The CFL Draft is famous for being chock-full of offensive linemen and the 2021 edition is no exception.
Every team in the league starts at least three national blockers up front with some starting four or even five. Though some of the players listed below will end up in the NFL — more on that in a moment — many will start in the CFL for years to come.
Without further ado, here is our ranking of the top offensive linemen available in the 2021 CFL Draft.
1. Alaric Jackson, Iowa Hawkeyes (Windsor, Ont.)
A four-year starter for the Hawkeyes at left tackle, Jackson spent three seasons playing opposite 2020 NFL Draft first-round pick Tristan Wirfs. Average testing numbers and a mediocre Senior Bowl have lowered his draft stock, but he should still be selected on the final day of the NFL Draft.
Jackson was moved to guard at the Senior Bowl and will probably play there in the NFL, though many believe he could start at tackle in the CFL without issue. He’s well-built, packs a solid punch and moves well.
2. Pier-Olivier Lestage, Montreal Carabins (Saint-Eustache, Que.)
The six-foot-three, 305-pounder moves very well for his size, consistently reaching the second level with ease. He routinely dominated his opposition at the U Sports level and is being considered a late riser in NFL circles due to his remarkable body composition and strong athleticism.
Lestage is unlikely to be drafted by an NFL team but could sign with one as an undrafted free agent to play guard or centre. He took part in the 2021 East-West Shrine Bowl, which helped provide the exposure that U Sports players desperately need south of the border.
3. Liam Dobson, Texas State Bobcats (Ottawa, Ont.)
Dobson was converted from defensive tackle to the offensive line in his final year of high school at Canada Prep Academy. Though he’s been on the offensive side of the ball for many years now, he still plays the game with the mentality of a defensive player.
The Ottawa native has remarkable athleticism for his six-foot-three, 340-pound frame as he’s capable of dunking a basketball. He plays right until the whistle — and sometimes a little bit after it — which is exactly what many teams covet in their blockers.
Dobson recently transferred from Maine to Texas State where he will play in 2021 before turning pro.
4. Sage Doxtater, New Mexico State Aggies (Oneida Settlement, Ont.)
Doxtater was originally a member of the 2020 CFL Draft class before receiving a medical redshirt due to a nagging shoulder injury. He’s the biggest offensive lineman in this year’s class at six-foot-seven and 350 pounds, which is remarkable considering he’s been a vegetarian since childhood.
A four-year starter at left tackle with the Aggies, Doxtater plans to return to college for the 2021 season before turning pro. He’ll need to shed some weight to play the Canadian game and is viewed as a potential starter at tackle if he’s able to do so.
5. Logan Bandy, Calgary Dinos (Calgary, Alta.)
The two-time U Sports Second-Team All-Canadian grew up a Stampeders season ticket holder attending games at McMahon Stadium. He played the 2019 season at 285 pounds but has built his frame to a lean 295, which is the type of growth scouts wanted to see.
Bandy participated in the 2021 East-West Shrine Bowl at the request of American scouts, which proves how high his potential is. Consistent in pass protection, Bandy projects as a CFL guard who may be able to start at tackle in a pinch.
6. Bryce Bell, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks (Waterloo, Ont.)
The six-foot-three, 305-pound blocker played right tackle on a Golden Hawks’ offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the OUA. He’ll move inside to play guard at the professional and has been identified as a sleeper by some scouts.
7. Connor Berglof, Saskatchewan Huskies (Saskatoon, Sask.)
The 2019 U Sports First-Team All-Canadian was a key part of an offensive line that opened massive holes for star running back Adam Machart. Berglof has experience at centre and guard and some scouts believe he’s better than 2020 first-round pick and former Huskies teammate Mattland Riley.
8. Christopher Fournier, Lehigh Mountain Hawks (Ottawa, Ont.)
Fournier is currently in the process of transferring to a Division I school for his final year of college football and has received offers from Toledo and UConn. He played left tackle at Lehigh but also has experience at centre, which shows some impressive versatility.
9. Peter Nicastro, Calgary Dinos (Calgary, Alta.)
The 2019 Canada West all-star moves smoothly and bends well as an interior blocker. Nicastro lacks elite size at six-foot-two and 306 pounds but makes up for it with quickness in space. He’s started games at guard and centre, which makes him an excellent candidate to become a team’s sixth offensive lineman.
10. Tyler Packer, Calgary Dinos (Calgary, Alta.)
The six-foot-six blocker played the 2019 season at 340 pounds but now weighs in at 302. He was named the Canada West Rookie of the Year in 2017 at tackle, though he’ll likely move to guard at the professional level. He anchors well and scouts are interested to see what he can do with his improved mobility.
11. Matthew Derks, Delaware State Hornets (Brantford, Ont.)
Thick-built blocker who was a part-time starter with the Hornets at guard. Shows nice power in the run game but I’m not sure he moves well enough to be productive at the professional level.
12. Patrick Davis, Syracuse (Gatineau, Que.)
Six-foot-five, 310-pound blocker who was a three-time CEGEP Divison I all-star. Davis did not start a game throughout his college career despite Syracuse having arguably the worst offensive line in Division I football.
13. Carter Comeau, Calgary Dinos (Calgary, Alta.)
A mauler who lacks technique and instead relies on sheer size and strength to make plays. Needs to shed weight from his six-foot-six, 364-pound frame to be taken seriously at the professional level.
Other 2021 CFL Draft positional rankings:
