The Saskatchewan Roughrider went into the CFL Draft with 8 selections and managed to choose a number of high-end college football players on May 2nd at the 2023 CFL Draft. They started the draft off with a bang by drafting future star defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore from the University of British Columbia with the 3rd overall pick.

Korte-Moore should bring an immediate influx of star level talent to the Roughriders defense. According to CJME 980 “Korte-Moore had 10 sacks in 34 career Canada West games for the Thunderbirds.” Korte-Moore will now learn the professional game from accomplished DL Pete Robertson and hopefully become a sack machine for Saskatchewan.

Jaxon Ford was drafted 11th overall by the Riders and is actually the grandson of former Roughriders general manager Al Ford. According to CKRM 620 “Ford was named a U Sports Second-team All-Canadian and was also named a Canada West All-Star.” Ford was actually born in Regina and played his college football career in Regina as well. This draft choice is surely a dream come true for the 22-year old player. Ford accomplished 130 tackles and 5 interceptions while playing for the Regina Rams. 

Matt Dean of the York Lions was the Riders next draft pick at 21st overall. The native of Oshawa, Ontario was the Lions most dominant player on defense while playing at York. According to York University’s official website, “Dean led the team in tackles, including 41 solo and an additional 13 assisted, for a total of 47.5.” Dean represents another building block on the Roughriders defense after having a largely porous defense in 2022.

Thomas Bertrand-Hudon was drafted 30th overall by the Riders. He may have attended Delaware State but Bertrand-Hudon is a native of Mont Saint-Halaire, Quebec. According to Delaware State’s official website “He played in 27 games over four seasons at Delaware State, tallying 1,016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns for the Hornets. The Roughriders rushing attack often suffered last CFL season and former QB Cody Fajardo led the Riders in rushing touchdowns with 8 TDs. Bertrand-Hudon will likely see a significant amount of touches in the Riders backfield in 2023 alongside RB Jamal Morrow.

The Riders followed the Bertrand-Hudon pick by drafting Sidy Sow (offensive lineman from Eastern Michigan) in the 6th round; Evan Floren (offensive lineman from Queen’s University) in the 7th round; Nick Thomas (linebacker from the University of Manitoba) also in the 7th round; and finally Tavius Robinson (defensive lineman from the University of Mississippi) in the 8th round.