Analyzing every pick in the 2026 CFL Draft

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The 2026 CFL Draft has arrived, which means it’s time to analyze all 74 picks over each of the eight rounds. Please also check out our livestream on YouTube and Facebook with 3DownNation analysts J.C. Abbott and Ben Grant for their instant reactions to each selection.

If you’re unfamiliar with how the CFL draft works, click here for my answers to many frequently asked questions about the most unique draft in all of professional sports.

Every team still has its original first-round pick, though many mid and late-round selections have been traded.

The Toronto Argonauts have the most draft choices (eleven), followed by the Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (nine), Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Montreal Alouettes (eight), and B.C. Lions, Calgary Stampeders, and Ottawa Redblacks (seven).

3DownNation has ranked the talent available at each position group and you can find these rankings using the following links: quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, receivers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, and specialists.

We have also ranked the top 25 prospects overall. Please also check out my latest mock draft to see which picks were right and which picks were wrong. I didn’t release an updated mock draft prior to Tuesday since there are few changes I’d make to the latest version.

As of right now, I’d project Purdue offensive lineman Giordano Vaccaro, Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome, and Wake Forest defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth to be the first three players off the board, followed by Louisiana Tech offensive lineman Jonathan Denis (Winnipeg). After that, I’d look for Michigan State defensive back Malcolm Bell (Hamilton), Queen’s offensive lineman Niklas Henning (Calgary), East Carolina offensive lineman Darius Bell (B.C.), Boston College offensive lineman Kevin Cline (Montreal), and Alabama State linebacker Darius McKenzie (Saskatchewan) to complete the first round.

Eight of this year’s top-ranked prospects recently secured NFL opportunities, which should lower their CFL draft stock to varying degrees.

Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, easily the No. 1 player available in this year’s draft, may go unselected in the 2026 CFL Draft after being taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. Barring a shocking turn of events, the Ottawa native will never play in the CFL, so there’s little point in drafting his rights.

Boston College offensive lineman Logan Taylor was also selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, going to the Chargers in the sixth round. The native of Lunenburg, N.S. now projects as a mid-to-late-round CFL draft pick since he’ll like be down south for the foreseeable future.

Six prospects also signed as undrafted NFL free agents, including Coastal Carolina receiver Malick Meiga (Carolina Panthers), Arkansas tight end Rohan Jones (Los Angeles Rams), Boston College offensive lineman Kevin Cline (Miami Dolphins), Mississippi State offensive lineman Albert Reese IV (Panthers), Louisville defensive lineman Wesley Bailey (Rams), and Louisville defensive lineman Rene Konga (Dolphins).

Without further ado, let’s get into the picks.

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1 (1) Ottawa Redblacks – OL Giordano Vaccaro, Purdue

3DownNation’s No. 11-ranked prospect.

The Winnipeg native made 27 starts over three seasons at the University of Manitoba, earning two first-team U Sports All-Canadian selections and winning the J.P. Metras Trophy in 2024.

Vaccaro’s success with the Bisons led him to transfer to Purdue, where he filled a depth role at centre and guard in 2025. He didn’t see the field until the last game of the season when he took reps against Indiana, the team that went on to win the National Championship Game.

The six-foot-two, 307-pound blocker may not have played much at the NCAA level but he changed his body, adding muscle while trimming fat. He’s explosive off the ball, nasty in the run game, and some scouts believe Vaccaro will be ready to start in the CFL as a rookie.

Vaccaro a perfect fit for a Redblacks team that needed to get younger, better, and more physical along the offensive line.

1 (2) Toronto Argonauts – OL Niklas Henning, Queen’s

3DownNation’s No. 12-ranked prospect.

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say Henning is one of the most athletic offensive line prospects in CFL history.

The six-foot-six, 298-pound blocker got calls from the NFL after blowing up the CFL Combine with a 4.90-second forty-yard dash, 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and a nine-foot, six-inch broad jump, all of which would have ranked at or near the top of the offensive linemen at the NFL Combine. He has since accepted mini-camp invitations from the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts.

Henning started his collegiate career as an H-back before moving to offensive tackle in 2024, which means he’s relatively unpolished right now. With that said, his potential is sky-high. If all goes well, he’ll be a ratio-breaking CFL offensive tackle. The worst-case scenario is that he becomes an average starter at guard.

The native of Milton, Ont. should help replenish the offensive line in Toronto, a unit that was statistically the worst in the league in 2025.

1 (3) Edmonton Elks – LB Dariel Djabome, Rutgers

3DownNation’s No. 9-ranked prospect.

The native of Longueuil, Que. was a two-year starter with the Scarlet Knights, recording 192 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass knockdown over 47 collegiate games.

Djabome ran a 4.80-second forty-yard dash at his pro day, which hurt his NFL stock. He has more than enough speed to play middle linebacker in the CFL, however, as players like Nyles Morgan, Jovan Santos-Knox, Marquel Lee, and Geoffrey Cantin-Arku recorded similar times coming out of college.

The six-foot-one, 233-pound defender was named an All-Big 12 honourable mention in 2025 and projects as a CFL starter at middle linebacker. He should be a standout on special teams as a rookie, while also rotating on defence.

Djabome is the perfect positional fit for Edmonton considering their previous lack of depth behind Joel Dublanko, a fellow Canadian who won the starting job at middle linebacker in 2025.

1 (4) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DL Nuer Gatkuoth, Wake Forest

3DownNation’s No. 13-ranked prospect.

The 23-year-old native of Edmonton was a two-year starter over a collegiate career that featured stints at Colorado State and Wake Forest. He declared one year early for the draft due to what he termed “eligibility issues with the NCAA.”

