Now that the dust has settled at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba, it’s time for a full eight-round mock draft!
With the draft almost here, I’ve watched numerous hours of film, attended the CFL Invitational combine, and have stacked up the testing numbers from pro days, the Invitational, National, and NFL combines beside each other to try and figure out what CFL teams might do.
A couple of notes, Illinois’ Isaiah Adams, Penn State’s Theo Johnson, Arizona’s Tanner McLachlan, Howard’s Anim Dankwah, Boston College’s Kyle Hergel, Memphis’ Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, and UBC’s Theo Benedet and Giovanni Manu all have varying degrees of NFL interest and will be taken into account in this mock.
Also, when I refer to a player’s testing numbers and their rank among their position, it’s based off of every draft eligible player who took part in an Invitational, National, or NFL combine, as well as private pro days.
This article has notes from CFL News Hub contributors Jonathan Clink, Dino Sepe, Aaron Sauter, Sam Just and Don Cruickshank.
Let’s get into it.
Round One
1. Edmonton Elks – LB, Joel Dublanko, Cincinnati
While Edmonton is in desperate need of some receiver and offensive line help, they can wait till later rounds to get an impact guy in a loaded pass catcher and blocker class. Instead, they snag the best player available who will 100 percent be in training camp in Joel Dublanko. After spending time in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints, the 26-year-old recently gained Canadian citizenship and has soared up draft boards after an impressive combine performance. Dublanko is a potential day one starter and will pair nicely with last year’s second overall pick Michael Brodrique as national linebackers of the future.
2. Ottawa Redblacks – OG, Gabe Wallace, Buffalo
There are three guarantees in life, death, taxes, and the Ottawa Redblacks drafting an offensive lineman in the first round. In the eleven drafts the Redblacks have been around for they have taken an offensive lineman with their first round selection eight times. The trend continues with Gabe Wallace who started the last three years for the University of Buffalo at both left tackle and left guard. The six-foot-5, 344-pound blocker provides some more physicality and a mean streak to Ottawa’s front line. The Salmon Arm, B.C. native will kick into guard full time and could be a CFL starter sooner rather than later.
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders – OG, Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay, Laval
I would be shocked if Saskatchewan didn’t address the trenches on either side of the ball with the third overall pick, which leads to the selection of Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay. The six-foot-two, 293-pound lineman is a two-time Usports All-Canadian and has experience playing tackle, guard, and even centre back in his CEGEP days. The 24-year-old finished top five among offensive lineman in every testing category including finishing first in the three-cone with a 7.33-second time.
4. Calgary Stampeders – OG, Kyle Hergel, Boston College
While Kyle Hergel will likely get an NFL opportunity in the form of a UDFA contract, the Stampeders can take the risk with back-to-back picks in the second round. The Toronto, Ontario native is one of the most explosive lineman in this year’s class with a nine-foot-five broad jump (first among offensive lineman), 33-inch vertical (third among offensive lineman), 4.61-second shuttle (second among offensive lineman), while also putting up the most reps on the bench press with 30. Calgary may have to wait for Hergel’s services but if/when he comes north of the border they will get an impact player.
5. Toronto Argonauts (via Hamilton) – WR, Nick Mardner, Auburn
This could be too low for Nick Mardner as he is in contention to be the number one overall pick. After trading away Kurleigh Gittens Jr. this off-season, Toronto certainly wouldn’t mind the slide. Mardner tested well at his pro day for his size, putting up a 4.60 forty-yard dash (seventh among receivers), a 35-inch vertical (fourth among receivers), and a ten-foot-nine broad jump (second among receivers). The six-foot-six, 208-pound receivers production was lackluster last year as a Tiger however, but it’s not everyday you see someone with Mardner’s size and athleticism not get significant NFL interest.
6. B.C. Lions – LB, Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, Memphis
While the Lions do need help along the offensive line, they can address upfront with their two picks in the second round. Instead, B.C. will welcome the Levis, Quebec native Geoffrey Cantin-Arku to the west coast. The six-foot-three, 230-pound backer tested well at his pro day but maybe not quite well enough for the NFL. Among CFL linebackers however, Cantin-Arku tested top four in the bench press (18 reps), three-cone (6.97 seconds), shuttle (4.32 seconds), and broad jump (nine-foot-nine and one eighths). Those numbers could allow the 25-year-old to be in a CFL training camp as he would add real national depth behind Ben Hladik.
