TSN
CFL.ca Staff
VANCOUVER — The defending champion BC Lions have traded up to acquire the second overall pick from the Edmonton Eskimos, and have opted to select DL Jabar Westerman.
In return, the Eskimos acquired BC’s fourth, 14th and 38th selections. The Lions also acquired the 20th overall pick.
“My style of play is relentless – see the ball, get the ball,” said Westerman.
The Brampton, ON native enjoyed a standout career while playing in the NCAA. In 2011, Westerman racked up 26 tackles and four sacks, a striking improvement from his 2010 season, which saw him register 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Standing tall and wide at 6-foot-2, 285-pounds, Westerman knows that using his size will play a major role in deciding whether or not he has what it takes to play professional football.
“My greatest asset, I would say is my size and strength, just because how big I am – I’m almost 300-pounds – and I’m pretty quick for my size. Most people underestimate my speed,” said Westerman.
At E-Camp, he pumped out 22 reps on the bench press, and ran a respectable 5.16 40-yard dash.
With their second selection (seventh overall), the Grey Cup champs picked up offensive lineman Kirby Fabien from the University of Calgary. Fabien started every game at right tackle for the Dinos over the past three seasons and was a Canada West All-Star in 2009 and 2011.
“We’re very pleased with our results so far today,” said Lions GM Wally Buono. “We believe that we have selected two young men so far that enable us to remain strong on both sides of the line of scrimmage.”
The Lions had only two more picks throughout the remainder of the draft. In the third round, they selected Western University OL Matthew Norman and capped off their 2012 Draft by selecting Calgary linebacker Jordan Verdone.
