It is officially draft season in the CFL, and the proximity of the CFL Draft to the NFL Draft often draws direct comparisons. However, because the pool of players available in the CFL draft is much smaller than in the NFL, CFL teams’ strategies differ significantly from those of NFL teams. That difference is created by the reality that many of the players selected in the CFL draft will likely be solid role players for their CFL team rather than franchise players.

Of course, there are exceptions. During the 2025 CFL Draft, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats won big with their selection of linebacker Devin Veresuk, who stepped in as a Day 1 starter for the Tiger-Cats defensive front seven. On the other hand, Veresuk’s outstanding performance drew the NFL’s attention, which means he is no longer on the Tiger-Cats roster for 2026. Therefore, the key to winning the CFL draft is to select players who fortify specific position groups and who will actually come to training camp and stay with their teams for more than a season or two.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ priority for the 2026 CFL Draft is to secure National players at offensive and defensive line, defensive secondary, and wide receiver. Targeting these positions is crucial for maintaining roster flexibility under the ratio rule. With no clear franchise quarterbacks or dominant running backs in this year’s draft pool, the team must focus on solidifying its depth chart to effectively manage ratios and injuries throughout the season.

Round 1, Pick 5, Offensive Lineman Niklas Henning

The top candidate to be the 1st Round pick for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2026 is Queen’s University offensive lineman Niklas Henning. Henning is projected to be a pro-ready guard and center hybrid that posted elite measurables at the CFL combine. By adding Henning, the Tiger-Cats would give Hamilton an offensive center who would effectively replace Colter Woodmansey and become an anchor on the Tiger-Cats’ offensive line next to Brandon Revenberg.

Round 2, Pick 14, Defensive Back Ethan Stuart

In the 2nd Round of the draft, the Tiger-Cats have a great opportunity to find a long-term solution at their Sam linebacker position by selecting Guelph defensive back Ethan Stuart. During the CFL combine, Stuart demonstrated his elite agility and his ability to make plays in space. Stuart is the Tiger-Cats’ best opportunity to find the next player who can make an immediate impact like Devin Veresuk did in 2025.

Round 3, Pick 25, Wide Receiver Carter Kettyle

In Round 3 of the 2026 draft, the Tiger-Cats’ greatest value pick will be to select wide receiver Carter Kettyle out of Alberta. Kettyle can provide the physical possession receiver characteristics needed to fill the hole left by allowing Tim White to move on to another CFL team. Last season, Kettyle finished 5th in Canada West with 610 receiving yards, and he is a proven red-zone target.

Round 4, Pick 34, Defensive Lineman Tristan Marois

Selecting defensive lineman Tristan Marois in the 4th Round of the draft will be a huge win for the Tiger-Cats. Marois is a 6’5″ edge rusher who played college football at the University of Colorado. At the CFL combine, Marois put up the highest testing score. He is a rare Canadian pass rusher with elite pass-rushing ability, and by adding him to the roster, the Tiger-Cats could provide Julian Howsare with relief while still not breaking the ratio.

Round 5, Pick 43, Linebacker Eric Rascoe

Late in the CFL draft, it is important to get players who can develop into larger roles but also provide immediate impact as contributors on special teams’ units. Guelph linebacker Eric Rascoe is a physical, high-motor linebacker who can step in and play a traditional linebacker position. However, Rascoe has a greater chance to make an immediate impact on special teams, specifically as a kickoff and punt coverage player.

Round 6, Pick 52, Defensive Lineman Aamarii Notice

In the 6th Round of the 2026 draft, the Tiger-Cats could help solidify their interior defensive line by selecting Saint Francis defensive lineman Aamarii Notice. In other mock drafts, Notice is expected to go higher than the 6th round, but if he falls in the draft, he becomes an outstanding value pick. Notice is ready to step in immediately and become an ideal rotational player for the Tiger-Cats’ interior defensive line.

Round 7, Pick 61, Wide Receiver Barron Miles Jr.

In the 7th Round, the Tiger-Cats have the opportunity to add the son of a CFL legend by picking wide receiver Barron Miles Jr. While playing college football at Grambling State University, Miles Jr. established a reputation for having exceptional route discipline and a high football IQ. Those characteristics make him an ideal depth player for the Tiger-Cats high-powered passing attack on the offensive side of the ball.

Round 8, Pick 70, Wide Receiver Matt Sibley

To finish the 2026 draft on a high note, the Tiger-Cats will likely take a shot on Laval wide receiver Matt Sibley. In training camp, Sibley will have the ability to compete for a spot on the Tiger-Cats practice roster while also providing National depth for the Tiger-Cats wide receiver position. In addition, if Sibley can earn a spot on the Tiger-Cats 2026 roster, he will develop into a consistent contributor for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

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