The 2025 CFL Draft is finally here, which means it’s time to analyze all 72 picks as they roll in over eight
rounds on Tuesday. 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 were right and which picks were wrong.
Four players of this year’s top-ranked prospects are expected to fall down CFL draft boards after securing NFL opportunities for the upcoming season.
Stanford receiver Elic Ayomanor and Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke were both selected in the recent NFL draft. As a result, they are expected to fall in the CFL draft as there’s a risk they’ll become career-long NFL players, never playing in Canada.
Montana defensive lineman Hayden Harris and LSU defensive lineman Paris Shand signed NFL contracts as undrafted free agents, which means they will also fall down draft boards, albeit to a lesser extent.
It should also be noted the Edmonton Elks forfeited their first and eighth-round selections this year after making supplemental draft choices in 2024. The B.C. Lions also lost their first and second-round picks after grossly violating the salary cap last year, which resulted in the selections being awarded to the Calgary Stampeders due to a little-known rule in the CFL’s constitution.
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1 (1) Calgary Stampeders – REC Damien Alford, Utah
3DownNation’s No. 11-ranked prospect.
The native of Montreal, Que. caught 67 passes for 1,291 yards and seven touchdowns over four seasons at Syracuse University before transferring to the Utes in 2024, though he didn’t register any statistics with his new team. Alford originally announced he would transfer to Florida Atlantic University for 2025 but reneged when he instead decided to reenter the draft.
Alford’s stock rose following his performance at this year’s Big 12 Pro Day when he ran a 4.46-second forty-yard dash at six-foot-five and 224 pounds, demonstrating a rare combination of size and speed — even by NFL standards. Though he needs to continue developing his route tree, Alford will be able to stretch the field vertically from day one of his professional career.
After going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Alford accepted an invitation to rookie mini-camp with the Kansas City Chiefs.
This pick is a surprise as Montana receiver Keelan White, who attended Dave Dickenson’s alma mater, was rumoured to be heading to Cowtown, though the Stampeders opted for the longer, more explosive athlete here at first overall.
1 (2) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – LB Devin Veresuk, Windsor
3DownNation‘s No. 10-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-two, 240-pound native of Windsor, Ont. posted freakish testing numbers at the University at Buffalo’s pro day, including a 4.47-second forty-yard dash and 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, which drew interest from NFL teams. Though some scouts don’t see the same level of elite athleticism on tape, Veresuk was still extremely productive with his hometown Lancers, posting 199 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, five pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
The second-team OUA all-star turned some teams off by electing not to participate fully in the CFL Combine in Regina, though that clearly didn’t hurt his draft stock.
The Tiger-Cats started a Canadian linebacker in 2024 despite arguably not having a starting-calibre player on the roster. At worst, Veresuk projects as an elite special teams player. At best, he could develop into a ratio-breaker at middle linebacker.
Veresuk received an invitation to rookie mini-camp with the Indianapolis Colts.
1 (3) Ottawa Redblacks – REC Keelan White, Montana
3DownNation‘s No. 6-ranked prospect.
The native of North Vancouver, B.C. originally walked on with the Grizzlies in 2019 but garnered a scholarship a year later, eventually becoming Montana’s Most Valuable Player in 2023.
The six-foot, 190-pound target doesn’t have burning speed, running a 4.60-second forty-yard dash at his pro day, but he makes up for it with crafty route-running, sticky hands, and the ability to make plays after the catch.
Scouts have compared White to Jalen and Tyson Philpot, both of whom have become impact players in the CFL since being selected in the first round of the 2022 CFL Draft. As he spent six years in college, White is only one year younger than the Philpot twins.
This is a slam-dunk positional fit for the Redblacks, who didn’t have much depth behind Nick Mardner, the second-overall pick from last year’s draft. White should get a year to get his feet wet in the nation’s capital before becoming a starter in 2026.
1 (4) Saskatchewan Roughriders – DL Ali Saad, Bowling Green State
3DownNation‘s No. 15-ranked prospect.
The native of Windsor, Ont. was a two-year starter with the Fighting Hawks and finished his tenure with 14 tackles for loss and six sacks over 44 career games. Saad mostly played defensive end as part of a 3-4 front but projects as a CFL defensive tackle at six-foot-two and 280 pounds.
Saad plays strong at the point of attack, uses his hands well, and is relentless in his pursuit of opposing passers and ball carriers, though he lacks the length and athleticism to be an elite pass rusher from the inside.
This pick is a surprise given that Darien Newell out of Queen’s was the consensus top defensive tackle. With that being said, Saad is a high-floor player who will be a rotational player right away in Saskatchewan with the potential to become a spot starter.
1 (5) Montreal Alouettes – OL Tiger Shanks, UNLV
3DownNation‘s No. 17-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-five, 325-pound blocker was a late addition to the draft as, despite being born in Vancouver, B.C., Shanks has spent almost his entire life in China and the United States.
The four-year starter is the only offensive lineman in UNLV’s program history to earn multiple All-Conference selections as he was named first-team All-Mountain West at left tackle in 2023 and 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, Shanks allowed only 11 pressures and one sack over 410 pass-blocking snaps and has the potential to stay at offensive tackle at the professional level.
