Giordano Vaccaro, the highly anticipated first overall pick in the CFL draft, was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks on Tuesday evening. The six-foot-two, 307-pound offensive lineman from Purdue, hailing from Winnipeg, showcased his skills in all 12 games with the Boilermakers last season, contributing on both offense and special teams.
Having started his collegiate career at the University of Manitoba, Vaccaro quickly made his mark as a freshman, earning recognition as an all-Canadian player in 2023 and 2024. His exceptional performance in 2024 as U Sports football’s top down lineman paved the way for his transfer to Purdue.
Ottawa’s head coach/GM, Ryan Dinwiddie, expressed excitement about Vaccaro’s potential, highlighting his impressive on-field performance and character. The Redblacks also secured Louisville defensive lineman Rene Konga in the sixth round, a local talent who recently inked a deal with the Miami Dolphins.
The Toronto Argonauts snagged Nicklas Henning, a standout offensive lineman from Queen’s University, as the second overall pick. Henning, a six-foot-six, 298-pound native of Milton, Ontario, distinguished himself as an OUA all-star and second-team all-Canadian during his tenure with the Yates Cup champions.
In subsequent rounds, notable selections included Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome to the Edmonton Elks, UBC defensive back Benjamin Sangmuah to the same team, and Wake Forest defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats also made impactful picks, choosing offensive lineman Jonathan Denis and receiver Malik Meiga, among others.
The Calgary Stampeders secured linebacker Eric Rascoe, while the B.C. Lions added North Dakota receiver Nathan DeMontagnac and Rutgers safety Jett Elad to their roster. The Montreal Alouettes made a future selection with Arkansas tight end Rohan Jones, and the Grey Cup-champion Saskatchewan Roughriders closed out the first round by drafting Michigan State defensive back Malcolm Bell.
Overall, 74 players were drafted across eight rounds, marking another successful CFL draft.