Wonder if Graves casts an eye north of the border at all...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/serv...FLCFL20//?query=Ray+tops+list+of+CFL+migrants
Ray tops list of CFL migrants
By DAVID NAYLOR
Saturday, December 20, 2003 - Page S4
There are some years when it's debatable which Canadian Football League player will be most sought after by the National Football League.
This year isn't one of them.
Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray has done a lot during his first two years in the CFL, more so even than any of the great Edmonton quarterbacks of the past, such as Warren Moon, Damon Allen, Matt Dunigan and Tracy Ham.
Ray is young, he's big, he completes deep passes better than anyone in the league and he's a winner.
This year's Grey Cup game, in which Ray shone, was merely the finishing touch on an outstanding first two years of his professional career. It was also the last we'll see of Ray in the CFL for at least a few years. The Kansas City Chiefs have been leading the pack of Ray suitors, but will probably have plenty of competition for his talents. Ray and other potential NFL players from the CFL have from the beginning of the new year until the end of April to sign with an NFL club. Sixteen CFL players signed with NFL clubs a year ago, but only eight remain on active or practice rosters.
Here's a look at the other CFL players most likely to get a shot at cracking an NFL roster next season:
Matt Dominguez, wide receiver, Saskatchewan. At 6 foot 2 and 220 pounds, Dominguez has the size to play in the NFL and was sought by the Jacksonville Jaguars in midseason this year. The 25-year-old rookie led Saskatchewan in receiving and was seventh in the CFL with 75 catches for 1,071 yards.
Lawrence Tynes, kicker, Ottawa. The 25-year-old had the best success rate for field goals in the CFL, 82.3 per cent, and was tied for the league lead in points. His success rate would rank him 13th among NFL kickers this season, meaning he's better than more than half of those who hold jobs.
Steve Morley, offensive lineman, Calgary. At 6 foot 7 and 322 pounds, the 22-year-old has the size to play in the NFL and might have the skill as well. Morley, a product of Saint Mary's University, was the top overall pick by the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL draft in April, but opted to sign with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo released him before the NFL season. The Halifax native played part of this season with Calgary, but his sheer athleticism puts him in the same class as elite NFL prospects. Interest in him is growing, with at least 10 clubs wishing to have a closer look.
Jason Clermont, receiver, B.C. Clermont, 25, might be the most intriguing prospect. He is a slotback who has played two seasons with the B.C. Lions, and his size and strength are attracting NFL attention. Teams want to convert him from receiver to tight end, but at 6 foot 3 and 230 pounds, he would probably have to bulk up somewhat. Clermont attracted mild NFL interest when he left the University of Regina two years ago, but after proving himself as a receiver in the CFL, the interest has grown.
Jeremaine Copeland, wide receiver, Montreal. Copeland has been the leading receiver in NFL Europe, the XFL and now the CFL, after hauling in 99 passes for 1,757 yards and 14 touchdowns with the Montreal Alouettes this past season. He'll be 27 in February, meaning this is probably his final shot.
Jason Tucker, wide receiver, Edmonton. At 27, time is also running out on Tucker. The former Dallas Cowboy had an outstanding CFL season, catching 41 passes for 744 yards. More impressive was the quality of the catches. His ability to play on special teams improves his chances of sticking around.
Darrel Crutchfield, cornerback, Edmonton. Crutchfield, who will turn 25 in February, is regarded as one of the league's top corners. With size, speed and youth on his size, the former Philadelphia Eagle will probably attract attention from several clubs.
Mike Sellers, running back, Winnipeg. Sellers is well known to the NFL, but at 28, his window to return is closing fast. His size for a running back (6 foot 3 and 272 pounds) makes him appealing, as does his versatility. He can rush, block and play special teams, but, as a four-year NFL veteran, the league's salary cap does him no favours.
Kenton Keith, running back, Saskatchewan. The 23-year-old had the best yards a carry in the CFL this season, gaining 709 yards on 102 carries. His breakaway speed and youth could entice the NFL at a position that has been historically difficult for CFL players.
Others who will merit attention are: Julian Radlein, running back, Hamilton; Frank Cutolo, wide receiver, B.C.; Taylor Robertson, offensive lineman, Calgary; Rahim Abdullah, defensive lineman, Edmonton; Reggie Hunt, linebacker, Saskatchewan; Tony Miles, wide receiver, Toronto; Tim Cheatwood, defensive lineman, Hamilton; Serge Sejour, cornerback, Ottawa; and Curtis Head, kicker, B.C.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/serv...FLCFL20//?query=Ray+tops+list+of+CFL+migrants
Ray tops list of CFL migrants
By DAVID NAYLOR
Saturday, December 20, 2003 - Page S4
There are some years when it's debatable which Canadian Football League player will be most sought after by the National Football League.
