Elks take linebacker Dublanko first in CFL draft

Joel Dublanko didn't have to wait long to learn where he'll be starting his CFL career.

The Edmonton Elks selected the rugged linebacker first overall in the CFL draft. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Dublanko was regarded as the most pro-ready draft prospect.

After his college career at Cincinnati, he spent time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks before playing in 2023 with the USFL's Philadelphia

Stars. An American, Dublanko was eligible for the CFL draft due to the fact he has a Canadian parent.

Dublanko was in Edmonton but said he still felt nervous waiting to hear his name called.

“I had a good feeling about it,” he said. “It's an exciting time for me and my family.”

The Ottawa Redblacks then took receiver Nick Mardner. The 6-foot-6, 206-pound Oakville, Ont., native played in the NCAA with Hawaii, Clemson and Auburn.

Over his collegiate career, Mardner had 81 receptions for 1,488 yards (18.4-yard average) and 11 touchdowns. Mardner was invited to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders looked to shore up their offensive line at No. 3, taking Toronto native Kyle Hergel of Boston College. But the 6-foot-2, 300-pound guard signed a deal with New Orleans.

At No. 4, the Calgary Stampeders took McGill defensive back Benjamin Labrosse. The 6-foot, 190-pounder was a first-team all-Canadian in 2022 but was also invited to the Giants rookie minicamp.

The Toronto Argonauts, who dealt Canadian receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. to Edmonton this off-season, landed Laval's Kevin Mital with the fifth pick. The 2022 Hec Crighton Trophy winner impressed at the CFL combine, posting a 4.58-second 40-yard dash time, as well as 20 reps in the 225-pound bench press.

The B.C. Lions then selected Windsor offensive lineman George Una. Last season, the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Toronto native helped his school win its first home playoff game since 1975.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats followed suit, taking Laval offensive lineman Nathaniel Dumoulin Duguay at No. 7. The 6-foot-2, 293-pounder from Rimouski, Que., is a two-time all-Canadian.

Calgary acquired the No. 8 spot from Winnipeg and selected Christy Nkanu, an offensive lineman from Washington State.