It’s almost time. Not only is the CFL Draft the unofficial signal that the beginning of the upcoming season is imminent, but also a celebration of Canadian football. This Tuesday at 8pm eastern time, 72 young men – the vast majority of whom have played either high school or collegiate football in Canada – are about to receive career changing calls to play the sport they love at a professional level; in other words a dream come true that many of us grew up with. Here at CFC, we have been covering virtually all of these athletes in some capacity for years, and it gives all of us great joy to see them reach the CFL
Now just a few things before we get going
We are going to mock the FIRST THREE ROUNDS of the 2023 CFL Draft. Brandon Diprose will make all the odd number selection and will therefore pick first. Maximus Thannhauser will make all the even numbered picks. NO TRADES. Though trades happen in every draft, when they will happen as well as the compensation going to each team is virtually impossible to predict and we do not want to bog this mock draft down with hypotheticals
And with that, Brandon and the Ottawa REDBLACKS are on the clock
Round 1
1. Ottawa REDBLACKS. CFC100 Jonathan Sutherland, Defensive Back [Penn State]
Brandon. With 3 picks in the first 2 rounds Ottawa has a lot of options. The real decider is if Ottawa thinks they are in win-now mode. The athleticism and versatility of Penn State DB Jonathan Sutherland is hard to pass up. Starting with, and learning, from outstanding vet Abdul Kanneh could see him become a shutdown defender for years to come
2. Edmonton Elks. CFC100 Lwal Uguak, Defensive Line [Texas Christian]
Maximus. Edmonton has no shortage of needs to shore up their roster, especially on the defensive front seven. Hometown kid Uguak just played in the FBS National Championship, and could very well end up starting from day 1. At 6’5” and 270lbs, the Edmonton native can play both the run and the pass, and his game translates to the CFL more than it does to the American game
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders. CFC100 Dontae Bull, Offensive Line [Fresno State]
Brandon. Perhaps more than any other CFL team, the Riders have a glaring need that they need to address that being their offensive line. New quarterback Trevor Harris can sling it and the skill positions are up there with anyone, but without adequate protection it will all be for naught. Bull is an absolute mountain of a man and could start at either tackle position week 1
4. Calgary Stampeders. CFC100 Michael Brodrique, Linebacker [Montreal]
Maximus. After losing both Jameer Thurman and Fraser Sopik in free agency, the Stamps are a little thin at linebacker. Brodrique is build like a prototype CFL linebacker and will be an instant contributor on special teams and could quickly develop into a starter on defense next to Cameron Judge to form a ratio-breaking duo in the middle of Brett Monson’s defence
5. Montreal Alouettes. CFC100 Jared Wayne, Wide Receiver [Pittsburg]
Brandon. If you want a blueprint for a modern CFL star receiver, look no further than Jared Wayne. Long, sturdy and possessing an enormous catch radius, Wayne will contribute as soon as he crosses the border. This is a somewhat risky pick because of the former Pitt Panther’s NFL interest, but Montreal has to take big swings if they want to get back into contention after watching so many of their impact players walk out the door
With the 2022 season in the rear-view mirror and the Ottawa Redblacks days away from being on the clock with the first overall pick in the 2023 CFL Draft, CFL on TSN analyst Jim Barker takes an in-depth look at the incoming draft class and the top 5 prospects available at each position
Watch the first two rounds of the 2023 CFL Draft Tuesday, May 2 at 8 p. m. ET/ 5 p. m. PT LIVE on TSN 1/3, TSN. ca, and the TSN App, with rounds 3-8 streaming on TSN+
The Edmonton Elks hold the second overall pick and are followed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Calgary Stampeders obtained the fourth overall pick after trading the rights to quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who pick sixth after the Montreal Alouettes
The Als are on the clock again at pick No. 7 thanks to the BC Lions who sent them the pick in exchange for quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers pick eighth and the Lions close out the first round
The defending Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts do not have a first-round pick, as they dealt it to the Lions to acquire Canadian linebacker Jordan Williams
With the 2023 CFL Draft days away, TSN's Marshall Ferguson shares his full mock draft, with prospects like Pitt's Jared Wayne, TCU's Lwal Uguak, and Fresno State's Dontae Bull all coming off the board early. Watch the first two rounds of the 2023 CFL Draft Tuesday, May 2 at 8 p. m. ET/ 5 p. m. PT LIVE on TSN 1/3, TSN. ca, and the TSN App, with rounds 3-8 streaming on TSN+
Jared Wayne , Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With the 2023 CFL Draft days away, TSN's Marshall Ferguson shares his full mock draft, with prospects like Pitt's Jared Wayne, TCU's Lwal Uguak, and Fresno State's Dontae Bull all coming off the board early.
