Rourke Drafted by SF and Other NFL Draft news that effect the CFL Draft

Hamilton Tiger-Cats
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The San Francisco 49ers selected Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke with the 227th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Rourke, a native of Oakville, Ontario, becomes the first Canadian-born quarterback drafted into the NFL since Jesse Palmer in 2001 .​San Francisco 49ers+6NBC Sports+649ers Webzone+6The Herald-Times+149ers Webzone+1

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Rourke transferred to Indiana for the 2024 season after a successful tenure at Ohio University. Despite playing the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL, he led the Hoosiers to an 11-2 record and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. He set a school record with 29 touchdown passes, threw for 3,042 yards, and completed 69.4% of his passes . His performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors and a ninth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting .​ReutersReuters+4San Francisco Chronicle+4The Herald-Times+4

Rourke’s selection mirrors the 49ers’ previous success with late-round quarterbacks, notably Brock Purdy, who was picked 262nd overall in 2022 and developed into a starting role. Rourke expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization, stating, “They developed [Purdy] into one of the best quarterbacks in the league. I’m excited to be a part of that, be in the organization and follow that path, as well” .​San Francisco Chronicle

With the 49ers’ quarterback room currently featuring starter Brock Purdy and newly signed backup Mac Jones, Rourke is expected to compete for a roster spot and provide depth at the position. His intelligence, quick decision-making, and accuracy make him a promising fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense .​Niners Nation

Rourke’s journey from Ontario to the NFL underscores his resilience and determination, qualities that will serve him well as he embarks on his professional career.​

49ers Draft Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke in Seventh Round
https://3downnation.com/2025/04/26/canadian-qb-kurtis-rourke-selected-by-san-francisco-49ers-in-2025-nfl-draft/

This should drop his CFL draft stock because he’ll be gone at least 4 years I figure he’ll be third or fourth round

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He’ll have to show something in his first couple of camps to get anything more than an invite in year 3 … which I expect he is capable of doing

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Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma invited to rookie mini-camps with Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/26/canadian-qb-taylor-elgersma-invited-to-rookie-mini-camps-with-green-bay-packers-buffalo-bills/

Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma has received rookie mini-camp invites from the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, per sources.

Elgersma’s agents Fred Weinrauch and Craig Schaeffer are still pursuing an undrafted free agent contract for the Canuck QB.

The six-foot-five, 227-pound passer has been on the NFL’s radar since he became the first U Sports quarterback ever to accept an invite to the Senior Bowl in January. Elgersma completed four-of-seven pass attempts for 57 yards in the annual showcase game and ran the ball once for three yards.

The 23-year-old carried buzz during his NFL Draft process over into the University at Buffalo pro day. NFL teams pushed for him to throw more than the original script called for at the Murchie Family Fieldhouse in Western New York. 17 NFL franchises were represented but all 32 wanted to be there and could have been if it was held on a more favourable day for scouts’ schedules.

Unless he gets a FA deal with Cash
I expect him to be drafted Higher then Kurtis Rourke in CFL Draft on Tuesday

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Canadian DL Paris Shand signs NFL undrafted free agent contract with Buffalo Bills

Canadian defensive lineman Paris Shand has agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills on an undrafted free agent contract, per sources.

The Toronto, Ont. native played three seasons at the University of Arizona then transferred to Louisiana State University in 2023. In total, he played 49 career NCAA games — 24 with the Wildcats and 25 with the Tigers — and recorded 82 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He made nine starts at LSU during his senior season in 2024.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/26/canadian-dl-paris-shand-signs-nfl-undrafted-free-agent-contract-with-buffalo-bills/
Canadian defensive lineman Hayden Harris has signed an NFL undrafted free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills, per sources.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/26/canadian-dl-paris-shand-signs-nfl-undrafted-free-agent-contract-with-buffalo-bills/
Harris was a second-team All-Big Sky Conference selection in 2024 with the University of Montana, amassing 52 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception in 14 games. During his first season with the Grizzlies in 2023, he made 32 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 14 contests.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/26/canadian-dl-hayden-harris-signs-nfl-undrafted-free-agent-contract-with-buffalo-bills/

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I’m far from knowledgeable, regarding the NFL, and wonder why “at least 4 years.” Is that just the average time a team would keep a drafted QB before giving up on one who didn’t meet their expectations?

