The 2022 CFL Draft has finished and I’ve analyzed every pick.
I’ve graded each pick in the draft in the past, but this year I’m looking to do something a little bit different. I’ll still share my thoughts regarding selections that I feel are particularly strong or weak, but I’m going to focus more on describing prospects rather than assigning a grade. If you miss the grades, let me know — I can always bring them back next year.
If you’re new to the CFL draft, click here for my answers to a bunch of frequently asked questions about the most fun (and unique) draft in sports.
This year’s two top-ranked prospects were selected in the 2022 NFL Draft with receiver John Metchie III going to the Houston Texans in the second round and linebacker Jesse Luketa going to the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round. Given that neither player may ever come to the CFL, both are expected to fall far down the draft board.
3DownNation has already ranked each positional group using insight, analysis and sourcing from JC Abbott, Justin Dunk, and myself. You can find them 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, which you can find by clicking here.
Editor’s note: this page does not automatically refresh; please refresh your browser intermittently to see the latest analysis.
1 (1) Montreal Alouettes (via Edmonton) — LB Tyrell Richards, Syracuse
3DownNation’s No. 3-ranked prospect.
A versatile six-foot-four, 232-pound defender with the potential to contribute at defensive end, linebacker, safety and on special teams. Made 55 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, one knockdown, and one forced fumble over 23 games with the Orange primarily as an edge rusher.
Richards is arguably the most explosive athlete in the draft, particularly when his size is taken into consideration. Looked like a man among boys at the CFL Combine at times. A perfect fit for an Alouettes team that really needed to add depth behind starting weak-side linebacker Chris Ackie.
1 (2) Ottawa Redblacks — OL Zack Pelehos, Ottawa
3DownNation’s No. 10-ranked prospect.
A raw, punishing blocker whose size and athleticism makes him the most intriguing offensive line prospect in this draft. Was deemed academically ineligible for the 2019 season but returned in 2021 to be named a first-team OUA all-star and the Gee-Gees’ team MVP.
Pelehos has the attitude, strength, and mobility — he just needs to hone his technique. An affable person off the field who loves to hit people on the field. Should move to guard at the professional level after playing right tackle in U Sports.
This pick is a surprise for me. I think there’s a realistic chance that Pelehos would have been available in the second round where the Redblacks hold the No. 11 overall selection. This pick may set off a run on offensive linemen that we otherwise wouldn’t have seen until the second round.
1 (3) B.C. Lions — DL Nathan Cherry, Saskatchewan
3DownNation’s No. 15-ranked prospect.
High-motor defender who was named a U Sports first-team All-Canadian in 2021. Has bulked up to 270 pounds, which should allow him to be an every-down player along the interior of the defensive line. Made eight tackles for loss and six sacks this past season, helping the Huskies reach the Vanier Cup.
B.C. has needed to get better along the line of scrimmage for a number of years now but this pick surprises me.
3DownNation had Western defensive lineman Deionte Knight ranked ahead of Cherry, though Cherry tested better than Knight at the CFL Combine. Evidently, the Lions aren’t afraid of the tendency for many Saskatchewan-born players to eventually end up signing with the Roughriders in free agency.
1 (4) Edmonton Elks (via Montreal) — DB Enock Makonzo, Coastal Carolina
3DownNation’s No. 5-ranked prospect.
A versatile defender with the potential to contribute at strong-side linebacker, weak-side linebacker, safety, and on special teams. Made 71 total tackles, ten tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery this past season with the Chanticleers.
Has never run a forty-yard dash, leading to questions regarding his straight-line speed and overall athleticism. With that said, you can’t argue with Makonzo’s physicality or the quality of his film. He is the younger brother of Montreal Alouettes’ defensive back Ethan Makonzo.
1 (5) Calgary Stampeders — REC Jalen Philpot, Calgary
3DownNation’s No. 11-ranked prospect.
A two-time U Sports first-time All-Canadian who lit it up this past season with 43 receptions for 799 yards and three touchdowns in just six games. Had a disappointing CFL Combine, testing modestly at five-foot-eleven and 193 pounds, but has strong U Sports film.
