CFL.ca\u2019s Top of the Depth Chart series offers an early, speculative look at how each team\u2019s roster could shape up, highlighting potential starters and key position battles ahead of training camp.<\/p>\n
Top of the Depth Chart articles are the first time we really dig into what is coming.<\/p>\n
The 2026 CFL season is closer than it feels, especially if you\u2019re located in one of several sections of the country currently fluctuating between never-ending winter, fake spring, or surprise summer on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
While the weather sorts itself out, rosters do the same, with movement still possible through the CFL Canadian Draft, CFL Global Draft, free agency and, of course, late signings. For now, here is my take on the Ottawa REDBLACKS\u2019 2026 group as they near training camp.<\/p>\n
RELATED OFFENCE<\/p>\n * denotes National QUARTERBACK<\/p>\n When Dru Brown<\/a> is at his best, the football in Ottawa feels ALIVE! He brings an attention to detail, accuracy and calm to the huddle that permeates across the roster, and new head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie is sure to bring the best out of Brown\u2019s special skillset.<\/p>\n The concern in Ottawa could be Brown\u2019s health and longevity. They appear to have solidified the position when he\u2019s on the field. My bigger concern is whether the parts around Brown can honour his potential and match the energy, or if he will have to throw his way back into games endlessly again this year.<\/p>\n RUNNING BACK<\/p>\n I really thought Greg Bell<\/a> would stay put in Hamilton, but Ottawa swooped in and filled a void that was quietly lingering with an upgrade.<\/p>\n William Stanback<\/a> and Daniel Adeboboye<\/a> by committee worked, but it didn\u2019t feel like a pairing that could change games on a regular basis. Bell can. He\u2019s proven that over his CFL career, and it could free Adeboboye up to add more dynamic carries while focusing on special teams.<\/p>\n RECEIVER<\/p>\n What a collection of talent, but where will it take them?<\/p>\n Bralon Addison<\/a> has retired, but the pass-catcher you can rely on to catch at least 100 passes is Justin Hardy<\/a>. Eugene\u00a0Lewis should return to normal service in Dinwiddie\u2019s offence (think Damonte Coxie<\/a> with the Argonauts, but better), and Ayden Eberhardt<\/a>\u2019s surprisingly high yards-per-catch average joins the fray via free agency from BC.<\/p>\n Keelan White looks to be the real deal, and we know Nick Mardner is a talented top-end guy when healthy. Mix in big-bodied Marco Dubois<\/a> in heavy packages and a sprinkle of Kalil Pimpleton for a change of pace, and Ottawa has a dynamic and varied group.<\/p>\n OFFENSIVE LINEMAN<\/p>\n Shuffle the deck at tackle as you wish, perhaps including Zack Pelehos<\/a> depending on injuries and ratio, but the interior line for Ottawa is solid and established, with another top-end prospect potentially coming in via the draft in days<\/a>.<\/p>\n DEFENCE<\/p>\n * denotes National DEFENSIVE LINEMAN<\/p>\n One of the key shakeups of the late spring CFL news cycle is the REDBLACKS acquiring the playing rights to Luiji Vilain<\/a>, which, should he sign with the team, would\u00a0push Cleyon Laing to the edge of roster applicability. The good news, aside from an NFL splash signing, is Bryce Carter<\/a> still has plenty left in the tank. Michael Wakefield<\/a> has shown the ability to produce as a veteran, and Habakkuk Baldonado<\/a>\u2019s signing from Saskatchewan suggests an increased opportunity for his playmaking potential, which was on display during the Roughriders\u2019 Grey Cup run.<\/p>\n LINEBACKER<\/p>\n Plenty of depth and talent could rotate into the sixth defensive back position, but trading for Nyles Morgan<\/a> and signing away A.J. Allen from Saskatchewan have completely revamped a group previously defined by Adarius Pickett<\/a> and Jovan Santos-Knox.<\/p>\n DEFENSIVE BACK<\/p>\n Multiple combinations are possible in the secondary, especially with the addition of veteran Demerio Houston. That isn\u2019t an excuse to avoid taking a shot at the answer, but rather a compliment to the setup Ottawa has created in their defensive back end, one that should endure the challenges of a full season better than in years past.<\/p>\n SPECIAL TEAMS<\/p>\n * denotes National It\u2019s a whole new world for the first time in a long time, with Richie Leone<\/a> and Lewis Ward, staples of the Ottawa sideline for years, no longer present.<\/p>\n
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** denotes Global<\/p>\n
** denotes Global<\/p>\n
** denotes Global<\/p>\n