John Hodge’s 2026 CFL Mock Draft 2.0

Photo courtesy: Wake Forest Athletics

The 2026 CFL Draft is approaching quickly, which means it’s time to reassess how selections could be made on Tuesday, April 28.

While the first mock draft published in this space covered only the first two rounds, this one goes through the first four. Some selections have remained unchanged from a month ago, while others have shifted dramatically based on injuries, surprise testing results, or late qualifications.

Top-ranked defensive linemen Akheem Mesidor and Rene Konga are not listed below due to their rising stock in the 2026 NFL Draft. All other players who may garner NFL opportunities are included in the mock draft, with accompanying qualifiers.

Things can change quickly leading up to the draft, so make sure to stay tuned to 3DownNation for all the latest news, insight, and analysis.

This mock draft was created using a combination of anonymous sourcing, film review, statistical analysis, and notes from 3DownNation reporter JC Abbott.

1. Ottawa Redblacks — OL Giordano Vaccaro, Purdue

The Winnipeg native was primarily a backup this past season, but that hasn’t stopped CFL teams from falling in love with him. Vaccaro previously dominated the U Sports ranks, earning two first-team All-Canadian selections at the University of Manitoba and winning the J.P. Metras Trophy in 2024.

The six-foot-two, 307-pound blocker is an experienced guard, and it shouldn’t be long before he’s ready to start at the CFL level. Vaccaro is smart, physical, and technically sound.

The Redblacks need to get younger and better along the offensive line, and Vaccaro fits the bill perfectly. The biggest question heading into draft day is whether or not other teams — for example, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers — are prepared to trade up to select Vaccaro themselves.

2. Toronto Argonauts — OL Kevin Cline, Boston College

The native of Boca Raton, Fla., was recently added to this year’s draft class after obtaining Canadian citizenship through his Canadian-born mother. His father also has a CFL background, having played along the defensive line for the Ottawa Rough Riders for three seasons.

The six-foot-six, 315-pound blocker spent six collegiate seasons with the Eagles, dressing for 44 games and making 14 starts. Cline was the team’s full-time starter at right tackle in 2025, and some scouts believe he could remain at tackle at the CFL level, though he should be more than capable of moving inside the guard if needed.

3. Edmonton Elks — DL Nuer Gatkuoth, Wake Forest

The six-foot-three, 239-pound defender had his best collegiate season with the Demon Deacons in 2025, recording 39 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hurries, six sacks, and one forced fumble. He’s got plenty of twitch and explosiveness on film, though his pro day numbers will probably prevent him from getting into an NFL training camp.

General manager Ed Hervey believes in building along the offensive and defensive lines and has repeatedly stressed the importance of bringing in players who live in Edmonton. Gatkuoth, who was born in the city, seems like the perfect fit. He could immediately serve as depth behind Robbie Smith while developing into an eventual starter himself.

4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — OL Jonathan Denis, Louisiana Tech

The Montreal native was raised primarily in Florida and had a nomadic collegiate career with stops at Oregon, Miami, Central Missouri, and Louisiana Tech. After suffering two ACL tears over his first few seasons, Denis remained healthy and was a full-time starter in 2024 and 2025. He recently told 3DownNation his knees feel better than they did pre-surgery.

The Blue Bombers need to get younger and deeper along the offensive line, even with the team hinting they may only start two Canadians at the position in 2026. Denis, who considers himself a mauler in the run game, seems like a perfect scheme fit for Winnipeg’s offence.

5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — LB Dariel Djabome, Rutgers

The six-foot-one, 233-pound defender was a two-year starter with the Scarlet Knights, making 192 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass knockdown. There’s still a chance he ends up in the NFL in 2026, though his performance in the forty-yard dash may limit those opportunities.

Hamilton lost Devin Veresuk to the NFL earlier this offseason. Though perennial All-CFL defender Wynton McManis signed to become their starter at middle linebacker, Djabome would allow the Tiger-Cats to eventually go back to starting a Canadian in the linebacking corps. In the meantime, the native of Longueuil, Que., should be a game-wrecker on special teams.

6. Calgary Stampeders — OL Niklas Henning, Queen’s

Henning was the star of this year’s CFL Combine, putting up numbers that drew attention from south of the border. At six-foot-six and 298 pounds, he recorded a 4.90-second forty-yard dash, 7.70-second three-cone drill, 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and a nine-foot, six-inch broad jump, many of which would have ranked at or near the top among offensive linemen at the NFL Combine.

The native of Milton, Ont., spent most of his collegiate career with the Gaels as an H-back before converting to offensive tackle in 2024. He was named a second-team All-Canadian in 2025, and though he’ll need time to develop, some scouts believe he has the athleticism to remain at tackle in the CFL.

