Punters, kickers again dominate CFL global draft

TORONTO – South African punter Aidan Laros was the first player taken Wednesday in the 2026 CFL global draft, which was once again dominated by kicking specialists.

The Ottawa Redblacks selected Laros, who attended Kentucky, first overall.

Of the 18 players selected over the two rounds, 10 were either punters or kickers. Ottawa and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats both used their two selections on specialists.

Related Videos

1:57 University of Calgary pursues new on-campus stadium for varsity sports

• University of Calgary pursues new on-campus stadium for varsity sports
• Calgary Close-up: Quarterback play key if Stamps are to advance in CFL playoffs
• B.C. Lions Running Back James Butler
• B.C. Lions take on Calgary Stampeders in ‘Gravy Bowl’
• Get ready for the Stampede Bowl
• Calgary Stampeders roster set to begin 2025 campaign
• Stampeders sophomore Clarence Hicks ready for next step
• Quarterback Shakeup: Stampeders usher in new era with Vernon Adams and PJ Walker
• Calgary Stampeders open rookie camp
• Calgary Close-up: Calgary Stampeders draft picks to fight for roster spots

Previous Video

Next Video

The Toronto Argonauts were the only team not to take a kicking specialist, selecting offensive linemen Jordan Spasojevic-Moko (an Australian out of California) and Fa’alili Fa’amoe (an American Samoan out of Wake Forest).

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Six of the first nine selections were either punters or kickers.

The Edmonton Elks took Mexican kicker Jesus Gomez (Arizona State) with the third pick, while Finland’s Edward Vesterinen (defensive lineman from West Virginia) went to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at No. 4.

Hamilton then took Australian punter Nick Haberer (Vanderbilt) before the Calgary Stampeders selected Irish kicker Jude McAtamney (Rutgers) and the B.C. Lions picked Australian punter Brett Thorson (Georgia).

Montreal and Saskatchewan completed the opening round taking positional players. The Alouettes selected German offensive lineman Mark Petry (Syracuse) before the Riders took English linebacker Mapolo Mwansa (Loughborough University).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2026.