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April 29, 2020

The Best Of Draft’s Past

It’s the eve of the CFL Draft and we here at Stampeders.com thought it would be fun to look back on past drafts and pick some of the standouts selected by the Red & White over the past 47 years.

We’d love to hear your favourite past picks Stamps fans – Tweet us @calstampeders!

Alex Singleton – 2016

Singleton was a first-round pick in the 2016 draft, and he quickly made a name for himself around these parts. The Montana State product made his debut on special teams and quickly became an important piece of the defence. He played in all 18 regular-season games plus two playoff games for Calgary that year. In his sophomore season, he recorded the most tackles in Stampeders history, earning him the Defensive Player of the Year aweard. In his final year with the team, he came away as a Grey Cup Champion.

 

Brett Jones – 2013

Drafted in the second round, 16th overall, in 2013, Jones became an all-star centre on the O- line. In two seasons with the club, he helped Calgary earn a Grey Cup in 2014, while individually earning the top rookie award in 2013 and Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2014. His talents were easily recognized by those south of the border and he went on to sign with the New York Giants in 2015, later being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2018.

 

Rob Maver -2010

Selected fifth overall in the 2010 draft, this Guelph Gryphon placekicker and punter spent 10 seasons with the Red & White. Alongside Rene Parades, he was half of one of the best punter/kick duos to have ever played the game. In his rookie year, Maver led the CFL in scoring with 185 points. A pillar in the community, the recently retired Maver ended his career as a three-time All Star and a two-time Grey Cup Champion.

 

Jon Cornish -2006

The three-time Most Outstanding Canadian was selected sixth overall in 2006 after setting a single-season rushing record at the University of Kansas with 1,457 yards. In his first year as the starter for the Stamps, Cornish won the CFL rushing title and broke Normie Kwong’s 56-year-old single-season rushing record for Canadians, earning him his first MOC award and runner-up as the Most Outstanding Player. The next season, he rushed for 1,813 yards and claimed both Most Outstanding Canadian and Most Outstanding Player awards. His reign in the backfield continued in 2014 with 1,082 yards and an average of 7.8 yards per carry in only nine games that season. He capped 2014 off with a Grey Cup Championship.

 

Wes Lysack – 2003

The fifth-overall pick in 2003, Lysack was a member of our 2008 Grey Cup championship team. The defensive back’s talents were recognized in 2004 when he won the Western All-Star award. The Tom Pate Memorial Award was presented to him in 2010 by the Canadian Football League Players’ Association in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to outstanding sportsmanship and his contributions to the community, the CFL and his team.

 

Bruce Covernton -1992

With the first-overall pick that year, the Red & White selected the offensive lineman out of Weber State who wouldbecome known to teammates and fans as ‘Tuna.’ Covernton was awarded as the West’s top rookie and took home honours again the following year as top offensive lineman. Covernton was part of Grey Cup Championship teams in 1992 and 1998.

 

Dave Sapunjis -1990

Chosen fifth-overall in 1990, the ‘Sponge’ played seven seasons for Calgary, winning just about every award possible. The all-star slotback was twice named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian and was runner up for the Most Outstanding Player award in 1995. Sapunjis won a Grey Cup in 1992 and was named the game’s Top Canadian. To this day, he remains among the leaders in all Stamps receiving categories.

 

Rocco Romano -1987

Selected fifth overall in 1987, Romano was awarded Outstanding Offensive Lineman in the West twice in 1994 and 1996. With Grey Cup Championships in 1992 and 1998, Romano showed his leadership skills both on the field and in the community. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame – Class of 2007.

 

Tom Forzani -1973

This hometown hero was picked in the 1973 CFL Draft from Utah State University.
One of three brothers to play for the Stampeders, his son Johnny followed in the family footsteps, joining the team in the 2010 supplemental draft.

Forzani was the Western All-Star selection as wide receiver in 1973 and 1974 winning All-Canadian honours in 1977. He led the Stampeders in receiving for five seasons and had an impressive 50 or more catches in seven seasons. He is tied with Allen Pitts for the club lead with at least one reception in 11 consecutive seasons.

 

Honourable mentions:
Shane Bergman – 2013
Anthony Parker – 2011
Dmitri Tsoumpas – 2008
Jabari Arthur – 2007
Vince Danielsen – 1994
Jay McNeil – 1994
Mark McLoughlin – 1988
Kent Warnock – 1986
Randy Ambrosie – 1985