The CFL released the second edition of the 2020 scouting bureau rankings on Tuesday, featuring 20 top players in May’s draft.
The issue with the rankings is that they aren’t a true reflection of how teams see prospects. Every year there are players featured on the list who get selected in the draft’s later rounds or not at all.
This makes sense considering members of the scouting bureau have no incentive to complete their ballots honestly. Why give away scouting information for free when your opponents can use it against you?
I’ve made a list of five players who aren’t listed in the rankings but could easily become first or second-round picks when the draft happens in May.
OL Andrew Becker, Regina
The six-foot-three, 295-pounder was the most athletic offensive lineman at the East-West Bowl in 2019, testing well in the strength and quickness drills. Becker has extensive experience at all three interior positions — left guard, centre, and right guard — which is the type of versatility teams covet in their blockers.
LB Bailey Feltmate, Acadia
The Moncton native has a pro-ready frame at six-foot-two, 225 pounds and displays impressive quickness at MIKE. Following a weak linebacker class in 2019, teams are in need of players like Feltmate — big-bodied tacklers who can make an impact on defence and special teams. With 203 tackles as a member of the Axemen, Feltmate should have no problem filling that role in the pros.
K/P Marc Liegghio, Western
The record holder for most field goals in USports history deserves a spot on the list, especially considering he’s also a great punter. Liegghio went 29-of-32 on field goals in 2019 and averaged 47.5 yards per punt, which drew some attention from down south. Canadian kickers who can do all three jobs are extremely valuable, which means Liegghio should be a high draft pick in May.
DB Matt McConnell, Saint Mary’s
The six-foot-three, 215-pound defender has been out of football since March 2018 when he tested positive for a banned substance. His suspension is over and the physical safety — who’s drawn comparisons to three-time all-star Taylor Loffler — has the attention of scouts.
REC Trivel Pinto, UBC
The Toronto native put up huge numbers with the Thunderbirds, catching 234 passes for 3,224 yards and 30 touchdowns. Bumped from the 2019 draft class due to a drug violation, Pinto is ready to join the professional ranks as an explosive receiver. His ability to return punts and kickoffs should help him early in his career as he develops as a pass catcher.