Watch the first two rounds of the 2023 CFL Draft Tuesday, May 2 at 8 p. m. ET/ 5 p. m. PT LIVE on TSN 1/3, TSN. ca, and the TSN App, with rounds 3-8 streaming on TSN+
The Ottawa Redblacks hold the keys to the draft at No. 1 and are followed by the Edmonton Elks and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Calgary Stampeders obtained the fourth overall pick after trading the rights to quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who pick sixth after the Montreal Alouettes
The Als are on the clock again at pick No. 7 thanks to the BC Lions who sent them the pick in exchange for quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers pick eighth and the Lions close out the first round
The defending Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts do not have a first-round pick, as they dealt it to the Lions to acquire Canadian linebacker Jordan Williams
No. 1 - Jared Wayne
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
WR
School
Pitt
Height
6-3
Weight
210
I’ve wavered over the last couple months about whether Wayne is that sweet combination of athletic, accessible, and embracing of the CFL lifestyle. The more I read about and watch his game I think it makes total sense for the Redblacks, regardless of NFL prospects. Wayne’s Pro Day numbers might have put him further up NFL team draft boards, but Ottawa has so many picks that I believe the risk is well-received here – especially if he turns out anything like another former Redblacks receiver legend from Peterborough, Brad Sinopoli
No. 2 - Lwal Uguak
Edmonton Elks
Position
DL
School
TCU
Height
6-5
Weight
271
At all of 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds, Uguak didn’t get much of a chance to make impact plays during the Horned Frogs’ charmed run through the end of 2022, but in Edmonton he’ll get a chance to play quickly for Chris Jones. The Elks could go receiver if Uguak is taken first overall, or even future offensive lineman here, but I believe adding Uguak will provide a measurable gain in Canadian interior presence in what needs to be a more successful season – especially against the run
No. 3 - Dontae Bull
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
OL
School
Fresno State
Height
6-7
Weight
320
The Riders need offensive line help. This has absolutely nothing to do with coaching changes, schemes, pressure to win now or a different quarterback calling the shots. Forget all those variables. The Riders need protection help now, and with Sidy Sow likely NFL bound for at least a few years, this should be the pick for GM Jeremy O’Day and staff. Saskatchewan needs size and physicality as soon as possible. If Bull brings that and stays healthy the Riders will have benefitted greatly
No. 4 - Jonathan Sutherland
Calgary Stampeders
Position
LB
School
Penn State
Height
5-11
Weight
211
Chris Jones and Geroy Simon showed last draft that they love versatility when they picked Enock Makonzo from Coastal Carolina in the first round. Now, down the road in Calgary, Brent Monson gets his own Swiss Army knife of athleticism. Adding another body capable of playing safety or either outside linebacker position will only help the Stamps defence become more willing to pressure on first down before Sutherland can sit back and wait for interceptions to come his way on second and long
No. 5 - Francis Bemiy
Montreal Alouettes
Position
DL
School
Southern Utah
Height
6-4
Weight
270
In five years with Southern Utah, Bemiy racked up 38. 5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 13 sacks. I originally had him to Hamilton at sixth overall but each time I watch him play I think Montreal would be foolish to wait here and risk losing his services at seven. Bemiy’s positional flexibility could make him a situational swing man and worth the fifth-overall pick
