Edmonton Elks, Winnipeg Blue Bombers awarded extra picks in 2026 CFL Draft

Photo: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers have been awarded extra picks in the 2026 CFL Draft, the league office has confirmed to 3DownNation.

Each year, two bonus selections at the end of the second round are given to the teams that had the highest percentage of snaps played by Canadians the previous year. These picks have been awarded to Edmonton and Winnipeg, giving them the No. 19 and 20 selections in the 2026 CFL Draft, respectively.

The CFL has awarded two extra draft picks at the end of the second round since 2019. These selections were originally awarded to the two worst teams from the previous year, though they could only be used on territorial prospects.

In 2024, the criteria for these picks was changed to reward the teams who played the most Canadians the previous season. The selections were also no longer territorially restricted, allowing teams to use them on any player.

Last year’s picks were awarded to the Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions, though the latter selection was traded to the Toronto Argonauts. Winnipeg used their selection on quarterback Taylor Elgersma, while the Argonauts took defensive lineman Paris Shand.

The 2026 CFL Draft is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Ottawa Redblacks hold the first overall pick, followed by the Argonauts, Elks, Blue Bombers, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.