{"id":622230,"date":"2026-04-23T01:05:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T01:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/622230\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T01:05:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T01:05:14","slug":"mock-draft-2-0-whos-going-first-overall-to-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/622230\/","title":{"rendered":"Mock Draft 2.0: Who&#8217;s going first overall to Ottawa?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft approaching, things are starting to take shape.<\/p>\n<p>Team needs are clearer, the CFL Combine presented by Anytime Fitness Canada is in the rearview, and this year\u2019s class offers a strong mix of U SPORTS standouts and NCAA talent ready to make the jump.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, no mock draft ever goes exactly to plan. Trades happen, teams pivot, and a few surprises early can change everything. Still, between free agency and recent roster moves, there\u2019s a decent sense of how teams could be thinking heading into draft night.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at how the first two rounds might play out, with a mix of logical fits, long-term swings and a couple of curveballs along the way. I\u2019ve even included a hypothetical trade, with the BC Lions projected in this scenario to move up to the third overall pick from Edmonton in exchange for the seventh and 36th overall selections.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2911459 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CFL-Draft-Stacked-Wordmark.png\"   alt=\"\" width=\"213\" height=\"140\"\/>CFL CANADIAN DRAFT<br \/>\u00bb <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/2026\/03\/31\/cfl-reveals-2026-cfl-draft-and-global-draft-order\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CFL reveals 2026 CFL Draft and 2026 Global Draft order<\/a><br \/>\u00bb <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/2026\/04\/01\/mock-draft-1-0-who-will-ottawa-take-first-overall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Mock Draft 1.0: Who will Ottawa take first overall?<\/a><br \/>\u00bb <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/2026\/04\/21\/who-should-ottawa-pick-first-overall-in-the-2026-cfl-canadian-draft\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Who should Ottawa pick first overall in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft?<\/a><br \/>\u00bb <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@cfl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"Subscribe to the CFL\u2019s official YouTube channel - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\">Subscribe to the CFL\u2019s official YouTube channel<\/a><br \/>\u00bb <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/newsletter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"Subscribe to the CFL\u2019s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/newsletter\/\" data-uw-original->Subscribe to the CFL\u2019s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If Giordano Vaccaro isn\u2019t the top pick based on U SPORTS\u00a0success, NCAA seasoning, athleticism, coachability, and overall ceiling, it would come as a surprise.<\/p>\n<p>Ottawa appears focused on getting younger and more stable along the interior offensive line, and after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/2026\/04\/21\/redblacks-acquire-rights-to-luiji-vilain-in-trade-with-argos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">acquiring the playing rights to Luiji Vilain<\/a>, defensive line may no longer be a priority should he sign with the team. With receiver hitting last year through Keelan White and other needs addressed in free agency, all signs could point to Vaccaro as the selection.<\/p>\n<p>Would the Argos select Eric Rascoe at linebacker over other needs, and over players like Dariel Djabome and Darius McKenzie?<\/p>\n<p>It might raise eyebrows, but Rascoe could be exactly the type of prospect Toronto bets on. Despite having no prior Canadian football experience, he tested well, interviewed well, and showed a strong desire to adapt and develop at the CFL Combine. If the Argonauts are willing to be patient, Rascoe could grow into a productive pro.<\/p>\n<p>A trade in a mock draft? It might feel unlikely, but chaos tends to define draft night.<\/p>\n<p>With Edmonton already strong along the offensive line, they could look to move down and capitalize on their depth. That could open the door for BC to move up and secure Kevin Cline, especially with Nathan Rourke\u2019s MOP window firmly in focus.<\/p>\n<p>Cline has the tools to potentially become a cornerstone piece in the Lions\u2019 long-term protection plan.<\/p>\n<p>Linebacker might not be an immediate need for Winnipeg, but adding competition and upside is rarely a bad strategy.<\/p>\n<p>With Connor Shay already in the fold, the Blue Bombers could continue to build depth with a player like Dariel Djabome, whose production and size suggest he could contribute sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<p>A unique athletic profile makes Niklas Henning an intriguing option for Hamilton.<\/p>\n<p>Given Scott Milanovich\u2019s tendency to experiment with personnel, Henning could carve out a role as a versatile sixth lineman, taking reps at fullback or tight end. If injuries hit, he may even push for starting reps earlier than expected.<\/p>\n<p>With Damien Alford out,\u00a0the Stampeders could look to replenish their receiver depth with Nate DeMontagnac.<\/p>\n<p>While not a direct replacement, he would add to a room that already includes Jalen Philpot, Clark Barnes, and Dejon Brissett. Calgary may still address the offensive line later, but adding another Canadian receiver to the pipeline could be part of the plan.