Shanks didn’t do any speed or quickness testing at his pro day due to a nagging hamstring injury, which may have been why he didn’t garner a contract after going unselected in the NFL draft.
If the Alouettes had one need, it was along the offensive line following the retirement of Kristian Matte and the departure of Philippe Gagnon. Shanks, who has the potential to play tackle in the CFL, fills that need.
1 (6) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – LB Connor Shay, Wyoming
3DownNation‘s No. 5-ranked prospect.
The native of Danville, Calif. qualified for Canadian citizenship through his father, Chuck, was born in Charlottetown, P.E.I. and rocketed even further up CFL draft boards after posting elite testing numbers at his pro day, including a 4.52-second forty-yard dash, 6.80-second three-cone drill, and 38.5-inch vertical jump. Though he was only a one-year starter at the collegiate level, Shay’s tape is impressive, showing good recognition skills, explosive athleticism, and strong tackling skills.
Given his position, playing style, dual citizenship, and stature, Shay has drawn comparisons to Alex Singleton, who become a CFL star before embarking on a long NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. Though it remains to be seen if Shay can fill Singleton’s shoes, he’s certainly one of the most intriguing prospects available in this year’s draft.
The Blue Bombers don’t start a Canadian linebacker but Shay was likely too tempting for the team to pass up at this stage of the draft. He projects as a special teams demon who may only need a year to become a starter at weak-side linebacker or middle linebacker.
The athletic defender recently accepted an invitation to rookie mini-camp with the New York Jets.
1 (7) Toronto Argonauts – DL Jeremiah Ojo, Montreal
3DownNation’s No. 7-ranked prospect.
The two-time first-team U Sports All-Canadian has strong tape, which shows some elite pass-rushing traits and the ability to chase down ball carriers in the open field. Ojo backed that up with a stellar performance at the CFL Combine in Regina, running a 4.59-second forty-yard dash, doing 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and leaping 35 inches in the vertical jump at six-foot-two and 246 pounds.
The native of Montreal, Que. is comparable to Robbie Smith, who was an excellent special teams player and rotational pass rusher over five seasons with the Argonauts before becoming the CFL’s highest-paid defensive player with the Edmonton Elks this offseason. Toronto can now replace him with Ojo.
Ojo recently received an invitation to rookie mini-camp with the New York Giants. He will turn 25 in December.
1 (8) Calgary Stampeders (via B.C.) – OL Christopher Fortin, Connecticut
3DownNation‘s No. 12-ranked prospect.
The native of St-Rene, Que. was only a one-year starter with the Huskies but received excellent grades from Pro Football Focus, allowing 12 pressures and zero sacks on 421 pass-blocking snaps. The six-foot-four, 300-pound blocker doesn’t have elite movement skills but is still capable of getting to the second level and plays with good leverage.
In a weak offensive line class, Fortin is arguably the best of the bunch. He’s taken reps at centre and tackle but projects as a CFL guard, his primary position at Connecticut. He projects as a starter and, given his years of collegiate experience, shouldn’t take long to enter the starting ranks.
This is a strong pick for a Stampeders team that needed to get better along the line of scrimmage. Fortin is not a project – he’s ready to contribute now.
2 (9) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DL Isaiah Bagnah, Brigham Young
The native of Lethbridge, Alta. posted relatively poor testing results at the Big 12 Pro Day and the CFL Combine in Regina, including a 4.96-second forty-yard dash at six-foot-three and 261 pounds. According to sources, he also didn’t interview terribly well with teams.
Regardless, it appears the Tiger-Cats fell in love with him. Bagnah started his collegiate career at Boise State University where he was mostly a standup linebacker, followed by two seasons at defensive end at BYU. Given Hamilton’s needs along the defensive line, this pick is a good positional fit.
Regardless of where he plays in the CFL, Bagnah will likely have to cut weight to help him move in space on defence and special teams.
2 (10) Edmonton Elks – DL Darien Newell, Queen’s
3DownNation‘s No. 3-ranked prospect.
The native of Brampton, Ont. is one of the most disruptive interior defenders to come out of U Sports in a long time, earning three career OUA all-star selections and three U Sports All-Canadian nominations. Newell has a 34-inch vertical at six-foot-two and 287 pounds, a testament to his explosiveness, while showing he can fight through double teams without much problem.
Newell recorded 27.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks with the Gaels, taking most of his reps at defensive tackle but also sometimes moving outside. He’s got the length and twitchiness defenders need to rush the passer but the size and strength to attack gaps in the run game.
There was little question that general manager Ed Hervey was going to use this pick on an offensive or defensive lineman and he may have gotten the best one in the draft.
There’s likely a reason Newell fell this far, however. Based on his film and testing numbers, he appeared to be a surefire top-five pick.
2 (11) B.C. Lions – DL Hayden Harris, Montana
3DownNation‘s No. 8-ranked prospect.
