Key Points
- Isaiah Adams from University of Illinois leads CFL Scouting Bureau’s winter rankings.
- Rankings include nine offensive linemen and four wide receivers among top 20.
- Top 5 include Adams, Benedet, Johnson, McLachlan, and Hergel, showcasing diverse talent.
Isaiah Adams Tops CFL Winter Rankings
University of Illinois offensive lineman, Isaiah Adams, achieves the No. 1 spot in the Canadian Football League (CFL) Scouting Bureau’s winter edition. This list, released today, ranks eligible players for the upcoming CFL Draft. Adams, hailing from Ajax, Ont., has shown significant growth, climbing from the fifth to the top position.
Significant Shifts in Rankings
The CFL Scouting Bureau, consisting of scouts, player personnel directors, and general managers from the league’s nine clubs, updates these rankings three times a year. Notably, two players, quarterback Kurtis Rourke and offensive lineman Eric Schon, previously ranked in the top 20, have reclassified to 2025.
Diverse Talent in Top 20
The winter edition features a varied group of players: nine offensive linemen, four wide receivers, three defensive linemen, two tight ends, and two linebackers. 18 schools have representation, with UBC and Laval each boasting two players in the top 20. This diversity highlights the depth and range of talent in the upcoming draft pool.
Top-5 Prospects Spotlight
- Isaiah Adams (OL, Illinois, Ajax, Ont.) – A starter in 25 games, including all 12 in 2023, Adams was named a team captain and received All-Big Ten Honourable Mention. He is set to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
- Theo Benedet (OL, UBC, North Vancouver, B.C.) – Benedet has been a key player for UBC since 2019, earning multiple accolades including the J.P. Metras trophy.
- Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State, Windsor, Ont.) – Achieved career-highs in 2023 with 34 receptions and 7 touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten Honourable Mention.
- Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona, Lethbridge, Alta.) – Recorded 45 receptions for 528 yards in 2023, earning AP Second-Team All-Pac 12 and All-Pac 12 Honourable Mention.
- Kyle Hergel (OL, Boston College, Toronto) – Notable for his pass block grade and performance at Boston College, Hergel played key roles at Texas State and North Dakota.
Draft Implications
The winter rankings are crucial for CFL teams as they prepare for the draft. The top-ranked players, especially those in key positions like offensive line and wide receiver, are likely to be highly sought after. Seven of the nine first-round selections in the 2023 CFL Draft were ranked in this edition, underscoring the accuracy and influence of these rankings in the drafting process.
CFL SCOUTING BUREAU: WINTER EDITION
(Rank (Previous) | Name | Position | School | Hometown)
- 1 (5) | Isaiah Adams | OL | Illinois | Ajax, Ont.
- 2 (3) | Theo Benedet | OL | UBC | North Vancouver, B.C.
- 3 (–) | Theo Johnson | TE | Penn State | Windsor, Ont.
- 4 (12) | Tanner McLachlan | TE | Arizona | Lethbridge, Alta.
- 5 (4) | Kyle Hergel | OL | Boston College | Toronto
- 6 (2) | Gabe Wallace | OL | Buffalo | Salmon Arm, B.C.
- 7 (10) | Geoffrey Cantin-Arku | LB | Memphis | Lévis, Que.
- 8 (11) | Anim Dankwah | OL | Howard | Toronto
- 9 (8) | Giovanni Manu | OL | UBC | Pitt Meadows, B.C.
- 10 (14) | Melique Straker | LB | Arkansas State | Brampton, Ont.
- 11 (6) | Nick Mardner | WR | Auburn | Oakville, Ont.
- 12 (7) | Daniel Johnson | OL | Purdue | London, Ont.
- 13 (19) | Dhel Duncan-Busby | WR | Bemidji State | Madison, Ohio
- 14 (9) | Justin Sambu | DL | Baylor | Calgary
- 15 (–) | Daniel Okpoko | DL | San Diego State | Saskatoon
- 16 (13) | Christy Nkanu | OL | Washington State | Montreal
- 17 (16) | Ajou Ajou | WR | Garden City CC | Brooks, Alta.*
- 18 (–) | Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay | OL | Laval | Rimouski, Que.
- 19 (18) | Kail Dava | DL | Tennessee Tech | Mississauga, Ont.
- 20 (–) | Kevin Mital | WR | Laval | Saint-Hubert, Que.