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Toronto) – CB/S, Benjamin Labrosse, McGill
Undoubtedly the biggest winner of the CFL National Combine is Benjamin Labrosse. The six-foot, 189-pound cover man showed off his athleticism finishing first overall in the forty-yard dash and broad jump, second in the three-cone and third in the vertical jump among all CFL draft participants. The 24-year-old didn’t play football last year but was a first-team All-Canadian at cornerback for the Redbirds in 2022. Labrosse has the athleticism and has had experience playing across the defensive backfield at halfback, safety, and even strong-side linebacker.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OG, George Una, Windsor
The Blue Bombers are thin upfront and George Una would fill a need. The six-foot-two, 313-pound blocker played tackle for the Lancers for two years before fully kicking into guard last season, which is where he projects as a pro. The Toronto, Ontario native finished top seven among offensive lineman in every testing category except the vertical jump, while looking crisp when the pads came on. The 25-year-old was named an OUA first-team all-star this past season and Winnipeg will hope the success translates.
9. Montreal Alouettes – SB, Kevin Mital, Laval
The Alouettes do need some defensive line help after Lwal Uguak left for the NFL, but keeping Kevin Mital in the province of Quebec might be too enticing for Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia to pass up, filling the need Austin Mack left instead. Scouts were concerned over the 25-year-old’s measurements after measuring in at six-foot, and 229 pounds. But the Saint-Hubert, Quebec native put all the concerns to rest, testing top five among receivers in the bench press (20), forty-yard dash (4.58), three-cone (6.94), and vertical jump (35). Mital might not make it here as it’s hard to see the former Hec Creighton winner making it out of the first round.
Round Two
10. Edmonton Elks – WR, Kevens Clercius, Connecticut
After taking Dublanko first overall, the Elks address their thin Canadian depth at the receiver position with the selection of Kevens Clercius. The six-foot-two, 217-pound pass catcher was one of the better performers at the CFL combine testing top five among wideouts in the bench press and forty-yard dash, while finishing first in the broad with a ten-foot-nine and quarter-inch jump.
11. Ottawa Redblacks – LB/DB, Melique Straker, Arkansas State
Melique Straker is one of the most versatile defensive players in this year’s class and finds his way home to the Ottawa Redblacks. After beginning his collegiate career at Carleton University, the Brampton, Ontario native transferred down south where he was very productive. After only running a 4.82-second forty-yard dash (19th among defensive backs), 7.63 three-cone (26th among defensive backs), and a 4.75 shuttle (25th among defensive backs) at his pro day, there could be concerns about Straker’s quickness. However, the 23-year-old’s ability to play strong-side linebacker, halfback, or safety is extremely valuable.
12. Saskatchewan Roughriders – DT/DE, Daniel Okpoko, San Diego State
After going offensive line in round one, the Green and White remain in the trenches but on the other side of the ball with the selection of Daniel Okpoko. After growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan it would be a homecoming for the 23-year-old following a breakout senior year at San Diego State. The six-foot-four, 274-pound pass rusher rotated in along the defensive line last season putting up 23 tackles and a sack. Okpoko could remind CFL evaluators of Lwal Uguak, with his ability and athleticism to play on the edge or in the interior.
13. Calgary Stampeders – DE, Luke Brubacher, Wilfrid Laurier
Luke Brubacher is this year’s class athletic freak and could easily go in the first round because of those traits. The six-foot-five, 246-pound edge rusher tested first in every single category among edge rushers, with especially impressive performances in the vertical jump (38 inches), and forty-yard dash (4.69). While the Listowel, Ontario native’s production has been somewhat limited over his time as a Golden Hawk, his 16.5 tackles and six sacks last season was good enough to be named an OUA second-team all-star.
14. Calgary Stampeders (via Hamilton) – OT/OG, John Bosse, Calgary
In the second selection of back-to-back picks, Calgary selects the hometown kid in offensive lineman John Bosse. The six-foot-four, 335-pound behemoth has fantastic measurables while being top ten in every testing category amongst offensive lineman, outside of the vertical jump and shuttle. The Stampeders need help all along the offensive line and the Calgary, Alberta native has experience playing both tackle and guard.
