By Daniel Smajovits
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – While the Montreal Alouettes used their first three picks to sure up the offensive side of the ball, the next three were dedicated solely to defence. Kicking off the run of three straight defensive linemen was Nickolas Morin-Soucy from Montreal in the third round, while Regina’s Stan van Sichem went 25th overall in the fourth round, and Saskatchewan’s Ivan Brown quickly followed at 31st overall late in the fourth.
Although the new trio of defensive lineman will join an already talented group, including last year’s first-round draft pick Shea Emry, the new draftees will be most likely be able to challenge for a roster spot, either as backups or on special teams immediately.
Despite the fact that the defence played a critical role in the Alouettes’ run to the Grey Cup last season, these three players will provide added speed, pressure and versatility when they join the team. Even though they are listed as defensive ends, the odds are that all three will be able to fit multiple roles as linebackers, defensive backs and on special teams.
Leading the defensive charge in the third round was Morin-Soucy, who could one day emerge as a cornerstone of the Alouette defence. As a member of the Montreal Carabins in 2008, he recorded 35 tackles, seven sacks, one knockdown, two recovered fumbles and a forced fumble. In adding to his accolades, he also scored a touchdown on a 53-yard punt return, further proving his versatility.
The Alouettes’ first pick in the fourth round could very well prove to be the steal of the draft as van Sichem was ranked by many as one of the top 15 prospects in the draft. Such a projection was due in part to his collegiate career, in which he finished as Regina’s all-time sacks leader.
In his time with the Rams, the 6-foot-2, 230 pound athlete notched 13 sacks and 97.5 tackles, while even scoring a touchdown during the 2007 campaign. His performance only improved in the playoffs as he set a Rams’ single-game record in the 2007 Canada West Semi-Final with four sacks.
Rounding out the fourth round was Saskatchewan’s Ivan Brown, whose statistics rivalled that of his Canada West peer. Playing in eight games in the 2008 season, he notched 6.5 sacks which ranked him second in the conference, as well as 11.5 tackles for loss last season. Showing his versatility, Brown also added three interceptions and two pass breakups. His numbers at Regina will definitely help the Alouettes improve on their 18 interceptions from last season, nine shy of league leader British Columbia.
While the Alouettes’ 43 sacks in the 2008 season ranked second in the league, overall, the abilities by this trio will undoubtedly disturb opposing quarterbacks and help the team improve on a 66.4 per cent pass completion rating. Their experience on the defensive line will allow them to quickly translate into ball-hunting instincts across the field, which is undoubtedly an opposing quarterback’s worst nightmare, but defensive coordinator Tim Burke’s best friend.
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