After speculation they might trade back for an extra pick, the Saskatchewan Roughriders retained their sixth overall pick in the first round of Tuesday’s 2015 CFL Draft.
The Riders used that pick to select highly regarded Oak Park HS and University of Manitoba Bison product, wide receiver Nic Demski. Current national receiver Chris Getzlaf is close to the end of his career. Demski, a natural slotback, can play a little this year and eventually take over for Getzlaf.
Roughriders 2015 CFL Draft Review
Having drafted three defensive linemen, the Riders seem to be preparing to start a national player on the defensive line. Draftees Rory Connop, Western; Tyler Langlais, Calgary; and Brandon Tennant, Laval will fight for a job or maybe even two on the roster. Both Dylan Ainsworth and Levi Steinhauer are under contract and coaches have indicated at least one of them will see much more playing time on the line than last year.
The Riders also drafted two running backs. An explosive tailback from St. Mary’s, Melvin Abankwah, and a physical fullback from Michigan State, Matthew Rea. Both will compete for jobs in training camp, but expect Rea to make the team and see regular duty on special teams.
A safety-type defensive back, Kwame Adjei from Mt. Allison University, rounds out the 2015 Saskatchewan Roughrider draft class. Brendan Taman called him a “playmaker,” and I lean toward him making the roster as well. The Riders have selected some real talent at the safety position in recent history with former draftees Craig Butler and Graig Newman.
Press Release
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are pleased to announce they have selected University of Manitoba wide receiver Nic Demski with the sixth overall pick in today’s CFL Draft.
Demski (6’0 – 215 lbs.) has been selected by the Green and White after playing four seasons with the Bisons. In 2014 the Winnipeg, MB native made 27 catches for 589 yards and five touchdowns while also rushing 47 yards on six carries. The 21-year-old also contributed on special teams where he added 19 punt returns for 272 yards and a touchdown.
He was named a 2014 CIS second-team All-Canadian and a Canada West All-Star as well as playing in the East-West Bowl.
With the 26th overall selection the Riders took defensive lineman Rory Connop from Western University. The Edmonton native picked up 14.5 defensive tackles and three quarterback sacks in eight conference games.
With the 35th overall selection the Green and White picked fullback Matthew Rea from Michigan State University where he appeared in three games in 2014.
With the 42nd overall selection the Riders the picked up defensive back Kwamie Adjei from Mount Allison University. The Brampton, ON native picked up 34 defensive tackles, four interceptions and three quarterback sacks in eight conference games last season.
With their first pick in the sixth round, 47th overall, the Riders selected defensive lineman Tyler Langlais from the University of Calgary. Langlais was limited to five games last season, picking up 3.5 defensive tackles.
With their second pick in the sixth round, 50th overall the Riders selected running back Melvin Abankwah out of Saint Mary’s University. Last season, Abankwah totaled 534 yards and two touchdowns on 112 carries in seven conference games.
With their final selection, 59th overall, the Riders selected defensive lineman Brandon Tennant from the University of Laval. Tennant was limited to three conference games last season, picking up three defensive tackles.