15. B.C. Lions – OG, Christy Nkanu, Washington State
One of the biggest needs for the Lions is upfront, and after going linebacker in round one they snag Christy Nkanu in round two. The six-foot-one, 309-pound blocker could go as high as the first round following a great combine where he finished with a 7.76-second three-cone (third amongst offensive lineman, a 31-inch vertical (fourth amongst offensive lineman), and a eight-foot-eight and quarter inch broad jump (sixth amongst offensive lineman). While teams always worry about out of town prospects heading home in free agency after their rookie contracts are up, the Montreal, Quebec native transferred to Washington State last season, which is only a couple hours south of the border to B.C. PLace.
16. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Toronto) – DE, Tyson Hergott, Waterloo
Tyson Hergott could easily go higher as he has a fantastic combination of production and athleticism. The Waterloo, Ontario native is coming off of a career year with the Warriors after putting up 38 tackles, 11 sacks, and an interception to put the cherry on top. The six-foot-two, 246-pound edge rusher also tested top ten in every category amongst defensive ends, including finishing second in both the bench press (19 reps) and the vertical jump (34 inches).
17. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – RB/FB, Michael Chris-Ike, Delaware State
In the first of two late second round picks, Winnipeg decides to go with athletic freak Michael Chris-Ike. The six-foot-one, 225-pound back had limited production at Delaware State but dominated the testing, topping the forty-yard dash, three-cone, shuttle, and broad jump among running backs. The Blue Bombers currently don’t have a fullback on their roster and the Hamilton, Ontario native could possibly be the answer. Chris-Ike can also provide depth at running back while being a special teamer on day one.
18. Edmonton Elks (via Montreal) – OT/OG, Daniel Johnson, Purdue
Daniel Johnson is one of the very few Canadians that will be in a CFL training camp that have a chance to develop into a ratio-breaking offensive tackle. At six-foot-six and 313 pounds, the London, Ontario native has the size to play tackle but has struggled to stay on the field. Due to injuries, Johnson has only played around a year and a half’s worth of snaps through six years of college between Kent State and Purdue. If the 23-year-old can stay healthy, this could be a steal for Edmonton.
19. B.C. Lions – OT/OG, Giovanni Manu, UBC
It seems like everyone is mocking the Lions to take one of the hometown Thunderbird lineman products, and for good reason. Giovanni Manu is an enormous six-foot-seven, 352 pounds and tested extremely well at UBC’s pro day. The 23-year-old ran a 5.03 forty-yard dash (first among offensive lineman), jumped a 33.5-inch vertical (second among offensive lineman), and lept an eight-foot-eleven broad jump (fourth among offensive lineman). Manu will likely get a long look in the NFL, and this might be too early to take him, but it’s hard to see B.C. passing up on Manu especially with an extra pick.
20. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DT, Justin Sambu, Baylor
Justin Sambu tested well at the CFL combine finishing top three among defensive tackles in the forty-yard dash (5.03 seconds), shuttle (4.56 seconds), vertical (27.5 inches) and broad jump (nine feet). The six-foot-two, 282-pound lineman had little to no production in his senior year after transferring to Baylor, but put up solid numbers for the Maine Black Bears over his four-year career in the northeastern United States.
Round Three
21. Edmonton Elks – DT, Kail Dava, Tennessee Tech
Kail Dava was unable to compete at the CFL combine as he is still recovering from a torn rotator cuff. The Mississauga, Ontario native put up solid numbers at Tennessee Tech over five years, and with no other interior defensive lineman really grabbing the top spot, the six-foot-three, 281-pound lineman could go even higher then this selection.
22. Ottawa Redblacks – WR, Dhel Duncan-Busby, Bemidji State
After getting new pivot Dru Brown an offensive lineman, Ottawa will get him a new weapon. Dhel Duncan-Busby put up monster numbers at Bemidji State to the tune of 171 catches for 2,839 yards and 27 touchdowns across 47 games. The six-foot-one, 207-pound target also tested positively snagging the second fastest forty-yard dash among pass catchers with a blazing 4.56-second time.
