Top CFL Draft Steals of All Time

Every CFL Draft comes with its fair share of hype, busts, and surprises — but every once in a while, a team uncovers a true gem. These are the players who weren’t supposed to be stars, weren’t picked early, and weren’t expected to dominate… but they changed franchises, won awards, and became legends.

Here are the Top CFL Draft Steals of All Time — the players who proved everyone wrong.

1. Jon Cornish – 13th Overall (2006)

Cornish wasn’t even a first-round pick, yet he became one of the greatest Canadian running backs in CFL history.

• 3× CFL Most Outstanding Canadian

• 1× Most Outstanding Player

• CFL Hall of Famer

Calgary got an absolute steal.

2. Adam Bighill – Undrafted (2011)

Yes — undrafted.
Bighill went from overlooked to unstoppable, becoming a defensive cornerstone for years.

• 2× Most Outstanding Defensive Player

• Multiple Grey Cups

One of the greatest undrafted stories ever.

3. Zach Collaros – 36th Overall (2012 Supplemental Draft)

Not even in the main draft — and now one of the most decorated QBs of the modern era.

• Multiple Grey Cups

• Multiple MOP wins

• Face of the Winnipeg dynasty

A franchise player who nobody expected.

4. Weston Dressler – Undrafted (2008)

Dressler was deemed “too small” for pro football. Saskatchewan fans still laugh at that.

• 7 seasons over 1,000 yards

• Riders legend

• Grey Cup champion

Size didn’t matter — he became unstoppable.

5. Ben Cahoon – 6th Round, 32nd Overall (1998)

Sixth-round picks aren’t supposed to be Hall of Famers, but Cahoon destroyed expectations.

• Montreal Alouettes icon

• 3× Grey Cup champion

• Two-time Most Outstanding Canadian

One of the most reliable receivers in CFL history.

6. Andrew Harris – Undrafted (2009)

Another undrafted superstar who carved out a historic career.

• 4× Grey Cup champion

• Grey Cup MVP & MOC

• One of the most complete RBs ever

Harris didn’t get picked — and then became a CFL legend.

7. Henoc Muamba – 1st Overall but Still a Steal (2011)

Sometimes even a first overall pick can be a steal.
Muamba became:

• Grey Cup MVP & Most Outstanding Canadian (same game)

• One of the most dominant linebackers of his era

He lived up to — and surpassed — all expectations.

8. Matt Nichols – 4th Round (2010)

Nichols wasn’t supposed to be a franchise QB. Winnipeg and Edmonton fans know otherwise.

• Led multiple playoff runs

• Key piece in turning Winnipeg into a contender

A perfect example of a mid-round pick turning into a long-term starter.