2025 CFL Draft (Blue Bombers)

[TecnoGenius]

SAM is one of the linebacker positions.  Just like how Nick Cross was drafted as linebacker, because he played SAM in college.

Sorta kinda not really.  Not in the CFL.  You have to be able to run & cover that inside slot, who is often the most targeted REC.  Just look at Kramdi, who isn't exactly a beefy giant.

Our best SAMs always looked more like a DB than a LBer.  However, more beef can help with the run D.

[TecnoGenius]

With Elgersma if he does come available this year what do we do on the roster? With Collaros as qb1, and Streveler as short yardage, how does Elgersma fit in with an already crowded qb room
Do we risk losing him on the pr? that could be fodder for years to come. 

I could see him as a flyer with an eye to him being a magic unicorn and being the next Rourke in year 2 or 3.  If it were to pan out it would be the perfect solution to Zach hitting 40.

It would appear we're trying really hard to find our next franchise QB without having to lure away a $600k guy from some other team in FA.  The more bodies we throw at the problem, the more likely we are to hit paydirt.

[Pigskin]

When Shay fell to #6 we had to jump on him. Little disappointed that we didn't take Findlay at #15. Elgersma might actually a perfect fit for us in a couple of years. Can't wait for TC to start.

[theaardvark]

The QB room could end up with Collaros, Elgersma and Streveler and Patterson (very low $SMS hit even on IR) on the IR/PR, with Wilson being the odd man out, unless he shows really, really well in TC and takes Strevelers spot if he's still on the limp.

Glad that they chose Elgersma over Rourke.  He might actually play in the CFL this year.

I like the mix, Shay could be a gooder with O'Shea coaching him.  OLine was not a strength in this draft, and I think we are still OK in depth on that front, and another couple prospects in the pipe.

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers 2025 CFL Draft summary

WINNIPEG, MB., April 29, 2025 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected nine players in the 2025 CFL Draft held tonight.

The Club began the night with a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, acquiring National running back Matthew Peterson (Alberta), the second pick in the first round of the Global Draft, and the 39th pick overall (5th round) in the CFL Draft. In exchange, Hamilton received National defensive lineman Kyle Samson, the eighth pick in the first round of the Global Draft, and the 36th overall selection in the CFL Draft (4th round).

With their first pick at 6th overall, the Club selected University of Wyoming linebacker Connor Shay.

Shay (6'2", 232, University of Wyoming; born Feb 2, 2002 in Danville, California), emerged as a key defensive player for the University of Wyoming Cowboys during the 2024 season. In his senior year, Shay started all 12 games at weak-side linebacker, amassing 76 total tackles (45 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.� Shay has accepted an invitation to participate in the Green Bay Packers' rookie minicamp. His Canadian heritage - through his father, Chuck Shay, who was born in Charlottetown, P.E.I. - have contributed to his eligibility for National status in the CFL.

With their second pick in the draft, 15th overall, Winnipeg selected North Texas linebacker Jaylen Smith.

Smith (6-0, 230, North Texas; born: March 1, 2002, in Hamilton, ON) appeared in 52 games from 2021 to 2024 with North Texas. Over that span, Smith recorded 160 tackles (75 solo, 85 assisted), two interceptions, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, four knockdowns and one forced fumble.

Smith started all 13 games as a senior in 2024, recording 106 tackles (44 solo, 62 assisted), one interception, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and three knockdowns. After the season, he was selected to the DCTF Second Team All-Texas and earned Third Team All-AAC honours. Smith finished the regular season third in the AAC in tackles while leading the team in tackles.

With their final pick of the second round, 18th overall, Winnipeg selected Wilfrid Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma.

Elgersma (6-5, 235, Wilfrid Laurier University; born: March 27, 2002, in London, ON) served as the starting quarterback for the Golden Hawks from 2022 to 2024. Over his collegiate career, he amassed over 10,000 passing yards and 76 touchdowns, culminating in a standout 2024 season where he led Laurier to an 8–0 regular-season record and a Yates Cup championship. Elgersma was honored with the Hec Crighton Trophy as U Sports football's most outstanding player, becoming the first Laurier quarterback to receive the award. �

In 2024, Elgersma completed 178 of 239 pass attempts (74.5% completion rate) for 2,643 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His performance in the Uteck Bowl set a bowl game record with 452 passing yards and five touchdowns, earning him the game's offensive MVP. Elgersma's achievements garnered attention from professional leagues; he was invited to the 2025 Senior Bowl, becoming only the second U Sports player to participate in the event. Although he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Elgersma received invitations to rookie minicamps with both the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.