The six-foot-three, 239-pound defender made 107 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two pass knockdowns, and two interceptions over 29 collegiate games. Pro Football Focus credited him with 21 quarterback hurries in 2025.

Gatkuoth posted respectable testing numbers at his pro day, earning an NFL mini-camp invitation from the Denver Broncos. He projects as a starter at defensive end in the CFL, though he’ll have to cut his teeth on special teams early-on.

Though the Blue Bombers haven’t started a Canadian defensive end in years, Gatkuoth should immediately help bolster the team’s pass rush, which was lacking in 2025.

1 (5) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – OL Jonathan Denis, Louisiana Tech

3DownNation’s No. 19-ranked prospect.

The Montreal native was raised primarily in Miami, though he regularly visited his hometown as a child to spend time with his father, older sister, and extended family.

The six-foot-two, 313-pound blocker was originally a four-star recruit and the No. 6-ranked guard prospect in the entire U.S. He spent his first four collegiate seasons at Oregon and Miami, though he rarely saw the field after suffering ACL tears in his right and left knees.

After getting a clean bill of health, Denis started at Central Missouri in 2024 and Louisiana Tech in 2025. The 24-year-old has experience starting at centre and guard and is a high-floor, pro-ready prospect who is ready to make an impact in the CFL.

The Tiger-Cats lost Coulter Woodmansey in free agency and have fellow interior offensive linemen Liam Dobson, Chris Kolankowski, and Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay entering contract years. Denis should help secure that spot long-term.

1 (6) Calgary Stampeders – LB Eric Rascoe, Angelo State

3DownNation’s No. 15-ranked prospect.

The native of San Antonio, Texas qualified for Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Toronto. He spent this past year playing for the San Antonio Gunslingers of the Indoor Football League and preparing for the CFL Combine, where he shone in testing.

Rascoe is a little undersized at six-foot-one and 210 pounds, though his 4.56-second forty-yard dash in Edmonton impressed scouts. He was also a three-time All-Lone Star Conference selection while playing collegiately at Angelo State, an NCAA Division II program, where he made 221 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 18 pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

The Stampeders have been a little thin at Canadian linebacker for a few seasons now. Rascoe addresses that need and should be an immediate contributor on special teams while developing into an eventual starter.

1 (7) B.C. Lions – REC Nate DeMontagnac, North Dakota

3DownNation’s No. 14-ranked prospect.

The native of Mississauga, Ont. is the best route-runner in this year’s receiver class, which he displayed at the CFL Combine despite opting out of testing. He runs smoothly, generates separation by quickly getting in and out of his breaks, wins contested balls, and blocks well.

DeMontagnac never posted eye-popping production during his collegiate career, making 64 receptions for 775 yards and four touchdowns over 40 games with the Fighting Hawks. He peaked this past season when he made 38 catches for 462 yards and two scores.

The six-foot-two, 186-pound target is the only receiver in this year’s draft who clearly projects as a starter.

This was a bit of a surprising selection for the Lions, who have better Canadian talent at receiver than they do along the offensive line. With that said, this was likely B.C.’s only shot at DeMontagnac as he almost certainly would have been off the board by their next pick.

1 (8) Montreal Alouettes – TE Rohan Jones, Arkansas

3DownNation’s No. 5-ranked prospect.

Don’t let the tight end designation fool you: Jones projects as a top slotback in the CFL. The six-foot-two, 238-pound target caught 80 passes for 1,352 yards and 21 touchdowns over 48 collegiate games at Maine, Montana State, and Arkansas. He even returned kickoffs for part of his sophomore season with the Black Bears, a testament to his athleticism.

The 24-year-old ran a 4.72-second forty-yard dash at his pro day, making him faster than many of the receivers who attended the CFL Combine in Edmonton. Rough player comparisons for Jones include Jevon Cottoy, Kevin Mital, or even a late-career Nik Lewis — punishing blockers who are tough to tackle after the catch.

Jones recently signed an undrafted free-agent NFL contract with the Los Angeles Rams, so there’s no telling when or if he’ll play in the CFL. With that said, he should be a difference-maker with his hometown team if he ever plays north of the border.

1 (9) Saskatchewan Roughriders – DB Malcolm Bell, Michigan State

3DownNation’s No. 8-ranked prospect.

The Montreal native developed into a lockdown cornerback at Connecticut and continued to flourish as a starter for the Spartans in 2025. He has a prototypical frame at six-foot-one and 190 pounds with 33-inch arms, and runs well as he recorded a 4.52-second forty-yard dash at his pro day.

In total, Bell made 143 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 19 pass knockdowns, one sack, and one forced fumble over 46 collegiate games. He will attend rookie mini-camp with the Cleveland Browns but projects as a CFL starter at cornerback.

Bell is a perfect fit for the Roughriders, who lacked depth behind All-CFL cornerback Tevaughn Campbell in 2025. I previously mocked this exact selection for that reason.

2 (10) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (via Ottawa) – TE Dante Daniels, North Carolina State

The Blue Bombers traded up with Ottawa to get this selection, giving up pick No. 13 and a second-round selection in the 2027 CFL Draft.

This, frankly, is a bizarre pick. I don’t understand it.

Daniels spent the past two seasons with the Wolfpack after starting his collegiate career at Butler Community College. Primarily used a blocker, he caught 21 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns over 36 collegiate games.

The six-foot-six, 271-pounder is a big, willing blocker but he tested poorly at his pro day, running a 5.06-second forty-yard dash and leaping only 24.5 inches in the vertical jump — almost a half-foot shorter than every other player at his position in this year’s draft.