No. 6 - Cole Tucker
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Position
WR
School
Northern Illinois
Height
6-2
Weight
195
The pick swapped with Calgary for Bo Levi Mitchell nets his new favourite target. A slightly larger and Canadian Luke Tasker-type who can alleviate pressure underneath while Tim White and Bralon Addison provide pure speed and top end targets? I don’t know much in mock drafts, but I know Hamilton’s fan base would fall in love with Tucker following the painful memory of former first-overall pick Mark Chapman never donning black and gold
No. 7 - Michael Brodrique
Montreal Alouettes
Position
LB
School
Montreal
Height
6-3
Weight
216
It has to happen – either here or two picks earlier, depending on the Als affinity for this Montreal monster. I don’t see GM Danny Maciocia or defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe letting a Carabins star linebacker slip through their grasp, especially with two picks in the first round, where I believe Brodrique deserves to be selected. The only hitch could be Montreal playing the long game and waiting for another Carabins star backer in Nicky Farinaccio a few years down the road. Don’t count on it
No. 8 - Lake Korte-Moore
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
DL
School
UBC
Height
6-5
Weight
262
A player with a relentless motor and special teams flexibility. The Bombers are all about drafting solid, well-rounded players and Korte-Moore fits the bill for me with the size and athleticism that screams late first round
No. 9 - Anthony Bennett
BC Lions
Position
DL
School
Regina
Height
6-3
Weight
230
An older prospect due to his five years spent playing for Florida Atlantic University and two with the Regina Rams, Bennett is more game-ready than he appears. He has a slight frame for a defensive end but could be an excellent depth pass rusher behind David Menard and Mathieu Betts while working on special teams and learning linebacker from Bo Lokombo
No. 10 - Harrison Bagayogo
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
DB
School
Guelph
Height
6-3
Weight
195
I previously had Bagayogo going 20th overall to Edmonton, but I’ve watched some more of him and don’t think he lasts that long. He goes no later than the early teens, but Ottawa would be an intriguing fit for the traditionally trained press corner turned, developmental free safety
No. 11 - Clark Barnes
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
WR
School
Guelph
Height
6-2
Weight
193
The Kian Schaffer-Baker experience has been a massively positive one for the Riders. After Kiondre Smith found his footing in Hamilton last year, another Gryphons pass catcher lands in the top 15. Barnes is ready to contribute while mixed in amongst Jake Wieneke, Brayden Lenius, Schaffer-Baker and Derel Walker
No. 12 - Phillip Grohovac
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
OL
School
Western
Height
6-5
Weight
305
Ottawa is pretty set at offensive line after a positive 2022 draft, but depth is always needed. Grohovac is one of the more appealing prospects in a shallow talent pool this year who could fill in comfortably should injuries befall the Redblacks line
No. 13 - Edouard Paradis
Montreal Alouettes
Position
OL
School
Houston Baptist
Height
6-4
Weight
320
One of the few lineman to show a mean streak at the 2023 combine in Edmonton. This might be a force on my part to find a lineman worth taking before the draft is too far gone, but Montreal is going to pound the rock with William Stanback and Cody Fajardo as much as anyone in the league. Why not bring in this local product to compete for a role?
