CW talent shines in CFL Draft

VANCOUVER - It was a night of celebration for 14 Canada West student-athletes who heard their names called in the 2021 CFL Draft.

Despite the draft being shortened by two rounds, the conference matched its total of overall selections from a year ago.

Nelson Lokombo was the first CW prospect off the board, going second overall to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The reigning CW and U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year entered the night No. 17 in the final prospect rankings.

Cole Nelson was the next to hear his name called, as the Edmonton Football Team selected the Alberta defensive lineman fifth overall. Nelson, a 6-6 Lacombe, Alta. native became just the second Golden Bear to be selected in the first round since 2009.

Offensive guard Peter Nicastro was selected two picks later, going to the Toronto Argonauts at number seven. The 2019 CW all-star became the 15th Dino to be taken in the CFL Draft's first round since 2006.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats used their first-round selection on UBC Thunderbirds standout Nick Cross. Cross began his CW career in his hometown of Regina before joining the T-Birds where he was a conference all-star in 2019.

The Calgary Dinos ​ led the way on Tuesday with five selections. Calgary remains the U SPORTS leader in overall draft selections since 2006 with 62.

Overall, all five of the six CW teams had at least one player selected, with eight of the CFL's nine teams taking at least one CW player.

Former Calgary Dinos (Univeristy of Mississippi) DB Deane Leonard (18th - Hamilton) and former Manitoba Bisons (Bemidji State) DB Shae Weekes (48th - Winnipeg) were also selected on Tuesday.

CW PLAYERS SELECTED IN THE 2021 CFL DRAFT

Position /Name (overall draft position) / University / CFL team

ROUND 1 (4)

ROUND 2 (1)

ROUND 3 (3)

ROUND 4 (2)

ROUND 5 (2)

ROUND 6 (2)