Daniels isn’t the best tight end on the board, as Émeric Boutin out of Laval remains available. This is a weird one.

2 (11) Toronto Argonauts – RB Isaiah Smith, Guelph

The native of Burlington, Ont. isn’t the most prolific pure rusher in this year’s draft class but he best-suits what CFL teams generally look for in Canadian running backs: versatility and special teams value.

The six-foot, 230-pound ball-carrier has good size, a low centre of gravity, experience on special teams, and caught 41 passes for 469 yards and two touchdowns over 25 games at Guelph, where he shared the backfield with Donavin Milloy. With players like Jeshrun Antwi and Sean Thomas-Erlington having recently retired, Smith is the type of Canadian running back who could end up having a long career.

With that said, this feels like a second-straight off-the-board selection. The Argonauts never really replaced Daniel Adeboboye after he was traded to Ottawa and Smith fills that need. I just think he would have been available a round or two later.

2 (12) Edmonton Elks – DB Benjamin Sangmuah, UBC

The six-foot-one, 198-pound defender is still relatively new to football, having picked up the sport partway through grade 12. He got a crash course at several positions with the Thunderbirds, starting games at strong-side linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Sangmuah arguably needs to play with more physicality but he’s a special athlete, leaping a ten-foot, ten-inch broad jump at the CFL Combine. He’s a nice positional fit for a team that needed to add a defensive back, considering Tyrell Ford starts at cornerback and safety Royce Metchie is coming off a season-ending injury.

2 (13) Ottawa Redblacks (via Winnipeg) – TE Émeric Boutin, Laval

3DownNation’s No. 16-ranked prospect.

The six-foot-three, 230-pound native of L’Assomption, Que. caught 24 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns over 21 games with the Rouge et Or, earning back-to-back first-team U Sports All-Canadian selections. Boutin solidified his status as a top prospect in this year’s draft with an excellent performance at the CFL Combine, running a 4.69-second forty-yard dash and broad jumping ten feet, five inches.

CFL personnel people have quietly expressed concern for years about the lack of fullback depth across the league and it shouldn’t be long before Boutin becomes one of the top players at the hybrid position. The Vanier Cup champion has been coached by longtime NFL tight end Antony Auclair, which is one of the reasons he’s so polished in some areas.

Boutin will have to get used to playing more special teams than he did at the collegiate level, but that shouldn’t be a problem. From day one, expect him to handle dirty work near the line of scrimmage while occasionally gashing defences with his speed on vertical routes.

This is a nice team fit for a player who has drawn comparisons to Patrick Lavoie.

2 (14) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – REC Malick Meiga, Coastal Carolina

The six-foot-three, 206-pound target posted eye-popping numbers at his pro day, recording a 4.43-second forty-yard dash, 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and a 4.34-second short shuttle. With that said, his athleticism never translated to production during stints at Penn State and Coastal Carolina as he made only 35 receptions for 432 yards and two touchdowns over 51 games.

The Montreal native recently signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted NFL free agent, which means his CFL debut has been put on hold. If and when he eventually reports, Meiga projects as an elite gunner on special teams who will look to continue developing as a receiver.

Assuming he eventually signs with the Tiger-Cats, Meiga is a nice positional fit for a team that needed to add depth behind Canadian starters Kiondré Smith and Kurleigh Gittens Jr.

2 (15) B.C. Lions (via Calgary) – DB Jett Elad, Rutgers

3DownNation’s No. 10-ranked prospect.

The 25-year-old is one of the most pro-ready prospects in this year’s draft following an exceptionally long collegiate career. Elad played 63 games over seven seasons, recording 298 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 26 pass knockdowns, five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one sack over stops at Ohio, Garden City Community College, UNLV, and Rutgers.

The native of Mississauga, Ont. was named an All-Mountain West honourable mention in 2024 and was a three-time finalist for the Jon Cornish Trophy. Though he primarily played safety at the collegiate level, Elad arguably best projects as a CFL strong-side linebacker.

The six-foot, 201-pound defender didn’t test at his pro day due to a nagging injury and underwent surgery recently, per sources, which could keep him out for most of 2026. If he were healthy, it’s likely that Elad would have been a first-round pick.

2 (16) Toronto Argonauts (via B.C.) – DB Ethan John, Windsor

The 24-year-old was promoted from the CFL Invitational Combine to the CFL Combine after impressing in the bench press and short shuttle.

This is another off-the-board pick from the Argonauts. John was a second-team OUA all-star at halfback in 2025, though he lacks size at five-foot-ten and 184 pounds.

One could argue there are better defensive backs still on the board, including McMaster’s Ethan Stuart and Ohio’s Pierre Kemeni.

2 (17) Montreal Alouettes – DB Shakespeare Louis, Southeastern Louisiana

The Ottawa native made 90 total tackles, one tackle for loss, six pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, and one interception over 33 collegiate games at Robert Morris and Southeastern Louisiana.

Louis a solid tackler and has arguably the best name of any of this year’s prospects, but his testing numbers didn’t blow anyone away. As stated above, I’d argue there are better defensive backs still on the board.

2 (18) Saskatchewan Roughriders – REC Dylan Djete, Alabama State

The native of Lévis, Que. was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team while playing at Wofford College in 2022, though he finished his collegiate career at fellow FCS program Alabama State. In total, Djete caught 87 passes for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns over 43 games.

The five-foot-eleven, 184-pound target ran an average 4.60-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine, though the jumps from his pro day were impressive as he recorded a 39.5-inch vertical jump and ten-foot, six-inch broad jump. The Roughriders likely made this pick in part to the recent release of Ajou Ajou, addressing that positional need.