The native of Mill Creek, Wash. qualified for Canadian status because his mother, Tonia Lee, was born in Vancouver, B.C., and raised in Regina, Sask. Harris spent the first four years of his collegiate career as a backup at UCLA before developing into a standout with the Grizzlies. In 2024, he was named second-team All-Big Sky after recording 52 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception in 14 games.
The six-foot-five, 257-pound defender has a prototypical frame and tested very well at his pro day, running a 4.81-second forty-yard dash and doing 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Harris doesn’t have elite bend coming off the edge but can win with power and is stout in the run game. He should be a day-one contributor at defensive end in the CFL with the potentual to become a ratio-breaking starter.
Harris signed with the Buffalo Bills after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, which means it might be a while before the Lions see him. He could a future ratio-breaker – which fits B.C., given Mathieu Betts’ dominance at defensive end – but there’s some risk here for B.C. as Harris might stick in the NFL long-term.
2 (12) Ottawa Redblacks – OL Sam Carson, Louisiana-Monroe
3DownNation’s No. 24-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-four, 300-pound blocker played left tackle for two seasons at the University of Calgary before transferring down south where he was a backup in 2023 and becoming the starter at left tackle in 2024. Carson projects as a CFL guard, however, given his relatively short arms and challenges against speed off the edge.
The native of Calgary, Alta. didn’t post elite testing numbers at his pro day but has a quick first step. Carson’s father, Paul, is the offensive line coach with the Dinos, while his brother, Matt, was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in 2017.
The Redblacks have a solid group of starting offensive linemen and some good depth pieces in Jacob Ruby and Eric Starczala. This doesn’t feel like a pick based on need – this feels like a team ensuring they have lots of depth in the trenches.
2 (13) Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Erik Andersen, Western
3DownNation‘s No. 14-ranked prospect.
The two-time first-team U Sports All-Canadian played left tackle with the Mustangs, though he’s likely going to move in to guard at the professional level.
Andersen gets extremely low for his six-foot-six, 314-pound frame and knows how to bulldoze opposing defenders given the run-heavy nature of Western’s offence. He tested moderately at the University at Buffalo pro day, recording a 27.5-inch vertical jump and 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
The native of London, Ont. appears more athletic on tape than his testing numbers suggest. He suffered a concussion during drills at the CFL Combine in Regina, which may have lowered his stock slightly. Regardless, Andersen will upgrade the depth on Saskatchewan’s offensive line, pushing incumbent backups Noah Zerr and Zack Fry, the latter of whom is also a Western alum.
Andersen recently received an invitation to rookie mini-camp with the New York Giants.
2 (14) Montreal Alouettes – DB Nate Beauchemin, Calgary
3DownNation‘s No. 18-ranked prospect.
The reigning Presidents’ Trophy winner projects as a starting CFL safety, the same position at which he dominated the U Sports ranks, making 14 pass knockdowns and eight interceptions over 28 games.
The native of Kelowna, B.C. has great instincts for the ball and tested well at the CFL Combine, including a 6.96-second three-cone drill. Beauchemin is a perfect fit for the Alouettes, who needed to add some depth at safety behind Marc-Antoine Dequoy. He should also contribute on special teams.
His grandfather, Bill Britton, played in the CFL as a member of the Lions and Stampeders.
2 (15) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – LB Jaylen Smith, North Texas
3DownNation‘s No. 13-ranked prospect.
The native of Hamilton, Ont. was an extremely versatile defender for the Mean Green, taking reps as an edge rusher, standup linebacker, and slot cornerback. He was also highly productive, making 160 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, four pass knockdowns, two interceptions, and one forced fumble over 52 collegiate games.
Smith ran a 4.62-second forty-yard dash at his pro day at five-foot-eleven and 224 pounds, which means he could realistically develop into a starter at weak-side or strong-side linebacker, though he’d have to improve in man coverage to play the latter. Regardless, Smith should be a difference-maker on special teams from day one with the ability to play a rotational role on defence.
This pick is a little bit of a surprise given that Winnipeg had needs at defensive back, though it’s hard to argue with Smith from a value perspective. In a relatively weak linebacker class, the Blue Bombers got two of the best three.
2 (16) B.C. Lions (via Toronto) – DB Jackson Findlay, Western
3DownNation‘s No. 9-ranked prospect.
The wait is over for Findlay, who fell near the end of the second round after being our publication’s top available defensive back in the draft. The good news for him is that his hometown team traded up to get him.
The native of North Vancouver, B.C. was a two-time OUA all-star and two-time U Sports All-Canadian with the Mustangs, recording 182 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, eight interceptions, 25 pass knockdowns, and one forced fumble over 41 games.
Findlay has the skills and athleticism of a prototypical CFL safety, though he also has the size to play inside the box at six-foot-three and 207 pounds. The defender wants to become a pediatric oncologist once his playing career is over and will be a fourth generation CFL player as his great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and uncle all played in the league.
2 (17) Calgary Stampeders (via B.C.) – FB Quincy Vaughn, North Dakota
The six-foot-four, 251-pound native of Hamilton, Ont. was a backup quarterback with the Fighting Hawks before converting to tight end in 2023. He performed short-yardage duties even after changing positions, scoring nine touchdowns, which added to his draft value as some CFL teams are looking to fullbacks to take over short-yardage.