No. 14 - Jacob Taylor
BC Lions
Position
DB
School
Alberta
Height
6-2
Weight
215
In the first mock I had Taylor going to BC with the pick acquired in exchange for Jordan Williams move to Toronto [ninth]. While that might be a tad early, I still believe BC attempts to replace the former Rookie of the Year with a physical, special teams-ready DB turned linebacker who could potentially lineup alongside Ben Hladik in a couple years
No. 15 - Dayton Black
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
OL
School
Saskatchewan
Height
6-6
Weight
296
Black goes back to Manitoba, where he was a standout high school quarterback. You read that right. He has real upside and plenty of long-term potential if he can just improve his footwork and ability to anchor more consistently. Black has all the signs of a developmental project that will be well worth the investment and patience, which Winnipeg can afford
No. 16 - Jeremy Murphy
Toronto Argonauts
Position
WR
School
Concordia
Height
6-2
Weight
195
The Argos don’t have much need to find a play-now starter with so many talented Canadians on the roster who helped power their 2022 Grey Cup win, but Murphy would be a nice big-bodied piece to bring along behind Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and force Tommy Nield to keep pushing his development forward
No. 17 - Daniel Oladejo
Ottawa Redblacks [Territorial]
Position
WR
School
Ottawa
Height
6-0
Weight
190
I could see fellow Gee-Gees teammate James Peter going here, but for a free pick, Oladejo could be a lot of fun through training camp and likely make a couple eye-opening preseason catches
No. 18 - Riley Szafranski
Edmonton Elks [Territorial]
Position
DL
School
Alberta
Height
6-3
Weight
275
Szafranski caught my eye at the invitational combine in Waterloo. Szafranski or University of Alberta teammates Kwadwo Boahen and Donovan Burgmaier [or even Jacob Taylor if he’s still around] would be great fits for the Elks here
No. 19 - Lucas Cormier
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
DB
School
Mount Allison
Height
6-2
Weight
210
Cormier is a couple years away from being a CFL mainstay, but he’s got all the size and natural feel needed. He’ll be ready to help consistently on the Redblacks back end once he adjusts to the CFL game, but can help on special teams immediately. Bob Dyce and the Redblacks are the perfect fit for an East Coast kid ready to contribute on coverage teams
No. 20 - James Peter
Edmonton Elks
Position
LB
School
Ottawa
Height
5-10
Weight
220
A first-team U Sports All-Canadian this past season, Peter is undersized but makes plays at a variety of levels in the Gee-Gees defence. I think Jones and Geroy take a swing here, hoping that Peter plays bigger on special teams than the game program says
No. 21 - Anthony Vandal
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
OL
School
Sherbrooke
Height
6-4
Weight
290
Another attempt to shore up the protection issues, Vandal has raw size and a developing sense for pass rusher approaches that could make him a meaningful piece in a couple years. If nothing else, he shows the Riders commitment to addressing their most glaring issue
No. 22 - Evan Floren
Calgary Stampeders
Position
OL
School
Queen's
Height
6-5
Weight
304
A bit undersized, but a smooth mover who works hard to move the opposing chess pieces. Floren would develop nicely behind one of the best interior national lineups in the CFL while learning the Stamps foolproof blocking schemes
No. 23 - Jake Kelly
Edmonton Elks
Position
DB
School
Bishop's
Height
6-0
Weight
180
A freaky athlete with a quiet demeanour and killer sense for playing the football in the air. Kelly might interview his way as high as the second round. As a developmental safety with special teams experience the 23rd pick might be too late to get him, but Edmonton wants athletes and Kelly fits the bill
No. 24 - Tavius Robinson
Calgary Stampeders
Position
LB
School
Ole Miss
Height
6-6
Weight
257
Depending on the source, the Guelph transfer could go anywhere from the fourth to final round of the NFL Draft – a reality that will greatly change his stock. Calgary has the tools to wait a year or two and profit from the waiting game
No. 25 - Thomas Bertrand-Hudon
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
RB
School
Delaware State
Height
6-0
Weight
220
Brendan Gillanders is gone, the backfield is open in Ottawa, and Ante Milanovic-Litre is the same style. I could see Bertrand-Hudon in a Redblacks uniform tomorrow, running down on kickoffs as a Bob Dyce favourite
No. 26 - Tanner Schmekel
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
DL
School
Regina
Height
6-2
Weight
200
A Regina native as a Bomber? With a disruptive 6-foot-1, 290-pound frame, it could be a reality for Schmekel, who tested and didn’t pad up at the 2023 CFL Combine
No. 27 - Theo Grant
