Apr 26, 2015
A closer look at CFL prospects ranked 16-20
The CFL Scouting Bureau released it’s last and most complete rankings Friday, with the majority of the players who hadn’t declared for the CFL Draft or were uncertain of their eligibility are now included. A closer look at prospects ranked 16-20 on the list:
No. 16 Shaquille Murray-Lawrence – Running Back, UNLV 5’8 192lbs
Murray-Lawrence showcased his speed briefly holding the Combine record with his 4.41 40 time until it was broken by Tevaughn Campbell. What made his run impressive was he did it with his leg wrapped due to a groin injury. Lawrence impressed scouts further by competing in 1-on-1’s despite being injured.
Shaquille Murray-Lawrence's CFL Combine Results
Event | Result |
---|---|
Bench Press (225lbs) | 16 |
Vertical Jump | 34.5" |
Broad Jump | 9'11" |
40-Yard Dash | 4.41 |
20-Yard Shuttle Run | DNP |
Three-Cone Drill | DNP |
NFL Prospects: NFL teams like Oakland and San Francisco have expressed interest in him and his 40 performance likely garnered him some more interest. Signing as a free agent is a definite possibility.
CFL Prospects: He has more than enough speed to play in the CFL and would be a ratio changer at running back. He is a pure running back; it may take some time for him to develop but teams have to be intrigued by a player who has a chance to become another Andrew Harris or Jon Cornish.
No. 17 Ese Mrabure-Ajufo – Defensive End, Laurier 6’2 253lbs
The Laurier defensive end jumps up a spot just like his teammate Chris Ackie. Mrabure-Ajufo showed impressive athleticism in posting a 33.5” vertical and a sub-five 40 time. Mrabure-Ajufo was one of the few defensive linemen at the combine who was competitive in his 1-on-1’s.
Ese Mrabure-Ajufo's CFL Combine Results
Event | Result |
---|---|
Bench Press (225lbs) | 17 |
Vertical Jump | 33.5" |
Broad Jump | 9'2" |
40-Yard Dash | 4.84 |
20-Yard Shuttle Run | 4.47 |
Three-Cone Drill | 7.47 |
NFL Prospects: Doesn’t appear to have interest from NFL teams.
CFL Prospects: Mrabure-Ajufo looks to be an intriguing prospect who will likely be a defensive end in the CFL. He’s likely a third or fourth round pick.
No. 18 Jake Harty – Receiver, Calgary 6’2 207lbs
Harty may not have the potential of receivers like Demski or Durant, but he still impressed scouts at the CFL Combine. He showed great explosiveness with the longest broad jump and the second best vertical jump among the receivers.
Jake Harty's CFL Combine Results
Event | Result |
---|---|
Bench Press (225lbs) | 12 |
Vertical Jump | 35" |
Broad Jump | 10'7.25" |
40-Yard Dash | 4.71 |
20-Yard Shuttle Run | 4.33 |
Three-Cone Drill | 7.21 |
NFL Prospects: Doesn’t appear to have interest from NFL teams at the moment.
CFL Prospects: Harty was a consistent performer at the University of Calgary and he showed that he had pro potential at the CFL Combine. He may not go as high as Demski or Durant but it would be surprising if he lasted more than three rounds.
No. 19 Brandon Bridge – Quarterback, South Alabama 6’4 229lbs
Bridge made history by being the first quarterback listed among the CFL’s Top 20 prospects. Bridge showed that he has the arm strength to be a professional quarterback but his accuracy is not nearly good enough for the professional level.
Brandon Bridge's NFL Combine Results
Event | Result |
---|---|
Bench Press (225lbs) | DNF |
Vertical Jump | 33" |
Broad Jump | 9'1.67" |
40-Yard Dash | 4.72 |
20-Yard Shuttle Run | 4.37 |
Three-Cone Drill | 7.18 |
NFL Prospects: Bridge’s combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength make him an incredibly intriguing prospect for NFL teams. He’s expected to either be a seventh round pick or free agent signee. Any team taking him will have considerable work to do on developing his throwing motion.
CFL Prospects: Being a quarterback actually doesn’t help Bridge’s CFL prospects since QB nationality has no effect on the ratio. He definitely has enough ability and skills to play in the CFL but where he gets drafted will depend a lot on his NFL interest.
No. 20 Nick Shortill – Linebacker, McMaster 6’1 226 lbs
Shorthill fell 11 spots as he was unable to perform at the CFL combine due to a hamstring injury. His inability to perform certainly hurt him but the second team All-Canadian has a body of work that will get him drafted into the CFL.
Shorthill's Collegiate Stats
Year | Stats |
---|---|
2014 | 62 TK, 4.5 SK, 1 INT |
2013 | Played in four games |
2012 | 34 TK, 11.5 TKL, 4 SK |
2011 | 34 TK, 1 SK, 1 INT |
NFL Prospects: Doesn’t appear to have interest from NFL teams.
CFL Prospects: Even though he was injured, Shortill is still one of the better defensive players available. Expect him to get drafted, but where he’s chosen is uncertain. Since CFL teams didn’t see him against the best competition, he is likely going to fall past the third round.