The Hamilton Tiger-Cats selected six players in the 2022 Canadian Football League Draft.
In the second round with the 17th overall selection the team selected Queen’s University defensive lineman Anthony Federico. The 24-year-old spent three seasons at Queen’s from 2017-2022 playing in 23 career games for the Golden Gaels. The six-foot-four, 240-pound d-lineman registered 87 total tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks and one pass breakup during his time at Queen’s. He was invited to participate at the University at Buffalo’s pro day in March.
In the fourth round with the 37th overall pick the team selected University of Guelph receiver/return man Kiondre Smith. The 22-year-old played three seasons with the Gryphons between 2018-2022. The six-foot-two, 190-pound son of former CFL defensive back Adrion Smith played 25 games for the Gryphs recording 50 receptions for 612 yards and five receiving touchdowns. He also recorded 45 kick returns for 822 yards, 112 punt returns for 1,065 yards and one touchdown.
The Ticats next selected University of Guelph linebacker Jared Beeksma with the 46th overall pick. The six-foot-two, 215-pound linebacker played in 39 games for the Gryphons between 2107-2022, recording 77 tackles, three sacks, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and six pass breakups.
The team then took Concordia University defensive back Khadeem Pierre with the 55th overall pick. Pierre spent four seasons with the Stingers from 2017-2022. The Ottawa native was named Quebec Conference Rookie of the Year as well as a conference all-star and U Sports All-Canadian in 2017.
With the 64th overall selection the team selected Laval offensive lineman Nichols Guay. The six-foot-two, 300-pound, 25-year-old from Quebec City was a U Sports first-team All-Canadian and Quebec conference all-star in 2021.
With their final pick, 73rd overall, the Ticats selected Hamilton native Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown out of UBC. Ciraolo-Brown played three seasons with the Thunderbirds from 2018-2022. The six foot, 200-pound linebacker played 17 games registering 77 total tackles, one forced fumble, four interceptions and four pass breakups. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, Ciraolo-Brown played for Cathedral High School in his native Hamilton.