Toronto Argonauts
Position
OL
School
Queen's
Height
6-4
Weight
280
The Argos are good for line depth, but Grant feels like a promising developmental project who could time out to be valuable just when reinforcements are needed
No. 28 - Arnold Mbembe
Edmonton Elks
Position
DE
School
Lincoln
Height
6-6
Weight
245
A 6-foot-6 player with unrelenting length and unrefined pass-rush tendencies. Mbembe is THE project of the draft for me, and I know one man who would welcome the project
No. 29 - David Dallaire
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Position
FB
School
Laval
Height
6-3
Weight
217
The Tiger-Cats are good at fullback with Felix Garand-Gauthier, Myles Manalo, and Jake Burt, but Dallaire feels like a swing piece that Tommy Condell could find unique roles for in time
No. 30 - Sidy Sow
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
OL
School
Eastern Michigan
Height
6-5
Weight
323
The best lineman in the draft for me. He might not come immediately, but if the Bromont, Que. , native ever did he could be a major difference maker in the Riders protection scheme. He could also be a valuable trade chip if Montreal misses out and hopes for the Quebec native to return home
No. 31 - Quintin Seguin
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Position
DL
School
Charleston Southern
Height
6-3
Weight
274
The Ticats don’t necessarily need an interior defensive lineman, but Seguin is likely worthy of a higher pick. I could see him rotating into the Ticats already stacked front seven by Labour Day if he works hard and plays to his full ability
No. 32 - Bertrand Beaulieu
Montreal Alouettes
Position
RB
School
Montreal
Height
6-2
Weight
229
A power back with soft hands who played for the Carabins. It’s not if, but when the Alouettes will add him to their power rush attack
No. 33 - Sebastian Howard
Calgary Stampeders
Position
WR
School
Saint Mary's
Height
6-6
Weight
230
Howard was one of the most intriguing prospects in the combine process. He’s a long body capable of playing multiple positions who I’d honestly just love to see team up with Stampeders big man Luther Hakunavanhu to give quarterback Jake Maier some monster targets over the middle
No. 34 - Charlie Ringland
BC Lions
Position
DB
School
Saskatchewan
Height
6-1
Weight
195
A gut-wrenching knee injury at the combine saw Ringland’s fortune change in an instance, otherwise he’d be a second- or third-round pick at the latest for me. Take him in the fourth and prosper when he’s fully healthy
No. 35 - Aidan John
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
DL
School
Saint Mary's
Height
6-4
Weight
235
Raw length and space-eating quickness. John might never play a snap at end for the blue and gold, but he’d be fun to see let loose on special teams
No. 35 - Kwadwo Boahen
Toronto Argonauts
Position
DL
School
Alberta
Height
6-1
Weight
280
Multiple years spent at York give the Argos plenty of good intel on the Edmonton native. Boahen’s stout frame doesn’t match the Argos current Canadian interior design, but I see lots of positive snaps in his CFL future
No. 37 - Dayton Blackett
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
LB
School
St. Francis Xavier
Height
6-2
Weight
220
At all of 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Blackett is primed to be a special teams monster with some technical tuning
No. 38 - Matt Dean
Edmonton Elks
Position
LB
School
York
Height
6-2
Weight
220
Every time you turned around at the combine, Matt Dean was making another play on the ball. I know I’m not the only one who noticed and expect the Elks might be interested in bringing him back to Commonwealth
No. 39 - Emmanuel Aboagye-Gyan
Montreal Alouettes
Position
DB
School
Ottawa
Height
6-1
Weight
205
Undersized, scrappy and a nose for the football. A solid depth piece behind 2022 first-overall pick Tyrell Edwards
No. 40 - Reece Martin
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Position
DL
School
Mount Allison
Height
6-3
Weight
278
Elite length at 6-foot-3 and 278 pounds, Martin has been sliding a bit through the evaluation process. But if he gets beyond the fourth round I expect a team like Hamilton, featuring a dedication to Canadian defensive lineman, will snap him up
No. 41 - Alexandre Marcoux
Montreal Alouettes
Position
OL
School
McGill
Height
6-2
Weight
295
A natural centre with solid developmental upside, Marcoux knows Percival Molson Stadium well and doesn’t need to go anywhere to start his pro career
No. 42 - James Basalyga
Calgary Stampeders
Position
WR
School
Waterloo
Height
6-0
Weight
192
Basalyga’s production on a weak Waterloo passing attack is stunning. The only thing holding back his draft stock is a frame in the 27th percentile of receiver size, but this could be the sneaky draft scoop we remember in a few years
No. 43 - Willy-Pierre Dimbongi
BC Lions
Position
WR
School
Ottawa
