CFL regional combines in Edmonton, Alberta on Friday, March 18, 2022. Amber Bracken
Draft Day in the CFL isn’t limited to just a couple hours within the borders of one country, anymore. It’s now an all-day affair encompassing talent from around the world.
Hours before the 2022 CFL Draft at 6 p.m. MDT on Tuesday, May 3, the excitement kicks off with the 2022 CFL Global Draft at 10 a.m. MDT. Fans can follow along on CFL.ca’s Global Draft Tracker and CFL Social (@CFL).
The Elks have the first overall pick, and will also select 19th overall (Round 2), 21st (Round 3), 30th (Round 4) 39th (Round 5), 48th (Round 6), 57th (Round 7) and 66th (Round 8).
Steven Nielsen appeared in 13 games with the Elks last season.
In the inaugural Global Draft last year, the Elks picked offensive lineman Steven Nielsen (Round 1, No. 2), defensive linemen Misiona Aiolupotea-Pei (Round 2, 17th overall) and Tibo Debaillie (Round 3, 20th), and defensive end Matt Leo (Round 4, 35th). Nielsen, who hails from Denmark and played college football at Eastern Michigan, became a fixture on the Elks’ O-line, appearing in 13 games.
With eight picks, the Elks will have opportunity through the Global Draft to acquire more than just a couple players that could be regulars on the Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium.
“With so many guys that have global status playing in the NCAA, the talented level is increasing, and you can find guys that can come in and help your team,” Elks assistant general manager Geroy Simon says of the Global Draft.
The top 5 global performers at the CFL combine in March included: defensive lineman Karlis Brauns (Latvia), running back Andy Owusu (Britain), defensive back Edris Jean-Alphonse (France), linebacker Ryan Gomes (Brazil), and defensive lineman Simeon Okonta-Wariso
“We’re excited about it, we’re excited to get a few guys to come in and compete and potentially get on our roster and make our roster better,” says Simon.