of 910 players eligible for this year’s draft, with only 47 that are going to be selected. For those that are the chosen few, Braidwood warns that a CFL roster spot isn’t a guarantee.
“There’s no free ride,” said Braidwood. “Just because you get drafted and you’re on the team, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re on the team. You have to earn your spot.”
“The CFL is a very, very competitive league, and it’s not easy to make the squad. Any advice I give to them is to train and prepare the best that you can and come into training camp ready to work.”
Advice that Braidwood is no doubt following as he prepares for his sophomore season.