<\/p>\n<p>Is it too early for Logan Taylor? Possibly, but if Edmonton trades down, it could give them flexibility to think long term.<\/p>\n<p>Taylor might be viewed as a \u2018futures\u2019 pick while the current offensive line sorts itself out. While a defensive playmaker could be tempting, sticking to a patient, long-term approach may better reflect where the Elks see themselves.<\/p>\n<p>Growing up an Alouettes fan, Malcolm Bell would be a natural fit in Montreal.<\/p>\n<p>With his length, speed, and ball skills, he could potentially contribute early and help ease the eventual transition <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/2026\/02\/02\/marc-antoine-dequoy-announces-retirement-from-football\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">following Marc-Antoine Dequoy\u2019s retirement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Roughriders remain committed to being big and physical, especially with Trevor Harris still under centre.<\/p>\n<p>Protecting him will be a priority, and adding depth on the offensive line could be key. Albert Reese IV might start as a rotational option but could develop into a reliable starter over time if he is drafted.<\/p>\n<p>Even after adding the playing rights to Luiji Vilain, Ottawa could continue investing in the defensive line.<\/p>\n<p>Wesley Bailey, at six-foot-five and 265 pounds, offers intriguing upside as part of a potential Canadian pass rush rotation if drafted. If the REDBLACKS\u2019 offence takes a step forward under Ryan Dinwiddie, Bailey could benefit from more favourable defensive situations early in his career.<\/p>\n<p>With Dejon Brissett heading West, Toronto might look for another Canadian receiver, and Nick Cenacle could fit that mould.<\/p>\n<p>If given time to adjust to the CFL game, he could eventually replicate some of the production Brissett provided.<\/p>\n<p>Following the departure of Nyles Morgan, Edmonton could look to reinforce the middle of their defence.<\/p>\n<p>Darius McKenzie has the size and profile to contribute on special teams right away, with the potential to grow into a larger defensive role.<\/p>\n<p>If Nuer Gatkuoth is still available at this stage, it would likely represent strong value. While it feels unlikely he slips this far, every draft has surprises.<\/p>\n<p>Winnipeg could take advantage by adding a Canadian pass rusher with proven production at Wake Forest.<\/p>\n<p>Some picks are about logic, others about upside and creativity. Rohan Jones falls into the latter category.<\/p>\n<p>His versatility could make him an intriguing weapon in Hamilton\u2019s offence, especially paired with Bo Levi Mitchell in a system that values flexibility and mismatches.<\/p>\n<p>This could be one of those fits that just makes sense. Nolan Ulm, a Kelowna native, might not project as a future award winner, but he could fill an important role in BC\u2019s offence.<\/p>\n<p>As a dependable option behind Jevon Cottoy and Justin McInnis, he could quickly become a valuable piece.<\/p>\n<p>Protect, Protect, Protect. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfl.ca\/2026\/04\/01\/mock-draft-1-0-who-will-ottawa-take-first-overall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">In the first mock draft<\/a>, I had Bell going much higher and he could still be a first round.<\/p>\n<p>That said, with others making a push for the coveted label of \u2018first-round pick\u2019, Bell could land in Toronto working behind Peter Nicastro, Ryan Hunter and Dakoda Shepley.<\/p>\n<p>With elite athletic traits and untapped receiving potential, Jesulayomi Ojutalayo could be an intriguing addition for Montreal.<\/p>\n<p>His immediate impact may come on special teams, but learning alongside players like Tyson Philpot could accelerate his development as a receiver.<\/p>\n<p>If Malick Meiga is still available in this range, it would be surprising. His size, speed, and overall athletic profile make him one of the more exciting prospects.<\/p>\n<p>Saskatchewan, in need of receiver depth, could be an ideal landing spot where he contributes early.<\/p>\n<p>After dealing with injuries throughout his college career, Jonathan Denis could be a bounce-back candidate.<\/p>\n<p>If he stays healthy, he might develop into a solid contributor for Edmonton, especially in an offence that values physicality up front.<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">With no clear fullback on the roster, Winnipeg could look for a reliable option in \u00c9meric Boutin.<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">A proven performer from Laval, he could step in and provide immediate stability at the position.<\/p>\n<p>ROUND 3<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">21) Edmonton Elks \u2013 Rutgers DB Jett Elad<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">22) Toronto Argonauts \u2013 Southern Mississippi OL Jez Janvier<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">23) Toronto Argonauts \u2013 Louisville DL Rene Konga<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">24) Winnipeg Blue Bombers \u2013 Ohio DB Pierre Kemeni<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">25) Hamilton Tiger-Cats \u2013 Northern Illinois DB Cyrus McGarrell<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">26) Calgary Stampeders \u2013 McMaster DB Ethan Stuart<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">27) Calgary Stampeders \u2013 Wilfrid Laurier OL Spencer Walsh<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">28) Montreal Alouettes \u2013 Colorado DL Tristan Marois<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">29) Saskatchewan Roughriders \u2013 Calgary OL Brayden Szeman<\/p>\n<p>ROUND 4<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">30) Toronto Argonauts \u2013 Windsor RB Weagbe Mombo<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">31) Ottawa REDBLACKS \u2013 Michigan State DB Devynn