The 2024 CFL Draft is finally here, which means it’s time to analyze each of the 74 picks as they roll in on Tuesday evening. To watch our livestream of the event, click here.
If you’re unfamiliar with how the CFL draft works, click here for my answers to many frequently asked questions about the most unique draft in all of professional sports.
3DownNation has ranked the talent available at each position group. 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. Please also check out my latest mock draft to see which picks I got right and which picks I got wrong.
Eight of this year’s top-ranked prospects are expected to fall down CFL draft boards after securing NFL opportunities for the upcoming season.
Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams, Penn State tight end Theo Johnson, UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, and Arizona tight end Tanner McLachlan were all selected in last week’s NFL draft. These players are expected to fall into the late rounds of the CFL draft given that most — and possibly all — will never play north of the border.
Augustana quarterback Casey Bauman, Boston College offensive lineman Kyle Hergel, UBC offensive lineman Theo Benedet, and Howard offensive lineman Anim Dankwah signed NFL contracts as undrafted free agents, which means they will also fall down draft boards, albeit to a lesser extent.
Editor’s note: this page does not automatically refresh; please refresh your browser intermittently to see the latest analysis.
1 (1) Edmonton Elks — LB Joel Dublanko, Cincinnati
3DownNation’s No. 6-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-two, 231-pound defender was named first-team All-AAC as a member of the Bearcats in 2021 and has since spent time with the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and in the USFL. He was added to the draft after the Ottawa Redblacks tried to sign him as an American player and it was discovered that his father was born in New Westminster, B.C., allowing him to qualify for Canadian citizenship.
The 26-year-old lit up the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, improving on almost all the testing numbers he recorded during his pro day in 2022. He played as a traditional downhill linebacker south of the border but appears ready to cover sideline-to-sideline in Canada after shedding weight.
The native of Aberdeen, Wash. could potentially be a day-one starter at middle linebacker in the CFL. If not, he’ll dominate on special teams while learning behind incumbent starter Nyles Morgan alongside 2023 CFL Draft first-round pick Michael Brodrique. This pick is as close to a slam dunk as exists in the CFL draft.
To listen to 3DownNation’s exclusive interview with Dublanko from the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, click here.
1 (2) Ottawa Redblacks — REC Nick Mardner, Auburn
3DownNation’s No. 10-ranked prospect.
The native of Oakville, Ont. was named Mountain West honourable mention and a finalist for the Jon Cornish Trophy in 2021 after catching 46 passes for 913 yards and five touchdowns at the University of Hawai’i.
The six-foot-six and 208-pound target wasn’t nearly as productive following stints at the University of Cincinnati in 2022 and Auburn University in 2023 but has a rare combination of size and athleticism, running a 4.52-second forty-yard dash and leaping 129 inches in the broad jump.
Mardner was invited to rookie minicamp with the New York Giants and projects as a day-one starter at field-side wide receiver in the CFL. This pick addresses Ottawa’s biggest need and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was in the starting lineup for the club’s first regular season game, provided he’s not signed by the Giants.
1 (3) Saskatchewan Roughriders — OL Kyle Hergel, Boston College
3DownNation’s No. 4-ranked prospect.
The Toronto native started his collegiate career at the University of North Dakota before transfers to Texas State University and Boston College, earning accolades with each program. Hergel did 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at his pro day, leaped 33 inches in the vertical jump, and ran a 4.61-second shuttle, showing elite athleticsm for his six-foot-three, 302-pound frame.
Though he’s a highly-skilled blocker, Hergel’s lack of height and arm length led to him going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed with the New Orleans Saints as a priority free agent but earned only $20,000 in guaranteed money, which helped move him into the upper first round of the 2024 CFL Draft.
If he ever signs north of the border, Hergel projects as a perennial CFL all-star at guard. He’s an elite player with high intangibles and will be well worth the wait, depending on how soon he reports to Saskatchewan from the NFL.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Hergel.
1 (4) Calgary Stampeders — DB Benjamin Labrosse, McGill
3DownNation’s No. 15-ranked prospect.
The six-foot, 189-pound defender didn’t play this past season after being deemed academically ineligible with the Redbirds but has tremendous athleticism, leaping 134 inches in the broad jump at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg and running a 4.51-second forty-yard dash.
Labrosse was a U Sports first-team All-Canadian at cornerback in 2022 but has experience all over the secondary. He was also an impact player on special teams at Syracuse University, where he started his collegiate career.
The native of Greenfield Park, Que. looked rusty in drills at the CFL Combine but has all the tools required to become a ratio-breaking cornerback at the CFL level. He was recently invited to rookie minicamp with the New York Giants. Should he sign with the Stampeders this season, he would arguably be the team’s best Canadian defensive back.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Labrosse.