7. B.C. Lions — OL Darius Bell, East Carolina

The native of Hamilton, Ont., garnered outstanding character references from his time with the Pirates and showed impressive versatility at the collegiate level, making 34 starts at left tackle, left guard, centre, and right guard over stints at Maine and East Carolina.

The Lions have struck out on many of their recent draft picks along the offensive line, as players like Theo Benedet and Alaric Jackson stuck in the NFL, Tyler Packer and Connor Klassen battled injuries, and Noah Zerr didn’t pan out. Bell would fill an immediate depth need and project as an eventual starter at centre or guard.

8. Montreal Alouettes — OL Albert Reese IV, Mississippi State

This is the first “futures” pick of our mock draft as Reese IV is expected to start his professional career in the NFL. The Alouettes made a ratio change in 2025 when first-round pick Tiger Shanks won the starting job at right tackle. If the team wants to build depth at that position, Reese IV would be the perfect player to have in the pipeline.

The six-foot-seven, 330-pound blocker made 21 starts over five collegiate seasons with the Bulldogs, almost all of which came at right tackle. The Edmonton native will likely sign with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent later this month, though he could make his way to La Belle Province in time.

9. Saskatchewan Roughriders — LB Eric Rascoe, Angelo State

The six-foot-one, 210-pound defender was one of the top performers at the recent CFL Combine, running a 4.56-second forty-yard dash and leaping 36 inches in the vertical jump. He was a three-time first-team All-Conference selection at Angelo State, where he made 221 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 18 pass knockdowns, one force fumble, and one fumble recovery over 48 games.

The native of San Antonio, Tex., qualified for Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Toronto. After spending the 2025 season in the Indoor Football League, Rascoe is pro-ready and would help round out a linebacking corps that lost A.J. Allen in free agency.

Round Two

10. Ottawa Redblacks — LB Darius McKenzie, South Alabama

The six-foot-two, 230-pound defender suffered an ankle injury near the end of the 2025 season, which made him unable to do any athletic testing this spring. Even so, the Ottawa native was an All-Sun Belt honourable mention this past year and still projects as a possible CFL starter.

McKenzie made 195 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven pass knockdowns, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble over 39 collegiate games at Maine and South Alabama. The Redblacks are set to start a Canadian at linebacker after giving A.J. Allen a massive deal in free agency, and McKenzie would provide depth while also contributing on special teams.

11. Toronto Argonauts — REC Nate DeMontagnac, North Dakota

The native of Mississauga, Ont., didn’t have elite production with the Fighting Hawks but has become the clear No. 1 receiver in this year’s draft. The six-foot-two, 186-pound target ran well at his pro day and put on a clinic during the on-field portion of the CFL Combine.

The Argonauts lack depth behind Kevin Mital, who is entering the final year of his entry-level contract, and six-year veteran Dave Ungerer III. DeMontagnac is ready to serve as the primary backup to both players while developing into a starter himself.

12. Edmonton Elks — DB Malcolm Bell, Michigan State

The six-foot-two, 188-pound defender may sign in the NFL as an undrafted free agent, though the Elks would be more than happy to wait a year or two for the lockdown cornerback.

Bell started 31 collegiate games dating back to his tenure at the University of Connecticut and made 11 starts with the Spartans in 2025, recording 49 total tackles, five tackles for loss, six pass knockdowns, and one sack. Edmonton lacks depth behind Tyrell Ford, and Bell could address that need while developing into a ratio-breaker himself.

13. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — FB Émeric Boutin, Laval

The Blue Bombers don’t have a true fullback on the roster, and they could do a lot worse than this two-time first-team All-Canadian. Boutin made 24 catches for 379 yards and three touchdowns over the last two seasons with the Rouge et Or while also contributing as a blocker.

The 23-year-old runs extremely well for his size and should contribute on special teams while filling a utility role on offence. Boutin arguably needs to become more physical, but he’s a tough matchup for opposing defenders when he releases on vertical routes.

14. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — DL Wesley Bailey, Louisville

The Ottawa native will start his professional career in the NFL, but could make his way to the CFL at some point in the next few years. The six-foot-five, 265-pound edge rusher projects as a ratio-breaking starter at defensive end, making him tough to pass up for a Hamilton squad that’s loaded up on Canadian defensive linemen in recent years.

As a four-year starter between Rutgers and Louisville, Bailey made 110 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, six pass knockdowns, and four fumble recoveries, making him one of the most productive defensive players in this year’s draft.

15. B.C. Lions (via Calgary) — REC Nolan Ulm, Eastern Washington

The 24-year-old is coming off a bit of a down year as he made only 27 receptions for 228 yards and one touchdown over 12 games, though he was still plenty productive over six collegiate seasons.

The native of Kelowna, B.C., would fill a positional need for the Lions, who lack depth behind veteran starters Jevon Cottoy and Justin McInnis. Ulm is pro-ready, has solid size, and should contribute on special teams early in his career.

