Photo courtesy: James Paddle-Grant/Queen’s Athletics
Canadian offensive lineman Niklas Henning has signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, per sources. He recently participated in the team’s rookie mini-camp.
The six-foot-six, 298-pound blocker was the second overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which was held on Tuesday. He was selected by the Toronto Argonauts, who now own his CFL rights in perpetuity.
Henning was named a first-team Ontario University Athletics all-star and second-team All-Canadian after helping Queen’s University with the 117th Yates Cup in 2025. He’s an ultra-athletic lineman represented by longtime partners Craig Schaeffer and Fred Weinrauch.
At the 2026 CFL Combine, ran a 4.90-second 40-yard dash, 4.82-second short shuttle, and 7.77 three-cone drill. He also recorded a 31.5-inch vertical jump, a nine-foot, six-inch broad jump, and repped 225 pounds 27 times on the bench press.
In 2024, he auditioned for CFL teams at the U Sports East-West Bowl as a tight end. The then-255-pounder was named a second-team All-Canadian for his performance during the 2023 collegiate season, registering seven receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown.
According to 3DownNation reporter J.C. Abbott, CFL scouts felt Henning’s size, length, and blocking ability would be better-suited to playing offensive line. After discussions with the Queen’s coaching staff, he embraced a move to right tackle.
Henning was born outside Munich, Germany and his family came to Canada when he was two years old. He was raised in Milton, Ont. and attended Craig Kielburger Secondary School.
NFL rookie mini-camps give prospects the opportunity to compete against draft picks and undrafted free agent signees in an organized team setting.
Last year, Wilfrid Laurier University quarterback Taylor Elgersma turned a rookie mini-camp invitation with the Green Bay Packers into a contract with the team. Schaeffer and Weinrauch also represent Elgersma.