1 (5) Toronto Argonauts (via Hamilton) — REC Kevin Mital, Laval
3DownNation’s No. 8-ranked prospect.
The three-time RSEQ all-star transferred to the Rouge et Or in 2020 after redshirting at Syracuse University and had one of the most prolific careers of any receiver in U Sports history, catching 125 passes for 1,585 yards and 22 touchdowns over only 20 regular season games.
Mital won the Hec Crighton Trophy in 2022 as the Most Valuable Player in all of U Sports and was named Vanier Cup MVP after helping Laval win a national title. The native of Saint-Hubert, Que. faced questions about his athleticism heading into the CFL Combine in Winnipeg and answered them emphatically after running 4.58 in the forty-yard dash and leaping 35 inches in the vertical jump at six-foot-one and 229 pounds.
Mital projects as a day-one starter at slotback in the CFL. Click here to listen to 3DownNation‘s exclusive interview with Mital from the CFL Combine.
1 (6) B.C. Lions — OL George Una, Windsor
3DownNation’s No. 13-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-two, 313-pound blocker was a polarizing prospect heading into the CFL Combine in Winnipeg but won scouts over with strong testing and an excellent performance in the one-on-ones.
The Toronto native missed the 2021 season due to a torn ACL and moved to guard this past season after previously starting at tackle. Though he played in a run-heavy offensive system with the Lancers, Una considered himself to be more of a pass blocker. He also took some reps at centre, showing his versatility.
This is a great pick for a Lions team that has neglected the offensive line at times over the past few seasons. Una will help the club gain more physicality and consistency along the line of scrimmage, though he’ll likely fill a depth role as a rookie in 2024.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Una.
1 (7) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Toronto) — OL Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay, Laval
3DownNation’s No. 11-ranked prospect.
The two-time U Sports All-Canadian tested extremely well at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, leading the offensive linemen in all but one testing event and posting the best three-cone drill of any offensive lineman available in this year’s draft.
Though the native of Rimouski, Que. started exclusively at left tackle with the Rouge et Or, he projects as a CFL guard or centre, which is where he played at the Cégep level. Dumoulin-Duguay is ready to be a sixth offensive lineman in the CFL right now and it likely won’t be long before he’s a full-time starter.
The interior of the offensive line wasn’t a big need in Hamilton but general manager Ed Hervey believes in building along the line of scrimmage. This feels like a “best available” type of selection.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Dumoulin-Duguay.
1 (8) Calgary Stampeders (via Winnipeg) — OL Christy Nkanu, Washington State
3DownNation’s No. 21-ranked prospect.
The Montreal native measured in smaller than scouts were anticipating at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, checking in at six-foot-two and 309 pounds. Though he has some experience along the interior of the offensive line, Nkanu might be best-suited to the tackle position despite lacking prototypical size for the position.
Nkanu should still have a relatively high ceiling as he didn’t convert from the defensive line to the offensive line until he was in his second year at Southern Utah University. Expect him to fill a developmental role in Calgary where the club came into the draft lacking depth after Ryan Sceviour wasn’t retained in free agency.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Nkanu.
1 (9) Montreal Alouettes — LB Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, Memphis
3DownNation’s No. 9-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-three, 230-pound defender made 155 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception over two seasons with the Tigers and was named All-AAC honourable mention in 2023.
The native of Lévis, Que. originally started his collegiate career at Syracuse University where he was a standout with the Organe. He ran a disappointing 4.85-second forty-yard dash at his recent pro day but has since accepted an invitation to rookie minicamp with the Miami Dolphins.
Cantin-Arku projects as an eventual starter at middle linebacker at the CFL level.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Cantin-Arku.
2 (10) Edmonton Elks — LB D.K. Bonhomme, South Alabama
The six-foot-one, 225-pound defender started his career at Indiana University before transferring to the Jaguars in 2022, though he wasn’t overly productive at either program.
The Ottawa native was out of football this past year and fell out of playing shape before getting back in the gym to prepare CFL Combine in Winnipeg where he tested well. Between being a no-show at the CFL Invitational Combine and his lack of collegiate production, Bonhomme has some red flags.
This is an off-the-board type of selection that screams of Chris Jones. Bonhomme has speed and length but, frankly, it feels like there are still better players on the board.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Bonhomme.
2 (11) Ottawa Redblacks — DL Daniel Okpoko, San Diego State
3DownNation’s No. 16-ranked prospect.
The native of Saskatoon, Sask. played sparingly with the Aztecs until this past season when he made 23 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and three pass knockdowns.
Though he tested moderately at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg and was inconsistent during the one-on-ones, Okpoko has impressive length at six-foot-four and 274 pounds and should be able to contribute immediately along the interior of a CFL defensive line.