2 (19) Edmonton Elks – DL Wesley Bailey, Louisville

3DownNation’s No. 4-ranked prospect.

The six-foot-five, 260-pound defender recently signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted NFL free agent, which lowered his CFL draft stock. He received a $35,000 signing bonus from the Rams, per source, which is a little above average for an undrafted free agent.

Bailey was a four-year starter at Rutgers and Louisville, recording 110 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, six pass knockdowns, and four fumble recoveries. Pro Football Focus credited him with 29 quarterback hurries in 2025 alone, a testament to his pass-rush ability off the edge.

The Ottawa native was outshone by fellow Canadian and collegiate teammate Rene Konga at Louisville’s pro day, though his testing numbers were still impressive. He recorded a 4.69-second forty-yard dash, 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and a 7.00-second three-cone drill.

This is a great selection for the Elks, who got this pick for free after recording the most Canadian snaps of any team in 2025. If Bailey ever signs, it’s a home run. If he doesn’t, it was worth the risk at this point of the draft.

2 (20) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OL Kevin Cline, Boston College

3DownNation’s No. 7-ranked prospect.

The native of Boca Raton, Fla. qualified for Canadian citizenship through his mother, though his father, Mike, played three seasons along the defensive line with the Ottawa Rough Riders.

The six-foot-six, 316-pound blocker started at right tackle with the Eagles this past season, allowing 22 quarterback pressures and five sacks, per Pro Football Focus. He anchors well in pass protection, though he lacks elite foot speed.

Cline recently signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted NFL free agent, which hurt his draft stock. Regardless, he’s a big-bodied blocker with the potential to be a ratio-breaking CFL tackle, which is relatively rare.

This is a great pick for the Blue Bombers, who needed to make an addition along an aging offensive line. Even if he has to move to guard at the professional level, Cline fits Winnipeg’s run-heavy scheme well.

3 (21) Edmonton Elks (via Ottawa) – REC Carter Kettyle, Alberta

The six-foot, 196-pound target is coming off a career-year with the Golden Bears during which he was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian. In total, Kettyle played 25 games at Alberta and made 101 receptions for 1,696 yards and 17 touchdowns, giving him the most scores of any receiver in this year’s draft.

The native of Grovedale, Alta. ran a middling 4.63-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine, though his ability to attack leverage and start and stop on a dime helps him generate separation from opposing defenders. Kettyle also bears a striking resemblance to a young Eminem.

This is a nice pick for the Elks, who have preached the importance of accruing local talent.

3 (22) Toronto Argonauts – DB Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Montreal

The Montreal native was named an RSEQ all-star at cornerback in 2025 and won the forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine with a time of 4.50 seconds.

Though the six-foot, 202-pound defender might eventually get the chance to play cornerback in the CFL, he’ll have to cut his teeth on special teams early in his career to earn a roster spot. Some scouts feel he has to be more physical.

Based on Toronto’s selections of Ethan John and now Gauthier, you have to wonder if they’re looking to make a ratio change in the secondary.

3 (23) Toronto Argonauts (via Ottawa and Edmonton) – LB Darius McKenzie, South Alabama

3DownNation’s No. 17-ranked prospect.

The Ottawa native was unable to test at the CFL Combine after suffering an ankle injury late in the 2025 season, though he’s expected to be healthy in time for training camp. McKenzie was named an All-Sun Belt honourable mention last year despite the injury.

The six-foot-one, 224-pound defender made 195 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven pass knockdowns, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble over 39 games between Maine and South Alabama. The sure-tackler projects as a core special teams player and possible starter at weak-side or middle linebacker.

This is a really nice value selection for the Argonauts, who needed to add depth to the linebacking corps. I’m surprised McKenzie lasted on the board this long.

3 (24) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – LB Charles-Elliot Bouliane, Montreal

The native of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que. was not only a two-time RSEQ all-star with the Carabins, he was also a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2023 based on his performance on special teams.

Bouliane ran a 4.69-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine at five-foot-eleven and 229 pounds. He’s the perfect replacement for Shayne Gauthier, who had a 10-year career with the Blue Bombers as a special teams player and rotational defender.

3 (25) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DB Devynn Cromwell, Michigan State

3DownNation’s No. 20-ranked prospect.

The Toronto native might be the most divisive prospect in this year’s draft.

On one hand, Cromwell was a dominant halfback at Guelph in 2021, earning a second-team U Sports All-Canadian selection. He’s also a freak athlete, recording 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a 40.5-inch vertical jump, and eleven-foot, three-inch broad jump at his pro day.

On the other hand, Cromwell made only three starts after transferring to the NCAA Division I ranks with stops at Texas Tech and Michigan State. He’s also hurt, having suffered a meniscus injury in March that will force him to miss at least the first portion of the 2026 season.

I like this boom-or-bust pick for the Tiger-Cats. Once he’s healthy, it’ll be interesting to see where Cromwell lands on the depth chart.

3 (26) Calgary Stampeders – REC Jesulayomi Ojutalayo, Wilfrid Laurier

3DownNation’s No. 21-ranked prospect.

The native of Shelburne, Ont. will never be an elite receiver but he’s a perfect fit for CFL teams as an impressive athlete with strong size and special teams ability. Ojutalayo was credited with 37 total tackles with the Golden Hawks, which is 18 more than the next-best prospect in this receiver class.

The six-foot-two, 217-pound target wasn’t totally unproductive at Laurier, notching 66 catches for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns over 32 games. Regardless, he’s expected to be a top special teams player who has the potential to compete on offence either as an interior blocking slotback or a field-side wideout capable of outrunning and outmuscling opposing defensive backs.

