The 2025 CFL Draft took place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and it was a night filled with excitement as teams looked to bolster their rosters with homegrown talent. The Calgary Stampeders kicked off the event with the first overall pick, selecting receiver Damien Alford from Utah, a decision that reflects both strategy and need for the team.
Alford, a six-foot-five, 224-pound athlete, previously spent four seasons at Syracuse where he caught 67 passes for 1,291 yards and seven touchdowns. His impressive speed, clocked at 4.46 seconds in the forty-yard dash, adds a dynamic element to the Stampeders’ offense, especially after the offseason retirement of veteran Cole Tucker. Stampeders General Manager Dave Dickenson expressed confidence in Alford’s potential to make an immediate impact, stating, "He’s a big body with speed and can stretch the field vertically from day one." This selection marks a crucial step for Calgary, which finished last in the CFL standings last season with a 5-12-1 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Following the Stampeders, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats made their mark by selecting linebacker Devin Veresuk from Windsor with the second overall pick. Veresuk, who stands at six-foot-two and weighs 240 pounds, showcased impressive athleticism at the University at Buffalo’s pro day, running a 4.47-second forty-yard dash and completing 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. His collegiate career was highlighted by 199 total tackles, including 15.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. Tiger-Cats management believes Veresuk can develop into a key player, potentially filling a starting role or excelling on special teams.
With the third pick, the Ottawa Redblacks chose Keelan White, a receiver from Montana. White, a six-foot-two, 190-pound target, had a standout career with the Grizzlies, catching 161 passes for 1,862 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was recognized as his school's MVP in 2023 and is expected to bring depth and skill to the Redblacks' receiving corps.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders followed suit at the fourth overall pick, selecting defensive lineman Ali Saad from Bowling Green State. Saad, who is six-foot-three and weighs 280 pounds, was a two-year starter in college, recording 35 tackles, including 14 for loss, nine sacks, and four forced fumbles. His selection aims to strengthen the Roughriders' defensive front.
Next, the Montreal Alouettes secured offensive lineman Tiger Shanks from UNLV with the fifth pick. Shanks, who stands at six-foot-five and weighs 325 pounds, started 51 games during his college career and was a two-time first-team All-Mountain West selection. His ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes will be vital for the Alouettes moving forward.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected linebacker Connor Shay from Wyoming at sixth overall. Shay, a six-foot-one, 224-pound player, impressed scouts with a 4.52-second forty-yard dash and a 38.5-inch vertical jump at his pro day. His versatility and athleticism make him a valuable addition to the Bombers’ defense.
At seventh, the Toronto Argonauts chose defensive lineman Jeremiah Ojo from Montreal. Ojo, a six-foot-two, 240-pound standout, was a first-team All-Canadian in the past two seasons and brings significant pass-rushing ability to the Argonauts' lineup.
Completing the first round, the Calgary Stampeders (via B.C. due to forfeited picks) selected offensive lineman Christopher Fortin from Connecticut. Fortin, who is six-foot-five and weighs 300 pounds, has shown consistency in pass protection, allowing only 12 pressures and zero sacks over 421 pass-blocking snaps in college.
As the draft progressed into the second round, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats continued to build their defensive line, picking Isaiah Bagnah from Brigham Young. Bagnah, a six-foot-three, 261-pound defensive end, was noted for his strong collegiate performances despite some concerns about his testing results.
The Edmonton Elks, looking to reinforce their defense, selected Darien Newell from Queen's at tenth overall. Newell, a disruptive force on the interior, has an impressive record with 27.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks during his college career.
The B.C. Lions followed with defensive lineman Hayden Harris from Montana, who was recognized for his standout season in 2024, recording 52 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. His combination of size and athleticism makes him a promising addition to the Lions’ defensive rotation.
In the third round, the Calgary Stampeders selected defensive back Anton Haie from Laval, who has made a name for himself on special teams with five career blocked kicks. The Tiger-Cats continued to bolster their offensive line with Arvin Hosseini from British Columbia, while the Edmonton Elks picked fullback Skyler Griffith, a strong special teams prospect.
As the draft unfolded, teams strategically selected players to address specific needs while also focusing on building for the future. With 72 total picks across eight rounds, the 2025 CFL Draft was a pivotal moment for franchises looking to enhance their rosters and compete in the upcoming season.
Overall, the 2025 CFL Draft not only showcased the depth of Canadian talent available but also set the stage for exciting developments in the league. As teams finalize their rosters, fans can look forward to seeing how these young prospects will impact the game in the seasons to come.
