The Saskatchewan Roughriders focused on building depth across multiple positions in the 2026 Canadian Football League Draft, making eight selections while targeting versatility, athleticism and long-term roster development.
Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O'Day emphasized a collaborative approach throughout the process, with the organization balancing immediate needs and future planning.
“Every draft is different,” O’Day said. “You go in with different needs and wants, and what you're trying to accomplish. We try to really prepare for the future, create some depth for our team, and I think that's a big part of it.”
Below is a breakdown of each selection.
Malcolm Bell — Defensive Back (Michigan State)
1st Round, 9th Overall
The Riders opened their draft by addressing the secondary, selecting Montreal native Malcolm Bell, a long, athletic cornerback coming off a strong senior season at Michigan State. Bell recorded 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, and six pass breakups while logging a team-high 717 snaps.
O’Day pointed to both Bell’s physical traits and roster fit.
“Malcolm Bell, he's a long corner, played at a high level at Michigan State,” O’Day said. “Very good coverage corner. We just liked a lot about him from his tape and going through the interview process. He’s got length and speed.”
Bell has also drawn NFL interest, earning a rookie minicamp invite with the Cleveland Browns.
Dylan Djete — Wide Receiver (Alabama State)
2nd Round, 18th Overall
Speed and versatility were key factors in selecting Lévis, Quebec product Dylan Djete. The receiver posted 422 yards and four touchdowns in his senior season at Alabama State and impressed scouts with his 4.6-second 40-yard dash at the CFL Combine.
O’Day noted Djete offers a different dimension to the receiving corps.
“He's a receiver that we kind of liked from the beginning, different from the receivers that we have that are a little bit bigger,” O’Day said. “Fast receiver, willing blocker, can do a lot of different things and play in multiple spots.”
Darius Bell — Offensive Lineman (East Carolina)
3rd Round, 29th Overall
The Riders added size and versatility along the offensive line with Darius Bell, who started at both guard and centre at East Carolina. He helped power an offence that averaged 449 yards per game while allowing just three sacks over two seasons.
Osasere Odemwingie — Linebacker (University of Calgary)
4th Round, 38th Overall
A highly productive U SPORTS defender, Odemwingie brings consistency and tackling ability after recording 253 career tackles with the Calgary Dinos. His physical style and experience make him an intriguing depth addition at linebacker.
Jez Janvier — Offensive Lineman (Southern Mississippi)
5th Round, 47th Overall
Montreal-born Jez Janvier adds positional flexibility, having played both offensive and defensive line during his collegiate career. After transitioning full-time to offence, he did not allow a sack in 2024, showcasing development and upside.
Albert Reese IV — Offensive Lineman (Mississippi State)
6th Round, 56th Overall
At 6’7” and 330 pounds, Reese brings prototypical size to the offensive line group. The Edmonton native started multiple positions at Mississippi State and has already signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, making him a potential future addition.
O’Day highlighted both value and existing connections.
“You kind of think ‘what ifs’ and hope it happens,” he said. “Paul Jones, has a really good relationship with him. He was there at his pro day, and we thought it was worth the value.”
Shemar McBean — Wide Receiver (UBC)
7th Round, 65th Overall
One of the most productive U SPORTS receivers in recent years, McBean totaled 2,477 yards and 13 touchdowns at UBC. A Canada West All-Conference selection, he also adds value as a returner.
Ryan Speight — Fullback (Wilfrid Laurier)
8th Round, 74th Overall
Speight rounds out the class as a versatile fullback with strong academic and athletic credentials. A two-time Academic All-Canadian, he contributed to Laurier’s Vanier Cup run and offers depth at a specialized position.
O’Day stressed that the draft process is a true organizational effort, even if not every position group gets equal attention each year.
“We've got a lot of positional coaches, some are super excited, others didn’t get many guys,” he said with a smile. “You can’t make everyone happy, but it’s a pretty collaborative effort to pick the guys.”
The Roughriders’ 2026 draft class reflects a clear strategy: add size along the offensive line, inject speed at receiver, and reinforce the defensive backfield all while maintaining flexibility for future roster decisions.
Whether immediate contributors emerge or the impact is felt down the road, Saskatchewan has once again prioritized depth and development a hallmark of O’Day’s draft philosophy.
