12 CFL Global prospects worth revisiting
The CFL’s Global program is entering its fifth season in 2024, with more than 150 international athletes having earned professional opportunities.
While some have carved out meaningful roles with their respective teams, circumstances have left others on the outside looking in. That means there are a number of potential reclamation projects that should be on the radar of teams looking to upgrade their Global talent or fill depth roles, now or in the future.
Here are 12 former Global prospects, both drafted and undrafted, who are currently out of the league, but worthy of further investigation.
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LB Les Maruo, University of Texas at San Antonio (Japan)
HT: 5116 | WT: 228 | HND: 91 | ARM: 300 | WNG: 735
BP: 28 | VJ: 36 | BJ: 9076 | 40 YD: 4.77 | SS: 4.17 | 3C: 7.07
Draft year: 2021 (Round 1, Pick 3 — Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
A veteran linebacker with 38 games of pro experience under his belt, Maruo has proven to be a solid special teams contributor with the ability to contribute rotationally on defence. At 28 years old, he lost out to younger and cheaper options this offseason but would still be a depth upgrade for several teams. Globally, he has the talent and pedigree to be a top-tier A-Import and might be incentivized to consider those options due to his long-distance relationship with a UK-based Olympian.
Current status: Free agent
IDL Adam Raine, Yale University (United Kingdom)
HT: 6035 | WT: 296 | HND: 97 | ARM: 323 | WNG: 790
BP: 24 | VJ: 27 | BJ: 8030 | 40 YD: 5.32 | SS: 4.64 | 3C: 7.27
Draft year: 2023 (Undrafted)
Raine was undervalued in the 2023 Global Draft after not attending the CFL Combine but landed a mini-camp invite from the Washington Commanders and stuck on the Elks’ practice roster for a full season as a UDFA. While his chances to play in Edmonton were slim, the former All-Ivy League honouree can be a rotational contributor along the interior with good play strength, violent and technical hands, and surprising bend for his size. Off-field opportunities thanks to his Yale degree will require that the chance to see the field is legitimate in order to continue his playing career.
Current status: Free agent
OL Tomoya Machino, Kyoto University (Japan)
HT: 6053 | WT: 299 | HND: 93 | ARM: 324 | WNG: 807
BP: 21 | VJ: 27.5 | BJ: 9014 | 40 YD: 5.72 | SS: 4.65 | 3C: 7.64
Draft year: 2021 (Round 2, Pick 15 — Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
Machino remains the most athletically gifted blocker to come through the Global program, with exceptional initial quickness on zone plays and smooth feet to mirror as a pass protector. He showed growth over three seasons with Winnipeg and performed well in preseason action, but only dressed for three games as part of the league’s top offensive line unit. The 27-year-old is entering the prime years for the position with the hardest part of his development already finished and still has starting potential at both tackle and guard.
Current status: Signed with Fujitsu Frontiers (X-League)
LB Lino Schroeter, No School (Germany)
HT: 6005 | WT: 236 | HND: 90 | ARM: 294 | WNG: 741
BP: 23 | VJ: 34.5 | BJ: 9045 | 40 YD: 4.71 | SS: 4.34 | 3C: 7.02
Draft year: 2023 (Round 2, Pick 15 — Calgary Stampeders)
A compact and chiselled linebacker prospect, Schroeter suffered a season-ending knee injury in his first CFL training camp and was recently released in rookie camp following a second opportunity. Bad luck and shifting roster priorities were larger factors in his departure from Calgary than a lack of ability, and the former Cologne Crocodile has value as a physical special teams presence with athletic upside. He may require some time to return to full game speed but is a worthy CFL practice roster target and a priority signee for ELF teams in need of defensive help.
Current status: Free agent
DB Maceo Beard-Aigret, No School (France)
HT: 6020 | WT: 206 | HND: 92 | ARM: 310 | WNG: 752
BP: 18 | VJ: 31.5 | BJ: 9035 | 40 YD: 4.70 | SS: 4.36 | 3C: 7.14
Draft year: 2022 (Round 3, Pick 23 — Saskatchewan Roughriders)
Beard-Aigret was a late cut by the Riders following training camp in 2022 and may have turned down a practice roster spot to return to Europe. It would be worth inquiring as to whether those priorities have changed, as the reigning ELF Defensive Player of the Year is a long-striding cornerback with fluid hips and excellent instincts when breaking on the ball to generate turnovers. He lacks the consistent form and physicality as a tackler that you’d like to see from a special teams project and potential safety convert but still has room for growth at 24 years old.
Current status: Signed with Paris Musketeers (ELF)
OL Steven Nielsen, Eastern Michigan University (Denmark)
HT: 6074 | WT: 291 | HND: 104 | ARM: 337 | WNG: 790
BP: 22 | VJ: 30.5 | BJ: 8060 | 40 YD: 5.19 | SS: 4.78 | 3C: 8.13
Draft year: 2021 (Round 1, Pick 2 — Edmonton Elks)
Nielsen requested his release from Edmonton ahead of the 2023 season over concerns regarding his lack of play-time, but it’s worth investigating whether some time as the ELF’s top blocker has restored his fire to play at the next level. The 27-year-old is a technically proficient tackle with good footwork and a jarring punch, as well as great drive and finish as a run blocker. He proved to be a competent CFL starter at right tackle in five games as a rookie and would be on par with most American depth options for a team willing to provide a path to the field.
Current status: Signed with Frankfurt Galaxy (ELF)
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