Played more slotback than his identical twin, Tyson, and has a little more physicality to his game. His father, Cory, played running back with the B.C. Lions (1993-1997) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1999-2000).
The Stampeders have tried to address the receiver position through the draft in recent years but lost 2020 third-round pick Rysen John to the New York Giants and 2020 second-round pick Trivel Pinto to retirement following criminal charges. Philpot should help secure arguably the biggest position of need in Calgary.
1 (6) Toronto Argonauts — OL Gregor MacKeller, St. FX
3DownNation’s No. 19-ranked prospect.
A native of Timberlea, N.S. who went to high school in Ontario before redshirting at Rice in 2017. Two-time AUS all-star who was named a U Sports second-team All-Canadian in 2021.
Played left tackle at St. FX but projects as a CFL guard or centre. Once considered a consensus mid-round pick, MacKellar was one of the biggest risers as the draft process went along with a solid performance at the CFL Combine. He is also an accomplished bagpiper.
Toronto could have gone anywhere with this pick given their impressive depth and I’m surprised to see them pass on Tre and Tyrell Ford, who were born in nearby Niagara Falls.
1 (7) Saskatchewan Roughriders — REC Samuel Emilus, Louisiana Tech
3DownNation’s No. 9-ranked prospect.
Made 16 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns this past season with the Bulldogs. Has decent size at six-foot-one and 194 pounds and showed solid explosiveness at the University of Massachusetts pro day, recording a 37-inch vertical jump and a ten-foot, eight-inch broad jump.
The Riders had the best group of national receivers in the CFL last season but lost Brayden Lenius to the Atlanta Falcons and Terrell Jana to retirement. I thought we would see University of Saskatchewan offensive lineman Noah Zerr taken with this pick but I think this is the right pick for the Riders, who should be able to draft a solid blocker in round two.
1 (8) Edmonton Elks (via Hamilton) — QB Tre Ford, Waterloo
3DownNation’s No. 4-ranked prospect.
Arguably the best athlete in the draft, testing extremely well at the CFL Combine and running a 4.45-second forty-yard dash at the University at Buffalo pro day in March. Won the Hec Crighton Trophy in 2021, capping a four-year run with the Warriors during which he threw for 7,118 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 18 interception while rushing for 2,621 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Will need time to adjust to the professional level, but projects as a legitimate CFL quarterback. Has received a mini-camp invitation from the Baltimore Ravens. Becomes the first Canadian quarterback selected in the first round since 1980 when Calgary picked Sheldon Paris out of Kansas State at seventh overall and Montreal picked Joe Hawco out of Toronto at eighth overall.
1 (9) Montreal Alouettes (via Winnipeg) — REC Tyson Philpot, Calgary
3DownNation’s No. 12-ranked prospect.
The Delta, B.C. native was named a U Sports first-team All-Canadian and Canada West’s Player of the Year in 2021 after scoring nine touchdowns in just six games. Posted mediocre testing numbers at the CFL Combine, which caused some scouts to question how he’ll handle the transition to the professional level.
An excellent U Sports receiver who should have an opportunity to make an impact in Montreal’s receiving corps in the near future. The Alouettes will likely start Hergy Mayala at slotback and Kaion Julien-Grant at field-side wideout with Philpot being the best option to rotate at both spots.
2 (10) Toronto Argonauts (via Edmonton) — DL Deionte Knight, Western
3DownNation’s No. 7-ranked prospect.
Mostly played defensive end with the Mustangs but projects as a CFL defensive tackle at six-foot-four and 275 pounds. Won the J. P. Metras Trophy as the top lineman in U Sports in 2021 after making nine tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in six games.
Didn’t test very well at the CFL Combine but you wouldn’t know it from his film. Performed well at the Shrine Bowl against American competition.
Knight is a nice fit for a Toronto team that I suspect was surprised to see him still on the board. The Argos already have Sam Acheampong and Fabion Foote at defensive tackle, which means they could easily start a Canadian at defensive tackle if needed.
2 (11) Ottawa Redblacks — OL Cyrille Hogan-Saindon, Laval
3DownNation’s No. 16-ranked prospect.
A 2021 RSEQ all-star who has lots of experience centre. Surprised scouts with his mobility at the CFL Combine and consistently makes solid first contact with defenders. Laval offensive linemen have fallen down draft boards in recent years but Hogan-Saindon has reversed that trend going early in the second round.
This is an odd pick given that the Redblacks also selected an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft. Are we sure Marcel Desjardins — who was notorious for drafting offensive linemen by the bucketload — isn’t still the general manager in Ottawa?
2 (12) B.C. Lions — OL Noah Zerr, Saskatchewan
3DownNation’s No. 17-ranked prospect.
A six-foot-six and 304-pound blocker who should move to guard at the CFL level after being a U Sports first-team All-Canadian at left tackle in 2021. He’s the most pro-ready offensive lineman in this year’s draft but doesn’t have the highest ceiling.
He’s well-built with long arms but his heavy feet limit his mobility. A good candidate for a team like B.C. that needs help along the offensive line right away.
2 (13) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (via Montreal) — DB Tyrell Ford, Waterloo
3DownNation’s No. 8-ranked prospect.
A two-time U Sports second-team All-Canadian who received invitations to mini-camp with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers after running a blazing 4.42 forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine. His film isn’t as good as his testing numbers, but Ford oozes potential as a defensive back and return specialist.
This is a great pick for a Winnipeg team that will likely start a Canadian player at safety while Brandon Alexander continues to recover from ACL surgery. Ford also brings the intangibles that the Blue Bombers covet.
2 (14) Calgary Stampeders — LB Josiah Shakel, Alberta
3DownNation’s No. 14-ranked prospect.
Converted defensive back who has bulked up to six-foot-one and 221 pounds to play in the box. Won the President’s Trophy this past season as the top defensive player in U Sports after recording 75 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Projects as an impact special teams player with the potential to contribute at weak-side linebacker, strong-side linebacker, and safety. A great fit for a team that needed to add depth in the linebacking corps given that they will look to start Cameron Judge.
2 (15) Toronto Argonauts — RB Daniel Adeboboye, Bryant
3DownNation’s No. 6-ranked prospect.
Two-time first-team All-NEC selection who rushed for 1,816 yards (4.7 yards per attempt) and 16 touchdowns over four seasons with the Bulldogs. Will start his career on special teams but has the size and athleticism to potentially become a ratio-breaking starter at running back.
A Toronto native who should immediate be capable of backing up Andrew Harris at running back and may continue to start after Harris retires. Has a nice combination of speed and physicality. An impressive individual on and off the field.
2 (16) Saskatchewan Roughriders — OL Zack Fry, Western
3DownNation’s No. 24-ranked prospect.
Once considered a possible NFL player, Fry’s stock fell and culminated in a disappointing performance at the CFL Combine. Needs to spend more time in the gym to maximize his frame and conditioning. Won’t be able to rely on his natural abilities at the professional level.
With that said, Fry is a two-time U Sports second-team All-Canadian who won a Vanier Cup in 2021. If he can build his frame and get stronger, this pick could be a steal. Saskatchewan needed to draft an offensive lineman and Fry is the best one who is immediately available.
2 (17) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — DE Anthony Federico, Queen’s
3DownNation’s No. 13-ranked prospect.
May contribute as a rotational pass rusher in the CFL but should be one of the top special teams players in the draft. Was named a U Sports second-team All-Canadian in 2021 after posting five sacks in as many games with the Golden Gaels.
This is a great pick for a Ticats team that could look to start 2020 first-round pick Mason Bennett at defensive end in the future. At best, Federico becomes a legitimate pass rusher. At worst, he’s a very good special teams player.
2 (18) Montreal Alouettes (via Winnipeg) — OL Rodeem Brown, Alberta
3DownNation’s No. 21-ranked prospect.
