Ferguson sends Pitt WR Wayne to Redblacks at No. 1 in 2023 CFL mock draft

I’ve wavered over the last couple months about whether Wayne is that sweet combination of athletic, accessible, and embracing of the CFL lifestyle. The more I read about and watch his game I think it makes total sense for the Redblacks, regardless of NFL prospects. Wayne’s Pro Day numbers might have put him further up NFL team draft boards, but Ottawa has so many picks that I believe the risk is well-received here – especially if he turns out anything like another former Redblacks receiver legend from Peterborough, Brad Sinopoli.

At all of 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds, Uguak didn’t get much of a chance to make impact plays during the Horned Frogs’ charmed run through the end of 2022, but in Edmonton he’ll get a chance to play quickly for Chris Jones. The Elks could go receiver if Uguak is taken first overall, or even future offensive lineman here, but I believe adding Uguak will provide a measurable gain in Canadian interior presence  in what needs to be a more successful season – especially against the run.

The Riders need offensive line help. This has absolutely nothing to do with coaching changes, schemes, pressure to win now or a different quarterback calling the shots. Forget all those variables. The Riders need protection help now, and with Sidy Sow likely NFL bound for at least a few years, this should be the pick for GM Jeremy O’Day and staff. Saskatchewan needs size and physicality as soon as possible. If Bull brings that and stays healthy the Riders will have benefitted greatly.

Chris Jones and Geroy Simon showed last draft that they love versatility when they picked Enock Makonzo from Coastal Carolina in the first round. Now, down the road in Calgary, Brent Monson gets his own Swiss Army knife of athleticism. Adding another body capable of playing safety or either outside linebacker position will only help the Stamps defence become more willing to pressure on first down before Sutherland can sit back and wait for interceptions to come his way on second and long.

In five years with Southern Utah, Bemiy racked up 38.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 13 sacks. I originally had him to Hamilton at sixth overall but each time I watch him play I think Montreal would be foolish to wait here and risk losing his services at seven. Bemiy’s positional flexibility could make him a situational swing man and worth the fifth-overall pick.

The pick swapped with Calgary for Bo Levi Mitchell nets his new favourite target. A slightly larger and Canadian Luke Tasker-type who can alleviate pressure underneath while Tim White and Bralon Addison provide pure speed and top end targets? I don’t know much in mock drafts, but I know Hamilton’s fan base would fall in love with Tucker following the painful memory of former first-overall pick Mark Chapman never donning black and gold.

It has to happen – either here or two picks earlier, depending on the Als affinity for this Montreal monster. I don’t see GM Danny Maciocia or defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe letting a Carabins star linebacker slip through their grasp, especially with two picks in the first round, where I believe Brodrique deserves to be selected. The only hitch could be Montreal playing the long game and waiting for another Carabins star backer in Nicky Farinaccio a few years down the road. Don’t count on it.

A player with a relentless motor and special teams flexibility. The Bombers are all about drafting solid, well-rounded players and Korte-Moore fits the bill for me with the size and athleticism that screams late first round.

An older prospect due to his five years spent playing for Florida Atlantic University and two with the Regina Rams, Bennett is more game-ready than he appears. He has a slight frame for a defensive end but could be an excellent depth pass rusher behind David Menard and Mathieu Betts while working on special teams and learning linebacker from Bo Lokombo.

I previously had Bagayogo going 20th overall to Edmonton, but I’ve watched some more of him and don’t think he lasts that long. He goes no later than the early teens, but Ottawa would be an intriguing fit for the traditionally trained press corner turned, developmental free safety.

The Kian Schaffer-Baker experience has been a massively positive one for the Riders. After Kiondre Smith found his footing in Hamilton last year, another Gryphons pass catcher lands in the top 15. Barnes is ready to contribute while mixed in amongst Jake Wieneke, Brayden Lenius, Schaffer-Baker and Derel Walker.

Ottawa is pretty set at offensive line after a positive 2022 draft, but depth is always needed. Grohovac is one of the more appealing prospects in a shallow talent pool this year who could fill in comfortably should injuries befall the Redblacks line.

One of the few lineman to show a mean streak at the 2023 combine in Edmonton. This might be a force on my part to find a lineman worth taking before the draft is too far gone, but Montreal is going to pound the rock with William Stanback and Cody Fajardo as much as anyone in the league. Why not bring in this local product to compete for a role?

In the first mock I had Taylor going to BC with the pick acquired in exchange for Jordan Williams move to Toronto (ninth). While that might be a tad early, I still believe BC attempts to replace the former Rookie of the Year with a physical, special teams-ready DB turned linebacker who could potentially lineup alongside Ben Hladik in a couple years.

Black goes back to Manitoba, where he was a standout high school quarterback. You read that right. He has real upside and plenty of long-term potential if he can just improve his footwork and ability to anchor more consistently. Black has all the signs of a developmental project that will be well worth the investment and patience, which Winnipeg can afford.

The Argos don’t have much need to find a play-now starter with so many talented Canadians on the roster who helped power their 2022 Grey Cup win, but Murphy would be a nice big-bodied piece to bring along behind Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and force Tommy Nield to keep pushing his development forward.

I could see fellow Gee-Gees teammate James Peter going here, but for a free pick, Oladejo could be a lot of fun through training camp and likely make a couple eye-opening preseason catches.

