Analyzing the 2009 CFL Draft: Edmonton Eskimos

I'm going to be doing two today since I missed yesterday and the first one today will be the Edmonton Eskimos.

Picks:
Round 2, Pick 11: OL Gordon Hinse
Round 2, Pick 12: DL Dee Stirling
Round 3, Pick 20: LB Andrea Bonaventura
Round 5, Pick 36: RB Eric Lee
Round 6, Pick 44: LB Jason Kosec

Best Value Pick: DL Dee Stirling
Stirling was both a CIS All-Canadian and OUA First Team All-Star in 2008 and is so good many figured the Toronto Argonauts would take a playmaker at number two but instead took Etienne Legare which caused Stirling to drop from number 12 to number 14. He brings quickness and determination to the defensive line of the Esks, it wouldn't be surprising to see him start right away.

Best Sleeper Pick: RB Eric Lee
Lee is a running back/fullback hybrid with the ability to play both which means he'll compete for a backup job to Jesse Lumsden at RB and with Graeme Bell at FB. He brings a nack for pass blocking and blitz pickup which leads me to believe he'll be a fullback in the CFL.

Worst Value Pick: None.
I'm not the biggest Andrea Bonaventura fan but third round is more of a backup anyways so I can't really call that a value pick. Overall very good Hinse should make a big impact on the Esks along with Stirling and Lee. Look for an improved Eskimo team.

Grade: A-

Edmonton Signs Three and Draft Pick

EDMONTON, AB-The Edmonton Eskimos have announced the signing of DB Ryan Glasper, LB Mark Restelli, WR Kevin Wuthtich and second round pick Gordon Hinse.

Glasper is a two year CFL vet spending all of 2007 and part of 2008 with Hamilton and then the rest of 2008 on Toronto's practice roster.

Restelli and Wuthrich are both undrafted free agents with Restelli having played with the Western Ontario Mustangs and Wuthrich having played with the CJFL's Edmonton Wildcats.

In other news the BC Lions have announced the signing of import wide receiver Jerel Myers.