This is a great positional fit for the Redblacks given that they lack depth behind starter Cleyon Laing. Okpoko is the cousin of former NFL defensive lineman Israel Idonije.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Okpoko.
2 (12) Saskatchewan Roughriders — LB Nick Wiebe, Saskatchewan
3DownNation’s No. 12-ranked prospect.
The native of Okotoks, Alta. started his collegiate career at the University of Oregon before transferring to the Huskies where he made 132 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three forced fumbles over 26 regular season games.
Wiebe was named a U Sports second-team All-Canadian and the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 but suffered a torn ACL during the Hardy Cup playoffs, hurting his draft stock. It remains unclear when he will be ready to play in 2024, though he should see the field before the end of the season. Had he been healthy, Wiebe would have likely been a first-round pick.
This feels a little early to draft a player who will miss a portion of the season, though Wiebe projects as a starting linebacker in the CFL. With Saskatchewan likely to start Adam Auclair at weak-side linebacker, Wiebe is a good fit.
2 (13) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (via Calgary) — REC Kevens Clercius, Connecticut
3DownNation’s No. 20-ranked prospect.
The Montreal native had another year of collegiate eligibility remaining but declared early to enter the professional ranks. The six-foot-two, 217-pound target plays with a physical edge and excels as a blocker, which should allow him to immediately contribute on special teams at the CFL level.
Though he has the speed to start at field-side wide receiver, Clercius would best fit as the third receiver to the boundary where he can help in pass protection and as a run blocker. This feels like a classic Winnipeg pick, taking a skill position player who also isn’t afraid to do the dirty work to help win games.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Clercius.
2 (14) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (via Hamilton via Calgary) — RB Michael Chris-Ike, Delaware State
3DownNation’s No. 22-ranked prospect.
The Hamilton, Ont. native dominated the testing at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, leading the event in the forty-yard dash, three-cone drill, and shuttle at six-foot-two and 225 pounds.
Despite his elite athleticism, Chris-Ike was never a full-time starter with the Hornets, finishing his collegiate career with under 1,000 career rushing yards. Though he may not project as a starter in the CFL, Chris-Ike is a talented blocker and special teams player, which should allow him to contribute immediately as a valuable utility player.
He was a college roomate of Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, who was drafted in the fourth round of last year’s CFL draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Chris-Ike has received an invitation to rookie minicamp with the New York Jets.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Chris-Ike.
2 (15) B.C. Lions — OL Theo Benedet, UBC
3DownNation’s No. 5-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-seven, 295-pound blocker won the J. P. Metras Trophy in back-to-back years as the best down lineman in U Sports football, becoming the first offensive lineman ever to do so. Benedet grew up playing soccer and received an offer from the University of Tulsa as a 230-pound tight end coming out of high school but committed to his hometown school where he steadily gained weight over the years.
Benedet tested extremely well at UBC’s pro day, leaping 34.5 inches in the vertical jump, leading him to sign with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent with $100,000 in guaranteed money. If he ever signs a CFL contract, Benedet projects as a ratio-breaking offensive tackle, though it remains to be seen if he ever plays north of the border.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Benedet.
2 (16) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Toronto) — DL Luke Brubacher, Wilfrid Laurier
3DownNation’s No. 14-ranked prospect.
The native of Listowel, Ont. is one of the most explosive athletes available in this year’s CFL draft, running a 4.69-second forty-yard dash and leaping 38 inches in the vertical jump at six-foot-five and 246 pounds.
The converted boxer started playing football at the collegiate level, which means he’s raw with sky-high potential. Brubacher made 12 sacks over just 21 career regular season games with the Golden Hawks and recently accepted an invitation to rookie minicamp with the New York Jets.
This is a nice pick for a Hamilton team that could start Winnipeg native Mason Bennett at defensive end this season. Expect him to rotate on defence and contribute on special teams this season.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Brubacher.
2 (17) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — OL Gabe Wallace, Buffalo
3DownNation’s No. 19-ranked prospect.
The three-year starter played left tackle for the Bulls this past season but projects as a CFL guard, which is where he spent most of his collegiate career. The Salmon Arm, B.C. native has slow feet but should be able to improve his mobility by dropping weight from his six-foot-six, 344-pound frame.
Wallace is a throwback offensive lineman who punishes defenders in the run game and has an affinity for classical music. This is a nice pick for a Winnipeg team that covets physicality, especially considering he should get time to develop behind Patrick Neufeld.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Wallace.
2 (18) Edmonton Elks (via Montreal) — FB Brad Hladik, UBC
The six-foot-three, 245-pounder had minimal offensive production with the Thunderbirds and projects as a blocker and special teamer at the professional level, though he’s also capable of long snapping. The native of Vernon, B.C. is the younger brother of B.C. Lions’ linebacker Ben Hladik.