Cromwell<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">32) Edmonton Elks \u2013 UBC REC Shemar McBean<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">33) Winnipeg Blue Bombers \u2013 Guelph RB Isaiah Smith<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">34) Hamilton Tiger-Cats \u2013 McMaster OL Frank Vreugdenhil<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">35) Edmonton Elks \u2013 Wilfrid Laurier FB Sebastian Parsalidis<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">36) Edmonton Elks [VIA PROJECTED TRADE WITH BC]\u00a0\u2013 Alberta REC Carter Kettyle<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">37) Montreal Alouettes \u2013 Western FB J\u00e9r\u00f4me Rancourt<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">38) Saskatchewan Roughriders \u2013 Queen\u2019s LB Justin Pace<\/p>\n<p>ROUND 5<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">39) Ottawa REDBLACKS \u2013 Guelph OL Mitchel Schechinger<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">40) Toronto Argonauts \u2013 Queen\u2019s DL Steven Kpehe<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">41) Ottawa REDBLACKS \u2013 Western OL Keegan O\u2019Neil<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">42) Winnipeg Blue Bombers \u2013 Calgary REC Matt Sibley<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">43) Hamilton Tiger-Cats \u2013 Georgia State QB Christian Veilleux<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">44) Calgary Stampeders \u2013 McGill QB\/REC Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">45) BC Lions \u2013 Windsor REC Tyriq Quayson<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">46) Montreal Alouettes \u2013 Montreal OL Alassane Diouf<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">47) Saskatchewan Roughriders \u2013 UBC DB Benjamin Sangmuah<\/p>\n<p>ROUND 6<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">48) Ottawa REDBLACKS \u2013 Alabama State REC Dylan Djete<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">49) Toronto Argonauts \u2013 Ottawa LB Marc Djonay Rondeau<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">50) Edmonton Elks \u2013 Alberta OL Carter Stuart<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">51) Winnipeg Blue Bombers \u2013 Robert Morris DL Nathan Carabatsakis<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">52) Hamilton Tiger-Cats \u2013 Saint Mary\u2019s \u2013 REC Joshua Jack<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">53) Calgary Stampeders \u2013 Windsor RB Liam Talbot<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">54) BC Lions \u2013 Coastal Carolina DL Aamarii Notice<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">55) Montreal Alouettes \u2013 Montreal LB Charles-Elliot Bouliane<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">56) Saskatchewan Roughriders \u2013 Waterloo FB Evan Basalyga<\/p>\n<p>ROUND 7<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">57) Toronto Argonauts \u2013 Mercyhurst DL Kyler Laing<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">58) Edmonton Elks \u2013 Kennesaw State DL Ebenezer Dibula<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">59) Edmonton Elks \u2013 Regina OL Ethan Graham<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">60) Winnipeg Blue Bombers \u2013 Manitoba REC Nathan Udoh<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">61) Hamilton Tiger-Cats \u2013 UBC OL Riley Scheffer<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">62) Calgary Stampeders \u2013 Alberta OL Matthew Ljuden<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">63) BC Lions \u2013 Towson OL Sahil Bhullar<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">64) Montreal Alouettes \u2013 Georgetown DL Natale Frangione<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">65) Saskatchewan Roughriders \u2013 Guelph DL Robert Keyes-Wilson<\/p>\n<p>ROUND 8<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">66) Ottawa REDBLACKS \u2013 Ottawa RB Charles Asselin<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">67) Toronto Argonauts \u2013 Wilfrid Laurier FB\/TE Ryan Speight<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">68)\u00a0 Toronto Argonauts \u2013 NC State TE Dante Daniels<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">69) Winnipeg Blue Bombers \u2013 Waterloo OL Nicholas Gidaro<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">70) Hamilton Tiger-Cats \u2013 South Dakota DL Carter Hooper<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">71) Calgary Stampeders \u2013 Calgary OL Franklin Ibelo<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">72) BC Lions \u2013 Queen\u2019s TE Liam Silverson<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">73) Montreal Alouettes \u2013 Miami DL Akheem Mesidor<\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">74) Saskatchewan Roughriders \u2013 Saskatchewan DL Charlie Parks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft approaching, things are starting to take shape. Team needs are clearer, the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":622231,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[437],"tags":[49,48,521,522,520,82],"class_list":["post-622230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cfl","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-canadian-football-league","tag-canadianfootballleague","tag-cfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/622230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=622230"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/622230\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/622231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=622230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=622230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=622230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}