April is finally here, which means the CFL draft is drawing near.
3DownNation will be publishing daily draft content until April 30, courtesy of resident draft nerds Justin Dunk, J.C. Abbott, and myself.
The three of us recently worked together to rank the draft’s top 25 prospects. The conference call took several hours, but we finally produced a list that reflected our collective analysis.
It should be noted that these rankings are based on talent alone. Though we’ve acknowledged drug infractions and injury concerns below, we wanted to rank players purely based on skill.
Enjoy our rankings and check back soon for more draft coverage throughout the month of April.
1) REC Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
The native of Abbotsford, B.C. is projected by Mel Kiper to be a first-round NFL draft pick after a stellar showing at the NFL combine. It’s possible that the six-foot-four, 238-pound target will go unselected in this year’s CFL draft because the chances of him playing north of the border are virtually nonexistent.
2) DL Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
The six-foot-two, 304-pound defensive tackle posted eye-popping numbers at the NFL combine, including a 4.79-second 40-yard dash. The Ottawa native is projected to be a day-two selection in the NFL draft following a stellar career with the Sooners, which means his CFL draft stock should plummet.
3) LB Jordan Williams, East Carolina
Williams was almost signed to the Ottawa Redblacks’ practice roster as an American in 2019 before the club realized he was eligible for national status through parental citizenship. He hasn’t played since 2017, but the three-year starter is an athletic freak who would be in the NFL if it weren’t for his lack of height at five-foot-eleven.
4) OL Carter O’Donnell, Alberta
The six-foot-five, 305-pound blocker played exceptionally well at the East-West Shrine Game, drawing the attention of NFL scouts. It’s possible he’ll be selected first overall if the NFL doesn’t pan out, but there are many who believe the native of Red Deer, Alta. will sign a contract down south.
5) DL Michael Hoecht, Brown
The Oakville, Ont. native is the complete package, possessing the size, skill, athleticism, and smarts to be successful at the pro level. Scouts like his film with the Bears and his freakish testing numbers have virtually guaranteed that he’ll be a top-five selection on draft day.
6) DB Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Montreal
There’s a chance Dequoy will get a look from the NFL following his outstanding pro day, but the Ile Bizard, Que. native projects as a high-calibre CFL defensive back. Capable of slotting in at strong-side linebacker, field-side cornerback, safety, and on special teams, the six-foot-two cover man is one of the most versatile defenders in the draft.
7) DL Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, Southeastern Louisiana
The pass-rushing ability of this six-foot-two, 243-pound defensive end is reason enough to select him with an early pick. It’s his work on special teams, however, that sets this native of Dartmouth, N.S. apart, making him a sure-fire first-round selection.
8) QB Nathan Rourke, Ohio
Dual-threat quarterbacks are always highly-sought after in the CFL, which is why the native of Oakville, Ont. should overcome the stigma regarding Canadian quarterbacks. The three-year starter put up 7,457 yards and 60 touchdowns in 39 games with the Bobcats while rushing for 2,634 yards and 49 scores.
9) DL Mason Bennett, North Dakota
This native of Winnipeg is the draft’s most prototypical pass rusher, possessing an elite six-foot-four, 258-pound frame. Bennett recently finished his career second all-time in Fighting Hawks history with 20 sacks, success that should translate well to the Canadian game.
10) OL Tomas Jack-Kurdyla, Buffalo
This Montreal native was a four-year starter on a very good Bulls offensive line that paved the way for a run-heavy offensive attack. He’s a little small for the NFL, but his six-foot-three, 300-pound frame is perfectly-suited to the more open Canadian game.
11) LB/DB Adam Auclair, Laval
The younger brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ tight end Antony Auclair is one of this year’s most versatile defenders, capable of rushing the passer, playing in the box or dropping back into pass coverage.
12) REC Dejon Brissett, Virginia
The six-foot-one, 195-pound target has fought injuries over the past two years, but his production from Richmond as a receiver and return specialist is too much to overlook.
13) OL Chris Gangarossa, Wagner
The six-foot-six, 305-pounder is one of this year’s most versatile blockers, having played four different positions during his time with the Seahawks.
14) DL Sam Acheampong, Wilfrid Laurier
This native of Brampton, Ont. is a lean specimen at six-foot-four and 275 pounds who has experience at both defensive tackle and defensive end.
15) LB Jack Cassar, Carleton
There aren’t many linebackers who measure in at six-foot-four and 235 pounds, but Cassar brings size along with the ability to tackle and get after the passer.
16) REC Trivel Pinto, UBC
There are ongoing concerns regarding Pinto’s positive drug test from last year, but the receiver and return specialist deserves to be ranked highly based on his talent alone.
17) DL Cameron Lawson, Queen’s
The interior defender dropped to 280 pounds for the 2019 season, which provided him with increased mobility as a run stopper and pass rusher.
18) LB Bailey Feltmate, Acadia
Our top Atlantic University Conference prospect is this native of Moncton, N.B. who posted 203 tackles over four seasons as a starter with the Axemen.
19) OL Dylan Giffen, Western
This Strathroy, Ont. native doesn’t move well enough to continue playing left tackle in the CFL, but his six-foot-eight, 335-pound frame could make him a force at guard.
20) DB Stavros Katsantonis, UBC
He had his draft year deferred from 2019 due to a doping violation, but his jaw-dropping production with the Thunderbirds is impossible to ignore with 205 tackles and 18 interceptions in 43 games.
21) OL Kétel Assé, Laval
The six-foot-six, 308-pound blocker tested well at his pro day, though there are questions about whether the two-time U Sports first-team All-Canadian will be able to play guard at the CFL level.
22) REC Brendan O’Leary-Orange, Nevada
He hasn’t produced much since his sophomore year due to injuries, but this native of Toronto has the frame (six-foot-four, 210 pounds) and athleticism to make an impact in the CFL.
23) DB Noah Hallett, McMaster
The younger brother of Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defensive back Nick Hallett will be an impact player on special teams from day one.
24) REC Tyler Ternowski, Waterloo
This speedy Hamilton native posted elite production with the Warriors, making 169 catches for 3,068 yards and 26 scores.
25) OL Andrew Becker, Regina
The Kelowna, B.C. native is the draft’s most athletic blocker who brings versatility with experience at left guard, centre, and right guard.