This is a strange pick considering the team has Peter Adjey and Luke Burton-Krahn on the roster, both of whom are very good long snappers. Better options here would have been Laval defensive back Cristophe Beaulieu, Bemidji State receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby, and Arkansas State linebacker Melique Straker.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Hladik.
2 (19) B.C. Lions — REC Ezechiel Tieide, Concordia
The six-foot-two, 205-pound target finished his career with the Stingers after originally committing to Boston College as a defensive back and transferring to Toledo University.
The native of Lachine, Que. caught 28 passes for 471 yards and six touchdowns this past season but ran a 4.79-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, which was somewhat disappointing. He was a quarterback in high school.
Tieide is a nice positional fit for a Lions team that could start two Canadian receivers in 2024 and needed to add depth accordingly.
2 (20) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — DL Kyle Samson, UBC
The six-foot-two, 302-pound defender was unable to fully participate in his pro day due to a foot injury but did 34 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, showing elite strength.
The native of Hamilton, Ont. was twice named a U Sports second-team All-Canadian with the Thunderbirds, recording 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks over 25 career regular season games.
This seems like a surprising pick given that Winnipeg has Jake Thomas, Cameron Lawson, and Tanner Schmekel under contract, though the Blue Bombers are clearly committed to stocking the cupboard along the interior of the defensive line.
3 (21) Edmonton Elks — LB Olivier Muembi, Queen’s
The Hamilton, Ont. native started his collegiate career at Delaware State University before transferring to the Golden Gaels where he made 50 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack this past season.
Muembi finished top-ten at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg in the broad jump with a leap of 125 inches, showing explosiveness for his six-foot, 226-pound frame. This is the third linebacker Edmonton has taken in the top 21 selections of the draft.
3 (22) Ottawa Redblacks — LB Dawson Pierre, Concordia
The one-time RSEQ all-star played safety with the Stingers but will likely move into the box at the professional level as a weak-side linebacker and special teams player, helping replace former first-round pick Adam Auclair.
The six-foot-two, 219-pound native of Longueuil, Que. ran a middling 4.77-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg and recorded 67.5 total tackles over 20 regular season games at Concordia.
Click here to read 3DownNation’s profile on Pierre.
3 (23) Saskatchewan Roughriders — REC Dhel Duncan-Busy, Bemidji State
3DownNation’s No. 23-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-one, 207-pound target dominated with the Beavers, catching 171 passes for 2,839 yards and 27 touchdowns to twice be named first-team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
Though there were questions about the level of competition he faced in Division II, Duncan-Busby answered many of them at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg as he ran 4.63 in the forty-yard dash and completed the three-cone drill in under seven seconds. In other draft classes, the Toronto native could easily be the top-ranked receiver.
This is an excellent dept move considering the Riders could start three Canadian receiver in Kian Schaffer-Baker, Samuel Emilus, and Brayden Lenius.
3 (24) Toronto Argonauts (via Hamilton via Calgary) — DL Tyson Hergott, Waterloo
3DownNation’s No. 24-ranked prospect. The six-foot-two, 246-pound edge rusher was dominant with the Warriors this past season, recording 53 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and three forced fumbles to be named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian.
Hergott has enough athleticism to compete on special teams and should immediately contribute as a rotational pass rusher in the CFL with the potential to become a ratio-breaking starter at defensive end.
This selection was originally part of the Bo Levi Mitchell trade, though it later made its way to Toronto when Jordan Williams was shipped to Steeltown.
3 (25) Toronto Argonauts (via Hamilton) — OL John Bosse, Calgary
The six-foot-five, 335-pound blocker carries his weight well and boasts 36.5-inch arms, possibly the longest of any prospect in CFL draft history.
Though he lacks technique, Bosse’s combination of size and athleticism make him worthy of long-term development at the professional level. He only started 12 career collegiate games with the Dinos, including some at right guard in 2022 and some at right tackle in 2023.
3 (26) B.C. Lions — DB Cristophe Beaulieu, Laval
3DownNation’s No. 18-ranked prospect.
The two-time U Sports All-Canadian ran a respectable 4.66-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg and has prototypical size for a safety at six-foot-two and 198 pounds. Beaulieu projects as a starter at safety in the CFL, though he’ll be able to compete on special teams right away.
The native of Blainville, Que. is the younger brother of former CFL defensive back Jordan Beaulieu and a perfect fit for the Lions, who are expected to start Adrian Greene at safety in 2024 after previously starting an American.
Click here for 3DownNation’s profile on Beaulieu.