An undersized blocker who was born in Halifax but attended high school in Saskatchewan. Was named a U Sports first-team All-Canadian in 2021 at right guard but projects as a CFL centre. Planning to return to school for the 2022-2023 academic year, which lowered his draft stock as we won’t see him in the CFL this year.
Needs to add ten or fifteen pounds to his frame and may be able to do that over this upcoming season with the Golden Bears. Uses leverage effectively. A nice pick for a team whose starting centre, Kristian Matte, is 36.
2 (19) Edmonton Elks (territorial) — DE Jacob Plamondon, Calgary
Attended the football factory that is Notre Dame High School in Calgary before posting six sacks and 13 tackles for loss over four seasons with the Dinos. Projects as a CFL special teams player.
I’m surprised to see Edmonton pass over University of Alberta defensive back Jayden Dalke with this pick. Then again, the Elks already drafted a defensive back in Enock Makonzo at fourth overall.
2 (20) Ottawa Redblacks (territorial) — LB Jesse Luketa, Penn State
3DownNation’s No. 2-ranked prospect.
A six-foot-three, 256-pound defender who would likely play defensive end in the CFL. Made 151 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception, six knockdowns, and one fumble recovery over four seasons with the Nittany Lions.
Was a seventh-round selection of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 NFL Draft, which means we may never see him north of the border. Even so, this is a solid pick because territorial selections are freebies anyway.
3 (21) Edmonton Elks — OL Marc-David Bien-Aimé, Fresno State
This six-foot-five, 365-pound blocker is a huge mystery. He dressed for only one game with the Bulldogs and left the team following the 2019 season, which means he hasn’t played football in over two years.
If he can cut weight and recommit himself to the game, Bien-Aimé could be a steal. Even so, this feel early to select such a developmental player.
3 (22) Ottawa Redblacks — REC Keaton Bruggeling, Carleton
He made only 35 catches for 300 yards and three touchdowns with the Ravens but the six-foot-three, 213-pound target tested well at the CFL Combine with a 4.55 forty-yard dash and 37.5-inch vertical jump. Extremely raw but has the physical tools to potentially become an impact receiver.
Bruggeling reminds me of veteran Redblacks’ receiver Marco Dubois, so it’s fitting that the pair are now teammates.
3 (23) B.C. Lions — DE Josh Archibald, McGill
3DownNation’s No. 18-ranked prospect.
Won the Vic Obeck Trophy in 2019 as McGill’s most improved player after recording 37 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Should be a strong contributor on special teams as a rookie with the potential to develop into a rotational pass rusher.
A solid pick for a Lions team that should start a Canadian defensive end and will likely have 2021 first-round draft pick Daniel Joseph under contract by training camp.
3 (24) Montreal Alouettes — REC Vincent Forbes-Mombleau, Laval
The five-foot-ten, 188-pound target posted an impressive 22 reps on the bench press at the CFL Combine but will likely have to make his living in the CFL on special teams. A solid French-Canadian addition to Montreal’s receiving corps.
3 (25) Calgary Stampeders — DB Demetri Royer, Western Illinois
Was productive at safety with the Leathernecks but hasn’t played since 2019 and is already 27. Projects as a slobber-knocking CFL special teams player.
3 (26) Toronto Argonauts — LB Enoch Penney-Laryea, McMaster
Started playing football in New York City after spending many of his formative years in Ghana. Posted excellent testing numbers at the CFL Combine, recording a 4.58 forty-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical jump, and 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at five-foot-eleven and 217 pounds.
Projects as a CFL linebacker but has experience at running back and defensive end. A solid fit for a team that can afford to roll the dice on positionless athletes.
3 (27) Saskatchewan Roughriders — OL Diego Alatorre, UBC
Was born in Tlajomulco de Zuñiga, Mexico but was granted national status upon graduation from UBC. Projects as a stout CFL centre at six-foot-three and 312 pounds. Nice depth addition for a team that needed to add bodies along the offensive line.
3 (28) Edmonton Elks — LS Peter Adjey, Queen’s
Six-foot-three, 220-pound long-snapper who would be a solid heir apparent to Chad Rempel.
