Mock Draft 2.0: Who’s going first overall to Ottawa?

If Giordano Vaccaro isn’t the top pick based on U SPORTS success, NCAA seasoning, athleticism, coachability, and overall ceiling, it would come as a surprise.

Ottawa appears focused on getting younger and more stable along the interior offensive line, and after acquiring the playing rights to Luiji Vilain, 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.

Would the Argos select Eric Rascoe at linebacker over other needs, and over players like Dariel Djabome and Darius McKenzie?

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.

A trade in a mock draft? It might feel unlikely, but chaos tends to define draft night.

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’s MOP window firmly in focus.

Cline has the tools to potentially become a cornerstone piece in the Lions’ long-term protection plan.

Linebacker might not be an immediate need for Winnipeg, but adding competition and upside is rarely a bad strategy.

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.

A unique athletic profile makes Niklas Henning an intriguing option for Hamilton.

Given Scott Milanovich’s 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.

With Damien Alford out, the Stampeders could look to replenish their receiver depth with Nate DeMontagnac.

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.

Is it too early for Logan Taylor? Possibly, but if Edmonton trades down, it could give them flexibility to think long term.

Taylor might be viewed as a ‘futures’ 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.

Growing up an Alouettes fan, Malcolm Bell would be a natural fit in Montreal.

With his length, speed, and ball skills, he could potentially contribute early and help ease the eventual transition following Marc-Antoine Dequoy’s retirement.

The Roughriders remain committed to being big and physical, especially with Trevor Harris still under centre.

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.

Even after adding the playing rights to Luiji Vilain, Ottawa could continue investing in the defensive line.

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’ offence takes a step forward under Ryan Dinwiddie, Bailey could benefit from more favourable defensive situations early in his career.

With Dejon Brissett heading West, Toronto might look for another Canadian receiver, and Nick Cenacle could fit that mould.

If given time to adjust to the CFL game, he could eventually replicate some of the production Brissett provided.

Following the departure of Nyles Morgan, Edmonton could look to reinforce the middle of their defence.

Darius McKenzie has the size and profile to contribute on special teams right away, with the potential to grow into a larger defensive role.

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.

Winnipeg could take advantage by adding a Canadian pass rusher with proven production at Wake Forest.

Some picks are about logic, others about upside and creativity. Rohan Jones falls into the latter category.

His versatility could make him an intriguing weapon in Hamilton’s offence, especially paired with Bo Levi Mitchell in a system that values flexibility and mismatches.

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’s offence.

As a dependable option behind Jevon Cottoy and Justin McInnis, he could quickly become a valuable piece.

Protect, Protect, Protect. In the first mock draft, I had Bell going much higher and he could still be a first round.

That said, with others making a push for the coveted label of ‘first-round pick’, Bell could land in Toronto working behind Peter Nicastro, Ryan Hunter and Dakoda Shepley.

With elite athletic traits and untapped receiving potential, Jesulayomi Ojutalayo could be an intriguing addition for Montreal.

His immediate impact may come on special teams, but learning alongside players like Tyson Philpot could accelerate his development as a receiver.

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.

Saskatchewan, in need of receiver depth, could be an ideal landing spot where he contributes early.

After dealing with injuries throughout his college career, Jonathan Denis could be a bounce-back candidate.

If he stays healthy, he might develop into a solid contributor for Edmonton, especially in an offence that values physicality up front.

With no clear fullback on the roster, Winnipeg could look for a reliable option in Émeric Boutin.

A proven performer from Laval, he could step in and provide immediate stability at the position.