3 (27) Toronto Argonauts — DB Tyshon Blackburn, Alberta
The six-foot-two, 203-pound defender was named a U Sports first-team All-Canadian in 2021 at halfback but will likely have to move to safety at the professional level. There are questions regarding the Calgary native’s physicality but Blackburn certainly has the athleticism to play in the CFL, showing impressive quickness and a smooth stride.
3 (28) Calgary Stampeders (via Winnipeg) — DL George Idoko, Saskatchewan
The six-foot-two, 224-pound defender didn’t get many clean looks off the edge with the Huskies as part of their three-man front but was still named a U Sports second-team All-Canadian this past season after making 17 total tackles and three sacks.
The Calgary native’s best chance of having a long CFL career could be a conversion to fullback, a switch that many undersized U Sports defensive ends have made successfully in the past.
3 (29) Montreal Alouettes — DB Arthur Hamlin, Colgate
The five-foot-eleven, 186-pound native of Ottawa, Ont. made 70 total tackles, one tackle for loss, seven pass knockdowns, one interception, and one fumble recovery over 31 regular season games with the Raiders despite being diagnosed with blood cancer.
Hamlin is a third-generation CFL player as his grandfather, Howard, his father, Geof, his uncle, Howard Jr., and his brother, Nate, have all played in the league. This is a nice positional fit for Montreal considering they lacked depth behind starting safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy.
Click here for 3DownNation’s profile on Hamlin.
4 (30) Edmonton Elks — OL Jaxon Morkin, Windsor
The native of Tecumseh, Ont. won some scouts over at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg with his tenacity and grit. He struggles to anchor at times but has powerful hands and tested well enough to show he’s worth developing. Morkin could be sent back to school in 2024 to consume his final year of U Sports eligibility.
4 (31) Edmonton Elks (via Ottawa) — K Vincent Blanchard, Laval
The 25-year-old native of Quebec City made 94 percent of his field goals this past season, earning second-team U Sports All-Canadian honours. He finished his collegiate career with a 74.6 percent average on field goals and 39.7-yard average on punts, boasting excellent hang time.
Blanchard has received an invitation to rookie minicamp with the New England Patriots, which means he may not sign right away. If he signs in Edmonton, he will presumably compete with fellow Laval alumnus Boris Bede for the kicking job.
4 (32) Saskatchewan Roughriders — LB Melique Straker, Arkansas State
3DownNation’s No. 17-ranked prospect. The five-foot-ten, 202-pound defender projects as a strong-side linebacker in the CFL, though he ran a disappointing 4.82-second forty-yard dash at his recent pro day.
The native of Brampton, Ont. was ultra-productive over three seasons with the Red Wolves after transferring from Carleton University, recording 216 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four pass knockdowns, two sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Click here for 3DownNation’s profile on Straker.
4 (33) Calgary Stampeders — DL Jason Janvier-Messier, York
The six-foot-two, 232-pound defender played only 15 games for the lowly Lions as he missed most of this past season due to injury but bends well enough around the edge that he could contribute as a rotational pass-rusher at the CFL level. If not, the native of Beloeil, Que. should still have value as a special teams player.
4 (34) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — LB Daniel Bell, Mount Allison
The four-time AUS all-star and two-time AUS Defensive Player of the Year played boundary halfback with the Mounties but best projects as a weak-side linebacker in the CFL.
The Saint John, N.B. native’s 4.88-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg was disappointing, though his other testing numbers were very good. Bell has the potential to be a top special teams player in the CFL as well as a rotational defender.
4 (35) Ottawa Redblacks (via B.C.) — REC Jahquan Bloomfield, Prairie View A&M
The six-foot, 188-pound target transferred to the Panthers at the FCS level after starting his collegiate career at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Though he wasn’t extremely productive at either program, Bloomfield has intriguing athleticism as he ran a 4.61-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine and leapt 121 inches in the broad jump.
4 (36) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Toronto) — RB Matthew Peterson, Alberta
The reigning Canada West Player of the Year had a sensational 2023 season with the Golden Bears, rushing for 1,317 yards and four touchdowns behind a stout offensive line. The native of Brooks, Alta. is a patient runner who lacks quickness at the point of attack but has good straight-line speed and can power through contact. He will have to improve his pass protection if he hopes to start at the CFL level.
This is an interesting pick with Hillsdale College running back Michael Herzog still on the board. Hamilton made a huge offer to Brady Oliveira in free agency, so this could be a sign that the Tiger-Cats are planning a ratio change in the future.
4 (37) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — LS Ian Leroux, Laval
The six-foot-one, 225-pound native of Quebec City made 14 tackles over his collegiate career with the Rouge et Or, winning the Vanier Cup in 2022. This is a nice fit as Leroux is planning to return to school in 2024, after which he can be the heir apparent to soon-to-be 37-year-old Mike Benson.
