CFL Expansion Draft Format

Courtesy of CFL Director of Communications Jamie Dykstra, the differences between the 2002 Renegades expansion draft and the one that will be used for the new expansion team.

First off. The draft this time will happen about a month earlier than in 2002.

Quarterbacks:

2002: Member clubs could protect two quarterbacks http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifon its roster.

Now: Member clubs will be able to protect one quarterback on its roster.

Through the Canadian Draft:

2002: Ottawa did not have the option of selecting Redshirt Juniors in the CFL Canadian Draft in the year preceding its return (2001 Draft)

Now: Ottawa will select in rounds one, two, three and four of the CFL Canadian Draft in the calendar year preceding the year it begins play, possibly 2012

2002: Ottawa was given priority for the 2002 CFL Canadian Draft, meaning they held the first selections of each round. Ottawa also received a bonus selection prior to the start of the draft.

Now: Ottawa will have the first pick in every round of the CFL Canadian Draft in the calendar year in which it begins play, possibly 2013.

Import Draft

2002: Member clubs protected 9 imports.

Now: Member clubs will be able to protect 10 imports.

Non-Import Draft

2002: Member clubs protected 7 non-imports in the first round and 6 non-imports in the second round.

Now: Member clubs will be able to protect 6 non-imports in the first round and 6 non-imports in the second round.

(Member clubs may be able to protect additional non-imports if Ottawa selects a quarterback, punter or kicker from its roster)

2002: In the second round of the non-import draft, Ottawa had the opportunity to choose a team’s second round draft pick in the upcoming Canadian Draft instead of a roster player.

Now: Throughout both rounds of the non-import draft, Ottawa must select roster players.

This eliminates the opportunity for the Ottawa franchise to choose draft picks instead of known roster players.

Negotiation List

2002: The Ottawa franchise had the opportunity to choose between a negotiation list draft and establishing its own 40-man negotiation list.

Now: Ottawa may operate a Negotiation List in advance of its return to the league. Ottawa’s interim Negotiation List can include a maximum of 25 players, including a maximum of 10 quarterbacks.