Bombers’ top draft pick Desjarlais working out with NFL’s Jets

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This article was published 14/05/2019 (2348 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

First-round CFL draft choice Drew Desjarlais had a private workout with staff of the New York Jets but his agent would not say late Tuesday whether he expected his client to sign with the NFL team or agree to a contract with Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Winnipeg selected the six-foot-five, 325-pound University of Windsor offensive lineman fourth overall in the CFL draft on May 2. Desjarlais, who hails from Belle River, Ont., also attended mini-camps with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers in recent weeks.

“If they don’t offer him a contract, we’ll have a meeting and I’m working with Winnipeg,” agent Fred Weinrauch said.

“Things are going well that way contract-wise, so I don’t see any holdout or anything like that… I’ll have that conversation with him this afternoon or we’re either going to sign the deal (with Winnipeg) I’ve kinda got in place. He can probably keep getting worked out by NFL teams but I don’t know if that’s the right way to go. We’ll see.”

Desjarlais and another Weinrauch client, offensive lineman Jesse Gibbons (chosen second overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats), both worked out with the Jets. Wide receiver Mark Chapman, Hamilton’s first overall choice in the 2018 draft who never signed with the Tiger-Cats, is also represented by Weinrauch.

The Blue Bombers open their rookie training camp today. 

Winnipeg’s other first-rounder (fifth overall), Tennessee defensive end Jonathan Kongbo, and wide receiver Malik Richards (fifth round, 43rd overall, Mount Allison) remain unsigned. Kongbo is currently recovering from major knee surgery and will not be ready for training camp.

Six players from Winnipeg’s 2019 draft class have signed contracts, including running back Brady Oliveira (second round, 14th overall, North Dakota); defensive lineman Connor Griffiths (third round, 25th overall, UBC); offensive lineman Asotui Eli (fourth round, 34th overall, Hawaii; defensive lineman Tariq LaChance (sixth round, 52nd overall, Manitoba); defensive back Nick Hallett (seventh round, 61st overall, Toronto); and defensive back Kerfalla Emmanuel Exume (eighth round, 70th overall, Montreal).

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14