CFL Draft

Back in the early days of professional football, the safety position was used in a much different manner than we see today. With the role closer to that of a box safety, and more focused on run support than protecting against the deep pass. Linebackers went from 6’4 260 pounds on average to down to 6’2 220-230 pounds to help cover tight ends and running backs. Guys who were previously used as linebackers now were seeing time as designated pass rushers. Teams were using more speed all over the field to counteract the passing offenses they saw beginning to dominate pro football.

Qb Tre Ford is a unique athlete. He played football, and ran track collegiately. That in itself was not what made him unique. It was his position on the football field that made this scenario unique. Quarterbacks don't often run track, when they do, they certainly aren't competing at the National Level.

With the modernization of the game of football we have seen a seismic shift in how certain defensive backs are evaluated. In today's game teams are looking for a bigger body, someone who can drop down and play almost like an extra linebacker. Francis has the skillset to play this role and so much more on a defense. Whether it's out wide matched up on the #1 receiver, in the nickel matched up on the slot receiver, back deep as a single high safety, or in the box as a safety/linebacker, there is no role that he can not play within the secondary, and if a team so chose, they could even have him add a bit of weight and play LB fulltime utilizing his speed and coverage abilities. Regardless of where he lines up Damian Francis is a Defensive Coordinator's dream, and a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Canada's own Michael Hoecht once drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks, is appearing in the Super Bowl as a depth piece on the Los Angeles Rams.