Vaughn’s father, Michael, and brother, Justin, both played in the CFL. This feels like an off-the-board pick for me, though the Stampeders needed a short-yardage quarterback following the departure of Tommy Stevens as well as some fresh blood at fullback.
2 (18) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – QB Taylor Elgersma, Wilfrid Laurier
3DownNation‘s No. 2-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-five, 227-pound passer was named a second-team U Sports All-Canadian with the Golden Hawks in 2023 before reaching new heights in 2024 when he was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian and won the Hec Crighton Trophy.
The native of London, Ont. attended the prestigious Senior Bowl, becoming the first U Sports quarterback ever to receive an invitation, where he completed four-of-seven pass attempts for 57 yards.
Elgersma finished his U Sports career completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 10,547 yards, 78 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions. The big-bodied passer didn’t sign a contract after going unselected in this year’s NFL draft, though 3DownNation reported that he received offers to attend rookie mini-camp with over a dozen teams.
Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but Elgersma could very well be Winnipeg’s future heir apparent to Zach Collaros.
2 (19) Toronto Argonauts (via B.C.) – DL Paris Shand, Louisiana State
3DownNation‘s No. 16-ranked prospect.
The native of Toronto, Ont. spent three seasons at the University of Arizona before transferring to LSU where he made nine starts against the top competition in collegiate football. Shand struggled against the run at times with the Tigers but the NFL still came calling as he signed with the Buffalo Bills after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The six-foot-four, 268-pound defender tested very well at his pro day, running a 4.82-second forty-yard dash, 7.06-second three-cone drill, and leaping 33.5 inches in the vertical jump. Some CFL scouts believe he best projects as an interior lineman in the CFL where his combination of length and athleticism would be a matchup nightmare for opposing blockers. He finished his collegiate career with 83 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three pass knockdowns, and two forced fumbles over 50 games.
3 (20) Calgary Stampeders – DB Anton Haie, Laval
The native of Lévis, Que. was a riser coming out of the CFL Combine where he tested well at a muscled-up five-foot-eleven and 199 pounds.
Haie didn’t post elite production with the Rouge et Or but was a demon on special teams, blocking five career kicks in 26 games. Haie projects as a top CFL special teams player who can fill depth roles at safety and strong-side linebacker.
He should be a day-one demon on special teams with the Stampeders.
3 (21) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – OL Arvin Hosseini, British Columbia
3DownNation‘s No. 21-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-four, 310-pound blocker only started 16 collegiate games but his strong testing numbers from the CFL Combine in Regina moved him up draft boards as an indication of his future potential. If he can refine his technique and get stronger, Hosseini has the potential to develop into a CFL starter at guard.
The native of North Vancouver, B.C. played on a stacked Thunderbirds offensive line, which produced two NFL players last season in Giovanni Manu and Theo Benedet. He was named a Canada West all-star in 2024.
There’s no need for the Tiger-Cats to rush Hosseini along, as they’ve got plenty of depth.
3 (22) Edmonton Elks – FB Skyler Griffith, British Columbia
3DownNation‘s No. 25-ranked prospect.
The native of Winnipeg, Man. is partway through his recovery from a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, which hurt his draft stock, though he was named a second-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2023 when he recorded 25 special teams tackles over 12 games.
The six-foot-three, 245-pounder is physically dominant and one of the top special teams prospects in this year’s draft. This is a nice value pick for the Elks.
3 (23) Montreal Alouettes (via B.C.) – LB Gabriel Lessard, Montreal
The six-foot-two, 233-pound defender was buried on the Carabins’ depth chart behind Nicky-Alexander Farinaccio and Harold Miessan, though he’s arguably the best CFL prospect of the three based on his special teams experience and testing numbers.
The six-foot-two, 233-pound native of Sainte-Julie, Que. projects as an impact special teams player at the professional level.
3 (24) Edmonton Elks (via Ottawa) – RB Isaiah Knight, British Columbia
The three-time Canada West all-star ran for 3,603 yards and 21 touchdowns with the Thunderbirds, giving him by far the most production of any running back in this year’s draft. Knight didn’t solidify those numbers with strong testing at the CFL Combine in Regina, however, running the forty-yard dash in 4.82 seconds at six-foot and 212 pounds.
The native of Ottawa, Ont. will have to earn his way onto a CFL roster on special teams but may get a chance to run the ball as needed. A good comparison for Knight is Jeshrun Antwi of the Calgary Stampeders, who has made a very respectable career of blocking and tackling on special teams and filling spot reps on offence.
Despite the poor testing number, this feels like a nice pick for the Elks, who have a bruising back in Justin Rankin.
3 (25) Saskatchewan Roughriders – QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
3DownNation‘s No. 4-ranked prospect.
The native of Oakville, Ont. was named second-team All-Big Ten, won the Jon Cornish Trophy, and finished ninth in voting for the Heisman Trophy in 2024 despite playing the entire season with a torn ACL. He completed 69.4 percent of his passes for 3,042 yards, 29 touchdowns, and five interceptions with the Hoosiers, helping the team reach as high as No. 5 in the national rankings and qualify for the College Football Playoff.
