“A great fit is a player who slots into a great situation and has a chance to make noise early and often when camps open in just a few short weeks.”
The anticipation, excitement, and nerves that accompany draft night have settled. The 2025 CFL Draft showcased surprises, locks, and quality players who are poised to leave their mark on the league. As we reflect on this year’s selections, let’s delve into my top 10 picks that stand out as exceptional fits for their respective teams.
“Okay, low hanging fruit here being first overall, but the height, range, and explosive potential of Damien Alford is undeniable when paired with Vernon Adams Jr.”
1. **Damien Alford – Calgary Stampeders (1st Overall)**
Taking the spotlight as the first overall choice may seem like an obvious move, but Damien Alford brings a unique combination of skills to the table. With his towering presence, exceptional range, and explosive playmaking abilities, Alford is set to form a dynamic duo with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. His addition adds a new dimension to Calgary’s offense, allowing him to stretch the field alongside established receivers Clark Barnes and Dominique Rhymes.
Expert Insight: “Alford’s arrival injects an electrifying energy into Calgary’s aerial attack and sets the stage for an exciting season ahead,” says CFL analyst.
2. **Devin Veresuk – Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Second Overall)**
Following former top pick Jordan Williams’ retirement, Hamilton faced challenges in their lineup throughout 2024. However, by selecting linebacker Devin Veresuk as the second overall pick in this year’s draft, they’ve addressed a crucial team need. Veresuk’s impressive physical attributes position him as a valuable asset who can swiftly contribute on defense.
3. **Connor Shay – Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Sixth Overall)**
Drawing parallels to veteran Adam Bighill might be premature for Connor Shay; however, his remarkable sideline-to-sideline coverage skills and disciplined approach make him a standout prospect for Winnipeg. Under Coach Mike O’Shea’s guidance, Shay has the potential to evolve into a key player for the Blue Bombers’ defense.
4. **Erik Andersen – Saskatchewan Roughriders (13th Overall)**
Embracing his role within Rider Nation with pride is offensive lineman Erik Andersen. Despite his imposing stature typically suited for tackle positions, Andersen showcases agility in maneuvering opponents during run plays—a skill honed through experience with Western Athletics.
“Nate Beauchemin is angry… aggressive and can go downhill in a moment’s notice.”
5. **Nate Beauchemin – Montreal Alouettes (14th Overall)**
Known for his fierce demeanor on-field dynamics,Nate Beauchemin epitomizes relentless aggression ideal for bolstering Montreal’s defense under Noel Thorpe’s strategic direction. Teamed up with defensive coordinator Marc-Antoine Dequoy,Bauchemin’s growth trajectory promises impactful contributions while solidifying special teams strategies.
6**Jackson Findlay – BC Lions (16th Overall)**
Securing Jackson Findlay through astute maneuvers at home territory underscores BC Lions’ commitment to nurturing local talent.Joining forces with familiar faces propelsFindlay towards significant growth within Montreal’s defensive ranks,spearheaded by revered linebacker Byron Archambault,to fortify special teams efficiencieswithout compromising performance standards.
7**Taylor Elgersma- Winnipeg Blue Bombers(18th Over all)**
Transition from talented U SPORTS contenderto prospective CFL leadermaterializesfor Taylor Elgersмаas he shadowsveteran Zach Collaros’methodologies.Gaining invaluable insightsand expertise,Egersmаstands poise dto eventually assume control ofWinnipegBlueBomber huddles—a testamentto his promising quarterback prowessawaiting cultivation alongsideseasoned mentors.
8*Anton Haine—Calgary Stampedeis(20tthereOveralI)*
Demonstrating unparalleled versatilityand prowessin specialteamstactics,AntonHaineemergesasCalga rуStampeder s’ cornerstonefigureatthe third-roundspotting.Drawing inspirationfrom previous standoutBenLabrossе,Hainedeliversconsiste ntperformanceswhile enhancingNationaldefensivеbackfield assets within Calgary’srosterarchitecture.
9**Gabriel Lessard-Montreal Allouettes—23Rd OverAll***
Intrinsically aligningwith Montrea lAlouett es’establishedspecialteamsculture,GabrielLessard seamlessly integratesintoByronArchambault-leddefensive frameworks.SucceedintghelegacyofretiredFredericChagnon,Lessa rdcontributestowardsstrengtheningspecialteamscompetenciesandinstitutingresult-drivenplays without compromisingteam cohesion dynamicsor sacrificingstrategicforesightimplementations
10***Silas Hubert-EdmontonElks–31StoverAll*
Boastingremarkablelengthandunparalleledathleticism,Silа sHubertepitomizesastellarprospectwithin EdmontonElks’reinvigoratedrosterassembly.AlignedwithheadcoachM а rkKilam,it becomesimperativeforHuberttounlockhisfullpotentialasa pass-rushingphenomenonasheabsorbscrucialinsightsandguidancefromseasonedcolleagueslikeRobbieSmithnurturing adesperately-neededpass-rushing savantwithin EdmontonElk sd efensiv elineupgradeset.Togethereveryhighlightsfrom across th eleaguedirectlydeliveredtoyourelectronicsinbox
As these promising talents embark on their CFL journey post-draft selection,the football universe eagerly anticipates witnessingtheir transformativeimpactson respective team rosters.Whether refining existing strengths or channeli ng untapped potentials,t heseyoung stars embodythe essenceof adaptability,resilience,andcommitment tor eachnew heights,symbolizinghopefulpioneersofCanadianfootballlandscapehonoringpastglorieswhiledrivingfutur einnovation .
