Andrew Becker
Offensive Lineman
Regina
Height: 6’3
Weight: 305
Hometown: Kelowna, B.C.
Twitter: @andrewbecker55
Statistics: 20 games
It’s uncommon for a native of beautiful Kelowna, B.C. to move to a prairie city like Regina. That’s exactly what Andrew Becker did coming out of high school, however, joining a Rams team that was coming off a winless 2015 season.
“I felt a really good connection with the coaching staff,” said Becker. “I really wanted to work with Sheldon Neald, the o-line coach. He produced a lot of great players and he’s just a great mentor. He’s been around coaching for a long time but he’s still a student of the game and continues to learn new things. I really appreciate that.”
The Rams turned a corner following Becker’s arrival in 2016, posting a 6-2 record. The team lost to UBC in the postseason by a score of 40-34, though quarterback Noah Picton still captured the Hec Crighton Trophy following a dominant season.
Becker is arguably the most athletic offensive lineman in the 2020 draft class. He led his position in the bench press, shuttle, and three-cone at the 2019 East-West Bowl and finished third in the vertical jump (32 inches) and broad jump (eight-feet, four-inches).
The B.C. native was expected to be the top tester among offensive linemen at the western regional combine prior to its cancellation and would likely have garnered an invitation to the national event.
“I was working with my trainers back in Regina and making a lot of progress building off of those East-West numbers. I think I would have tested well.”
Becker recently hit 35 reps on the bench press during training, up from the 32 he did at last year’s East-West Bowl. That would have been the combine’s best performance since Laval centre Jean-Simon Roy put up 39 reps in 2017.
Becker fought injuries during the 2019 season, appearing in just three games. This has lowered his draft stock, though his experience at multiple positions should help him move up draft boards across the country. Becker started at left guard, right guard, and centre during his tenure with the Rams, which is the type of versatility that CFL teams covet.
“For me, guard and centre are interchangeable given that I’ve played both for so long. Talking to teams, it seems most feel centre would be the best fit for me at the professional level.”
This year’s draft class isn’t particularly deep at the centre position, which works to Becker’s advantage. Most offensive line prospects will play guard at the CFL level with a few possibly slotting in at tackle. Becker is one of few who brings experience at centre, a position he’s played since grade eight.
Mobility is arguably the most important trait teams desire when assessing prospects along the offensive line. Becker has continued to move well through his U Sports career, even as he’s grown from 275 to 305 pounds. Though it’s unlikely he’ll be a first-round pick, expect to hear Becker’s name called early on draft day.
Anonymous quote from a CFL scout: “That kid moves nice and smooth. Possibly would have been a first-rounder if he hadn’t gotten hurt this year.”
Projected round: 3