Before transferring to Indiana for his final season of collegiate elibility, Rourke played at Ohio University where his older brother, Nathan, was a star before him. The six-foot-four, 220-pound passer was named the Most Valuable Player in the Mid-American Conference in 2022 and second-team All-Mid-American Conference in 2023. In total, Rourke threw for 10,693 yards, 79 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions over the course of his collegiate career. He also rushed for 793 yards and 13 scores.
Rourke was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, so it might be a while before he plays in the CFL — if ever. However, he’s a great fit for the Roughriders, a team that will need an heir apparent to Trevor Harris at some point in the future.
3 (26) Montreal Alouettes – REC Hakeem Harris, Davenport
The six-foot-three, 210-pound target has impressive physical tools but managed only 18 catches for 267 yards and one touchdown over 25 collegiate games at the NCAA Division II level.
Harris’ ability to high-point the football is impressive — he recorded a 38.5-inch vertical jump at the CFL Invitational Combine — but he needs to prove he can produce if he’s going to have a long professional career. He should get the chance to develop in Montreal behind Canadian starter Tyson Philpot.
3 (27) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OL Ethan Vibert, South Dakota State
3DownNation‘s No. 23-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-four, 310-pound blocker played meaningful snaps at centre in 2023 but didn’t become a full-time starter at guard until 2024. The native of Regina, Sask. is a mauler who lacks optimal movement skills but should make a CFL roster as a sixth man with the potential of becoming a starter down the line.
Winnipeg needed to add depth along the offensive line and Vibert is good value for the end of the third round.
3 (28) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Toronto) – DB Mack Bannatyne, Alberta
The native of Calgary, Alta. was overshadowed by Jackson Findlay and Nate Beauchemin in the scouting bureau rankings but proved at the CFL Combine that he belongs in the conversation for the top defensive back available.
The former York Lion is a little smaller than Findlay and Beauchemin but ran the fastest with a 4.54-second forty-yard dash and was named a second-team U Sports All-Canadian this past year. Bannatyne is a great tackler in space and, though he has exprience at halfback and strong-side linebacker, projects as a starting CFL safety.
4 (29) Toronto Argonauts (via Calgary and B.C.) – OL Gavin Coakes, British Columbia
The six-foot-four, 315-pound native of Winnipeg, Man. wasn’t able to participate in the CFL Combine in Regina due to a broken foot, which hurt his draft stock.
Coakes played centre with the Thunderbirds but should also have the size and athleticism to contribute at guard as well at the professional level.
4 (30) Toronto Argonauts (via Hamilton) – DB Istvan Assibo-Dadzie, Windsor
The native of Brampton, Ont. didn’t test this offseason due to a torn labrum but was a high-level cornerback with the Lancers.
The five-foot-eleven, 195-pound defender is smooth in coverage but is more physical than his size would lead you to suspect. This seems a little high for Assibo-Dadzie, but he makes position fit for a team that’s shown it’s not afraid to play Canadian cornerback.
4 (31) Edmonton Elks – DL Silas Hubert, Queen’s
3DownNation‘s No. 19-ranked prospect.
The native of Norwood, Ont. was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2022, though his production declined over the past two seasons as he struggled through shoulder injuries. He underwent operations on both shoulders, which lowered his draft stock, though neither surgery caused him to miss any time with the Gaels.
The six-foot-five, 265-pound defender looks the part and has impressive length, which could allow him to excel as an edge rusher or interior defender. Hubert’s older brother, Owen, was selected in the eighth round of the 2024 CFL Draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and is now a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
This is a great value pick. The Elks already took Queen’s standout Darien Newell. Now they’ve got the other Gael.
4 (32) Calgary Stampeders (via B.C.) – LB Nicky-Alexander Farinaccio, Montreal
The six-foot-one, 217-pound defender missed most of the 2024 season due to injury and wasn’t able to attend the CFL Combine in Regina due to a hamstring injury, which lowered his draft stock.
Regardless, the native of Montreal, Que. is one of the most productive defenders in this year’s draft, having recorded 120 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, three pass knockdowns, and two interceptions over only 25 career games with the Carabins, winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2022 and defensive MVP of the Vanier Cup in 2023.
Farinaccio will turn 26 in June.
4 (33) Ottawa Redblacks – DL Muftah Ageli, Northwestern Oklahoma State
The six-foot, 298-pound defender was named a second-team U Sports All-Canadian and the University of Windsor’s Most Valuable Player in 2023 before transferring down south to play in the Division II ranks.
Ageli is arguably the strongest player in the draft class — he throws offensive linemen around in the run game with ease — but he lacks pass-rushing acumen and has only an average motor.
4 (34) Saskatchewan Roughriders – LB Seth Hundeby, Saskatchewan
3DownNation‘s No. 22-ranked prospect.
The first-team U Sports All-Canadian was a testing monster at the CFL Combine in Regina, running a 4.70-second forty-yard dash and 6.88-second three-cone drill at six-foot-two and 251 pounds. Though he was a standup linebacker with the Huskies, his size and physical tools had some teams looking at him as an edge rusher.