23. Saskatchewan Roughriders – LB, Nick Wiebe, Saskatchewan
Similar to Dava, Nick Wiebe would be a much higher selection if he was healthy. The former Oregon Duck has been a stud ever since he stepped foot on the University of Saskatchewan’s campus, putting up 144 tackles and five sacks over 22 games for the Huskies. Unfortunately, the Calgary, Alberta native suffered a torn ACL in the Hardy Cup. If Wiebe can come back better than ever, he could become a starter as a middle linebacker in the CFL.
24. Toronto Argonauts (via Hamilton, via Calgary) – OT, Anim Dankwah, Howard
The first of three picks for Toronto in round three, they head to the trenches with the selection of Anim Dankwah. The nearly six-foot-eight, 353-pound stalwart was the biggest player at the NFL combine and projects as a late day three pick in the NFL. The Brampton, Ontario native will get a solid chance south of the border, but if he comes to the CFL, he could develop into a ratio-breaking tackle if he can prove he has the foot speed to do it.
25. Toronto Argonauts (via Hamilton) – LB/S, Daniel Bell, Mount Allison
Daniel Bell is one of the most accomplished players to ever come out of the AUS. The Saint John, New Brunswick native was named an AUS all-star in every one of his four years that he played, as well as claiming two AUS defensive player of the year awards. Bell put up monster numbers at Mount Allison while also testing well, finishing top five among defensive backs in the three-cone (6.87 seconds), shuttle (4.25 seconds), and vertical jump (35.5 inches). The 22-year old projects as a safety and weak-side linebacker hybrid, similarly to second round pick from last year out of Mount Allison in Lucas Cormier.
26. B.C. Lions – WR, Frederik Antoine, Laval
One of the biggest risers at the CFL combine was Laval receiver Frederik Antoine. The Quebec City, Quebec native had little production during his collegiate career at Old Dominion and Laval, but tested extremely positively finishing as the top tester among receivers on the bench press (21 reps) and forty-yard dash (4.53 seconds). Antoine adds some depth at the pass catcher position for B.C. and could be a special teams contributor on day one.
27. Toronto Argonauts – OT, Theo Benedet, UBC
With their third selection in the third round, the Argonauts can use it on a bit of a risk in Theo Benedet. The risk is not if the six-foot-seven, 295-pound lineman is a good player or not, the risk is if he will ever come to the CFL. With 16 NFL teams in attendance at UBC’s pro day, the North Vancouver, B.C. native tested phenomenally, finishing top two in every category except the bench press. Like his running mate Manu, the 22-year-old will get a long look in the NFL, but if ever comes up north he could project as a ratio-breaking offensive tackle.
28. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – LB, D.K. Bonhomme, South Alabama
Another athletic freak, D.K. Bonhomme is your classic monster athlete but limited production CFL draft prospect. He was among the top testers in this year’s class, including a 37-inch vertical. However, the six-foot, 225-pound linebacker only amassed 19 tackles across four years in the NCAA at both Indiana and South Alabama.
29. Montreal Alouettes – S, Cristophe Beaulieu, Laval
After snagging Mital in round one, Maciocia snags another Laval product in Cristophe Beaulieu. The younger brother of CFLer Jordan Beaulieu, the Blainville, Quebec native was one of the best testers among DB’s, finishing top seven in every category except bench press. The 23-year-old had an accomplished Usports career being named a Usports first-team (2022) and second-team (2023) All-Canadian, as well as being named a two-time RSEQ all-star.
Round Four
30. Edmonton Elks – C, Ryan Berta, Queen’s
With the first of back-to-back picks in the fourth round, Edmonton continues to address the offensive line in Queen’s product Ryan Berta. The six-foot-two, 307-pound centre topped the bench press among anybody with 30 reps, and was a major part in the Gael’s success over the past couple of years.
31. Edmonton Elks (via Ottawa) – S, Tyshon Blackburn, Alberta
With the second of two straight picks, the Elks get some help in the defensive backfield snagging the home province kid in Tyshon Blackburn. The six-foot-two, 203-pound cover man showed great speed and movement skills for his size, finishing with a 4.66 forty-yard dash (sixth among defensive backs) and a 6.90 three-cone (fourth among defensive backs).
