Courtesy Hamilton Spectator:

 Tiger-Cat GM Bob O’Billovich’s cellphone is on a lot of speed dials around the CFL these days.
Other GMs are calling to see what it will take to pry the number one pick from the Tabbies.
No one is talking on the record, of course, but Obie probably wants a Canadian starter and the other team’s top pick in return for number one.
That scenario would certainly help the Cats. The club would be able to fill a hole and also retain two first round picks (Hamilton also owns the eighth pick. That could potentially net the Tabbies three solid players (the tradee and two first round picks).
Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and B.C. are said to be salivating over the chance to nab University of Saskatchewan free safety Dylan Barker.

One CFL observer said the 2008 draft is unique in that there are about four top picks. After that there are about another 25 guys who could possibly be starters in the league somewhere down the road.

The elite class? It’s probably Barker, defensive lineman Keith Shologan from Edmonton who the Eskies would dearly love to grab with the second overall selection, receiver Samuel Giguere, offensive lineman Dmitri Tsoumpas and fullback Rolly Lumbala or linebacker Shea Emry.

Barker is likely at the top of the class. But the Cats don’t need a free safety and might not have the time to develop the kid into a linebacker.

The Cats are loaded at ‘O’ line so you can cross Tsoumpas off the list.

My hunch? The Cats will trade the pick. Barring that it will be Shologan who fills the biggest need. Remember Dunbrack is gone and Bekasiak has move to the offence.
Giguere? The Cats would love to grab him and have a need for a talented Canadian receiver. But they hope a beefed up Chris Bauman can start at slotback. And if the Cats can’t bag Giguere they like Mac’s Mike Bradwell who might still be available at number eight or even later.

At this point I’d say it’s 50-50 Cats trade the number one or keep it and nab Shologan.
Either way, the Cats should be much more improved after April 30

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Tags: Canada, CFL, Football, Saskatchewan roughriders