Hundeby plans to return to school in 2025 before joining the professional ranks in 2026, which lowered his draft stock. However, the native of Saskatoon, Sask. should be a game-wrecker on special teams when it comes time to turn pro.
4 (35) Montreal Alouettes – RB Keanu Yazbeck, Western
The six-foot, 212-pound native of Kirkland, Que. ran for 1,137 yards and 10 touchdowns as part of a two-back system with the Mustangs.
Yazbeck led all running backs with a 4.02-second shuttle at the CFL Combine in Regina, though he’ll likely have to cut his teeth at the professional level on special teams before he’s given any reps on offence. A true straight-line runner.
4 (36) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (via Winnipeg) – DL Ty Anderson, Alberta
The six-foot-two, 283-pound defender played 28 games at nose tackle for the Golden Bears and earned a Canada West all-star selection in 2024. The native of Calgary, Alta. excels against the run but will have to develop as a pass rusher, which could limit him to first downs for the early part of his career.
The Tiger-Cats have been working hard to rebuild the Canadian talent on their defensive line, trading for Kyle Samson from the Blue Bombers earlier on Tuesday. Anderson fits that mandate.
4 (37) B.C. Lions (via Toronto) – OL Connor Klassen, Regina
The native of Big River, Sask. made 16 starts at right tackle for the Rams after playing for the Regina Thunder of the CJFL, but projects as a CFL guard.
Klassen moves well for his six-foot-two, 311-pound frame but will have to get a little more mean to play along the interior. He’s a solid player, but it would have been nice to see the Lions address this position sooner in the draft.
5 (38) Calgary Stampeders – REC Vyshonne Janusas, Guelph
The two-time OUA all-star doesn’t move well enough to separate against man coverage but could make hay as an interior slotback, using his five-foot-eleven, 221-pound frame to block and make tough catches over the middle of the field.
5 (39) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (via Hamilton) – REC Joey Corcoran, New Hampshire
The six-foot-one, 208-pound native of Montreal, Que. was productive with the Wildcats, recording 126 catches for 1,476 yards and eight touchdowns over 35 career games, though he lacks the athleticism to separate at the professional level. Despite that, Corcoran is a perfect depth receiver in the CFL as a high-character guy with the size and tenacity to contribute on special teams.
5 (40) Edmonton Elks – OL Domenico Piazza, McGill
The native of Mercier, Que. was named a second-team U Sports All-Canadian at tackle in 2024, though he’ll have to move inside to play guard or centre at the professional level.
Piazza tested relatively well at the CFL Combine in Regina and plays with a physical edge, though the quickness he showed in testing doesn’t always show up on tape.
5 (41) B.C. Lions – OL Dre Doiron, Kansas
The six-foot-four, 303-pound native of London, Ont. started at the University at Buffalo in 2021 but spent the last three seasons as a backup with the Jayhawks. Doiron is best suited to playing tackle, though he doesn’t have the movement skills to play there at the professional level, which likely means he ends up at centre or guard.
The is the second straight offensive lineman taken by the Lions, which is smart considering their needs in the trenches.
5 (42) Ottawa Redblacks – DB Eric Cumberbatch, Ottawa
The six-foot-two, 202-pound defender was a testing monster at the CFL Combine in Regina, leaping 39 inches in the vertical jump and over 11 feet in the broad jump.
Scouts generally don’t feel Cumberbatch’s tape is on par with his raw athleticism, though he was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2023. Cumberbatch earned a mini-camp invitation from the New Orleans Saints and seems like really good value here in the fifth round.
5 (43) Saskatchewan Roughriders – DL Liam Hoskins, Windsor
The native of London, Ont. started his collegiate career at linebacker before transitioning to defensive end as he filled out his six-foot-two, 240-pound frame.
Hoskins doesn’t project as an every-down player on defence but could be the next Nigel Romick – an athletic, big-bodied special teams demon who plays 10 years in the CFL. This feels like nice value for the Roughriders.
5 (44) Montreal Alouettes – DL Gabriel Maisonneuve, Montreal
The native of Gatineau, Que. registered only six sacks during his collegiate career, though that’s partly because he played opposite Jeremiah Ojo with the Carabins.
The six-foot-three, 236-pound defender would likely have been drafted earlier as he tested very well at the CFL Combine in Regina, though he plans to return to school for his final year of U Sports eligibility before entering the professional ranks in 2026.
5 (45) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – LB Lane Novak, Saskatchewan
The native of White City, Sask. moves well in space but struggles to shed blocks at times. He has a nice frame at six-foot-one and 229 pounds and was a tackling machine with the Huskies, recording 222 over 38 career games.
Novak projects as a CFL special teamer who could potentially play some linebacker in certain defensive packages. If two linebackers in the first 15 picks weren’t enough, Winnipeg has now taken three.
5 (46) Toronto Argonauts – LB Jalen Rayam, Texas at El Paso
The six-foot, 225-pound native missed all but one game over the past two years due to injury, making him something of a mystery. He is the younger brother of former Calgary Stampeders’ defensive lineman T.J. Rayam.
