Today will be a busy day for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 officially marks the dawning of a new season, as both the CFL Global Draft, and CFL Draft take place; beginning at 11:00am ET, and 8:00pm ET, respectively.
Ottawa will have their pick of three players from outside of North America, when the Global Draft kicks off. The REDBLACKS selected offensive lineman Héctor Zepeda of Mexico, with their first pick in 2022, followed by Laval defensive back Edris Jean-Alphonse of France — who suited up in four games last season —, and wrapped up the draft by taking Mexican kicker Gabriel Ballinas.
Fans can follow the 2023 Global Draft live on CFL.ca.
REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke and Co. will then pivot to the 2023 CFL Draft, this evening, with no shortage of options. Not only do the REDBLACKS own the first overall pick in the draft, but they also own the most selections (10), giving them plenty of ways to continue building the team; be it through drafting players, or moving picks via trade.
It was a big draft in the trenches a year ago, for Ottawa, taking local offensive lineman Zach Pelehos second overall, and selecting Laval offensive lineman Cyrille Hogan-Saindon with the 11th overall pick, both of whom saw action last season. Carleton wide receiver Keaton Bruggeling also hit the field, a year ago, after being chosen by the REDBLACKS in the third round, and Western defensive back Daniel Valente returned to school, where he enjoyed an accolade-filled season, as he looks to crack the roster in 2023.
The 2023 CFL Draft can be seen live on TSN, with pick-by-pick coverage right here, at OttawaREDBLACKS.com.