3 (27) Calgary Stampeders (via B.C.) – DL Tristan Marois, Colorado

The six-foot-five, 249-pound defender played little defence over three seasons with the Buffaloes, though that didn’t necessarily hurt his draft stock as he projects as a top CFL special teamer.

The native of Saint-Bruno, Que. tested well at the CFL Combine and his combination of size and athleticism will make him a mismatch for opponents on special teams. Between Ojutalayo and Marois, the Stampeders have made two impressive special teams adds.

3 (28) Montreal Alouettes – REC Nathan Udoh, Manitoba

The Winnipeg native didn’t record elite production in a run-heavy Bisons offence, though he showed solid size and athleticism at the CFL Combine, leaping a 35-inch vertical jump and ten-foot broad jump at six-foot-one and 215 pounds.

If Udoh can earn a roster spot on special teams, he’ll get time to develop as a receiver. I’m not convinced he was the best available receiver, but he’s a nice positional fit for a team that had to add depth behind Tyson Philpot.

3 (29) Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Darius Bell, East Carolina

3DownNation’s No. 24-ranked prospect.

The six-foot-three, 300-pound native of Hamilton, Ont. was a four-year collegiate starter, playing right guard and left tackle at Maine before moving to left guard and centre at East Carolina. Though he can contribute at several positions, Bell told 3DownNation at the CFL Combine that he feels most comfortable at centre.

The affable blocker comes from an athletic family as his father, Curtis, played receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Toronto Argonauts, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His sister, Cree, was a collegiate sprinter, while brother, Tiki, plays defensive tackle at Utah State.

Some scouts believe Bell needs to improve his anchor in pass blocking, though he’s pro-ready. He is close friends with fellow Hamilton native Michael Chris-Ike, who plays fullback for the Blue Bombers.

This is a great value addition for the Roughriders at this point in the draft. Bell is pro-ready and addresses a depth need.

4 (30) Toronto Argonauts (via Ottawa) – REC Nolan Ulm, Eastern Washington

3DownNation’s No. 25-ranked prospect.

The native of Kelowna, B.C. played a whopping 57 collegiate games for the Eagles and made 117 catches for 1,330 yards and 11 touchdowns. His best season came in 2023 when he made 45 receptions for 564 yards and four scores, though he suffered a high ankle sprain early the following year that limited him to four games and his productivity never fully recovered.

Ulm tested moderately at his pro day, running a 4.71-second forty-yard dash. He’ll never be the most explosive athlete on the field but he’s a high-character player whose skills are relatively polished, making him the perfect depth addition for just about any CFL team.

The Argonauts lacked depth behind Canadian starters Kevin Mital and Dave Ungerer III. Ulm is the perfect player to fill that need.

4 (31) Ottawa Redblacks (via Toronto) – DL Charlie Parks, Saskatchewan

The Regina native had a brilliant final season with the Huskies, earning a first-team U Sports All-Canadian selection and the Canada West nomination for the J.P. Metras Trophy.

The six-foot-four, 232-pound defender was the standout defensive lineman in the one-on-ones at the CFL Combine, showing impressive bend around the edge. It’s unclear if he’ll ever develop into a starter at the professional level, but he should bring pass-rush upside while contributing heavily on special teams.

4 (32) Edmonton Elks – OL Spencer Walsh, Wilfrid Laurier

3DownNation’s No. 18-ranked prospect.

The six-foot-three, 290-pound blocker projects as a likely starter in the CFL, though his draft stock was marred by a torn ACL he suffered last year. If he plays at all in 2026, it likely won’t be until the fall.

Walsh was a second-team OUA all-star at tackle in 2025 and showed good movement skills with the Golden Hawks. He’ll likely have to move inside to guard at the CFL level but that shouldn’t be a problem based on his ability to play with physicality and finish blocks.

The Elks are loaded along the offensive line, so they can afford to wait for Walsh to get healthy. I really like this pick.

4 (33) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DB Ethan Stuart, McMaster

3DownNation’s No. 22-ranked prospect.

The native of Oakville, Ont. was arguably the biggest riser from this year’s CFL Combine, impressing in the one-on-ones and finishing among the top performers in the three-cone drill and short shuttle.

Stuart played halfback with the Marauders but could potentially play several positions in the CFL, including weak-side linebacker, strong-side linebacker, and safety. The six-foot, 223-pound defender can flip his hips on a dime and plays with a physical edge.

This is an excellent pick for the Blue Bombers, who have passed on too many good safety prospects in recent years.

4 (34) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – OL Brayden Szeman, Calgary

The native of Vernon, B.C. made 32 starts for the Dinos at centre and his best asset is his ultra-quick first step. The six-foot-one, 302-pound blocker tested respectably at the CFL Combine and makes good use of his hands on opposing defenders.

After taking Jonathan Denis in the first round, the Tiger-Cats appear to be loading up on interior offensive linemen.

4 (35) Edmonton Elks (via Ottawa and Calgary) – LB Justin Pace, Queen’s

The six-foot, 218-pound defender is one of the most physical players in the draft, having been suspended one game for a headshot against Waterloo quarterback Nick Orr in 2025. Though he’s not an elite athlete, Pace exactly the type of player CFL teams covet on special teams.

The Montreal native plays with reckless abandon and disregard for anything except making hits and finishing tackles. Pace was a three-time OUA all-star with the Gaels and a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2024.

4 (36) B.C. Lions – DB Pierre Kemeni, Ohio

The native of Milton, Ont. played six collegiate seasons over stints at Ohio, Texas State, Garden City Community College, and New Mexico but never earned a full-time starting role on defence. This might seem like a red flag but it’s hard to overlook Kemeni’s measurables.