In the third round, 27th overall, Winnipeg selected South Dakota State offensive lineman Ethan Vibert.

Vibert (6-4, 310, South Dakota State University; born: January 23, 2001, in Regina, SK) played 14 career games with the Jackrabbits over his four seasons with the team. He recorded 12 starts along the offensive line in his final season, contributing to a unit that allowed only eight sacks and amassed 3,542 rushing yards. Vibert received the Missouri Valley Football Conference Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award in 2023 and was named to the MVFC Honor Roll for five consecutive years (2019–2023). He also captained the 2018 Team Saskatchewan squad that won the Canada Cup championship.

In the fifth round, 39th overall, Winnipeg selected New Hampshire receiver, Joey Corcoran.

Corcoran (6-1, 208, University of New Hampshire; born: December 14, 2000, in Montreal, QC) played 36 career games over five seasons with the Wildcats. He recorded 126 receptions for 1,476 yards and eight touchdowns during his collegiate career, including a standout 2024 season with 39 catches for 459 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Corcoran also led the team in punt return yards that season. A product of St. Paul's School in Concord, N.H., Corcoran was a two-sport athlete who contributed to back-to-back NEPSAC championships. After redshirting his first year at UNH, he became a consistent offensive threat over the next three seasons.

In the fifth round, 45th overall, Winnipeg selected University of Saskatchewan linebacker Lane Novak.

Novak (6-1, 229, University of Saskatchewan; born: May 21, 2002, in Balgonie, SK) played four seasons with the Huskies and in his senior year, he recorded 25 solo tackles, including two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one interception. Novak was recognized as the Huskies Football Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honors in the 2020–2021 academic year. He also contributed to Team Saskatchewan's back-to-back Canada Cup championships in 2018 and 2019.

In the sixth round, 54th overall, Winnipeg selected University of Calgary defensive back Ethan Ball.

Ball (6-0, 190, University of Calgary; born: December 23, 2001, in Regina, SK) played four seasons with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks before transferring to the University of Calgary for his final collegiate year. Originally recruited as a wide receiver, Ball transitioned to defensive back at UND, where he appeared in all 12 games during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, recording a combined 40 tackles. Ball joined the Dinos in 2024, recording three total tackles and recovering one fumble last season.

In the seventh round, 63rd overall, Winnipeg selected Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Trey Laing.

Laing (6-3, 243, Eastern Michigan University; born: October 2, 1999, in Tallahassee, FL) played 12 games for the Eagles in 2024, recording 22 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. Laing's collegiate journey included stints at South Florida, Indiana, and Southern University before transferring to Eastern Michigan. His standout season at Southern in 2022 featured 38 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. At Eastern Michigan's 2025 Pro Day, Laing showcased his skills for scouts from seven NFL teams.

In the eighth round and with their final pick, 71st overall, Winnipeg selected University of Alberta offensive lineman Iwinosa Uwubanmwen.

Uwubanmwen (6-4, 290, University of Alberta; born: January 9, 2002, in Calgary, AB) is an offensive lineman entering his third year of eligibility with the Golden Bears. A graduate of Notre Dame High School in Calgary, Uwubanmwen has been a steady presence on Alberta's offensive front, contributing to the team's ground game and pass protection schemes.

[TecnoGenius]

I like the mix, Shay could be a gooder with O'Shea coaching him.  OLine was not a strength in this draft, and I think we are still OK in depth on that front, and another couple prospects in the pipe.

To not draft a first-year-starting-capable OL must mean that they are happy to start Randolph at OG, and certain that Wallace will be starter-ready by mid- or next season.

Or they are really high on one of the 2 new drafted OL and think they have a 2nd year starter in one.

