The Stampeders have been a model of consistency over the past decade and a big reason for that has been because of the Canadian talent on the roster. Since taking over as the General Manager in 2016, John Hufnagel and his staff have continued the team’s success of finding quality players in the CFL Draft.

Let’s take a look back and see just how well the Red & White have drafted over the past five seasons.

2019

1.8 Hergy Mayala, REC
2.17 Vincent Desjardins, DL
3.28 Zack Williams, OL
4.31 Fraser Sopik, LB
4.37 Jaylan Guthrie, OL
5.46 Malcom Lee, DB
6.55 Nicholas Statz, DB
7.64 Job Reinhart, LB
8.73 Colton Hunchak, REC

One season is in the books for the 2019 draft class and it’s already been a productive group. Leading the group is budding star receiver Hergy Mayala. He started the season slowly, making just three catches in the first nine games of the season, but as playing time became available, he exploded onto the CFL scene and was fantastic down the stretch, registering 562 yards and five touchdowns.  Defensive lineman Vincent Desjardins stuck around in Calgary and appeared in 11 games while backing up Derek Wiggan. Fraser Sopik, an undersized linebacker, quickly endeared himself to the Red & White and became a key member of the special teams unit. Sopik finished the season on the injured list, but before he went down, he had racked up 13 tackles, 10 special teams’ tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. A pair of offensive lineman, Zack Williams and Jaylan Guthrie remained in Calgary all season, but saw minimal action. Nicholas Statz, Job Reinhart, and Colton Hunchak were all sent back to their respective schools, but the Stamps re-called Hunchak during the season when they suffered injuries to their Canadian receives. The young receiver picked up 16 receptions and 231 yards in 14 games with the Stampeders.

2018

1.8 Ryan Sceviour, OL
2.17 Eric Mezzalira, LB
3.25 Royce Metchie, DB
4.28 David Brown, OL
5.39 Justin Lawrence, OL
5.42 William (Dagogo) Maxwell, DB
6.50 Atlee Simon, RB
7.59 Gabriel Ferraro, K
8.68 Boston Rowe, LB

Just two years removed from the draft, this group has already paid dividends for the Stamps. First rounder Ryan Sceviour only appeared in a single game during the 2018 season, but became a stalwart on the 2019 version of the offensive line, playing at right guard. Linebacker Eric Mezzalira suited up for fourteen game for the Red & White in 2018, but injuries limited him to just eight contests in 2019. Defensive back Royce Metchie developed very quickly in the Stamps’ free safety and becoming a big time playmaker. Justin Lawrence has been a key cog in the offensive line since being drafted, playing at centre and guard on different occasions as the team’s sixth man. David Brown was sent back to school after being a non-participant at camp in 2018 due to injury, but he returned for 2019 and earned a spot on the practice roster as he develops. Atlee Simon, Gabriel Ferraro, and Boston Rowe are no longer with the team.

2017

1.6 Randy Colling, DL
2.17 Julan Lynch, WR
3.25 Tunde Adeleke, DB
4.28 Ante Milanovic-Litre, RB
5.43 Felix Gacusana, OL
6.52 Alexandre Gagnon, DL
7.61 Adam Laurensse, DB
8.70 Richard Sindani, WR

Although first round draft pick Randy Colling is no longer with the team, the draft is far from a bust. Julan Lynch, Tunde Adeleke, Ante Milanovic-Litre and Richard Sindani all played a part in the Stamps 2018 run to the Grey Cup. Heading into the 2020 season, Milanovic-Litre and Richie Sindani are the only selections still on the roster, but they are both valuable playmakers who can make things happen when they get on the field.

2016

1.6 Alex Singleton, LB
2.15 Juwan Brescacin, WR
4.33 Roman Grozman, OL
5.38 Jean-Philippe Bolduc, DB
5.42 Pierre-Luc Caron, LB
6.51 Michael Kashak, DL
8.68 Quinn Horton, OL

Another strong draft class for Calgary was headlined the CFL’s 2017 Most Oustanding Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Star Alex Singleton. The talented linebacker was a leader on defence, helping the team earn three straight trips to the Grey Cup and eventually winning in 2018. Second-rounder Juwan Brescacin (now with the Toronto Argonauts) has become a well-known talent across the CFL, breaking out in 2018 with 567 yards on 35 receptions and three touchdowns. Pierre-Luc Caron and Michael Kashak are the only other draft picks who had staying power, with the former becoming the team’s starting long-snapper.

2015

1.9 Karl Lavoie, OL
2.18 Lemar Durant, WR
3.19 Tyler Varga, RB
3.22 Tevaughn Campbell, DB
3.27 William Langlais, FB
5.44 Dexter Janke, DB
6.53 Aaron Picton, OL
7.62 Andrew Buckley, QB

Plagued by knee injuries, Karl Lavoie suited up for just two games before calling it quits and officially retiring from the CFL. Lemar Durant also battle injuries throughout his career, but still managed to blossom into one of the league’s top Canadian receivers, compiling 1,280 yards and eight touchdowns in four years. Tyler Varga never made his way to Calgary after making the Indianapolis Colts’ roster in 2015. A concussion in a game against the Buffalo Bills ended his football career. Tevaugh Campbell, Dexter Janke, and Andrew Buckley all spent some time with the Red & White and made plays when called upon. William Langlais is the last man standing from this draft class and is the team’s starting fullback.