32. Saskatchewan Roughriders – CB, Jerrell Cummings, UBC
It is going to be a new look defensive backfield in Riderville as they continue to add to their Canadian depth in Jerrell Cummings. The Simon Fraser alum transferred to UBC last season where he was named a Canada West All-star. With Nick Marshall, Jeremy Clark and Trumaine Washington no longer on the roster, there’s potential playing time for the Vancouver, B.C. native to challenge for.
33. Calgary Stampeders – FB, Bradley Hladik, UBC
The second straight Thunderbird to be selected, Calgary takes the younger brother of Lions linebacker Ben Hladik in Bradley Hladik. Longtime Stampeder fullback Charlie Power retired this offseason and the Vernon, B.C. native can provide depth while contributing on special teams.
34. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – OT/OG, Owen Mueller, Windsor
After going defence with their first two picks in the draft, the Tiger-Cats take one of the biggest risers of the draft process in Owen Mueller. The six-foot-four, 306-pound blocker dominated the Invitational Combine and received the call up to the main show in Winnipeg. The London, Ontario native also tested out well finishing top ten in every category among o-linemen except the shuttle.
35. Ottawa Redblacks (via B.C. via Hamilton) – S, Arthur Hamlin, Colgate
The run of defensive back selections in round four continues with Ottawa selecting the hometown kid in Arthur Hamlin. The Ottawa, Ontario native put up solid production over his final two years at Colgate and hung around with the best testing wise at the Combine.
36. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Toronto) – LB/S , Dawson Pierre, Concordia
While primarily playing safety for the Stingers, Dawson Pierre could project as a bit of a hybrid between safety and weak-side linebacker at the next level like Bell. The nearly six-foot-two, 219-pound defender was no lower than eighth in any testing category among linebackers, and looked the part when the pads came on at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg.
37. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DE, Micah Roane, South Dakota
Similarly to Dublanko, Micah Roane was a late addition to this year’s class after recently gaining Canadian citizenship. The six-foot-3, 260-pound defensive lineman tested well at his pro day finishing sixth among edge defenders in the bench press (17) and forty-yard dash (4.95).
38. Montreal Alouettes – DE, Ifenna Onyeka, Carleton
The Alouettes need some national depth on the defensive line after Lwal Uguak set off for the NFL. It would not shock me if Ifenna Onyeka went even higher than this selection following a monster breakout year last season at Carleton, finishing with 33.5 tackles (including 11.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks. The six-foot-one, 249-pound edge rusher also tested top seven among defensive ends in every category he participated in.
Round Five
39. Toronto Argonauts (via Edmonton) – CB, Kaylyn St-Cyr, Montreal
Kaylyn St-Cyr has had an accomplished Usports career to this point, being named a Usports second-team all-Canadian in 2022, before being named a Usports first-team All-Canadian this past season. The La Prairie, Quebec native could go much higher than this especially after being a top tester at the National combine.
40. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (via Ottawa) – WR, D’Sean Mimbs, Regina
The Blue Bombers are not scared to take players from their rival Roughriders province after taking two University of Regina products last season. D’Sean Mimbs accumulated over 1,000 receiving yards during his Rams career while finishing top three among receivers in both the vertical (37 inches) and broad jump (ten-foot-seven and three quarters of an inch).
41. Saskatchewan Roughriders – OG, Ethan Kalra, Waterloo
Ethan Kalra was one of the most impressive lineman I have seen up close and personal at the Invitational Combine. The six-foot-two, 309-pound lineman didn’t lose a single rep at the Invitational during the one-on-one’s and showed he belonged when he earned his call up to the National showcase.
42. Calgary Stampeders – LB, Olivier Muembi, Queen’s
After playing four years at Delaware State, Olivier Muembi transferred too Queen’s last season and dominated. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native recorded 36 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. The six-foot, 226-pound linebacker also tested well and could contribute on special teams immediately.
43. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – RB, Michael Herzog, Hillsdale
Michael Herzog is one of the most productive players in the entire draft. The Windsor, Ontario native rushed for over 2,200 yards across two years while also returning kicks for over 1,000 yards. If Herzog can prove he can contribute on specials, he has the talent to make it in the CFL.
44. B.C. Lions – DE, Jason Janvier-Messier, York
Another invitational callup, Jason Janvier-Messier was one of the few bright spots for York football. The Beloeil, Quebec native only played two games last season due to injury, but was a 2022 OUA second-team All-star after putting up 25.5 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks two years ago.
