First the CFL. Any thoughts?
DB
9th Malcolm Bell Michigan State NCAA
WR
18th Dylan Djete Alabama State NCAA
65th Shemar McBean UBC U Sports
OL
29th Darius Bell East Carolina NCAA
47th Jez Janvier Southern Mississippi NCAA
56th Albert Reese IV Mississippi NCAA
LB
38th Osasere Odemwingie Calgary U Sports
FB
74th Ryan Speight Wilfrid Laurier U Sport
1 (9) LB Mapalo Mwansa Loughborough U England
2 (9) K Karisei Maisuzawa Hawaii Japan
1 (9) Saskatchewan Roughriders – DB Malcolm Bell, Michigan State
“Bell is a perfect fit for the Roughriders, who lacked depth behind All-CFL cornerback Tevaughn Campbell in 2025. I previously mocked this exact selection for that reason.”
2 (18) Saskatchewan Roughriders – REC Dylan Djete, Alabama State
“The five-foot-eleven, 184-pound target ran an average 4.60-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine, though the jumps from his pro day were impressive as he recorded a 39.5-inch vertical jump and ten-foot, six-inch broad jump. The Roughriders likely made this pick in part to the recent release of Ajou Ajou, addressing that positional need.”
3 (29) Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Darius Bell, East Carolina
"Some scouts believe Bell needs to improve his anchor in pass blocking, though he’s pro-ready. He is close friends with fellow Hamilton native Michael Chris-Ike, who plays fullback for the Blue Bombers.
This is a great value addition for the Roughriders at this point in the draft. Bell is pro-ready and addresses a depth need."
4 (38) Saskatchewan Roughriders – LB Osasare Odemwingie, Calgary
"Though he tested well in the bench press, Odemwingie’s stock fell at the CFL Combine where he ran a 4.96-second forty-yard dash. Once projected as a possible starter in the CFL, the Calgary native will likely be limited to special teams based on his athletic testing.
Evidently, the Roughriders didn’t much care about Odemwingie’s lacklustre testing numbers. By taking him in the fourth round, they clearly love his tape."
5 (47) Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Jez Janvier, Southern Mississippi
"The six-foot-five, 313-pound blocker didn’t see the field much after transferring to Southern Mississippi in 2025 but has some impressive measurables. Janvier ran a 5.31-second forty-yard dash, leapt a nine-foot, four-inch broad jump at his pro day, and has 34.5-inch arms, helping him with his punch on opposing pass rushers.
Though he may never develop into a starter, some teams believe Janvier is a worthwhile project at offensive tackle. Only time will tell if he fulfills that potential in Riderville."
6 (56) Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Albert Reese IV, Mississippi State
"Reese IV signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted NFL free agent, which lowered his CFL stock. If he ever plays up north, it likely won’t happen for at least a season or two.
At this stage of the draft, this seems like great value for Reese IV. It’s low-risk, high-reward."
7 (65) Saskatchewan Roughriders – REC Shemar McBean, UBC
“The native of Calgary, Alta. was named a Canada West all-star in 2025, arguably making this a steal for the Roughriders. McBean is elusive with the ball in his hands and could bring value as a return specialist.”
8 (74) Saskatchewan Roughriders – TE Ryan Speight, Wilfrid Laurier
“The six-foot-two, 227-pounder likely won’t be ready for the start of the 2026 season as he works back from a torn ACL, though he made 27 total tackles during his time with the Golden Hawks”
Thanks for these details. I’m. It much of a draft guy so I don’t know what to think of any of these picks but I appreciate the indo