We haven't been paying as much attention to the OL in the draft (and FA) in 2 seasons now.  Dobson was our last "good" draft, and Gray was the last "promised top-tier" draft.  It really showed and hurt us last year with the lack of top-shelf OL talent, especially when injuries hit.

You would think making sure the OL is (very) good this year would be a high priority!

[Blue In BC]

To not draft a first-year-starting-capable OL must mean that they are happy to start Randolph at OG, and certain that Wallace will be starter-ready by mid- or next season.

Or they are really high on one of the 2 new drafted OL and think they have a 2nd year starter in one.

We haven't been paying as much attention to the OL in the draft (and FA) in 2 seasons now.  Dobson was our last "good" draft, and Gray was the last "promised top-tier" draft.  It really showed and hurt us last year with the lack of top-shelf OL talent, especially when injuries hit.

You would think making sure the OL is (very) good this year would be a high priority!

We haven't heard whether the 2 OL we drafted in 2024 will be back to compete in this TC. However, Randolph is still in the mix to start. My problem with that is that we lost 2 Canadian starters and he'd force another change in the ratio.

None of our draft choices look to be starters in 2025. The best 2 are not the positions where we'd normally start a Canadian and our import MLB and WIL choices are pretty good.  It might mean we won't need an import LB as a DI in 2026 which would be an advantage.

[Pigskin]

For the most part I like this group. Bombers filled some needs. Really like our three LBs. All have good size, speed and are physical. Uwubanmwen will head back to school after TC. Laing and Bailey will be interesting to watch at TC. Just wish we had taken Findlay when we had the chance. This kid is going to be an excellent safety. 

[markf]

This is impressive:

" Vibert received the Missouri Valley Football Conference Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award in 2023 and was named to the MVFC Honor Roll for five consecutive years (2019–2023). "

[Blue In BC]

1. Ok, now that the draft is done, will we be signing a player or 2 that wasn't drafted? Jackson Tachinski has been mentioned recently as player with future potential. He's been to our last couple of TC's and depth at receiver is somewhat open.

He could be a player that could continue to develop on our PR. IMO he's an interesting player.

2. With TC not far away we're going to see a few more signings from tryout camps. A few previously signed rookies may be deleted. I'm not expecting any retirements but it's a now or never as reality of TC looks.

3. We signed 4 Canadians as free agents and we traded for one yesterday while sending Samson to Hamilton. Add in 9 draft picks and things are going to be interesting.

[theaardvark]

1. Ok, now that the draft is done, will we be signing a player or 2 that wasn't drafted? Jackson Tachinski has been mentioned recently as player with future potential. He's been to our last couple of TC's and depth at receiver is somewhat open.

He could be a player that could continue to develop on our PR. IMO he's an interesting player.

2. With TC not far away we're going to see a few more signings from tryout camps. A few previously signed rookies may be deleted. I'm not expecting any retirements but it's a now or never as reality of TC looks.

3. We signed 4 Canadians as free agents and we traded for one yesterday while sending Samson to Hamilton. Add in 9 draft picks and things are going to be interesting.

With his hype, I was surprised Tachinsky didn't get a late round pick, especially since he's not worried about doing the Sinopoli path, but is ready to transition now.  I expect to see him in our rookie minicamp if he doesn't sign elsewhere for a look, and maybe a PR spot is he impresses.

[Waffler]

 Elgersma,  "the London, Ont., native will be attending the Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp from May 2 to 4 followed by the Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp from May 9 to 11."

This means he misses rookie camp and the beginning of our main camp. If he does sign with us he would be missing out on a lot early.

[GOLDMEMBER]

I'll admit I don't know a lot about these guys but LB was an area of needed. Hopefully the Cdn WR pans out out we need more of those.

That Shay kid was highly regarded by the TSN experts.

[TecnoGenius]

Just wish we had taken Findlay when we had the chance. This kid is going to be an excellent safety.

Is he a Dequoy-style that seems to be so effective now, or a Loffler style?

I really want to have our FS be like MTL's; however, Mafia seems to like their beefier hard-hitters and their run help.  If Findlay=Dequoy, could be why we didn't take him.

[TecnoGenius]

I'll admit I don't know a lot about these guys but LB was an area of needed.

I love Cadwall and I hope the new top-shelf LBers make him push to be better than "just a STer".