The BC Lions made seven picks in the 2025 CFL Draft, starting in Round 2 after losing their first-rounder to a salary cap penalty. They opened with defensive lineman Hayden Harris from Montana and leaned heavily into the trenches, drafting three offensive linemen. 

Round 2 (11) DL Hayden Harris – Montana

(6’5, 255 lbs)

“Hayden was the number one player on our board,” stated Lions’ General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden.

Harris finished his collegiate career at Montana, where he played his last 2 seasons after transferring from UCLA. He played 14 games over the 2024 season, recording 52 total tackles (31 solo, 21 assisted), 17 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended, and an interception. Over the last 2 seasons, he had 84 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 4 passes defended, and 3 forced fumbles.

Harris was recognized following the 2024 season as the team’s Defensive MVP, as well as being named All-Big Sky 2nd Team.

At his pro day, he completed 25 reps on the bench press, a 4.81-second 40-yard dash, a 7.4-second 3-cone drill, a 4.51-second short shuttle, a 9’7” broad jump, and a 29.5-inch vertical.

Following the NFL draft, Harris signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.

Round 2 (16) DB Jackson Findlay – Western

(24 y/o, 6’2, 207 lbs)

“Jackson brings elite athleticism, work ethic, and character, along with a decorated history of football in his family. He is likely the best interview I’ve ever been part of. We know he and his locally based family are very excited,” stated Lions’ General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden.

Findley played in 41 games over 4 seasons at Western. Over that span, he amassed 182 tackles (97 solo, 85 assisted), 6.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 8 interceptions, 25 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. In 2024, he recorded 63 tackles (34 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. In 2023, he impressively notched 7 interceptions and 15 passes defended over 11 games.

At the CFL Combine, he ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, a 4.2-second shuttle, a 6.88-second 3-cone drill, jumped 33 inches vertically and 10’4 1/4” in the broad, and hit 14 bench reps.

Round 4 (37) OL Connor Klassen – Regina

(24 y/o, 6’3, 311 lbs)

“Connor is big, strong, and athletic. He plays with the kind of physicality and toughness we’re looking for on our offensive line.” Rigmaiden stated.

Klassen played junior football for the Regina Thunder from 2019 to 2021, where he helped the team win the Prairie Football Conference in 2022 and was First Team All-Canadian. He played for the Regina Rams in 2023 and 2024, where he was the team’s starting right tackle over the last 2 seasons.

At the Combine, he recorded 18 bench reps, a 5.3-second 40-yard dash, a 4.71-second shuttle, a 7.82-second 3-cone drill, a 27.5-inch vertical, and an 8’8 7/8” broad jump.

Round 5 (41) OL Dre Doiron – Kansas

(24 y/o, 6’3, 303 lbs)

“We view Dre as the most athletic offensive lineman in the class with versatility as he can play all five spots,” added Rigmaiden.

Dre Dorian played his first 2 seasons for Buffalo, where he redshirted in 2020 before starting in 10 out of 12 games at right tackle in 2021. He played for Kansas from 2022 to 2024, where he played in 14 games.

At the Combine, he posted 16 bench reps, a 5.62-second 40-yard dash, a 4.69-second shuttle, a 7.71-second 3-cone drill, a 26.5-inch vertical, and an 8’1 1/4” broad jump.

Round 6 (50) LB Chase Tataryn – Alberta

(24 y/o, 5’10 3/8, 212 lbs)