4 (38) Montreal Alouettes — DL Micah Roane, South Dakota
The six-foot-three, 260-pound edge rusher made 94 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over 40 collegiate games at the University of Minnesota and the University of South Dakota.
The numbers from his pro day indicate that he’s a limited athlete but he should still be able to contribute on special teams while also taking rotational reps along the defensive line. Roane qualified for Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Moose Jaw, Sask.
5 (39) Toronto Argonauts (via Edmonton) — DB Jerrell Cummings, UBC
The five-foot-nine, 188-pound defender was named a Canada West all-star at cornerback this past season after transferring to the Thunderbirds following the collapse of Simon Fraser’s football program. Though he lack prototypical size and speed, Cummings is ultra-smooth in coverage, which is how he recorded 38 pass knockdowns over 35 career collegiate games.
5 (40) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (via Ottawa) — OL Ethan Kalra, Waterloo
The native of Acton, Ont. played primarily at right guard with the Warriors and uses leverage well, though he lacks optimal footspeed. He is the son of a former women’s national rugby team captain and would be a strong candidate to move to centre. It’s likely that Kalra will be sent back to school for his final year of U Sports eligibility.
This draft pick was acquired by the Blue Bombers in exchange for the rights to pending free agent quarterback Dru Brown earlier this off-season.
5 (41) Saskatchewan Roughriders — OL Daniel Johnson, Purdue
The six-foot-six, 320-pound blocker played only 1,112 snaps over six collegiate seasons due to knee injuries he suffered at Kent State and Purdue, including a torn ACL in 2022.
The former basketball player didn’t start playing along the offensive line until he reached the collegiate level after originally committing to the Golden Flashes as a tight end. The native of London, Ont. is the younger brother of former CFL receiver George Johnson. He will be attending rookie minicamp with the Indianapolis Colts.
Click here for 3DownNation’s profile on Johnson.
5 (42) Calgary Stampeders — FB Paul-Antoine Ouellette, Montreal
The six-foot-three, 239-pound native of Montreal was a blocker and special teams player with the Carabins, a role he’s expected to fill at the professional level. Ouellette ran a respectable 4.92-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg.
5 (43) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — LB Ryan Baker, UBC
The two-time Canada West all-star was highly productive with the Thunderbirds but ran a disappointing 5.03-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, which will likely limit him to special teams only at the professional level.
5 (44) B.C. Lions — DL Kail Dava, Tennessee Tech
The native of Mississauga, Ont. made 87 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one pass knockdown, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries over 48 regular season games at Tennessee Technological University but suffered a torn rotator cuff late this past season.
He attended the CFL Combine in Winnipeg to interview but didn’t participate in testing or drills and likely won’t return to the field until sometime this summer. If he was healthy, Dava would likely have been selected earlier.
5 (45) Toronto Argonauts — DL Ifenna Onyeka, Carleton
The native of Brampton, Ont. is the younger brother of former CFL linebacker Nakas Onyeka and Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive back Kosi Onyeka as well as the cousin of Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive back Godfrey Onyeka and Ottawa Redblacks’ defensive lineman Kene Onyeka.
He made 94 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over 40 career games with the Ravens.
5 (46) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — OL Giovanni Manu, UBC
3DownNation’s No. 7-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-seven, 352-pound blocker impressed scouts from both sides of the border at UBC’s pro day when he ran a 5.03-second forty-yard dash, showing extraordinary speed for his size. The Detroit Lions traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select him in the fourth round, making it unlikely that he’ll ever play in the CFL.
The two-time U Sports second-team All-Canadian carries his weight well and can overcome leverage with long arms. Though he currently lacks polish, his raw tools give him a high ceiling the Lions appear intent on helping him reach.
Click here for 3DownNation’s profile on Manu.
5 (47) Montreal Alouettes — REC Fredérik Antoine, Laval
The Quebec City native originally committed to Old Dominion University in Virginia but transferred to his hometown school after suffering a torn ACL in 2021.
Though he was overshadowed by teammate Kevin Mital with the Rouge et Or, Antoine was a top tester at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, running a 4.53-second forty-yard dash and benching 21 reps of 225 pounds at six-foot-one and 213 pounds.
6 (48) Toronto Argonauts (via Edmonton) — OL Anim Dankwah, Howard
3DownNation’s No. 25-ranked prospect.
The Toronto native was the heaviest offensive lineman at the NFL Combine this year, measuring in at six-foot-eight and 353 pounds.
Dankwah was named first-team All-Conference in 2022 but will likely have to shed weight in order to be effective at the CFL level where he’ll have to cover more space. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
6 (49) Ottawa Redblacks — DB Yani Gouadfel, Bishop’s
The one-time AUS all-star ran a solid 4.64-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine and is also a solid punter, averaging 37.9 yards over 99 attempts at the collegiate level. The six-foot-three, 201-pound defender was nationalized after graduating from Bishop’s as he was born in France.