Height
6-2
Weight
190
The polar opposite of Basalyga, Dimbongi has the frame to excel but struggles to consistently produce and doesn’t run to his potential. BC adds a depth piece who can watch and learn from Jevon Cottoy
No. 44 - Daniel Perry
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
WR
School
Saskatchewan
Height
6-0
Weight
175
I think Perry gets drafted higher, but receivers are likely to get squeezed by the talented defensive draft and he could be pushed down the order a round or two. Regardless of where he lands, the nation’s best passing attack featured Perry in a way that will open doors in his first training camp
No. 45 - Luke Burton-Krahn
Toronto Argonauts
Position
DL
School
UBC
Height
6-1
Weight
225
Toronto is the likeliest candidate to take a long snapper. The good news is Burton-Krahn has a pro frame and could supply emergency defensive end snaps while leading featuring elite athleticism at the position. Get used to the name, he’ll have a long career
No. 46 - Ife Onyemenam
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
LB
School
Laurier
Height
6-1
Weight
215
Another special teams piece for an Ottawa group whose big swings came in the top 20
No. 47 - Chase Brown
Toronto Argonauts
Position
RB
School
Illinois
Height
5-9
Weight
209
Someone is going to take the Brown brothers at some point and hope to see them one day. Toronto is uniquely positioned, with Andrew Harris entering his final season, 2022 second-round pick Daniel Adeboboye and A. J. Ouellette on the roster, to draft a “future” running back. If this London, Ont. , native ever comes up Toronto needs to have his rights. Well worth the risk and value in the sixth round
No. 48 - Jaxon Ford
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
DB
School
Regina
Height
6-1
Weight
210
The Regina native is a Canada West all-star with speed, physicality, and family ties to Riders green.
No. 49 - Jacob Biggs
Calgary Stampeders
Position
DB
School
Calgary
Height
6-0
Weight
XX
Thirty-two career games played for the Dinos, 25 pass breakups, and a 2019 Vanier Cup champion. Biggs’ dad won the 1998 Grey Cup as a Stamp. His patient approach to coverage is matched only by his burst on out breaking routes, where he’s most natural in coverage
No. 50 - Jassin States-McClean
Edmonton Elks
Position
DB
School
Saint Mary's
Height
6-1
Weight
180
The combine featured many large-framed SMU Huskies. States-McClean was a bit overshadowed in the talented defensive back group but deserves to come off the board before the end of the sixth round
No. 51 - Tolu Ahmed
Calgary Stampeders
Position
DB
School
Toronto
Height
6-3
Weight
190
The height and length is deceiving, but Ahmed can flat out run and is a developing cover man. By this point in the draft he’s an intriguing developmental prospect who fits the bill of a player Calgary could take a flyer on
No. 52 - Josh White
BC Lions
Position
LB
School
Regina
Height
6-2
Weight
220
The Lions are one of a few Canadian dedicated linebacking groups. White fits right in with prototypical size and above expected athletic value
No. 53 - Parker Hodel
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
OL
School
Regina
Height
6-3
Weight
337
The size [6-foot-3, 337 pounds] is impressive. The testing and movement skills on field leave something to be desired
No. 54 - Sydney Brown
Toronto Argonauts
Position
DB
School
Illinois
Height
5-10
Weight
211
If the Argos would get a bump from having twin brother Chase come north, imagine the buzz of having two top-flight brothers on the same roster. Maybe a pipe dream, but the upside would be memorable to say the least and Toronto has built free safety as a Canadian roster spot of late
No. 55 - Matthew Famurewa
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
OL
School
Guelph
Height
6-2
Weight
275
One of my favourite players from the one-on-ones at the invitational combine in Waterloo, Famurewa is likely too small to draft in the eyes of many, but he is a worthwhile project in my eyes who could become a serviceable backup
No. 56 - Patrick Burke Jr
Edmonton Elks
Position
DB
School
Laurier
Height
6-2
Weight
195
Burke Jr. could easily be swapped with fellow Golden Hawk Ife Onyemenam at 46th overall but for now he lands in Edmonton to scrap for a roster spot
No. 57 - Spencer Masterson
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
OL
School
Guelph
Height
6-6
Weight
310
I had high hopes for Masterson through the combine and came out feeling a bit flat, but the Riders need as many kicks at the offensive line can as possible and could get some sneaky value here late in the draft
No. 58 - Gabriel Appiah-Kubi
Ottawa Redblacks
Position
WR
School
York
Height
5-11
Weight
160
One of the smallest players [5-foot-11 and 160 pounds] to ever compete at a CFL Combine, Appiah-Kubi has elite speed, but what does it actually mean in the CFL?