Szafranski caught my eye at the invitational combine in Waterloo. Szafranski or University of Alberta teammates Kwadwo Boahen and Donovan Burgmaier (or even Jacob Taylor if he’s still around) would be great fits for the Elks here.

Cormier is a couple years away from being a CFL mainstay, but he’s got all the size and natural feel needed. He’ll be ready to help consistently on the Redblacks back end once he adjusts to the CFL game, but can help on special teams immediately. Bob Dyce and the Redblacks are the perfect fit for an East Coast kid ready to contribute on coverage teams.

A first-team U Sports All-Canadian this past season, Peter is undersized but makes plays at a variety of levels in the Gee-Gees defence. I think Jones and Geroy take a swing here, hoping that Peter plays bigger on special teams than the game program says.

Another attempt to shore up the protection issues, Vandal has raw size and a developing sense for pass rusher approaches that could make him a meaningful piece in a couple years. If nothing else, he shows the Riders commitment to addressing their most glaring issue.

A bit undersized, but a smooth mover who works hard to move the opposing chess pieces. Floren would develop nicely behind one of the best interior national lineups in the CFL while learning the Stamps foolproof blocking schemes.

A freaky athlete with a quiet demeanour and killer sense for playing the football in the air. Kelly might interview his way as high as the second round. As a developmental safety with special teams experience the 23rd pick might be too late to get him, but Edmonton wants athletes and Kelly fits the bill.

Depending on the source, the Guelph transfer could go anywhere from the fourth to final round of the NFL Draft – a reality that will greatly change his stock. Calgary has the tools to wait a year or two and profit from the waiting game.

Brendan Gillanders is gone, the backfield is open in Ottawa, and Ante Milanovic-Litre is the same style. I could see Bertrand-Hudon in a Redblacks uniform tomorrow, running down on kickoffs as a Bob Dyce favourite.

A Regina native as a Bomber? With a disruptive 6-foot-1, 290-pound frame, it could be a reality for Schmekel, who tested and didn’t pad up at the 2023 CFL Combine.

The Argos are good for line depth, but Grant feels like a promising developmental project who could time out to be valuable just when reinforcements are needed.

A 6-foot-6 player with unrelenting length and unrefined pass-rush tendencies. Mbembe is THE project of the draft for me, and I know one man who would welcome the project.

The best lineman in the draft for me. He might not come immediately, but if the Bromont, Que., native ever did he could be a major difference maker in the Riders protection scheme. He could also be a valuable trade chip if Montreal misses out and hopes for the Quebec native to return home.

The Ticats don’t necessarily need an interior defensive lineman, but Seguin is likely worthy of a higher pick. I could see him rotating into the Ticats already stacked front seven by Labour Day if he works hard and plays to his full ability.

Howard was one of the most intriguing prospects in the combine process. He’s a long body capable of playing multiple positions who I’d honestly just love to see team up with Stampeders big man Luther Hakunavanhu to give quarterback Jake Maier some monster targets over the middle.

Multiple years spent at York give the Argos plenty of good intel on the Edmonton native. Boahen’s stout frame doesn’t match the Argos current Canadian interior design, but I see lots of positive snaps in his CFL future.

Undersized, scrappy and a nose for the football. A solid depth piece behind 2022 first-overall pick Tyrell Edwards.

Elite length at 6-foot-3 and 278 pounds, Martin has been sliding a bit through the evaluation process. But if he gets beyond the fourth round I expect a team like Hamilton, featuring a dedication to Canadian defensive lineman, will snap him up.

Basalyga’s production on a weak Waterloo passing attack is stunning. The only thing holding back his draft stock is a frame in the 27th percentile of receiver size, but this could be the sneaky draft scoop we remember in a few years.

I think Perry gets drafted higher, but receivers are likely to get squeezed by the talented defensive draft and he could be pushed down the order a round or two. Regardless of where he lands, the nation’s best passing attack featured Perry in a way that will open doors in his first training camp.

Toronto is the likeliest candidate to take a long snapper. The good news is Burton-Krahn has a pro frame and could supply emergency defensive end snaps while leading featuring elite athleticism at the position. Get used to the name, he’ll have a long career.

Someone is going to take the Brown brothers at some point and hope to see them one day. Toronto is uniquely positioned, with Andrew Harris entering his final season, 2022 second-round pick Daniel Adeboboye and A.J. Ouellette on the roster, to draft a “future” running back. If this London, Ont., native ever comes up Toronto needs to have his rights. Well worth the risk and value in the sixth round.

Thirty-two career games played for the Dinos, 25 pass breakups, and a 2019 Vanier Cup champion. Biggs’ dad won the 1998 Grey Cup as a Stamp. His patient approach to coverage is matched only by his burst on out breaking routes, where he’s most natural in coverage.

The combine featured many large-framed SMU Huskies. States-McClean was a bit overshadowed in the talented defensive back group but deserves to come off the board before the end of the sixth round.

The height and length is deceiving, but Ahmed can flat out run and is a developing cover man. By this point in the draft he’s an intriguing developmental prospect who fits the bill of a player Calgary could take a flyer on.

If the Argos would get a bump from having twin brother Chase come north, imagine the buzz of having two top-flight brothers on the same roster. Maybe a pipe dream, but the upside would be memorable to say the least and Toronto has built free safety as a Canadian roster spot of late.

One of my favourite players from the one-on-ones at the invitational combine in Waterloo, Famurewa is likely too small to draft in the eyes of many, but he is a worthwhile project in my eyes who could become a serviceable backup.