The 2020 CFL Draft is tonight at 8p.m. (Live on TSN and RDS, btw) This 2020 draft will be writing a new page in the league’s history because of these unprecedented times caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, for the REDBLACKS, it will also be a vital exercise in building a bright future. “Although the preparation process has been altered with everything going on in the world, the degree of detail in the preparation has not changed,” said General Manager Marcel Desjardins. “We look forward to adding key National players to our roster to improve the quality and the depth of talent to the REDBLACKS for years to come.”
In 2019, the Ottawa REDBLACKS selected offensive lineman Alex Fontana with their first round pick, seventh overall. Fontana saw plenty of action in his rookie season, following in the footsteps of the first-round players drafted before him. This year, the REDBLACKS hold the following selections in the 2020 draft:
Round 1, 6th overall
Round 2, 10th overall
Round 2, 19th overall (Territorial Draft picks)
Round 4, 29th overall
Round 5, 38th overall
Round 6, 47th overall
Round 7, 56th overall
Round 8, 65th overall
The Calgary Stampeders acquired Ottawa’s original 2020 first-round selection (1st overall) along with Ottawa’s original 2020 third-round selection (21st overall) in exchange for American quarterback Nick Arbuckle and Calgary’s original 2020 first-round selection (6th overall). After an off-season full of key acquisitions and re-signings, the REDBLACKS will try to get talented and motivated young Canadians to battle for roster spots when training camps are able to open. Follow all the action with the 2020 REDBLACKS Draft Tracker
REDBLACKS 1st ever Draft Pick Nolan MacMillan. Photo | Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photography/Ottawa REDBLACKS
Since their very first draft in 2013, the REDBLACKS have been able to convert their first round picks into dominant franchise players. It all started in the spring of 2013, when Ottawa made Nolan MacMillan their first-ever pick. MacMillan was the ninth overall CFL pick after dominating at the university level in Iowa. Since then, MacMillan played 77 games on the offensive line with Ottawa. Subsequently, 2014 saw the arrival of another very popular player among fans, Antoine Pruneau. Antoine was selected fourth overall in the first round by Ottawa. He then became a leader on and off the field for the club, while playing 93 games and accumulating 321 defensive tackles since 2014.
REDBLACKS first round selections at the Canadian Football League Drafts since 2013:
2020- (Find out on Thursday Night)
2019- 7th overall – OL Alex Fontana
2018- 4th overall – OL Mark Korte
2017- 9th overall – OL Evan Johnson
2016- 7th overall – OL Jason Lauzon-Séguin
2015- 1st overall – OL Alex Mateas
2014- 4th overall – DB Antoine Pruneau
2013- 9th overall – OL Nolan MacMillan
4th overall pick in 2014, Antoine Pruneau. Photo | Andre Ringuette – Freestyle Photography
Follow all the action with the 2020 REDBLACKS Draft Tracker