This year isn't one of them.
Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray has done a lot during his first two years in the CFL, more so even than any of the great Edmonton quarterbacks of the past, such as Warren Moon, Damon Allen, Matt Dunigan and Tracy Ham.
Ray is young, he's big, he completes deep passes better than anyone in the league and he's a winner.
This year's Grey Cup game, in which Ray shone, was merely the finishing touch on an outstanding first two years of his professional career. It was also the last we'll see of Ray in the CFL for at least a few years. The Kansas City Chiefs have been leading the pack of Ray suitors, but will probably have plenty of competition for his talents. Ray and other potential NFL players from the CFL have from the beginning of the new year until the end of April to sign with an NFL club. Sixteen CFL players signed with NFL clubs a year ago, but only eight remain on active or practice rosters.
Here's a look at the other CFL players most likely to get a shot at cracking an NFL roster next season:
Matt Dominguez, wide receiver, Saskatchewan. At 6 foot 2 and 220 pounds, Dominguez has the size to play in the NFL and was sought by the Jacksonville Jaguars in midseason this year. The 25-year-old rookie led Saskatchewan in receiving and was seventh in the CFL with 75 catches for 1,071 yards.
Lawrence Tynes, kicker, Ottawa. The 25-year-old had the best success rate for field goals in the CFL, 82.3 per cent, and was tied for the league lead in points. His success rate would rank him 13th among NFL kickers this season, meaning he's better than more than half of those who hold jobs.
Steve Morley, offensive lineman, Calgary. At 6 foot 7 and 322 pounds, the 22-year-old has the size to play in the NFL and might have the skill as well. Morley, a product of Saint Mary's University, was the top overall pick by the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL draft in April, but opted to sign with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo released him before the NFL season. The Halifax native played part of this season with Calgary, but his sheer athleticism puts him in the same class as elite NFL prospects. Interest in him is growing, with at least 10 clubs wishing to have a closer look.
Jason Clermont, receiver, B.C. Clermont, 25, might be the most intriguing prospect. He is a slotback who has played two seasons with the B.C. Lions, and his size and strength are attracting NFL attention. Teams want to convert him from receiver to tight end, but at 6 foot 3 and 230 pounds, he would probably have to bulk up somewhat. Clermont attracted mild NFL interest when he left the University of Regina two years ago, but after proving himself as a receiver in the CFL, the interest has grown.
Jeremaine Copeland, wide receiver, Montreal. Copeland has been the leading receiver in NFL Europe, the XFL and now the CFL, after hauling in 99 passes for 1,757 yards and 14 touchdowns with the Montreal Alouettes this past season. He'll be 27 in February, meaning this is probably his final shot.
Jason Tucker, wide receiver, Edmonton. At 27, time is also running out on Tucker. The former Dallas Cowboy had an outstanding CFL season, catching 41 passes for 744 yards. More impressive was the quality of the catches. His ability to play on special teams improves his chances of sticking around.
Darrel Crutchfield, cornerback, Edmonton. Crutchfield, who will turn 25 in February, is regarded as one of the league's top corners. With size, speed and youth on his size, the former Philadelphia Eagle will probably attract attention from several clubs.
Mike Sellers, running back, Winnipeg. Sellers is well known to the NFL, but at 28, his window to return is closing fast. His size for a running back (6 foot 3 and 272 pounds) makes him appealing, as does his versatility. He can rush, block and play special teams, but, as a four-year NFL veteran, the league's salary cap does him no favours.
Kenton Keith, running back, Saskatchewan. The 23-year-old had the best yards a carry in the CFL this season, gaining 709 yards on 102 carries. His breakaway speed and youth could entice the NFL at a position that has been historically difficult for CFL players.
Others who will merit attention are: Julian Radlein, running back, Hamilton; Frank Cutolo, wide receiver, B.C.; Taylor Robertson, offensive lineman, Calgary; Rahim Abdullah, defensive lineman, Edmonton; Reggie Hunt, linebacker, Saskatchewan; Tony Miles, wide receiver, Toronto; Tim Cheatwood, defensive lineman, Hamilton; Serge Sejour, cornerback, Ottawa; and Curtis Head, kicker, B.C.
