By Noah Sidel
MontrealAlouettes.com
With the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft under 24 hours away, MontrealAlouettes.com takes a look at the importance of drafting well.
A quick look at the Alouettes’ roster will show just how important the draft has been to Montreal, with over a dozen current members of the team having been picked up in this manner.
The following is a look at some the GM Jim Popp’s best picks since 1996:
Étienne Boulay
Boulay joined the Alouettes as their second pick in 2006, 16th overall in the second round. That year he was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Rookie and was a key member of the team’s 2006 run to the Grey Cup in Winnipeg. Boulay went on to have a great 2007 season and was given a tryout with the New York Jets in 2008 before re-joining the Als and once again helping them win the East Division crown.
Ben Cahoon
By far the best receiver in team history, Cahoon is probably also the best draft pick ever made by the Als. Chosen in the first round, sixth overall, in 1998, the sure-handed slotback became Montreal’s all-time leading receiver last season and now stands well ahead of the pack with 11,555 yards and 61 touchdowns on 861 receptions.
Bryan Chiu
The Als’ second-round pick (18th overall) in 1997, Chiu has since become one of the most reliable players in franchise history. An eight-time CFL All-Star and the 2002 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, he is close to setting a new team record for games played.
Scott Flory
Named the league’s top offensive lineman last season, Flory is at the peak of his career. Chosen 15th overall in 1998, he is a give-time CFL All-Star and the pillar of the Alouettes’ O-line.
Matthieu Proulx
Known not only for his talent on the field, but his acumen as a young lawyer, Proulx has been a huge success since being drafted in the first round, fifth overall in 2005. Named the East Division’s top rookie that year, he was a key part of the Als’ 2005 Grey Cup run and has become a huge hit in the community.
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Of course, this list is but a snapshot of the amazing talent that has made the Alouettes’ roster coming out of the draft… In less than a day, we’ll know the names of Montreal’s newest stars-to-be.
The 2009 CFL Canadian Draft airs live on TSN on Saturday, May 2 as of 11 a.m. and can be followed online at CFL.ca and MontrealAlouettes.com.
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