The six-foot-two, 214-pound defender tested well at the CFL Combine and has 34.5-inch arms, which are extraordinarly long for a defensive back. If he’s able to take advantage of his tools, Kemeni could be a standout special teams player in the CFL capable of filling a depth role at multiple positions on defence.

4 (37) Montreal Alouettes – RB Liam Talbot, Windsor

The native of London, Ont. shared the backfield with fellow draft prospect Weagbe Mombo at Windsor, though he was also a prolific returner with 1,152 yards and one touchdown over 29 collegiate games.

Talbot ran an impressive 4.51-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Invitational Combine, which garnered him entry to the CFL Combine. He wasn’t a consistent starter with the Lancers but CFL teams shouldn’t put much stock into that as he projects as a depth player and special teamer at the professional level.

4 (38) Saskatchewan Roughriders – LB Osasare Odemwingie, Calgary

The six-foot, 220-pound defender was a highly-productive player for the Dinos, making 163 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, four sacks, four pass knockdowns, and two fumble recoveries over 31 games.

Though he tested well in the bench press, Odemwingie’s stock fell at the CFL Combine where he ran a 4.96-second forty-yard dash. Once projected as a possible starter in the CFL, the Calgary native will likely be limited to special teams based on his athletic testing.

Evidently, the Roughriders didn’t much care about Odemwingie’s lacklustre testing numbers. By taking him in the fourth round, they clearly love his tape.

5 (39) Ottawa Redblacks – OL Alassane Diouf, Montreal

The three-time first-team U Sports All-Canadian was unable to participate at the CFL Combine due to a hamstring injury, though he’s expected to be healthy in time for training camp. He’s got powerful hands and makes the most of first contact with opposing defenders.

A four-year starter with the Carabins, Diouf has the shortest wingspan of any of the offensive linemen who attended the CFL Combine and measured in just shy of six-foot-two. Though the tape matters more than measurements, some teams may view Diouf as being better-suited to centre than guard.

5 (40) Toronto Argonauts – OL Frank Vreugdenhil, McMaster

The native of Belleville, Ont. previously participated in track and field at the University of Toronto and had a stint with the Hamilton Hurricanes of the CJFL. The six-foot-three, 321-pound blocker started the last two seasons for the Marauders at left tackle, but projects as a bull-strong CFL guard.

5 (41) Ottawa Redblacks (via Edmonton) – LB Benjamin Dobson, Calgary

The native of Cochrane, Alta. is a sure tackler who made 92.5 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles, seven pass knockdowns, three fumble recoveries, and 1.5 sacks over 26 games with the Dinos. At six-foot and 207 pounds, Dobson projects as a pure special teamer in the CFL.

5 (42) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – LB Brody Clark, York

The native of Delta, B.C. missed most of 2025 due to injury but was a second-team OUA all-star in 2024 at strong-side linebacker. Should he manage to stay healthy at the professional level, Clark could be a difference-maker on special teams for years to come.

5 (43) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – LB Loik Gagné, Concordia

The six-foot, 214-pound native of Montreal established himself as a special teams ace with the Stingers, which is the same role he’s being drafted to play in the CFL.

The one-time RSEQ all-star recorded 17 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and ran a 4.57-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine. He’s got the athleticism, experience, and physicality to be a day-one contributor on all four special teams units.

5 (44) Calgary Stampeders – REC Matt Sibley, Calgary

The five-foot-eleven, 189-pound target advanced from the CFL Invitational Combine to the CFL Combine and impressed at both events, showing sticky hands and impressive shiftiness in his route-running.

Though he’s not an elite tester and lacks a prototypical frame, Sibley recorded 1,000 receiving yards and 1,000 return yards with the Dinos, making him one of the most productive receivers in this year’s draft class.

5 (45) B.C. Lions – REC Nick Cenacle, Hawaii

3DownNation’s No. 23-ranked prospect.

The Montreal native was once the No. 4-ranked prospect in this year’s draft class but his stock fell after an injury-plagued senior season and a disappointing 4.79-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine.

With that said, it’s hard to ignore Cenacle’s production. The six-foot-one, 199-pound target caught 122 passes for 1,295 yards and nine touchdowns over 44 collegiate games with the Rainbow Warriors, including 63 receptions for 721 yards and six scores in 2024 alone, which didn’t happen by accident.

At this point of the draft, Cenacle feels like a steal. B.C.’s receiver depth, which has been poor in recent years, feels fixed with Nate DeMontagnac and Cenacle joining the team.

5 (46) Montreal Alouettes – DB Harrison Daley, Windsor

The native of Burlington, Ont. was a second-team OUA all-star in 2025 at safety, though he projects mostly as a CFL special teams player. Between his six-foot-three, 218-pound frame and proclivity for delivering punishing hits, a reasonble comparison for Daley is longtime Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Jayden Dalke.

5 (47) Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Jez Janvier, Southern Mississippi

The Montreal native started his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan, spending the 2023 season as a depth defensive lineman. He moved back to the offensive line in 2024 and had his best year with the Eagles, making five starts at right guard.

The six-foot-five, 313-pound blocker didn’t see the field much after transferring to Southern Mississippi in 2025 but has some impressive measurables. Janvier ran a 5.31-second forty-yard dash, leapt a nine-foot, four-inch broad jump at his pro day, and has 34.5-inch arms, helping him with his punch on opposing pass rushers.

Though he may never develop into a starter, some teams believe Janvier is a worthwhile project at offensive tackle. Only time will tell if he fulfills that potential in Riderville.

6 (48) Ottawa Redblacks – DL Rene Konga, Louisville

3DownNation’s No. 2-ranked prospect.