6 (50) Saskatchewan Roughriders — REC D’Sean Mimbs, Regina
The son of former CFL running back Robert Mimbs was expected to be one of the top testers at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, though he injured his hamstring during his first attempt in the forty-yard dash and was unable to participate in the rest of the event.
The Regina native is adept at getting behind opposing defenders as a deep threat but has a tendency to drop passes.
6 (51) Calgary Stampeders — TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
3DownNation’s No. 3-ranked prospect.
The native of Lethbridge, Alta. flourished after transferring from Southern Utah University, catching 79 passes for 984 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons with the Wildcats. The six-foot-five, 244-pounder was named AP second-team All-Pac 12 this past season and impressed at the NFL Combine, running 4.61 in the forty-yard dash.
McLachlan was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, making it unlikely that he will ever play in the CFL.
6 (52) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — DB Jonathan Giustini, Alberta
The U Sports second-team All-Canadian was the best safety in Canada West this past season and is also a decent kicker, boasting a 72.5 career field goal percentage with a long of 49 yards and a career punting average of 37.6 yards.
Versatility is key given the limited nature of CFL rosters and Giustini could be the perfect utility player for a team that needs depth in the secondary, on cover teams, and in the kicking game.
6 (53) B.C. Lions — LB Terrence Ganyi, Maine
The Montreal product spent two seasons at the University of Connecticut before transferring to the Black Bears ahead of the 2022 season. Ganyi doesn’t have much production from his collegiate career, which hurt his stock, but tested respectably at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg.
6 (54) Toronto Argonauts — DL Justin Sambu, Baylor
The Calgary native was productive at the University of Maine prior to transferring to Baylor where he dressed for 12 games but played very little in 2023. He had a disappointing showing at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg where he managed only 11 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press before suffering an injury that held him out of the on-field sessions.
Sambu will be hoping to following the path of Lwal Uguak, who had a sensational rookie season with the Montreal Alouettes in 2023 despite playing sparingly after transferring to a major college program for his final year of eligibility.
6 (55) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — REC Abdul-Karim Gassama, Manitoba
The Winnipeg native has excellent body control and strong hands, though there are questions about whether or not his lack of size will allow him to contribute at the CFL level.
The two-time U Sports All-Canadian made 99 catches for 1,394 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Bisons but measured in at only five-foot-nine and 158 pounds at the CFL Combine. If he were six inches taller and 50 pounds heavier, Gassama would be considered an elite prospect.
6 (56) Montreal Alouettes — RB Michael Herzog, Hillsdale College
The Windsor, Ont. native was one of the top players in all of NCAA Division II football this past season and tested well at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, winning the vertical jump with a leap of 39 inches.
Herzog rushed for 2,273 yards and 29 touchdowns during his collegiate career and also contributed as a return specialist with the Chargers after originally committing as as receiver. Were it not for his lack of height at five-foot-eight, Herzog likely would have been drafted much higher. He attended the local NFL pro day with the Detroit Lions and received an invitation to the team’s upcoming rookie minicamp.
7 (57) Edmonton Elks — OL Evan Anseeuw, York
The six-foot-two, 290-pound blocker did 13 reps of 225 pounds at the 2023 East-West Bowl but didn’t participate in the 2024 CFL Invitational Combine. The native of Walsingham, Ont. anchors well and has quick feet, though he needs to play with better leverage.
7 (58) Ottawa Redblacks — LB Zach Philion, Concordia
The six-foot-one, 221-pound defender projects as a CFL special teams player after running a solid 4.80-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg. The native of Lorraine, Que. is the son of four-time East Division all-star defensive lineman Ed Philion, who has coached at the CFL and U Sports levels since his playing days came to an end.
7 (59) Saskatchewan Roughriders — REC Ajou Ajou, Garden City
The native of Brooks, Alta. originally committed to Clemson University as part of the No. 3-ranked recruiting class in the entire NCAA but struggled to produce with the Tigers, leading to transfers to the University of South Florida and Garden City Community College.
After coming out of high school at six-foot-two and 225 pounds, Ajou weighed only 211 pounds at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg and was the slowest out of 13 receivers in attendance. Though he still has potential, Ajou will have a lot to prove at the professional level.
7 (60) Calgary Stampeders — DB Jackson Sombach, Regina
The former Canada West all-star is solid in pass coverage and has enough athleticism to compete at the professional level, though his lack of height at five-foot-eight lowered his stock. He’s stocky for a defensive back at 195 pounds, though that’s still relatively light to compete on special teams.