6 (47) Calgary Stampeders – RB Ludovick Choquette, Long Island
The native of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. only recorded 239 carries for 895 yards and five touchdowns at the collegiate level but was prolific as a receiver, making 91 catches for 679 yards and six touchdowns between Western Illinois and Long Island.
Choquette posted an impressive 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the CFL Combine in Regina but his five-foot-nine, 206-pound frame may limit his value on special teams.
6 (48) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DB Ronan Horrall, British Columbia
The six-foot-one, 202-pound native of Ottawa, Ont. tested respectably at the CFL Combine in Regina, though he had limited production with the Thunderbirds as he was never a full-time starter.
Horrall’s experience on special teams could give him a boost, however, as he looks to crack the bottom on a CFL roster.
6 (49) Edmonton Elks – OL Daniel Hocevar, Guelph
The native of Hamilton, Ont. made 13 of his 19 collegiate starts at tackle but will have to play guard at the CFL level. The six-foot-two, 297-pound blocker isn’t an elite blocker but tested very well at the CFL Combine, so he could be a worthwhile project.
6 (50) B.C. Lions – LB Chase Tataryn, Alberta
The native of Saskatoon, Sask. was extremely productive for the Golden Bears, though he’s likely too small to play linebacker at the professional level at five-foot-ten and 212 pounds, limiting him to special teams only.
6 (51) Ottawa Redblacks – REC Ethan Jordan, Wilfrid Laurier
3DownNation‘s No. 20-ranked prospect.
The five-foot-eleven, 177-pound native of Chatham, Ont. is one of the most productive receivers in U Sports history, catching 243 passes for 3,274 yards and 27 touchdowns as Taylor Elgersma’s favourite target.
Though he lacks size, Jordan interviewed well at the CFL Combine in Regina and ran a 4.44-second forty-yard dash, making him one of the fastest players available in this year’s draft. It’s hard to believe Jordan lasted this long. This feels like a slam-dunk pick for the Redblacks.
6 (52) Saskatchewan Roughriders – DB Gideon Agyei, Calgary
The six-foot-one, 199-pound native of Toronto, Ont. tested well at the CFL Invitational Combine and is a classic low-floor, high-ceiling cornerback who will need time to develop. Agyei might be better in man coverage than he is in zone coverage, though that might be because he’s used to being a better athlete than the receivers he covers.
6 (53) Montreal Alouettes – REC Isaac Gaillardetz, Laval
The six-foot-two, 217-pound native of Trois-Rivières, Que. tested respectably for his size but caught only 45 career passes over 18 games with the Rouge et Or. He’ll have to earn a living on special teams.
6 (54) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DB Ethan Ball, Calgary
The six-foot, 190-pound native of Regina, Sask. converted from receiver to defensive back at the University of North Dakota, where he spent four seasons as a depth player before transferring to the U Sports ranks in 2024.
Ball tested relatively well at the CFL Combine but fell down the board due to the deep nature of this year’s defensive backs class. He is the son of Michael Ball, the former voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
6 (55) Toronto Argonauts – RB Joey Zorn, Windsor
The six-foot, 213-pound ball carrier rushed for 1,869 yards, caught 39 passes for 371 yards, and scored nine total touchdowns over 22 collegiate games with the Lancers. He also tested well at the CFL Combine in Regina, completing the three-cone drill in 6.87 seconds and posting 21 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Zorn originally started his collegiate career as a walk-on safety at Michigan State University in 2020. The native of Flint, Mich. didn’t come up to U Sports until 2022 at the urging of his sister-in-law’s father, Rob McElwain, who played at the University of Windsor before being selected by the Ottawa Rough Riders in the sixth round of the 1996 CFL Draft.
This is a really nice value addition for the Argonauts, who traded away Canadian running back Daniel Adeboboye in a salary-cap saving move earlier this offseason.
7 (56) Calgary Stampeders – OL Matthew Stokman, Manitoba
The native of Winnipeg, Man. needs to cut 20-odd pounds from his six-foot-four, 334-pound frame, though he still has some impressive quickness at the point of attack. Stokman started 26 games for the Bisons, 24 of which were at guard.
7 (57) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DB Jackson Nitychoruk, Manitoba
The native of Winnipeg, Man. has a unicorn-like frame, measuring in at six-foot-four and 205 pounds but still showing impressive quickness. Nitychoruk doesn’t have the best coverage skills but shows ruthless physicality, which is fine for the CFL given that his future will likely include solely special teams.
7 (58) Edmonton Elks – REC Kolby Hurford, Alberta
The native of Redwater, Alta. posted a 4.51-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Regina and an explosive ten-foot, five-inch broad jump. Hurford is a little undersized and his collegiate production was moderate, though the Golden Bears are a relatively run-heavy team.
7 (59) B.C. Lions – OL Alex Berwick
The second-team U Sports All-Canadian lost 40 pounds during his collegiate career to get down to a svelte six-foot-two and 306 pounds. Berwick was a guard during the early part of his career with the Mustangs but was a full-time centre the past two years, bringing some nastiness in the run game.
