Courtesy TSN.ca:

TSN’s CFL analyst Duane Forde takes a look at the defensive prospects for Wednesday’s CFL Draft, based on the following categories:

* Position: the position group being evaluated
* Storyline: the main topic of discussion around prospects at this position
* Blue Chip Prospects: the most highly rated prospects in the group
* Climbing Quickly: players whose stock has risen considerably over the last year
* Burning Questions: those whose draft position could vary widely due to mixed reviews
* Sleepers: players who haven’t received much attention but could surprise
* Roll The Dice: total long shots who could be worth a late round gamble
* Forde’s Board: player rankings by position

Position: DEFENSIVE LINE

Storyline: “Now What?”
Keith Shologan is the consensus choice as the top defensive lineman available and was a potential first overall selection in Wednesday’s CFL Draft until he signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Now there are questions abound as to how his decision will affect his draft position as well as that of those ranked behind him.

Blue Chip Prospects
The aforementioned Keith Shologan (6′2″, 282, Central Florida) was a four-year starter and team leader in college. More importantly, he is arguably the best player in the entire Class of ‘08. His size and tireless motor are well suited to life in the CFL trenches.

Climbing Quickly
Redshirt Fernand Kashama (6′3″, 221, Western Michigan) began his college career four years ago as a wide receiver, and spent time at tight end and linebacker as well before settling in at defensive end during the 2007 season. Despite limited snaps, his film suggests that he’s finally in the right position, as does his gene pool. His two older brothers, Alain and Hakeem, both made it to the CFL as D-Linemen.

Burning Questions
Justin Shaw (6′2″, 235, Manitoba) played safety in junior football, and in college he was a defensive end who often dropped into coverage like a linebacker. While his versatility has many scouts drooling, it also creates confusion as to where he’s best suited to line up. He had been scheduled to work out at both defensive end and linebacker at the E-Camp, but an injury denied him the opportunity. As a result, the uncertainty remains.

Sleepers
Don Oramasionwu (6′3″, 260, Manitoba) played on a Manitoba Bisons D-Line that included two All-Canadians and another highly regarded prospect. While the other three got all the attention, this bull of a man quietly served notice that he may ultimately have the best pro career of the quartet.

Roll The Dice
Big tackle Bjorn Person (6′3″, 300, Regina) caught the eye of some observers at last year’s CIS East West Bowl but seemed to fall off the radar over the course of the year. With most Canadian defensive linemen in the CFL lining up at tackle and the top DT in the draft likely unavailable for training camp, Person could get a second chance to impress.

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