Photo via cfl.ca

Now that we are just two days away from this year’s 2024 CFL Draft, the Edmonton Elks have the benefit of the first overall pick.

As of now, the Elks will have the following draft picks available:

Round 1: 1st pick

Round 2: 10th pick, and 18th pick

Round 3: 21st pick

Round 4: 30th, and 31st pick

Round 5: None.

Round 6: None.

Round 7: 57th pick, and 63rd pick

Round 8: 66th pick

With nine draft picks available for the Edmonton Elks this season, it should be a focus on building their defence, along with adding to the offensive line.  

With that said, here are some players the Edmonton Elks should consider come draft day.

Global Draft 

Denzel Daxon – DL (Nassau, Bahamas) 

The defensive lineman out of the University of Illinois played in 12 games with 11 starts for the Fighting Illini mainly as a nose tackle. He recorded 27 tackles for the Illini last season. Before his transfer to the University of Illinois, Denzel Daxon played his sophomore and junior seasons in the Mid-American Conference for the Ohio Bobcats.

He has an initial jump from the snap of the ball where his timing to anticipate a play is truly remarkable. He comes with a jolt of energy not only to attack the offensive line but also his ability to use his body leverage as an advantage to maneuver himself and redirect an offensive lineman to his advantage. He also comes with great vision in disrupting the running game. The Elks could use a player of his calibre to build a foundation around moving forward.

Eteva Mauga – Clements – LB (American Samoa)

Eteva Mauga – Clements is a player that the Elks can benefit from as he has a versatile talent. Although he might be slightly undersized at 6’ – 1” and 220 pounds, his speed is impressive. Not only was he a key contributor for the Nebraska Cornhuskers on the defence at linebacker, but he was also the face on special teams.

He will be a project in which he only played in two games for the Cornhuskers (2022). However, he did play in every game for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in his junior year (2021). He is a versatile player who has a good read in dropping back into coverage when defending the pass. Eteva Mauga-Clements is suited for the CFL for his style of play.  

CFL Draft   

Ryan Berta – OL 

The Hamilton, Ontario-born offensive lineman was already turning heads at the combine where he recorded 30 reps at 225 pounds.

As a natural center, the 6’-3”, 302-pound offensive lineman can be an asset to the Edmonton Elks. Current center Mark Korte did play guard and tackle before the Elks decided to have Mark Korte as the center.

Ryan Berta will be a versatile offensive lineman who can adjust from the center to the tackle position. He has the speed, strength, and footwork that will make him a hot commodity for this year’s draft.   

Cristophe Beaulieu – DB 

The product of the University of Laval Rouge et Or has been a standout for the football program earning him a USports First All-Star Team nod in 2022. He would continue that achievement with the RESQ Defensive All-Star Team in both 2022 and 2023.

The 6’2”, 195-pound defensive back has a quick step and a great read for the ball which will be a great addition for the Elks in the secondary.

Luke Brubacher – DL   

The defensive lineman out of the University of Laurier is another player who was making a splash at the combine. He is also a player who could be roster-ready for the 2024 season. Will the loss of Jake Ceresna via trade to Toronto (Elks obtained Kurleigh Gittens Jr.), Luke Brubacher would be a replacement for the future.

The 6’-6”, 255-pound player who hails from Listowel, Ontario completed his career for the Golden Hawks with 27 games played, 37 solo tackles, 50 assisted tackles, and 12 sacks. 

Geoffrey Cantin – Arku – LB     

The product of Levis, Quebec was an Honourable Mention All-AAC player in 2023. He started in all 13 games for the Memphis Tigers at linebacker where he totalled 79 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception. In 2022, he was on the Jon Cornish Award watchlist where his defensive statistics were similar to that of 2023. 

At 240 pounds, and standing at 6’ – 3”, he will be a great asset for the Edmonton Elks’ defense in halting the running game.

Gabe Wallace – OL 

The Salmon Arm, BC native had a stellar for the University of Buffalo Bulls football program. He started in all 12 games for the Bulls. He played the whole season at left tackle where he was tied for third in the Mid–American Conference in the least sacks allowed.

In 2022, Gabe Wallace started in all 13 games where he was named to the All-MAC Third Team. And it did not stop there as he contributed to the Bulls offense which was ranked top five in the conference.

In 2021 as a junior, Gabe Wallace started in all 12 games. His first two games were at right tackle when he was switched to left tackle where he stayed for the remainder of his career.

At 6’ – 6” and 337 pounds, he will be a force to be reckoned with the Edmonton Elks.

John Bosse – OL

The University of Calgary Dinos offensive lineman played 5 years for the program where all did was grow more and more into his size.

In 2018, John Bosse was listed at 6’- 6” and 250 pounds where he was slotted in as a defensive lineman. He would later cross over to the offensive side of the ball in 2019 where he would firmly embed himself in the Dinos offensive line. 

Fast forward to 2024, and was now listed at 6’- 6” and 320 pounds.

John Bosse will not have to travel too far from Calgary to Edmonton in which his raw talent will be a great addition to the Edmonton Elks.

Kevin Mital – WR

If there is size in a receiver that you are looking for, then Kevin Mital could be the answer for the Edmonton Elks.

At 6’ – 0 and 229 pounds, he will be a tough body to tackle. He brought a physical presence to the University of Laval Rouge et Or program.

Kevin Mital had a great career with the University of Laval in which he was a recipient of many accolades including Offensive All-Star Team RESQ Conference (2021), Second Offensive All-Star USports (2021), First Team All-Star USports (2022), CIS Championship Athlete of Excellence USports (2022), Offensive All-Star Team RESQ Conference (2022), and Offensive All-Star Team RESQ Conference (2023)           

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