16. Toronto Argonauts (via B.C.) — REC Malick Meiga, Coastal Carolina

The Montreal native tested exceptionally well at his pro day, running a 4.43-second forty-yard dash, recording 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and leaping a ten-foot, six-inch broad jump at six-foot-three and 206 pounds.

Meiga wasn’t an overly productive receiver over five collegiate seasons at Penn State and Coastal Carolina, making 35 catches for 432 yards and two touchdowns, though his athletic traits project him as an elite special teams player in the CFL.

17. Montreal Alouettes — REC Nick Cenacle, Hawaii

The six-foot-one, 199-pound target missed part of his senior season due to injury and tested worse than expected at his pro day. At the same time, Cenacle was productive with the Rainbow Warriors and enjoyed a standout 2024 season when he caught 63 balls for 721 yards and six touchdowns.

The Montreal native would fill the biggest need for his hometown team, which is depth behind Tyson Philpot. Though the Alouettes only start one Canadian receiver, that could always change in the future — particularly with Austin Mack and Charleston Rambo both having departed this offseason.

18. Saskatchewan Roughriders — TE Rohan Jones, Arkansas

This would be a futures pick for the Roughriders as Jones is expected to sign an NFL contract as an undrafted free agent. Assuming he eventually comes north, however, the Montreal native would be well worth the wait as he can contribute at tight end, fullback, H-back, slotback, and on special teams.

The six-foot-three, 242-pound target has impressive speed, even returning kicks during his two-year tenure at Maine. Jones caught 19 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns with the Razorbacks in 2025 and was named first-team All-Big Sky at Montana State in 2024.

19. Edmonton Elks — DB Jett Elad, Rutgers

The 25-year-old would likely have been a first-round pick, though sources have told 3DownNation he recently underwent surgery that will keep him out for part of the regular season. Elad played 63 games over seven collegiate seasons, recording 298 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 26 pass knockdowns, five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one sack.

With veteran Royce Metchie still recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered in September, the Elks would be wise to add a proven safety in his stead.

20. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — REC Jesulayomi Ojutalayo, Wilfrid Laurier

The native of Shelburne, Ont., caught 66 passes for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns with the Golden Hawks and is expected to be a top CFL special teams player. Ojutalayo was credited with 37 total tackles at the U Sports level, which is 18 more than any other receiver in the draft.

The Blue Bombers could start three Canadian receivers in 2026, though Kevens Clercius appeared to fall out of favour late last year. Ojutalayo would give the team a young, physical option to pitch in alongside players like Nic Demski, Tommy Nield, Gavin Cobb, and Joey Corcoran.

Round Three

21. Edmonton Elks (via Ottawa) — REC Carter Kettyle, Alberta

The six-foot, 196-pound target was a first-team U Sports All-Canadian with the Golden Bears in 2025 and finished his collegiate career with 101 receptions for 1,696 yards and 17 touchdowns. Kettyle fits Edmonton’s desire for local players and also fills a positional need, as Zach Mathis is coming off an injury-plagued season and entering the last year of his contract.

22. Toronto Argonauts — DL Tristan Marois, Colorado

The six-foot-five, 249-pound defender played little defence over three seasons with the Buffaloes, though he projects as an impact CFL special teamer. The native of Saint-Bruno, Que., is the perfect depth fit for an Argonauts team that could eventually start two Canadians along the defensive line between Jonathan Kongbo, Jeremiah Ojo, and Paris Shand.

23. Ottawa Redblacks (via Edmonton) — DL Charlie Parks, Saskatchewan

The Regina native had a brilliant final season with the Huskies, earning a first-team U Sports All-Canadian selection and the Canada West nomination for the J.P. Metras Trophy. The six-foot-four, 232-pound defender was a standout edge rusher in the one-on-ones at the CFL Combine, showing impressive bend around the arc.

24. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — DB Ethan Stuart, McMaster

The native of Oakville, Ont., was arguably the biggest riser from the CFL Combine, impressing in the on-field drills and testing. Stuart played halfback with the Marauders but has the size and athleticism to play multiple spots on defence, making him the perfect fit for Jordan Younger’s system.

25. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — DB Devynn Cromwell, Michigan State

The Toronto native is one of the most athletic players in this year’s draft, though his stock fell dramatically after he injured his knee at his pro day, requiring surgery. Once he’s healthy, the sky is the limit for Cromwell, whose testing numbers may have put him in the NFL.

26. Calgary Stampeders — LB Justin Pace, Queen’s

The Montreal native was a stalwart for the Gaels, making 232 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight pass knockdowns, six interceptions, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries over 42 collegiate games. The two-time OUA all-star and one-time first-team All-Canadian plays with reckless abandon and would add some needed depth to Calgary’s linebacking corps.