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You bring up a great point.
There’s actually a good chance he’ll be available.
A minority of draft picks - about 30% - make the team they were drafted by. For late round picks, it’s much lower.
Some of those picks can make the practice squad (16 on the squad but they’re competing against returners). Others could get signed by other teams.
Those who don’t should be available for the CFL.

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He’ll sign a 4 year deal for being a 7th round draft pick though I don’t believe it’s guaranteed.

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After a thumbs up thanks to Crash for his post, above, I read this in an article about another QB, drafted yesterday in the 7th round, 4 picks after Rourke:

"After a long wait, Quinn Ewers officially heard his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday. He went to the Miami Dolphins as the No. 231 overall pick in the seventh round – and his contract details have been revealed.

Ewers will sign a four-year rookie contract with the Dolphins, according to Spotrac. The deal will be worth $4.33 million over that time."

A little later, I also found this breakdown of how long NFL rookie contracts are:
First Round draft picks ---- 4 years with a club option for a 5th year.
Draft picks in rounds 2 through 7 ---- 4 years with no club opition.
Undrafted free agents ---- 3 years with no club option.

Another good day, learning things I didn’t know. :slightly_smiling_face:

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Continuing the discussion from Rourke Drafted by SF and Other NFL Draft news that effect the CFL Draft:

With the 2 extra picks from B.C., Calgary seems the most likely to pick one of either Elgersma or Rourke in round 2. If Elgersma they would be better off having him stick in the NFL for 1-2 years so they don’t waste development time on him. With Rourke you likely wouldn’t see him up here until year three best case, at which point he may be pro-ready. Could work out really well for them.

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Canadian LB Devin Veresuk accepts invite to Indianapolis Colts rookie mini-camp

Canadian linebacker Devin Veresuk has accepted an invitation to Indianapolis Colts rookie mini-camp, per sources.

The Windsor, Ont. native put himself on the NFL’s radar with a sensational performance at the University at Buffalo’s pro day, where he ran a 4.47-second forty-yard dash. He also recorded a 4.47-second short shuttle, 7.19-second three-cone drill, and repped 225 pounds on the bench press 27 times.

Veresuk would have ranked first at the 2025 NFL Combine among linebackers on the bench press, second in the 40, fourth in the broad jump, fifth in the three-cone drill, sixth in the short shuttle, and tied for sixth in the vertical. The mechanical engineering major has an elite athletic profile.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/sources-canadian-lb-devin-veresuk-accepts-invite-to-indianapolis-colts-rookie-mini-camp/

Canadian receiver Damien Alford accepts rookie mini-camp invite from Kansas City Chiefs

Canadian receiver Damien Alford has accepted a rookie mini-camp invitation from the Kansas City Chiefs, per sources.

Alford turned down invites from the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 23-year-old played four games at the University of Utah in 2024 while making one start, though he did not record any receptions.

Alford initially deferred his draft eligibility from 2025 to 2026 as he planned to transfer to Florida Atlantic University. However, he changed course, deciding to reenter the 2025 class.

The Montreal, Que. native played his first four collegiate seasons at Syracuse University, recording 67 receptions for 1,291 yards with seven touchdowns with the Orange. He was a team captain during his junior season in 2023.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/canadian-receiver-damien-alford-accepts-rookie-mini-camp-invite-from-kansas-city-chiefs/

Look like top LB won’t be taken 1st over all Tuesday

Canadian LB Connor Shay accepts rookie mini-camp invite from Green Bay Packers

Canadian linebacker Connor Shay has accepted a rookie mini-camp invitation from the Green Bay Packers, per sources.

The 23-year-old defender started 12 games at weak-side linebacker in his senior season for the University of Wyoming in 2024, recording 76 total tackles — 45 solo and 31 assisted — eight tackles for loss, three passes defended, two quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.

