Winnipeg Aces Draft

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added some outstanding non-import talent in today’s 2007 CFL Canadian Draft, including top pick defensive tackle Corey Mace.

The Bombers selected Mace in the second round (11th overall). They followed up that pick by selecting linebacker Eugene Boakye (pronounced BWOK-SHI) in the third round (22nd overall). Defensive back Travis Noel was the Bombers final pick in the draft when he was chosen in the sixth round (43rd overall).

Winnipeg also received a former first round pick in exchange for their fifth round selection (34th overall) in this year’s CFL Draft when they acquired offensive lineman Matt O’Meara from the Saskatchewan Roughriders. O’Meara was Saskatchewan’s first round pick (3rd overall) in the 2005 CFL Draft.

“Obviously when included with some of the trades we made with draft picks this year, we’re very happy with our results,” said Bombers College Draft Coordinator Bob Dyce. “Being able to acquire two offensive linemen who are former first round draft picks (Alexandre Gauthier, from Calgary, for this year’s first round pick, and O’Meara) really adds to our Canadian content.”

Mace (6-3, 287, Wyoming, DOB: Dec. 22, 1985 in Port Moody, B.C.) is a versatile athlete who played both defensive end and defensive tackle with the Wyoming Cowboys. In 2006, he collected 51 total tackles, one half sack, one pass break-up and one forced fumble in 12 games. He appeared in 11 games as a junior in 2005 and was credited with 14 tackles, one sack, three tackles for losses and one pass break-up. Mace recently signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

“Some people might consider selecting a guy like Corey a risky pick, but it’s no different than a team like Calgary using their first round pick (3rd overall) to pick an offensive lineman (Mike Gyetvai) who many believe will be an NFL draft pick a year from now. A player of Corey’s talent we feel is worth the wait.”

Boakye (6-4, 234, McMaster, DOB: Sept. 20, 1984 in Hamilton, Ont.) is a hard-hitting defender. He had his best season as a member of the Marauders in 2005 when he played in seven games and collected 45.5 tackles and one interception. He also has the ability to get to opposing quarterbacks, collecting a quarterback sack in both 2003 and again in 2004.

Noel (6-1, 210, St. Francis Xavier, DOB: May 5, 1983 in Toronto, Ont.) may have been the steal of the draft. He led the St. Francis Xavier X-Men in tackles (41) and total defensive points in 2006 and was the named the team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player. He was the only X-Men invited to the CFL Evaluation Camp and one of four AUS athletes in attendance.