Earlier this offseason, some scouts believed we might see Konga in the CFL as early as 2028 depending on his level of NFL interest. This projection changed when he posted eye-popping testing numbers at his pro day in mid-March.

The six-foot-four, 298-pound defender recorded a 4.79-second forty-yard dash, 37-inch vertical jump, and 7.03-second three-cone drill, all of which are considered elite results even by NFL standards. He ended up signing with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted NFL free agent, receiving nearly $300,000 in guaranteed money.

The Ottawa native recorded 63 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, eight pass knockdowns, and one interception over 44 collegiate games at Louisville and Pro Football Focus credited him with 67 pressures on 680 collegiate pass-rushing snaps.

If we ever see Konga in the CFL, it seems safe to project it won’t be for a few years. With that said, this feels like really good value this late in the draft.

6 (49) Toronto Argonauts – REC Tyriq Quayson, Windsor

The six-foot-one, 197-pound dual-sport athlete ran an impressive 4.54-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Invitational Combine, which makes sense considering his background in track. The native of Vaughan, Ont. wasn’t overly productive in the OUA, however, starting his collegiate career at Wilfrid Laurier before transferring to Windsor.

6 (50) Edmonton Elks – OL Chris Pashula, Calgary

The six-foot-four, 314-pound blocker advanced to the CFL Combine from the CFL Invitational Combine, where he recorded 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Pasula made 19 starts at left guard with the Dinos.

6 (51) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – REC Ben Britton, Calgary

The six-foot-three, 220-pound target was named a Canada West all-star for the Dinos in 2024 after posting 42 receptions for 661 yards, though stepped away from the team last season. He has since indicated that he would like to return to the sport and the Blue Bombers evidently believe he’s worth a sixth-round flier.

6 (52) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – LB Marc Rondeau, Ottawa

The Quebec City native saw his stock rise at the CFL Combine after he ran a 4.59-second forty-yard dash and leapt an exceptional ten-foot, eleven-inch broad jump. Undersized at six-foot and 196 pounds, Rondeau will have to make his living in the CFL on special teams after filling a hybrid role with the Gee-Gees.

6 (53) Calgary Stampeders – OL Mitchel Schechinger, Guelph

The three-time OUA all-star and one-time second-team U Sports All-Canadian played guard with the Gryphons but projects as a CFL centre. Schechinger has a wrestling background, which is evident in the way he grapples using upper-body torque.

6 (54) B.C. Lions – OL Ethan Graham, Regina

The six-foot-five, 316-pound blocker was a two-year starter at left tackle with the Rams, though he’ll likely move inside to guard at the CFL level.

The Regina native was named a Canada West all-star in 2025. He’ll have to show more nastiness to have success along the interior of the offensive line but has all the physical tools needed to excel at the professional level.

6 (55) Montreal Alouettes – K Michael Horvat, McMaster

The native of Hamilton, Ont. made 82.4 percent of his career field goal attempts, but is an even better punter, averaging 46.1 gross yards and over four seconds of hang time. He earned six OUA all-star selections and three All-Canadian nods with the Marauders.

6 (56) Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Albert Reese IV, Mississippi State

3DownNation’s No. 6-ranked prospect.

The Edmonton native played 48 games and made 21 starts over five collegiate seasons with the Bulldogs, playing almost exclusively right tackle.

The six-foot-seven, 330-pound blocker posted solid testing numbers at his pro day in March, completing 29 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and running a 5.20-second forty-yard dash. His arms also measured nearly 35 inches, which certainly raised his stock among NFL teams as length is highly-coveted at the tackle position.

Reese IV signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted NFL free agent, which lowered his CFL stock. If he ever plays up north, it likely won’t happen for at least a season or two.

At this stage of the draft, this seems like great value for Reese IV. It’s low-risk, high-reward.

7 (57) Toronto Argonauts (via Ottawa) – K Nathan Walker, York

The six-foot-four, 210-pound punter was a second-team OUA all-star in 2025 after averaging 45.0 yards per punt with the Lions. He participated in the CFL’s recent specialist showcase in California.

7 (58) Edmonton Elks (via Toronto) – QB Éloa Latendresse-Régimbald, McGill

The Montreal native is one of the most prolific dual-threat quarterbacks in the history of U Sports football, having thrown for 7,230 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, and rushed for 2,622 yards and 31 scores with the Redbirds.

Latendresse-Régimbald was named the MVP in Division 1 CEGEP in 2021 and the Most Outstanding Rookie in U Sports in 2022. Though he never developed into an elite passer, he dominated opposing teams with his ability to make plays with his feet. The six-foot-three, 213-pounder demonstrated his athleticism at the CFL Combine, where he recorded a 4.62-second forty-yard dash, 7.00-second three-cone drill, and ten-foot, eleven-inch broad jump.

The McGill product is open to a position change at the professional level and didn’t look out of place running routes in Edmonton. Whether it’s as a short-yardage quarterback, receiver, or safety, Latendresse-Régimbald could have a long CFL career. He already has a professional training camp under his belt, having attended with the Montreal Alouettes in 2025 as part of the CFL quarterback internship program.

7 (59) Edmonton Elks – OL Matthew Ljuden, Alberta

The five-foot-eleven, 304-pound blocker is undersized but was a second-team U Sports All-Canadian with the Golden Bears and tested relatively well at the CFL Invitational Combine.

7 (60) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – REC Joshua Jack, Saint Mary’s

The six-foot, 200-pound target caught 47 passes for 768 yards and three touchdowns with the Huskies and has the ability to win contested catches. The native of Brampton, Ont. is the younger brother of Archelaus Jack, who was a member of the practice roster with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016.