27. Calgary Stampeders (via B.C.) — QB Éloa Latendresse-Régimbald, McGill

After missing out on the receiver run in the second round, the Stampeders take a shot at developing Brad Sinopoli 2.0. Latendresse-Régimbald is one of the most prolific dual-threat quarterbacks in U Sports history and is an exceptional athlete for his size. The Montreal native didn’t look out of place running routes at the CFL Combine, though he’s also open to a position change to safety.

28. Montreal Alouettes — DB Pierre Kemeni, Ohio

The native of Milton, Ont., has the size and athleticism to be a top CFL special teams player. Though he was never a full-time defensive starter across collegiate stints at Ohio, Texas State, Garden City Community College, and New Mexico, Kemeni could also potentially develop into a hybrid linebacker-defensive back role in Noel Thorpe’s defence.

29. Saskatchewan Roughriders — DB Cyrus McGarrell, Northern Illinois

The native of Windsor, Ont., was mostly a backup with the Huskies, though he’s got the special teams experience that CFL teams covet. At six-foot-one and 201 pounds, McGarrell could hash out a nice role in Saskatchewan on cover teams while also providing depth in the secondary.

Round Four

30. Toronto Argonauts (via Ottawa) — OL Jez Janvier, Southern Mississippi

The Montreal native only started five collegiate games along the offensive line, but has the size and athleticism to potentially develop into a ratio-breaking offensive tackle. The Argonauts have talked all offseason about getting better up front, and Janvier feels like good value at this point in the draft.

31. Toronto Argonauts — LB Marc Djonay Rondeau, Ottawa

The Quebec City native is undersized for a linebacker but saw his stock rise at the CFL Combine after he ran a 4.59-second forty-yard dash. Rondeau will have to make his living on special teams, though he may also contribute on defence after being a versatile contributor with the Gee-Gees.

32. Edmonton Elks — OL Logan Taylor, Boston College

The native of Lunenburg, N.S., could be a late-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft later this month, but he seems well worth the risk for the Elks at this point in the draft. Edmonton doesn’t have many pressing needs, and the team’s brass loves to invest along the offensive line.

33. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — LB Charles-Elliot Bouliane, Montreal

The five-foot-eleven, 229-pound native of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que. has drawn comparisons to Shayne Gauthier, who spent the last 10 seasons in Winnipeg. If Bouliane turns out like Gauthier, the Blue Bombers would be pretty thrilled with this selection.

34. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — QB Jerome Rancourt, Western

The six-foot-four, 260-pound native of Quebec City is returning to school for 2026, sources have told 3DownNation. Once he gets to the CFL in 2027, Rancourt could become the Canadian version of Tommy Stevens with upside as a fullback, tight end, and special teams player.

35. Edmonton Elks (via Ottawa and Calgary) — OL Spencer Walsh, Wilfrid Laurier

The second-team OUA all-star is currently recovering from a torn ACL, without which he would likely have been a top-20 pick. The Elks would have to wait for Walsh to recover, but his physicality and ability to finish blocks project him as a CFL starter at guard.

36. B.C. Lions — DB Benjamin Sangmuah, UBC

The six-foot-one, 198-pound defender started collegiate games at strong-side linebacker, cornerback, and safety with the Thunderbirds despite picking up the sport after high school. Sangmuah has the length and athleticism teams covet in the secondary and on special teams.

37. Montreal Alouettes — RB Isaiah Smith, Guelph

The six-foot, 230-pound ball-carrier has a low centre of gravity, experience on special teams, and caught 41 passes for 469 yards and two touchdowns over 25 games with the Gryphons. After the retirement of Sean Thomas-Erlington, Smith would be a nice addition for the Alouettes.

38. Saskatchewan Roughriders — OL Ethan Graham, Regina

The six-foot-five, 316-pound blocker was a two-year starter at left tackle with the Rams, though he’ll likely move inside to guard in the CFL. The Canada West all-star impressed teams in interviews at the CFL Combine and posted solid testing numbers to cement his stock as a mid-round pick.

Best of the rest: RB Charles Asselin, Ottawa; DB Patrick Cumberbatch, Ottawa; TE Dante Daniels, North Carolina State; REC Dylan Djete, Alabama State; DL Ebenezer Dibula, Kennesaw State; OL Alassane Diouf, Montreal; LB Loik Gagné, Concordia; DB Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Montreal; DB Gianni Green, Guelph; LS Chris Liberta, Concordia; DB Shakespeare Louis, Southeastern Louisiana; REC Shemar McBean, UBC; RB Weagbe Mombo, Windsor; DL Aamarii Notice, Coastal Carolina; LB Osasere Odemwingie, Calgary; FB Sebastian Parsalidis, Wilfrid Laurier; OL Mitchel Schechinger, Guelph; REC Matt Sibley, Calgary; OL Brayden Szeman, Calgary; RB Liam Talbot, Windsor; DB Trae Tomlinson, Louisiana