Edmonton Elks take linebacker Dublanko first overall in CFL draft

TORONTO — The Edmonton Elks selected linebacker Joel Dublanko first overall in the CFL draft Tuesday night.

Edmonton had the first selection after finishing last in the West Division with a 4-14 record.

The six-foot-three, 240-pound Dublanko was regarded as the most pro-ready draft prospect. After his college career at Cincinnati, he spent time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks before playing in 2023 with the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars.

An American, Dublanko was eligible for the CFL draft because he has a Canadian parent.