We’re just over two weeks away from the 2026 CFL Draft, which means one of the most important dates on the off-season calendar is right around the corner.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS will pick first overall when we get to draft day on April 28, and they’ll be looking for a core player to step in and make an impact as soon as possible.

RELATED » MMQB: Ranking the league’s top 3 quarterbacks » Mock Draft 1.0: Who will Ottawa take first overall? » Key 2026 off-season dates you need to know » Subscribe to the CFL’s official YouTube channel » Subscribe to the CFL’s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates

In recent years, we’ve seen a solid number of high picks make a difference early in their professional careers. Players like Devin Veresuk, Damien Alford, and Joel Dublanko were all selected high the past two drafts and are all coming off breakout seasons in 2025.

So, in the spirit of draft month, here are three recently drafted players who could be looking at coming out parties this year.

And scroll down for a ranking of the top three linebackers in the CFL heading into 2026.

KEVIN MITAL | RECEIVER | TORONTO ARGONAUTS

You could make a very solid argument Kevin Mital already had his arrival campaign when he racked up 102 receptions, 886 yards, and four touchdowns as a CFL sophomore last year. But because the Argos had a disappointing 2025 and missed the playoffs for the first time in........

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