Rick Moffat
CFL.ca
Victims of their own success, the Alouettes have not drafted higher than 5th overall since their rebirth in 1996. And Jim Popp expects no sympathy heading into this weekend’s draft.
When it comes to prospecting for diamonds in the rough, the Als have proven they can find gems in any round.
Luc Brodeur-Jourdain, a key link in the chain of offensive linemen for the 2010 Grey Cup win, was chosen in the 6th round in 2008. 2008 fifth-rounder Paul Woldu remains a valuable contributor on special teams and defence.
Danny Desriveaux, a sixth round selection in 2006, continues to compete for playing time with Montreal’s first round choice that same year—Eric Deslauriers. That year’s fifth round pick Joel Wright became a valuable insurance policy providing depth and heart.
“There is an art to it,” says Popp, taking a timeout from reviewing more videotape of prospects in the days leading up to D-Day. “Every year there are about 950 players eligible. We rank our top 50 according to who can help us the most three years down the line.”
Handcuffed by low draft position, the Als win back a precious commodity with their perennial strong teams: time for those gems to be polished.
NFL detours by draft picks are not considered disappointments, but a part of the shaping and buffing.
“Back in ’97 we took Jerome Pathon as a junior when he was only the fourth ranked receiver on his team,” recalls the only man the Als have called GM since their return to the CFL. “He developed and put in good years (eight) in the NFL but we kept in touch and ended up waiting for someone who never came.”
Kerry Carter and Josh Bourke both explored NFL opportunities before becoming key cogs in the offensive machinery of back-to-back Grey Cup victories. Jeff Perrett, Eric Deslauriers, as well as 2010 picks
Chima Ihekwoaba and Kristian Matte pulled on NFL jerseys before they wore “bleu, blanc, rouge.”
The Alouettes’ draft strategy has often flown in the face of conventional football wisdom, not to mention fan expectations.
While some fans and media hype Montreal and Quebecois talent, the Alouettes have never felt compelled to play political games though three of the Als’ first four years back in Montreal, francophone players were their top selection: Denis Montana, Steve Charbonneau and Sylvain Girard.
”We caught some flak three years ago for not taking Sam Giguere,” concedes Popp. “He was a local kid (hometown Sherbrooke, Quebec) and had signed with the Colts so it would have been easy for us to take him.”
Picking seventh overall in 2008 Gigeure was still available. But even the best-laid plans need an audible at the line of scrimmage every now and then. Shea Emry “fell back” and was still unclaimed. The Als could afford to wait on Giguere but felt an instant impact player at linebacker was a far more rare diamond in the rough.
“Shea could help us immediately on special teams but we projected him as a ratio changer and that is extremely rare. He’ll continue to develop and only get better.”
Sometimes players “fall down” the rounds, and only rarely have the Als traded up.
“Mathieu Proulx…we knew we had to have him and made a deal to get up to #5,” confirms Popp of his 2005 machinations.
While Proulx was a heralded DB back in ’05, using a top pick on a defensive player has been rare for the Als. Three of the last four Alouette top picks have been offensive linemen. The Uz Factor?
“Not just a coincidence,” says former CFL Lineman of the Year Uzooma Okeke, who transitioned from top talent to talent-scout.
“We think outside the box more,” says Assistant GM Marcel Desjardins.
That means grading boxes shipped from the US as well as other parts of Canada. In 1998, the Als found their purest gem ever in the first round. Future Hall of Famer Ben Cahoon was available 6th overall.
“More people in our league track that now (the non-import factor),” says Popp. “Montana hadn’t developed, Climie was getting older and other teams may have thought he’d be available in the second round.”
Timing Sunday, is everything.
