HERE COMES THE JUDGE, PICTON, AND SEVEN OTHERS

Judge (6’2 – 235 lbs.) was selected by the Riders after spending four seasons at UCLA. The 22-year-old California resident played 47 collegiate games while with the Bruins, picking up 46 defensive tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one interception.

The Montreal product was named team captain for his 2016 senior season.

In the second round the Riders selected Bethune-Cookman University offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek with the 11th overall pick in the 2017 CFL Draft. 

Bladek (6’4 – 300 lbs.) was selected by the Riders after spending four seasons at Bethune-Cookman University. The 23-year-old Florida resident, started 33 of 34 collegiate games while with the Wildcats. 

He was named to the 2015 SBN Black College All-America Team while also picking up the Larry Little Award as BCU’s offensive lineman of the year.

Saskatchewan never had a pick in Round 3 however they made pair a pair of selections in Round 4: TE Antony Auclair (Laval) with the 30th overall selection and OL Eddie Meredith (Western) at #32.

The Roughriders went local in the fifth round, selecting University of Rams receiver Mitchell Picton with the 37th overall selection.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Picton smiled at Mosaic Stadium. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Riders organization. I can’t thank their coaching staff enough and I can’t wait to get to work with my new teammates.

“Really going into tonight I had no idea (where he’d go), I came in with an open mind and didn’t have any expectations so I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome. I grew up cheering for the Riders so it’s incredible to be here.”

In Round 6, the Riders made OL Danny Sprukulis (U of Toronto) the 46th overall selection.

In the seventh round Saskatchewan selected LB Alexandre Chevrier (Sherbrooke) at #55 and two picks later they chose DT Emmanuel Adusei (Carleton).

In the eighth and final round, the Riders chose OL Marc Glaude (U of Montreal) at #64.

So in all, the Riders chose nine players (four offensive linemen, two linebackers, one defensive tackle, one receiver and a tightend).

“Our first guy was our top linebacker and certainly Bladek was our highest-rated guard that could come right now. We felt fortunate to get him in the 2nd round,” Rider Head Coach & GM Chris Jones said after the draft. “We’re hoping (they can play in 2017). Everybody hopes the guys you take in the first couple, three rounds are guys that can come in help you right away. Then in the later rounds you’re looking for guys that can go back to school and maybe develop. 

“We felt like we were very solid in our draft and a lot of work went into it.”