The 2017 CFL Draft is right around the corner now. With the combine in the rearview mirror, each CFL team should have a good idea of what they will do with their top picks. We have a good idea of what they should do when it comes to the teams with the first five picks in the opening round. Here is a look at a CFL mock draft for the top five picks.
1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
2017 CFL Draft First-Round Pick: Mason Woods, Idaho (Offensive Tackle)
The Blue Bombers have a number of needs on offense but their focus at first-overall should be on the best available talent. Woods fits that bill as a standout tackle that could start on the right side before eventually moving over to the left side as the anchor of the offensive line. Winnipeg needs help at the skill positions but they won’t be able to find a home run lineman talent like Woods in the second round. The Blue Bombers would be smart to build from the line back and that makes Woods a smart consensus first-overall pick.
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders
2017 CFL Draft First-Round Pick: Jordan Herdman, Simon Fraser (Linebacker)
A lot of scouts are predicting the Roughriders will draft an offensive lineman with the second-overall pick. They very well might, but the better bet is that Chris Jones looks for an impact player on defense. Herdman has the potential to be the centerpiece of his defense and he will be hard to pass on at No. 2. Herdman is a complete linebacker that can make plays both against the run and pass. If Jones is looking for an impact playmaker that can drastically improve his defense right away then Herdman might be the pick here.
3. BC Lions
2017 CFL Draft First-Round Pick: Geoff Gray, Manitoba (Offensive Tackle)
After having Herdman snatched away from them by Saskatchewan, BC will play it safe and stick with the best available talent in Gray. The 6’6’’, 310-pound Gray can contribute right away at right tackle. He has the potential to eventually anchor the left side of the Lions offensive line. BC will be disappointed that they missed out on Herdman. However, Gray is a smart first round pick that could really solidify the offensive line.
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
2017 CFL Draft First-Round Pick: Danny Vandervoort, McMaster (Slotback)
The Tiger-Cats will be looking for special playmakers with the fourth-overall pick. Vandervoort fits the bill as the perfect choice at slotback. Vandervoort worked with Hamilton offensive coordinator Stefan Ptaszek when he was the head coach of the Marauders so there is a definite link. Ptaszek taught Vandervoort how to turn his speed in to excellent route running and perform at a high level so this will be his opportunity to add him to the Tiger-Cats offense. Hamilton has been looking for a capable slotback since they lost Andy Fantuz so Vandervoort could be the answer they were looking for.
5. Edmonton Eskimos
2017 CFL Draft First-Round Pick: Eli Ankou, UCLA (Offensive Tackle)
The combination of Edmonton’s need for a complete defensive linemen and Ankou’s availability at No. 5 overall will make this a perfect fit. Ankou is the best defensive lineman in the draft so the Eskimos should be thrilled if he falls this far. Edmonton could still use help on its offensive line and at wide receiver. However, in terms of available talent in the first round there is no doubt that Ankou is the smart pick at fifth-overall.
Top CFL Prospects According To Scouts
| RANK | NAME | POSITION | SCHOOL | HOMETOWN |
| 1 | Justin Senior | OL | Mississippi State | Montreal |
| 2 | Antony Auclair | TE | Laval | Notre-Dame-des-Pins, Que. |
| 3 | Eli Ankou | DL | UCLA | Ottawa |
| 4 | Rashaun Simonise | REC | Calgary | Vancouver |
| 5 | Geoff Gray | OL | Manitoba | Winnipeg |
| 6 | Kwaku Boateng | DL | Laurier | Milton, Ont. |
| 7 | Danny Vandervoort | REC | McMaster | Barrie, Ont. |
| 8 | Christophe Mulumba | LB | Maine | Laval, Que. |
| 9 | Junior Luke | DL | Montreal | Montreal |
| 10 | Mason Woods | OL | Idaho | Port Coquitlam, B.C. |
| 11 | Faith Ekakitie | DL | Iowa | Brampton, Ont. |
| 12 | Nathaniel Behar | REC | Carleton | London, Ont. |
| 13 | Qadr Spooner | OL | McGill | Brossard, Que. |
| 14 | Jean-Simon Roy | DL | Laval | Quebec, Que. |
| 15 | Dariusz Bladek | OL | Bethune-Cookman | Kissimmee, Fla. |
| 16 | Jordan Herdman | LB | SFU | Winnipeg |
| 17 | Robert Woodson | DB | Calgary | Calgary |
| 18 | Nakas Onyeka | LB | Laurier | Brampton, Ont. |
| 19 | Kay Okafor | DL | St. FX | Enugu, Nigeria |
| 20 | Mitchell Picton | REC | Regina | Regina |
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