On to 2002 for our weekly CFL Redraft. This year was a very poor draft class so try not to fall asleep on your way through the first round.
CFL Draft 2002
Pick #1: Ottawa Renegades
Original Pick: Alexandre Gauthier, OL, Laval
New Selection: Jason Clermont, SB, Regina (originally #4)
2002 was a weak draft year but Jason Clermont would be the best player by a mile in quite a few drafts. Twice the league’s best Canadian, Clermont was a stud for many years in BC and a proven leader. Almost seven thousand career receiving yards and 38 TDs from a Canadian slotback are not numbers you can find anywhere.
Pick #2: Ottawa Renegades
Original Pick: Mike Vilimek, RB, SFU
New Selection: Alexandre Gauthier (originally #1)
Gauthier was a very solid O-lineman and was once even an East Division All-Star. He wasn’t the revolutionary blocker you hope for with a #1 pick but he was no slouch either.
Pick #3: Toronto Argonauts
Original Pick: Cory Annett, OL, Eastern Michigan
New Selection: Brock Ralph, WR, Wyoming (originally #13)
Brock Ralph was not a super star by any stretch but he was a solid receiver who could contribute 500+ yards a season when placed in the right spot. He would be a good pickup for any team in this draft.
Pick #4: BC Lions
Original Pick: Jason Clermont
New Selection: Aaron Fiacconi, OT, Mansfield (originally #32)
Fiacconi was never one of the leagues top lineman but he survived as a Canadian tackle for 10 years which is no easy feat. A very solid pick here.
Pick #5: Montreal Alouettes
Original Pick: Patrick Dorvelus, CB, Hofstra
New Selection: Scott Coe, LB, Manitoba (originally #43)
Coe was a very good player over his far too short 7 year career as he amassed 337 tackles, 10 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 5 interceptions and a touchdown. Canadian linebackers of high quality are hard to find and Coe proved his worth more than once.
Pick #6: BC Lions
Original Pick: Paul Cheng, DL, SFU
New Selection: Sherko Haji-Rasouli, OL, Miami (originally #12)
Sherko Haji-Rasouli never lived up to his full potential. He spent most of his career as a backup and injuries often kept him on the sidelines. That being said he was a reliable relief player who you could count on when you put him in.
Pick #7: Hamilton Tiger Cats
Original Pick: John Macdonald, DL, Mcgill
New Selection: Scott Gordon, DB, Ottawa (originally #18)
Scott Gordon was another guy who rarely started but who could perform when necessary. He had 150 tackles, more than two thirds of those on defence, and had 4 sacks and interceptions in his career.
Pick #8: Calgary Stampeders
Original Pick: Jon Oosterhuis, DE, New Hampshire
New Selection: Pat Fleming, P, Bowling Green (originally #11)
I’m usually against taking kickers with high draft picks but, with a draft class this weak, its an unfortunate necessity. Pat Fleming wasn’t even a star punter but his average hover around the low 40 yard mark and that is good enough to go this high this year.
Pick #9: Calgary Stampeders
Original Pick: Brian Nugent, WR, York
New Selection: Dahrran Diedrick, RB, Nebraska (originally #24)
Diedrick was a decent bit player throughout his career as a backup RB/FB. He has just over a thousand career yards and 7 TDs had an incredibly long career doing what he did.
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