Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters is pleased with the team's performance in Tuesday's CFL Canadian Draft.
After losing four national players in the offseason, the Bombers upgraded their Canadian content with nine new players, including two picks inside the top 10. The team added four players on offence, four on defence, and one special teamer for a balanced draft.
With their first pick at fourth overall, the Bombers selected defensive end Nuer Gatkuoth of Edmonton. Gatkuoth will attend minicamp with the Denver Broncos but is expected to bolster the defensive line. With their 20th selection, the team drafted offensive lineman Kevin Cline, who signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins but is considered a top-tier prospect.
The Bombers were aggressive on draft day, trading up with the Ottawa RedBlacks to pick tight end Dante Daniels from North Carolina State in the second round. Walters described Daniels as a 'six-six, 260 pound, s--t-kicking blocker.' The GM said the team felt strongly about the player and made the move to get him.
In Wednesday's CFL Global Draft, the Bombers selected defensive lineman Edward Vesterinen of Finland and Australian punter Keegan Andrews. Vesterinen, who started 28 games at West Virginia, already has an NFL minicamp invite. Walters compared him to former Bomber Jake Ceresna, calling him a 'lunatic, Tazmanian devil in a really positive way.'
Walters said the team feels the roster improved after the draft and expects strong competition in training camp. Rookie camps begin May 6, with main camps starting May 10.