45. Toronto Argonauts – LB, Ryan Baker, UBC
Ryan Baker has been one of the most productive Usports players in this class over the last two seasons. The two-time Canada West all-star put up 97 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks over the past two years as a Thunderbird. Baker somewhat underwhelmed testing wise but the production is almost unmatched.
46. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – CB/S, Dawson Marchant, Northwestern Oklahoma State
Dawson Marchant began his collegiate career at Simon Fraser before transferring to Northwestern Oklahoma State for the past two seasons, putting up 51.5 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception. The Surrey, B.C. native also has versatility in the defensive backfield as he has shown the ability to play corner and safety.
47. Montreal Alouettes – FB, Paul-Antoine Ouellette, Montreal
After losing James Tuck this off-season, the Alouettes need a replacement as they use their fullbacks most out of anybody in the league. Who else better than the homegrown Carrabin in the six-foot-three, 239-pound Paul-Antoine Ouellette.
Round Six
48. Toronto Argonauts (via Edmonton) – WR, Ezechiel Tieide, Concordia
In a loaded receiver class, Ezechiel Tieide finds himself sliding to the sixth round. After getting little-to-no production at Boston College and Toledo, the former quarterback had a solid year for the Stingers in 2023.
49. Ottawa Redblacks – DT, Samuel Obiang, Towson
Samuel Obiang only measured in at a shade under five-foot-eleven, but has decent production over three years in the NCAA.
50. Saskatchewan Roughriders – RB, Matthew Peterson, Alberta
The Roughriders only have one Canadian running back on the roster, so why not add the reigning Canada West player of the year Matthew Peterson following a monster season where he rushed for over 1,100 yards.
51. Calgary Stampeders – LB, Lourenz Bowers-Kane, Western
One of the true few strong-side linebackers in this class, Lourenz Bowers-Kane has the production and accolades (2023 Usports second-team All-Canadian and first-team OUA all-star) to possibly contribute on a CFL team.
52. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – CB, Kevin Victome, Ottawa
Kevin Victome has accomplished quite a bit during his collegiate career. In 2022, he was named a Usports second-team All-Canadian as well as a first-team OUA all-star, all before being named an OUA second-team all-star last season.
53. B.C. Lions – WR, Ajou Ajou, Garden City Community College
Ajou Ajou put up little to no production across three different collegiate programs and put up somewhat underwhelming testing numbers at the National combine. If a team can get the Brooks, Alberta native to reach the highly touted potential he once had when committed to Clemson, this selection could be a steal.
54. Toronto Argonauts – TE, Theo Johnson, Penn State
With the gluttony of late round picks, the Argonauts can take a flier on one of the best players in the class in Theo Johnson. The Windsor, Ontario native is projected to go in the top half of the NFL draft and may never step foot north of the border. But if he does, it would be a massive get for Toronto.
55. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OT, Cooper Hamilton, Wilfrid Laurier
Winnipeg continues to add to their Canadian contingent upfront with Cooper Hamilton. The two-time OUA second-team all-star is one of the tallest players in the class standing at six-foot-six and 301 pounds.
56. Montreal Alouettes – LB, Zachary Philion, Concordia
Another in province selection as Zachary Philion is the pick for Montreal. The six-foot-one, 221-pound backer could go much higher than this selection based on his great testing numbers and production at Concordia.
Round Seven
57. Edmonton Elks – TE, Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
Tanner McLachlan may never play in the CFL as he is currently projected to be a day three pick in the NFL draft. It’s worth the risk for Edmonton at this point in the draft just in case things don’t work out for the Lethbridge, Alberta native south of the border.
58. Ottawa Redblacks – LB, Terrence Ganyi, Maine
Terrence Ganyi didn’t produce much as a member of the UConn Huskies and Maine Black Bears. However, the Montreal, Quebec native tested well at the National Combine and could be a solid special teams contributor.
59. Saskatchewan Roughriders – DE, George Idoko, Saskatchewan
The 2023 Usports second-team All-Canadian had a breakout year for the Huskies last season with 14 tackles and three sacks. The Roughriders keep another player in the province in George Idoko, something CFL teams tend to do.
