Interesting list so far of CFLers who have jumped to the National Football League. I'll try to keep the list updated on this blog periodically.
In no particular order they are:
1. Rolly Lumbala, 23, FB, B.C. Lions -- Miami Dolphins *
2. Jonathan Hefney, 24, DB, Winnipeg Blue Bombers -- Detroit Lions
3. Ryan Grice-Mullen, 23, KR, B.C. Lions -- Miami Dolphins
4. Larry Taylor, 24, KR, Montreal Alouettes -- New York Jets
5. Walter Curry, 28, DL, Toronto Argonauts -- Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Dudley Guice, 23, WR. Winnipeg Blue Bombers -- Indianapolis Colts
* Canadian
The first thing you notice is it's not exactly the CFL all-star team. But it tells you a little something about what the NFL is after when it comes looking for talent in the CFL. First off all, five of the six players who've signed thus far are under age 25, making them roughly comparable to players who are coming out of college. In essence, NFL teams are judging that these players are worth bringing to camp because they have professional experience and physically match up with players who might be signed as college free agents this spring. NFL teams rarely come looking simply for the best players in the CFL since some of those players don't fit their game and NFL teams are usually seeking younger players who they think will have an upside they can develop. None of the players signed so far are the type who will be guaranteed jobs in the NFL. But they all now have an open door to a bigger pay day.