Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

As defending Grey Cup champions, the Calgary Stampeders are set to make their initial selection in Tuesday’s CFL Draft with the final pick in the first round at No. 9 overall.

After the Red and White made an eleventh-hour deal with the RedBlacks in 2014 to acquire last year’s No. 1 pick, Calgary now find themselves in a draft-day position behind all eight other CFL franchises.

But not to worry, Stamps fans. Not only did head coach and general manager John Hufnagel select an impact player in current defensive lineman Junior Turner with the same No. 9 pick back in 2011, but many other notable CFL careers have begun over the years from the No. 9 draft slot.

The most successful ninth overall draft pick was Rod Connop in 1982. He was a mainstay on the Edmonton offensive line for 16 seasons before his induction into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2005. The Vancouver native announced his retirement in 1998 as the team’s all-time leader in games played with 303 including an incredible streak of 210 consecutive contests. With three Grey Cup rings to his name, the former Laurier Golden Hawk was the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 1989.

The Stampeders have also made two selections at No. 9 prior to 2011.

Don Moulton, a one-time Calgary Dino, turned pro in 1972 and played three seasons both at punter and defensive back. Then, in 2002, Brian Nugent was drafted out of York University and split his brief career between Calgary and Montreal, playing on the special-teams units.

Fullback Rolly Lumbala entered the league in 2008 after being taken by BC at No. 9 and is currently the lead blocker for Lions’ running back Andrew Harris. Raised in Calgary, the St. Francis High School graduate has appeared in 117 regular season games. SB Ryan Thelwell was also selected by BC with the ninth selection in 1998. The Minnesota Golden Gopher alum played 11 CFL seasons including a stint with the Stamps from 2007-10, winning the Grey Cup in 2008.

In 2010, the Blue Bombers took wideout Cory Watson, Concordia’s leading receiver in his final three seasons, at No. 9. Winnipeg’s nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian in 2011 was dealt to Saskatchewan this past off-season but never took the field as a Roughrider as he became an Eskimo via trade on Monday.

Perhaps the Stampeders’ first selection in the 2015 edition of the CFL Draft will make significant contributions as well, adding to the rich history of lucky No. 9.