60. Calgary Stampeders – S, Jonathan Giustini, Alberta
Jonathan Giustini has put up monster numbers from the safety position over the past two seasons as a Golden Bear with 79 tackles, seven pass breakups, and five interceptions. The Calgary, Alberta native only measured in at five-foot-nine however, and could slide because of it.
61. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – WR, Darius Simmons, McGill
The three-time RSEQ all-star and 2023 Usports first-team All-Canadian, Darius Simmons put up 114 catches for over 1,800 yards over his three years at McGill. The Lachine, Quebec native didn’t test the best at the combine, but you can’t question Simmons production.
62. B.C. Lions – DT, Kyle Samson, UBC
The two-time Usports second-team All-Canadian wasn’t able to compete due to injury at the Invitational Combine. However, the numbers the Hamilton, Ontario native has been able to put up and the accolades speak for themselves.
63. Edmonton Elks (via Toronto) – CB, Louis Lavaud, Carleton
The Elks are still looking for answers in their defensive backfield and why not add a 2023 OUA first-team all-star and Usports second-team All-Canadian in Louis Lavaud to the fold.
64. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – WR, AK Gassama, Manitoba
One of the smallest players in this year’s class, AK Gassama will stay in the province of Winnipeg after being named a Usports first-team All-Canadian in 2023.
65. Montreal Alouettes – WR, Jahquan Bloomfield, Prairie View A&M
A late addition to the class, Jahquan Bloomfield had a breakout year in college last season as Montreal looks for options at the receiver position following Austin Mack’s departure for the NFL.
Round Eight
66. Edmonton Elks – C, Daniel Shin, Alberta
The centre has had an accomplished collegiate career being named a two-time Canada West all-star and a 2023 Usports All-Canadian. Shin weighed in as the lightest offensive lineman however, at only 286 pounds.
67. Ottawa Redblacks – OT, Isaiah Adams, Illinois
One of, if not the best player in the 2024 CFL draft Isaiah Adams is a projected second round NFL draft pick. In the final round there is no shame in taking a flier on the Ajax, Ontario native to maybe one day make his way up north.
68. Saskatchewan Roughriders – S, Jackson Sombach, Regina
After taking Idoko in the round previous, Riderville grabs another in province product in Jackson Sombach. The recently turned 24-year-old was one of the best testers in the entire class, but also measured in as one of the shortest at five-foot-eight.
69. Calgary Stampeders – RB, Jared Chisari, Queen’s
Only the fourth running back taken, Jared Chisari had a crazy productive season with the Gaels last year. The former UMass Minuteman ran the ball 143 times for 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns, landing him a spot on the Usports first-team All-Canadian list.
70. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DE, Owen Hubert, McMaster
The six-foot-three, 263-pound edge rusher has real size to play the position in the CFL and paired that with solid testing numbers at the Combine.
71. B.C. Lions – LB/DE, Mitchell Townsend, UBC
While Mitchell Townsend might not go as high as his UBC counterparts, the North Vancouver, B.C. native’s ability to play off the edge or as a linebacker is impressive.
72. Toronto Argonauts – WR, Mohsen Jamal, Western
Mohsen Jamal was one of the best testers among receivers at the combine and had good production for the Mustangs. The London, Ontario native’s slight stature of five-foot-nine and 181 pounds however, could cause him to fall.
73. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – LB, Max Nixon, Western
The second straight Mustang selected, Max Nixon will look to help fill the void on special teams for Winnipeg following Jesse Briggs’ retirement.
74. Montreal Alouettes – S, Yani Gouadfel, Bishop’s
To finish this thing out is another Invitational riser in Yani Gouadfel. The 2023 AUS all-star had a breakout year for the Bishop’s Gaiters last season with 19.5 tackles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions.
Best of the rest: DE, Van Wishart, Queen’s. RB, Tanner Nelmes, Wilfrid Laurier. WR Nicholas Gendron, Ottawa. RB/WR, Kaine Stevenson, Guelph. OG Patrick Lavoie, Carleton. DT, Brandon Omonuwa, Wilfrid Laurier. CB, Richard Aduboffour, Western. CB, Kojo Odoom, Western. DE, Scott Murray, Guelph. DT, Mitchell Price, McMaster
