The Ottawa Redblacks have signed all 10 of their selections from the 2023 CFL Draft, including first overall pick Dontae Bull.
The native of Victoria, B.C. started 33 games at offensive tackle at Fresno State, though he missed the final six games of the 2022 season due to a broken leg. Though he has yet to fully recover from the injury, Bull leapt a 25.5-inch vertical jump at his pro day, showing scouts that he isn’t far from returning to full health.
The six-foot-six, 322-pound blocker was the fourth-ranked run-blocker among offensive tackles in all of NCAA Division I football this past season according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). If he were healthy, Bull would likely have at least garnered an invitation to an NFL rookie minicamp. He projects as a possible ratio-breaking offensive tackle at the CFL level.
Ottawa’s other signings include Mount Allison defensive back Lucas Cormier (second round), Ottawa linebacker James Peter (second round), Ottawa receiver Daniel Oladejo (second round), Saint Mary’s defensive lineman Aidan John (third round), Regina linebacker Josh White (third round), Saskatchewan receiver Daniel Perry (fifth round), Charleston Southern defensive lineman Quintin Seguin (sixth round), St. FX defensive lineman Alexander Fedchun (seventh round) and Ottawa running back Amlicar Polk (seventh round).
Cormier was one of the biggest risers following the CFL Combine where he participated in borrowed gear since his equipment never arrived in Edmonton. The three-time AUS all-star made nine interceptions at the collegiate level, which was the most of any defensive back available in this year’s draft.
Peter made more collegiate tackles than any other player available in this year’s draft, recording 122.5 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery with the Gee-Gees. He’s only five-foot-ten and 214 pounds but the first-team U Sports All-Canadian should immediately be an impact player on special teams.
Oladejo was named a second-team OUA all-star in 2022 as well as the Gee-Gees’ Most Outstanding Offensive Player. He made 32 receptions for 399 yards and three touchdowns and led all receivers at the CFL Combine with 20 reps of 225 pound on the bench press.
John has played only 15 career U Sports games but tested well at the CFL Combine, recording a 35-inch vertical jump at six-foot-four and 248 pounds. The Halifax native made 75.5 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery with the Huskies.
White ran a 4.78-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine, which ranked fourth among linebackers. The six-foot-one and 222 pound-defender made a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage for the Rams, including 19.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Perry ran a 4.58-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine while showing off solid hands. The six-foot, 196-pound target was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian this past season after making 41 catches for 602 yards and two touchdowns.
Seguin made 118 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks over 49 career collegiate games with Charleston Southern and North Dakota.
Fedchun was a three-time AUS all-star who made 31.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks over 30 career games with the X-Men.
Polk was buried on Ottawa’s depth chart behind Jean-Paul Cimankinda, though he carved out a strong niche on special teams with 22 career tackles.
The Redblacks also signed Canadian long snapper Blaise Barber out of McMaster University. The club will open rookie camp on Thursday, May 11 ahead of training camp getting underway on Sunday, May 14.
