CFL draft

The drafts are held once every year on the same day, approximately six weeks prior to the start of the upcoming season (typically late April or early May).

Before the CFL draft was implemented, teams selected players based on territorial rights.

For the sake of fair competition, a draft would be held to ensure an equal representation of players and talent.

[2] The Montreal Alouettes selected Doug McNichol from Western Ontario as he became the first Canadian football player to be drafted.

[2] Territorial exemptions were abolished by 1985, introducing the modern era of the CFL draft, though they were temporarily re-instituted from 2019 to 2023.

[4] Territorial selections were replaced in 2024 with picks that rewarded teams that played the most Canadians in the previous season.

Non-Grey Cup participants are ranked in reverse order of the previous season's standings with the team with the league-worst record being awarded the first overall pick.