The CFL Scouting Bureau released its 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. The Spring edition of the rankings saw four players who weren’t in the Fall and Winter rankings make to the list and it started at the very top.

No. 1 Christian Covington – Defensive Lineman Rice 6’ 2.25, 289lbs

Once Covington decided to forgo his senior season he immediately was eligible to be drafted to the NFL and the CFL.  He is considered a legitimate NFL prospect likely to be drafted but a knee injury (dislocated kneecap) ended his season and dropped his stock in the NFL Draft. His injury kept him out of the NFL Combine but he was able to perform at Rice’s Pro Day in late March and his performance gave him a needed boost.

 

NFL Prospects: Considered by scouts on NFL.com to be a Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-7).  Some think he should have played his senior season given the questions surrounding his knee injury.

CFL Prospects: Given his athleticism he should get a lot of chances to prove himself down South. Teams won’t want to chance using a higher pick on him as it could be some time before he comes up to the CFL.  Expect him to go in later rounds of CFL Draft.

No. 2 Brett Boyko – Offensive Tackle, UNLV 6’7, 301lbs

The top prospect in the CFL Scouting Bureau in the Fall and Winter Editions drops one spot in the final ranking.  His chances of getting drafted in the NFL seemed to drop after his performance at the NFL Combine.

 

NFL Prospects: Scouts at NFL.com suggest he will likely get a free agent invite. They also suggested he lacks the athleticism and strength to play tackle or guard as a pro.

CFL Prospects: Chances of coming to the CFL seem better now than before the NFL Combine. There have been suggestions he could be a first round pick but that would only happen if he’s not signed as a free agent by an NFL team.

No. 3 Alex Mateas – Centre, UConn 6’4, 309lbs

The third ranked prospect from UConn isn’t rated high enough to be considered a top NFL prospect and appears to have everything that the first team choosing (Ottawa Redblacks) need.  The centre played 32 games in his collegiate career, starting in 28 of them.  He’s considered pro ready and is likely going to be a high pick in the CFL Draft.  Being an Ottawa native, he looks like a perfect fit for that team.

 

NFL Prospects: Has an outside chance of being signed as a free agent.

CFL Prospects: He is pro ready and should not fall past the first round.

No. 4 Tyler Varga – Running Back, Yale 5’11 222lbs

The Kitchener, Ontario native seems to impress everyone he comes into contact with as he possesses unique traits and skills.  He was unable to participate in any NFL Combine events except the bench press but even then he put up an impressive 23 reps of 225 lbs. He was able to perform at his Pro Day at the end of March and put up impressive numbers.

 

NFL Prospects: He’s seen as a fifth or sixth round pick by NFL scouts. He can run and catch but he’s projected as a bit of a tweener, perceived to be not fast enough as a running back, too small for a fullback.

CFL Prospects: A team will pick Varga later in the draft given the NFL interest in him but he possesses all the skills to play in the CFL. A potential ratio changer, it would be surprising to see him on the board after the fourth round.

No. 5 Danny Groulx – Offensive Tackle, Laval 6’6 320lbs

The big tackle from Laval impressed scouts at the CFL Combine by performing well in physical testing and by showing well in the position 1-on-1s.  Groulx also plays with a bit of a nasty streak which was bound to impress as well.

 

NFL Prospects: He has been on the NFL’s radar, having been invited to a Super Regional Combine in late March.  He won’t be drafted, but with his size he could get a free agent invite like David Foucault did last year with Carolina.

CFL Prospects: How high he goes all depends on what happens with his NFL prospects.  If he signs with a team he could drop out of the first round.  If he doesn’t sign with an NFL team before the draft he will be a Top 5 pick.