(Toronto) The Edmonton Elks selected linebacker Joel Dublanko first overall in the Canadian Football League draft on Tuesday night.
The Elks held the top pick after finishing last season with a 4-14 record.
At six feet, three inches tall and 240 pounds, Dublanko was considered the most ready-to-play prospect in the pros.
After finishing his college career at Cincinnati, Dublanko spent time in the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks organizations before playing for the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League in 2023.
Dublanko, an American, is eligible for the CFL draft because one of his parents is Canadian.
This was the Elks’ first of six potential picks in the top 31 overall.