Eskimos select DB Oneyka with their first pick of the CFL Draft

The 2018 CFL Draft is in the books and the Edmonton Eskimos focused on speed and toughness.

The Eskimos had eight selections in the draft but none in the first round.

On Wednesday, the team traded their first-round pick (sixth overall) and a fifth-round pick to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for a second-round pick (10th overall) and a third-round pick (20th overall).

General manager Brock Sunderland said a couple of factors influenced the decision to move out of the first round.

“We have more than 10 guys that we have first-round grades on, so we know we’re going to get first-round value at number 10,” Sunderland said. “Very similar last year to Mason Woods at 10, we had a first-round grade on him. Number two is we get that pick back, our original third, so we’re acquiring picks and now have two picks in the top-24 as opposed to one pick in the top-31.”

The Eskimos selected Wilfred Laurier defensive back Godfrey Onyeka with their first pick at 10th overall. Onyeka was ranked 1oth on the CFL’s final Scouting Bureau rankings. Brock Sunderland says Onyeka was the player they had their eye on for their first pick.

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“Big, fast, physical, and very aggressive,” Sunderland said. “A lot of cornerbacks are willing tacklers which means they have the will and they have to. This guy is very aggressive and seeks contact. He’s around 6’2, 208 pounds, he’s got NFL corner size.”

Oneyka was a teammate of Eskimos defensive end and 2017 fifth round pick Kwaku Boateng at Wilfred Laurier. Oneyka says he’s ready to come to training camp and show the coaching staff he’s ready for the CFL.

“I think my biggest strength is the fact that I love football and you can’t coach me wanting to play,” Oneyka said. “No matter what I’m doing I’m always thinking about football, I think my love of the game is my biggest strength.”

• Third round:
  • (24th overall) – Defensive back Jordan Beaulieu from Western (5’11, 198 pounds).
• Fourth round:
  • (32nd overall) – Concordia running back Tanner Green (6’3, 235 pounds).
• Fifth round:
  • (40th overall) – University of Calgary Dinos offensive lineman Curtis Krahn (6’3, 295 pounds).
• Sixth round:
  • (48th overall) – Western running back Alex Taylor (5’10, 207 pounds).
• Seventh round:
  • (53rd overall) – Western receiver Harry McMaster (6’1, 189 pounds).
  • (57th overall) – Acadia defensive end Gabriel Bagnell (6’2, 240 pounds).
• Eighth round:
  • (65th overall) – Humboldt State running back Blair Zerr (6’0, 205 pounds).