7 (60) Ottawa Redblacks – LB Jayden Griffiths, Wilfrid Laurier
The native of Mississauga, Ont. tested decently at the CFL Invitational Combine but lacks elite production. The positives are that Griffiths can close well in coverage and has some experience on special teams.
7 (61) Calgary Stampeders (via Saskatchewan) – DL Max Von Muehldorfer, Western
The 2024 OUA all-star was a testing darling at the CFL Combine in Regina, recording 34 reps on the bench press, a 34-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot broad jump at six-foot-one and 290 pounds.
The native of Calgary, Alta. was once a Junior Pan-Am weightlifting champion, which explains his testing numbers and stout frame. Von Muehldorfer excels against the run and showed some flashes as a pass rusher at the CFL Combine.
7 (62) Montreal Alouettes – QB Jonathan Sénécal, Montreal
The six-foot, 201-pound passer originally committed to the University of Connecticut but transferred to his hometown Carabins following the cancellation of the 2020 football season. Sénécal became a local star during his U Sports career, winning the Hec Crighton Trophy, U Sports Male Athlete of the Year, and the Vanier Cup in 2023.
Sénécal’s production dropped in 2024, however, with fellow U Sports quarterbacks Taylor Elgersma and Arnaud Desjardins earning more of the spotlight. The dual-threat passer ran a solid 4.68-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine in Regina and made it clear that he’s particularly keen regarding a potential position change, which makes sense given that he’s set to turn 26 in October.
Sénécal may not project as a CFL starter but there are some talent evaluators who believe he can earn a spot on a roster as a depth player at the game’s most important position.
7 (63) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DL Trey Laing, Eastern Michigan
The native of Richmond, Va. qualified for Canadian status through his father, Trace, who was raised in Mississauga, Ont. and played one season for the Toronto Argonauts.
The six-foot-two, 240-pound defender had a transcient collegiate career that spanned five different programs, including a stop at East Mississippi Community College in 2021 where he was coached by Chad Kelly. Laing can get overwhelmed in the run game at times but has shown flashes as a pass rusher.
7 (64) Toronto Argonauts – OL Ethan Pyle, Guelph
The six-foot-two, 284-pound native of Oakville, Ont. needs to add weight and will be limited to centre at the CFL level due to his size. Pyle moves very well but can be overwhelmed by power at times.
8 (65) Calgary Stampeders – DB Ashton Miller-Melancon, Queen’s
The six-foot-two, 213-pound native of Montreal, Que. made 27 pass knockdowns and 16 interceptions over 40 career collegiate games. Miller-Melancon isn’t an elite athlete, though his eyes help him play quicker than his feet.
8 (66) Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DL Nate Martey, Arkansas State
The six-foot-one, 286-pound defender spent his first two collegiate seasons at Princeton University before transferring to the Red Wolves. Martey excels in the run game but his questionable athleticism will limit his value in three-down football, which requires defensive linemen to cover more space.
8 (67) B.C. Lions – RB Luka Stoikos, Toronto
The one-time second-team OUA all-star was a running back and kick returner with the Varsity Blues but projects as an old school CFL fullback.
The native of Toronto, Ont. tested well at the CFL Invitational Combine, including a 4.59-second forty-yard dash at five-foot-ten and 233 pounds, which surely moved him up draft boards in a relatively weak fullback class. Stoikos is also a track and field athlete, competing in the shot put and hammer throw.
8 (68) Ottawa Redblacks – DB King Ambers, East Texas A&M
The native of Pickering, Ont. has the speed and length teams covet at cornerback, running a 4.51-second forty-yard dash at his pro day at six-foot-two and 191 pounds. Ambers played a lot of press coverage at the collegiate level, which means he’ll need some time to adjust to the more open Canadian game.
8 (69) Saskatchewan Roughriders – REC Daniel Wiebe, Saskatchewan
The native of Saskatoon, Sask. was a first-team U Sports All-Canadian this past season after catching 66 passes for 923 yards and nine touchdowns, all of which were career highs. The five-foot-nine, 185-pound speedster has experience as a return specialist, a role he could realistically fill in the CFL given his 4.52-second forty-yard dash.
8 (70) Montreal Alouettes – LB Riley MacLeod, Western
The two-time second-team OUA all-star has strong instincts, though his lack of straight-line speed could hurt his ability to compete on special teams in the CFL. Strangely, his quickness and strength testing at the CFL Combine in Regina were excellent, though he ran a 5.03-second forty-yard dash, which is borderline disqualifying for linebacker prospects.
8 (71) Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OL Iwinosa Uwubanmwen, Alberta
The six-foot-four, 290-pound native of Calgary, Alta. played only one game with the Golden Bears in 2024 and did not appear at any testing events ahead of this year’s draft.
8 (72) Toronto Argonauts – DB DeEmetrius Masuka, McMaster
The six-foot-two, 200-pound native of Hamilton, Ont. played only five games over the last two years due to consecutive ACL tears. Masuka is a long, fluid cornerback who excels in zone coverage.
The post Analyzing every pick in the 2025 CFL Draft appeared first on 3DownNation.