3 (29) B.C. Lions — LB Ryder Varga, Regina
3DownNation’s No. 22-ranked prospect.
Was an impact player over the past two seasons with the Rams, recording 92 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five knockdowns, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble. Has the size, skill, and athleticism to potentially develop into a starter at weak-side or middle linebacker.
Is going back to school this season, which means the Lions won’t see him until 2023. Even so, this is a really nice depth pick for a team that starts two Canadian linebackers.
4 (30) Edmonton Elks — REC Gavin Cobb, Manitoba
The native of Victoria, B.C. is one of the most explosive players in the draft and lit up the CFL Combine with a 6.97 three-cone drill and 40.5-inch vertical. He separates well using his route-running but the issue is his lack of size at five-foot-nine and 170 pounds.
Getting taken this early leads me to believe that Cobb will get a legitimate shot despite his slight frame, which I’m glad to see.
4 (31) Ottawa Redblacks — DB Daniel Valente, Western
2021 U Sports first-team All-Canadian who recorded 27 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one knockdown, and one sack with the Mustangs this past season. Undersized but runs decently and has strong instincts.
4 (32) B.C. Lions — DB Adrian Greene, St. Mary’s
3DownNation’s No. 20-ranked prospect.
Was a big riser following the regional and national combines, testing well across the board and performing well in the one-on-ones. Didn’t consistently face high-level competition in the AUS but has all the tools to develop into an impact player at the CFL level.
A really nice pick for the Lions here. Greene will need time to develop but he’s got a high ceiling.
4 (33) Montreal Alouettes — DB Tysen-Otis Copeland, Montreal
Six-foot, 199-pound cover man who posted a solid 36.5-inch vertical jump at the Eastern Regional Combine. The Alouettes add another former member of the Carabins.
4 (34) Calgary Stampeders — OL Jacob Butler, Queen’s
A four-time academic All-Canadian in engineering who should move from tackle to guard at the professional level. This feels early for Butler but the Stampeders hadn’t yet added an offensive lineman in this draft.
4 (35) Toronto Argonauts — OL Braydon Noll, Wilfrid Laurier
Six-foot-four, 298-pound blocker who played four positions along the offensive line during his tenure with the Golden Hawks. Served as a team captain in 2021. Viewed as a developmental player who should be sent back to school in 2022.
4 (36) Saskatchewan Roughriders — LB Tommy Bringi, Wilfrid Laurier
Two-time first-team OUA all-star who made 108 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries over three seasons with the Golden Hawks. Has the size and speed to contribute extensively on special teams.
4 (37) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — REC Kiondre Smith, Guelph
He didn’t post eye-popping numbers at the CFL Combine, but the native of Markham, Ont. interviewed well and was a U Sports first-team All-Canadian as a returner in 2021. Projects as a depth receiver with the versatility to contribute in a number of ways at the CFL level.
4 (38) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — DT Cole Adamson, Manitoba
Was named a Canada West all-star in 2021 after recording 19 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one knockdown, and 0.5 sacks in six games. Could be a candidate to convert to the offensive line given his athleticism at six-foot-five and 291 pounds. Won’t have to move far as the Bisons and Blue Bombers share IG Field.
5 (39) Edmonton Elks — LB Wesly Appolon, Tuskegee
Six-foot-four, 225-pound defender who made 61 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery in 2021. Doesn’t run as well as his twin brother, Woodly, but should be a solid contributor on special teams.
5 (40) Ottawa Redblacks — LB Woodly Appolon, Tuskegee
3DownNation’s No. 25-ranked prospect.
Played safety at Northern Illinois before transferring to Tuskegee to play linebacker alongside his brother, Wesly. Made 79 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two knockdowns, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery with the Tigers in 2021. Has impressive length at six-foot-four and 220 pounds.
5 (41) B.C. Lions — DE Riley Pickett, Saskatchewan
3DownNation’s No. 23-ranked prospect.