After zero players were drafted out of the AUS Conference last year, Jack has officially ended that trend here.

7 (61) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DL Aamarii Notice, Coastal Carolina

The Toronto native has good tape that shows impressive strength and motor, though his relatively poor testing numbers lowered his draft stock. After being the No. 16-ranked prospect on the winter scouting bureau rankings, he dropped off the top 20 in the spring and ended up in the seventh round.

The six-foot-four, 284-pound defender was productive over 47 collegiate games at Idaho and Coastal Carolina, making 78 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, though he might be better suited to the run-heavy four-down game than the pass-heavy three-down game.

7 (62) Calgary Stampeders – DL Stephen Kpehe, Queen’s

The native of London, Ont. advanced from the CFL Invitational Combine to the CFL Combine after posting solid testing numbers. With only three career sacks in 26 collegiate games with the Gaels, Kpehe will have to make a living in the CFL on special teams.

7 (63) B.C. Lions – LB Chase Henning, UBC

The native of Salmon Arm, B.C. was a second-team All-Canadian as a special teams player in 2024 and has the proven straight-line speed to get down the field on kickoff and punt teams.

7 (64) Montreal Alouettes – DB Cyrus McGarrell, Northern Illinois

The native of Windsor, Ont. was mostly a backup with the Huskies, finishing his collegiate career with 31 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, two pass knockdowns, and one fumble recovery over 31 games.

McGarrell has plenty of special teams experience, making him a good value selection here in the seventh round. At six-foot-one and 201 pounds, he’s got the size and athleticism to hash out a nice CFL career as a core special teamer.

7 (65) Saskatchewan Roughriders – REC Shemar McBean, UBC

The five-foot-ten, 195-pound target caught 158 passes for 2,477 yards and 13 touchdowns over 41 games with the Thunderbirds, making him the most productive receiver in this year’s draft. He posted mediocre testing numbers at the CFL Combine, however, raising questions about how his game will translate to the professional level and leading to a draft-day fall.

The native of Calgary, Alta. was named a Canada West all-star in 2025, arguably making this a steal for the Roughriders. McBean is elusive with the ball in his hands and could bring value as a return specialist.

8 (66) Ottawa Redblacks – LB Josh Connors, Wilfrid Laurier

The native of Scarborough, Ont. was named an AUS all-star in 2023 while playing at St. FX and sat out in 2024 in order to transfer to the Golden Hawks. Connors missed time due to a hand injury in 2025 but has been a standout on special teams.

8 (67) Toronto Argonauts – RB Weagbe Mombo, Windsor

The five-foot-eleven, 215-pound ball-carrier rushed for 1,274 yards and five touchdowns over 23 games at Windsor, where he also participated on the track team. Mombo is an upright runner with patience at the point of attack, though he’ll probably have to stay between the tackles more frequently in the CFL than he did in U Sports, where he liked to bounce zone carries out wide.

The Toronto native was a second-team OUA all-star this past season. He made only 15 catches at the collegiate level, which is fewer than any of the other top running backs available this year.

8 (68) Toronto Argonauts (via Edmonton) – FB Sebastian Parsalidis, Wilfrid Laurier

The Toronto native was a three-time OUA all-star who garnered a reputation for decleating opposing defenders with crushing blocks out of the backfield. He was also a top special teams player for the Golden Hawks, making nine tackles, three forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks.

Parsalidis is a little undersized at five-foot-nine and 224 pounds but packs a mean punch. He’s the epitome of, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

8 (69) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – K Brady Lidster, Windsor

The native of St. Thomas, Ont. was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2025 after connecting on 81.8 percent of his field goal attempts. He also has range, having made a 55-yard game-winner in 2024.

8 (70) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DL Kyler Laing, Mercyhurst

The native of Tallahassee, Fla. qualified for Canadian citizenship through his father, Trace, who was raised in Mississauga, Ont. and played for the Argonauts in 1994. Though listed as a defensive end, Laing has the frame of a CFL linebacker and projects as a pure special teams player. His brother, Trey, was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last year.

8 (71) Calgary Stampeders – OL Jack Warrack, Saskatchewan

The native of Strathmore, Alta. was a four-year starter for the Huskies at tackle, even being named the Canada West Most Outstanding Rookie in 2022 as a true freshman. The six-foot-five, 292-pound blocker has a prototypical frame but tested poorly at the CFL Combine.

Warrack dominated in U Sports but there are questions about how well his game will translate to the professional level, leading to his draft-day fall.

8 (72) B.C. Lions – DL Ebenezer Dibula, Kennesaw State

The six-foot-one, 278-pound defender tested relatively well at the CFL Combine and has impressive range for an interior defender. Though he doesn’t project as a CFL starter, Dibula is an active defender who seems worth developing — particularly in a relatively weak defensive tackle class.

8 (73) Montreal Alouettes – REC Zachary Houde, St. FX

The six-foot-one, 205-pound slotback is a three-time AUS all-star who averaged 80.3 yards per game and 17.8 yards per catch during his time with the X-Men.

8 (74) Saskatchewan Roughriders – TE Ryan Speight, Wilfrid Laurier

The six-foot-two, 227-pounder likely won’t be ready for the start of the 2026 season as he works back from a torn ACL, though he made 27 total tackles during his time with the Golden Hawks.

Notable players who went unselected in the 2026 CFL Draft include Georgia State quarterback Christian Veilleux, Ottawa running back Charles Asselin, Western fullback Jérôme Rancourt, Boston College offensive lineman Logan Taylor, Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, and Louisiana defensive back Trae Tomlinson.