7 (61) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — OL John Kourtis, Saskatchewan
The Toronto native is an intelligent player who earned a starting role with the Huskies in 2023 after spending five seasons as a backup at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. Kourtis posted poor numbers at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, though he’s still recovering from a torn pectoral muscle.
7 (62) B.C. Lions — DB Dawson Marchant, Northwestern Oklahoma State
The Vancouver native started his collegiate career at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. before moving south. He recorded 13 pass knockdowns and one interception during his collegiate career and tested solidly at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg.
7 (63) Edmonton Elks (via Toronto) — OL Patrick Lavoie, Carleton
The former OUA All-Rookie selection only managed five reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the East-West Bowl in 2023 but did 15 at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, showing his dedication in the weight room. He has exclusively started at left tackle over the past three seasons with the Ravens but will have to move inside to guard at the professional level.
7 (64) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — OL Michael Vlahogiannis, McGill
The six-foot-three, 312-pound blocker and native of Mount Royal, Que. was named an RSEQ all-star this past season at centre. He plays with good leverage and tested moderately at the CFL Invitational Combine.
7 (65) Montreal Alouettes — REC Mohsen Jamal, Western
The London, Ont. had to wait until his final year with the Mustangs to earn a significant role in the offence but took full advantage, catching 48 passes for 760 yards and five touchdowns to be named a second-team OUA all-star. Though he’s a little undersized at five-foot-ten and 181 pounds, Jamal tested well at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg and earned props from scouts for his toughness.
8 (66) Edmonton Elks — DL Jacob Spencer, Saginaw Valley State
The six-foot-six, 280-pound native of Brantford, Ont. finished his collegiate career with the Cardinals after previously playing at Grand Valley State University. He made 25 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks over 23 games at Saginaw Valley.
8 (67) Ottawa Redblacks — FB Russell Dixon, Connecticut
Dixon didn’t test after suffering a shoulder injury with the Edmonton Wildcats of the Canadian Junior Football League this past season but was a solid blocker during his tenure with the Huskies. The six-foot-three, 225-pounder projects as a classic CFL H-back.
8 (68) Saskatchewan Roughriders — DB Richard Aduboffour, Western
The Toronto native ran a solid 4.63-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Invitational Combine in Waterloo but didn’t advance to the main event in Winnipeg. The two-time OUA all-star made nine pass knockdowns and two interceptions over 22 regular season games with the Mustangs.
8 (69) Calgary Stampeders — DB Kaylyn St-Cyr, Montreal
The three-time RSEQ all-star and two-time U Sports All-Canadian played cornerback with the Carabins but projects as a CFL safety and special teamer. The five-foot-eleven, 206-pound native of La Prairie, Que. is the son of four-time East Division all-star defensive back Irvin Smith Jr.
It’s surprising that St-Cyr fell this far. He lacks elite height and speed but was very productive with the Carabins and should be able to contribute on special teams.
8 (70) Hamilton Tiger-Cats — LB Mitchell Townsend, UBC
The Vancouver native has solid size at six-foot-three and 227 pounds but ran a 5.06-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, which hurt his stock. Townsend is the grandson of Walt Bilicki, who won three Grey Cups as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions from 1956 to 1965, respectively.
8 (71) B.C. Lions — TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
3DownNation’s No. 2-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-six, 259-pounder’s stock rose following a stellar showing at the NFL Combine where he ran a 4.57-second forty-yard dash and leaped 39.5 inches in the vertical jump, leading him to being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
Though he was selected later many expected, Johnson ended up in a great situation as Darren Waller, the former Pro Bowl selection and New York’s incumbent starter, is reportedly retiring.
The native of Windsor, Ont. is the younger brother of former CFL prospect Dominic Johnson. It appears highly unlikely that he will ever play in the CFL as he projects as a starter in the NFL.
8 (72) Toronto Argonauts — OL Daniel Shin, Alberta
The Edmonton native tested poorly at the CFL Combine and is undersized at six-foot-three and 286 pounds, though he has good technique and his coaches rave about his effort and intelligence. The reigning first-team U Sports All-Canadian is a brilliant collegiate player, though he may struggle to adjust to the professional level.
8 (73) Winnipeg Blue Bombers — DL Owen Hubert, McMaster
The six-foot-four, 263-pound defender made 52.5 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery with the Marauders and tested respectably at the CFL Combine in Winnipeg, leaping 30 inches in the vertical jump and 113 inches in the broad jump.
Hubert will likely be sent back to school for his final year of U Sports eligibility as a developmental player.
8 (74) Montreal Alouettes — DB Vincent Delisle, Laval
The six-foot-two, 190-pound native of Quebec City made 8.5 tackles over seven games with the Rouge et Or this past season. He did not participate at the CFL Invitational Combine nor the CFL Combine.