Former Saskatoon Hilltops star who is a hard-nosed run defender who should make his living on special teams in the CFL. Was named the MVP of the Uteck Bowl this past season after recording two sacks against the University de Montreal Carabins.
B.C.’s third selection from the University of Saskatchewan and fourth from the province of Saskatchewan.
5 (42) Montreal Alouettes — RB Ryth-Jean Giraud, Montreal
Averaged 6.6 yards per carry over three seasons with the Carabins and was named an RSEQ all-star as a return specialist in 2018. Undersized for the position but will likely play a fullback-type role at five-foot-ten and 200 pounds. Already 26 years old.
5 (43) Calgary Stampeders — OL Joel Braden, Regina
Needs to cut weight after measuring in at six-foot-four and 350 pounds at the Western Regional Combine. The Stamps add some more depth along the offensive line, which they needed.
5 (44) Toronto Argonauts — LB Daniel Kwamou, UBC
Dressed for only two games last season. Recorded 16 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the CFL Combine.
5 (45) Saskatchewan Roughriders — DB Tristan Fleury, McGill
Ran a 4.76 forty-yard dash at the Eastern Regional Combine at six-foot-one and 190 pounds. Adds some needed depth at defensive back following the off-season departure of Elie Bouka.
5 (46) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — LB Jared Beeksma, Guelph
Doesn’t project as a ratio-breaker but has enough size and speed to contribute heavily on special teams. Also capable of long-snapping.
5 (47) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — DB Chris Ciguineau, Ottawa
Converted receiver who only dressed for 11 games with the Gee-Gees. Tested well with solid length at six-foot-three and 194 pounds. Already 26 years old.
6 (48) Edmonton Elks — DB Jeremie Dominique, Charleston
Well-travelled cover man who had stints at Hawaii and North Dakota. Didn’t test as well as teams were expecting, particularly in the forty-yard dash.
6 (49) Ottawa Redblacks — LB Subomi Oyesoro, Calgary
Set a new career-high in 2021 with 27 total tackles over six games. Projects as a depth CFL special teamer.
6 (50) B.C. Lions — DE Frednick Eveillard, Ottawa
Converted from receiver for the 2021 season and recorded 6.5 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in just six games. Posted solid testing numbers at six-foot-three and 223 pounds, which means he should be able to contribute on special teams right away.
6 (51) Montreal Alouettes — OL Peter Kozushka, Alberta
A four-year team captain who has great size at six-foot-six and 328 pounds. Played left tackle with the Golden Bears but will have to move inside to guard at the CFL level. Lack athleticism with lumbering feet. Developmental project player.
6 (52) Calgary Stampeders — RB Rasheed Tucker, Queen’s
Was named a U Sports first-team All-Canadian in 2021 after rushing 113 times for 675 yards and eight touchdowns in just six games. Ran a respectable 4.61 forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine but could stand to add a little weight to his five-foot-eleven, 194-pound frame.
6 (53) Toronto Argonauts — DB Eric Sutton, Texas State
Undersized cover man who had some success on special teams at SMU and Texas State. Was born in Regina while his father played defensive back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
6 (54) Saskatchewan Roughriders — DB Jayden Dalke, Alberta
Former Edmonton Wildcat who was named a U Sports second-team All-Canadian in 2021 after recording 24.5 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Probably doesn’t have the range to play safety in the CFL but should be a strong contributor on special teams.
6 (55) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — DB Khadeem Pierre, Concordia
Three-time RSEQ all-star who made 89.5 total tackles, one tackle for loss, nine interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries over 30 games with the Stingers.
6 (56) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — DT Jeremy Kapelanski, Guelph
Six-foot-one, 286-pound defender who brings some explosiveness from the interior of the defensive line. Another solid positional fit for a team that’s added Cameron Lawson via trade from the Alouettes.
7 (57) Edmonton Elks — RB Jean-Paul Cimankinda, Ottawa
Was named an OUA second-team all-star in 2021 after rushing 76 times for 426 yards and one touchdown with the Gee-Gees. Tested poorly at the CFL Combine after coming in overweight at 237 pounds. His brother, Alain Cimankinda, plays along the defensive line with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
7 (58) Ottawa Redblacks — TE Connor Ross, St. FX
Stocky native of Coldbrook, N.S. who projects as a pure special teams player.
