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2024 CFL Draft Recap
The Edmonton Elks made a significant move by selecting linebacker Joel Dublanko with the first overall pick in the CFL draft. This decision came after Edmonton finished at the bottom of the West Division with a 4-14 record, signaling a new direction for the team.
Joel Dublanko, a standout prospect at six-foot-three and 240 pounds, was considered the most NFL-ready player in the draft. His experience in college football at Cincinnati, followed by stints with the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks in the NFL, and most recently with the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars in 2023, has prepared him well for the next level.
It’s worth noting that Dublanko, being an American, was eligible for the CFL draft due to having a Canadian parent, showcasing the international talent pool the league attracts.
Ottawa Redblacks and Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Ottawa Redblacks made their mark by selecting receiver Nick Mardner as the second overall pick. The six-foot-six, 206-pound Mardner, hailing from Oakville, Ont., displayed his skills during his NCAA career with Hawaii, Clemson, and Auburn. His impressive college stats of 81 receptions for 1,488 yards and 11 touchdowns, coupled with an invite to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp, make him a promising addition to the Redblacks.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders, under new head coach Corey Mace, addressed their offensive line needs by drafting Toronto native Kyle Hergel from Boston College at the third spot. However, Hergel opted to sign a free-agent deal with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, showcasing the challenges CFL teams face in securing top talent.
Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts
At the fourth pick, the Calgary Stampeders bolstered their defense by selecting McGill’s Benjamin Labrosse, a six-foot, 190-pound cornerback. Labrosse’s accolades as a first-team All-Canadian in 2022, combined with an invite to the Giants’ rookie mini-camp, indicate his potential impact on the team’s defensive unit.
In the fifth spot, the Toronto Argonauts made a strategic move by choosing Kevin Mital from Laval University. Mital, the recipient of the ’22 Hec Crighton Trophy, showcased his athleticism at the CFL combine with an impressive 40-yard dash time and bench press repetitions. His addition to the team adds depth and skill to the receiving corps, further enhancing Toronto’s offensive capabilities.
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