"So many teams take a risk... we thought [Corey Mace, DL] would be one of those guys people take a chance with," said head coach Doug Berry. "And when nobody else did -- and as much as we like to bring talent in that's guaranteed to be here the first day of training camp -- we said, 'We can't pass this up.' "

"I think we did an outstanding job," said Berry. "We picked up two first-round draft choices in the offensive line ([Alexandre Gauthier] went first overall in '02) plus Corey Mace coming in the second round, Eugene in the third, [Travis Noel] in the sixth... we think we did a really good job with the picks that we had."

"The fact (the Bombers) picked me with their first pick is an honour. For real," said Mace. "It still hasn't hit me yet. I can't believe I'm a professional football player either way you cut it and no matter which league. That's been a dream for the longest time."