7 (59) B.C. Lions — REC John Metchie III, Alabama
3DownNation’s No. 1-ranked prospect.
The two-time Jon Cornish Trophy winner was a second-round selection of the Houston Texans in last week’s NFL draft, which means there’s a good chance we’ll never see him in the CFL.
He put up 2,058 yards and 14 touchdowns over the past two seasons with the Crimson Tide and possesses elite blocking ability for a receiver of his size. He suffered a torn ACL in December but could be a day-one starter for the Texans if he’s healthy by the time training camp rolls around.
There is virtually no chance that Metchie will ever play in the CFL due to being selected so high in the NFL draft.
7 (60) Montreal Alouettes — LB Yanis Chihat, Laval
Six-foot-four, 245-pound defender who did not attend any regional or national combines.
7 (61) Calgary Stampeders — DB Shaquille St-Lot, Maine
Long-armed cornerback who posted 31 total tackles, 15 knockdowns, two fumble recoveries, and one interception over 20 games with the Black Bears. Currently working back from a torn ACL he sustained last fall.
7 (62) Toronto Argonauts — TE Chase Arseneau, McMaster
Has minimal production as a receiver but tested respectably for his six-foot-three, 230-pound frame. Projects as a CFL special teams player who may contribute as a blocker on offence. Already 25 years old.
7 (63) Saskatchewan Roughriders — DB Zach Herzog, Hillsdale College
Undersized safety who was extremely productive with the Chargers, recording 244 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, one sack, and one fumble recovery over 30 games. Three-time first-team GMAC All-Conference selection who looks faster on film than he did at the CFL Combine.
7 (64) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — OL Nicolas Guay, Laval
Was named an RSEQ all-star at guard but could be moved to centre at the professional level. Shows solid lateral quickness but lacks punch.
7 (65) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — DB Cedrick Lavigne, Carleton
Six-foot, 209-pound defender who ran a solid 4.73 forty-yard dash at the Eastern Regional Combine.
8 (66) Edmonton Elks — LB Nate Edwards, McMaster
Was named a first-team OUA all-star as a special teams cover man and second-team OUA all-star as a linebacker in 2021. Made 133 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles over four seasons with the Marauders.
8 (67) Ottawa Redblacks — RB Luca Perrier, Laval
Physical runner who recorded 284 rushing yards on just 29 carries in 2021.
8 (68) B.C. Lions — DL Adam Wallace, Ottawa
Six-foot-four, 260-pounder with 2.5 career sacks with the Gee-Gees.
8 (69) Montreal Alouettes — LB Zach Lindley, Western
Undersized linebacker who some felt should have been invited to the CFL Combine after participating in the Ontario Regional Combine. Ran a 4.66 forty-yard dash, which is fast enough for the Chatham, Ont. native to potentially convert to safety.
8 (70) Calgary Stampeders — DB Daniel Amoako, York
Tested very well at the Ontario Regional Combine, running a 4.54 forty-yard dash and leaping a ten-foot, six-inch broad jump.
8 (71) Toronto Argonauts — DL Michael Pezzuto, Ottawa
Montreal native with 5.5 career sacks with the Gee-Gees.
8 (72) Saskatchewan Roughriders — REC Riley Boersma, Regina
The five-foot-nine, 191-pound target posted gaudy numbers at the CFL Combine, including a 4.49 forty-yard dash and a 40.5-inch vertical jump. He only made 39 catches at the U Sports level, so his elite raw athleticism has yet to translate into elite production on the field.
8 (73) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — DB Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown, UBC
Posted 22 total tackles over just four games this past season with the Thunderbirds.
8 (74) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — FB Konner Burtenshaw, Queen’s
Gritty, hard-nosed fullback who made 33 special teams tackle with the Golden Gaels. Already 26 years old.
