CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO — With the 2010 Canadian Draft just around the corner, CFL.ca decided to look back at the last ten #1 overall draft picks:
2009 – Simeon Rottier, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Currently in Hamilton)
Rottier was a first team All-Canadian for the Alberta Golden Bears in 2008 prior to being selected first overall by the Ticats in 2009. He played in all 18 games during his rookie season with the Ticats last year. He started three games at left guard and also saw action during Hamilton’s Eastern Semi-Final loss to BC. Rottier was also a second team All-Canadian For Alberta in 2007 and a three time Canada West All-Star.
2008 – Dylan Barker, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Currently in Hamilton)
Barker was a standout defensive back at the University of Saskatchewan when the Ticats selected him with the first overall pick in the 2008 Draft. Unfortunately, Barker missed the entire 2008 season with an injury to his leg including a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle in addition to ligament damage suffered in just his second pre-season game. He bounced back in 2009 however, and led the CFL with a league record-tying 37 special teams tackles.
2007 – Chris Bauman, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Currently in Hamilton)
Bauman was an All-Canadian receiver at the University of Regina when the Ticats selected him with the first overall pick in the 2007 Draft. Bauman played in 14 games as a rookie, including 12 starts. He recorded a respectable 30 receptions for 370 yards. Bauman had his best season as a pro in 2008 with 588 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He added 19 catches for 255 yards last season and should continue to be a fixture for the Ticats’ offence in 2010.
2006 – Adam Braidwood, Edmonton Eskimos (Currently in Edmonton)
Braidwood was dominant at the 2006 CFL Evaluation Camp and ultimately became the number one overall pick as selected by the Edmonton Eskimos. Braidwood’s rookie campaign was tremendous and he was the Eskimos’ nominee for Rookie of the Year. Braidwood continued to develop in his second season in the CFL as a force at defensive end. Unfortunately, Braidwood would miss the entire 2008 and 2009 seasons due to injury. However, Braidwood has battled back from his knee problems and is looking to regain his old form with the Eskimos in 2010.
2005 – Miguel Robede, Calgary Stampeders (Currently in Calgary)
Robede was a dominant force for the Laval Rouge et Or when he was selected first overall by the Calgary Stampeders in the 2005 Canadian Draft. Robede played his first game for the Stamps during the 2006 season and took a couple of years to find his groove at the professional level. He had a breakout season in 2008, where he appeared in every single game for the Stamps, mostly on a rotational basis at defensive tackle. Robede finished 2008 tied for the team lead in sacks (5) and culminated his fine year with a Grey Cup Championship. Robede added a further 12 tackles in 11 games with the Stamps last season.
2004 – Wayne Smith, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Currently in Saskatchewan)
The Hamilton Ticats selected Appalachian State University’s Wayne Smith with the first overall pick in the 2004 Canadian Draft. Smith began his career with the Ticats before a 2007 trade sent him west to Saskatchewan. Smith is looking to bounce back for the Riders in 2010 after missing all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon.
2003 – Steven Morley, Calgary Stampeders (Currently in Winnipeg)
Morley was a highly touted draft pick out of Saint Mary’s University in the 2003 Canadian Draft. The two-time Vanier Cup Champion bounced between the CFL, NFL and NFLE in the early stages of his career. After being released by the Seattle Seahawks, Morely joined the Toronto Argonauts at the start of the 2007 season. Morley signed a deal as a free agent with Winnipeg prior to the 2009 season. He started all 18 games at left tackle for the Bombers in his first season with the club.
2002 – Alexandre Gauthier, Ottawa Renegades (Currently in Hamilton)
The Ottawa Renegades made Laval’s Alexandre Gauthier the top selection in the 2002 Canadian Draft. Gauthier struggled in Ottawa, lasting less than three seasons with the team. However, Gauthier has blossomed with age and was one of the most coveted free agent signings of the 2009 off-season ending up in Hamilton. He made his Ticats debut on July 1, 2009 and started all 18 games for Hamilton. Gauthier also started all 18 games for the Stamps in 2006 and started all 36 game for Winnipeg from 2007-08.
2001 – Scott Schultz, Saskatchewan Roughriders (retired)
Schultz was the second top pick in a row by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. After missing the first half of back-to-back seasons due to stints in the NFL (San Diego & Pittsburgh), Schultz emerged as a fan favourite in Regina. One of the best defensive tackles in the CFL during his tenure, Schultz recorded 178 tackles and 35 career sacks. He missed only one regular season game since joining the Riders full time in 2003. Schultz was also part of the Riders 2007 Grey Cup winning team. Schultz announced his retirement from the CFL five games into the 2009 season.
2000 – Tyson St. James, Saskatchewan Roughriders (Currently out of the CFL)
St. James was selected first overall out of the University of British Columbia by the Riders. He played a few seasons in Saskatchewan, before moving on to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a year, but never developed beyond a backup and special teams player.