No. 59 - Matthew Bergeron
Montreal Alouettes
Position
OL
School
Syracuse
Height
6-5
Weight
318
The top-rated player from the final Central Scouting Bureau is a dominant run blocker who fits best at guard in the NFL, but could perhaps be enticed north at the offer of a starting tackle spot in a couple years
No. 60 - Troy Kowal
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
OL
School
Minot State
Height
6-6
Weight
295
A monster frame from High River, Alta. The Riders once again create competition across the line to see who really wants to be a pro
No. 61 - Richard Burton
BC Lions
Position
WR
School
Queen's
Height
6-0
Weight
185
Burton runs well and has good hands. I expect he’s drafted late and returns to Queen’s for a Vanier Cup run
No. 62 - Breton MacDougall
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
DB
School
Windsor
Height
6-3
Weight
205
Length and size for days, but MacDougall doesn’t run as well as similar-sized players in this draft, bumping his special teams worth down to the seventh round
No. 63 - Jack Hinsperger
Toronto Argonauts
Position
LB
School
Windsor
Height
6-0
Weight
212
A former Canada Football Chat top-100 member, Hinsperger earns his respect on special teams drills behind Jack Cassar and Trevor Hoyte
No. 64 - Cody Hale
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Position
DB
School
Toronto
Height
6-3
Weight
208
A big-bodied Oakville, Ont. , native who tested well at the invitational and could potentially convert to outside linebacker in Hamilton
No. 65 - Ronnie Oling
Edmonton Elks
Position
WR
School
Alberta
Height
6-3
Weight
200
An athletic project with raw ability and needed refinement
No. 66 - Donovan Burgmaier
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position
DL
School
Alberta
Height
6-5
Weight
250
The size and style is right, but is there room in Regina? If not, preseason film could keep Burgmaier in the CFL elsewhere
No. 67 - Michael O’Shea
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Position
WR
Program
Okanagan Sun
Height
6-0
Weight
185
Sorry, I had to after the 2019 and 2021 Grey Cups. A special teams tactician as you would expect, O’Shea started at Guelph and comes back to Ontario to earn his way up the depth chart
No. 68 - Maxym Lavallee
Montreal Alouettes
Position
DB
School
Laval
Height
5-9
Weight
185
Undersized and short-armed, Maciocia & Co. take a shot on the Laval dynamo
No. 69 - Josh Hyer
Calgary Stampeders
Position
DL
School
Calgary
Height
6-4
Weight
XX
Big body, raw skill set. Final Stampeders pick
No. 70 - Markcus Jean-Loescher
BC Lions
Position
LB
School
Saint Mary's
Height
6-2
Weight
225
Jean-Loescher is a second-generation CFLer. With BC taking a late-round swing he’ll proudly represent his Indigenous background on a CFL field with standout special teams plays in a year or two
No. 71 - Jadyn Pingue
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position
LB
School
UBC
Height
6-0
Weight
220
The trend of strong UBC linebacker play continues as the Saskatoon native heads west for the chance to make a CFL roster
No. 72 - Ryan Leder
Toronto Argonauts
Position
DL
School
McMaster
Height
6-2
Weight
235
This pick could also go to fellow Marauders special teamer Jacob Mason, but Leder’s no-nonsense approach earns the chance to get drafted from the invitational combine