Shay learned from Chad Muma, who was selected in the third round, 70th overall during the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, during his first year with the Cowboys. Then he was behind two-time first-team All-Mountain West Conference linebacker Easton Gibbs for two seasons. That helped the athletic linebacker produce when he earned his starting spot.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/canadian-lb-connor-shay-accepts-rookie-mini-camp-invite-from-green-bay-packers/

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After the first couple of rounds, the contract values start to steady out at around $4-5 million for rounds 4-7 of the draft, with the last pick of the draft’s contract valued at $4,288,261.7 days ago

There good chance He’ll have good signing bonus and if cut will pickup by someone else and added to practice Roster for atleast a few seasons.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/draft/_/year/2025

Money
Money2624×494 35 KB

He’ll walk out just under 140,000 USD if cut and sign with Practice Squad he’ll be gone at least four seasons

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CFL is notoriously cheap. Only reason you don’t know this is there is a media blackout on it. Either happy talk or nothing. Unless some usher was molested as a youth or something. Even in the US they think guys get 3-5m a year to play in Canada. They have no idea.

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Money talks

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Pretty silly comment, I am in the US right now and I do know players don’t make 3 - 5 Mill. And I’m sure the other dozen or so posters on these boards that live in the US know that too.

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Sources: New York Giants invite Canadians Erik Andersen, Jeremiah Ojo to NFL rookie mini-camp

The New York Giants have invited Canadian offensive lineman Erik Andersen and Canadian defensive lineman Jeremiah Ojo to rookie mini-camp, per sources.

Andersen played 38 games over his collegiate career at Western University, earning two first-team All-Canadian selections. In 2024, he was the OUA’s nominee for the J. P. Metras Trophy, which is given annually to the top lineman in U Sports football

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/sources-new-york-giants-invite-canadians-erik-andersen-john-ojo-to-nfl-rookie-mini-camp/

Canadian DB Eric Cumberbatch accepts NFL rookie mini-camp invite from New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have invited Canadian defensive back Eric Cumberbatch to attend the team’s rookie mini-camp, per sources.

The six-foot-two, 202-pound defender recorded 83.5 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, three interceptions, and one fumble recover over 26 collegiate games at the University of Ottawa. He was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2023.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/canadian-db-eric-cumberbatch-accepts-nfl-rookie-mini-camp-invite-from-new-orleans-saints/

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General rule of thumb with variation - overwhelmingly almost all of the picks in the top four rounds are signed, with occasional exceptions for non-football reasons that arise or a serious injury before being signed, from which the player cannot recover in his rookie season.

Whether so many drafted in the first four rounds merit to be signed is another discussion, but on the balance if the player is on the margins after being drafted in the first four rounds and with general managers and coaches protecting their jobs, these top approximately 130 plus players drafted are signed.

Then come the fifth and lower rounds in which more players are cut, with many of them ending up on practice rosters around the league and effectively in development.

Now which draft picks actually see playing time in regular-season games in their rookie seasons, and if beyond also play on special teams, is a whole other discussion as well.

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A couple of 3downnation articles, today, the first I’ve come across, on players available in the CFL Global Draft in which the TiCats pick 2nd and 11th tomorrow morning:
https://3downnation.com/2025/04/28/top-10-position-players-in-the-2025-cfl-global-draft/
https://3downnation.com/2025/04/28/top-eight-specialists-in-2025-cfl-global-draft/

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neat story…
The demand for kickers has not been matched by the supply throughout the duration of the CFL Global program, but Noyes is one of the most intriguing options we’ve seen. He’s just 72.5 percent on field goals for his career at Utah and Colorado State but those numbers are skewed by a high volume of attempts from outside of 50 yards. The soon-to-be 33-year-old has missed just once from inside of 40 in his career and has a career-long of 60 yards, with a massive boot as a kickoff specialist as well.

We do need a kickoff specialist…

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they talk a lot of talk but when it comes down to the start of camp.. then we see what really happens.

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Be Mac Jones’s, 2nd Roukre he has played with. Lol

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