- Top CFL defensive strains mix elite edge strain with inside dominance: Edmonton leads the way in which with sack machine Jake Ceresna and run-stuffing power Jared Brinkman, whereas B.C. and Saskatchewan boast dynamic disruptors like Mathieu Betts and Malik Carney.
- Depth issues and unproven starters cloud a number of entrance fours: Teams like Winnipeg and Calgary function rotational potential however lack established difference-makers past names like Willie Jefferson or Folarin Orimolade.
- Subscribe to PFF+: Get entry to participant grades, PFF Premium Stats, fantasy soccer rankings, the entire PFF fantasy draft analysis instruments and extra!
Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
With the 2025 CFL common season kicking off, rosters are finalized, depth charts are locked in, and groups are prepared for Week 1. As a part of our complete preview sequence, we’re breaking down how each crew stacks up at every key place group. Today, we flip our consideration to the defensive strains — the items tasked with controlling the trenches, disrupting quarterbacks and setting the tone on protection.
For extra perception into the playmakers these items are defending and paving the way in which for, make sure you take a look at our quarterback rankings, dashing assault rankings, receiving corps rankings and offensive line rankings — all a part of PFF’s detailed position-by-position preview sequence.
1. EDMONTON ELKS
- Projected Starters: Brandon Barlow, Jared Brinkman, Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith
- Key Depth Players: Noah Taylor, Noah Curtis
The Elks clearly took notice of what made the Argonauts’ protection so dominant throughout their Grey Cup run — and responded by signing three key items from that Toronto line of defense. First was the return of their former star Jake Ceresna, who leads the CFL with 37 sacks over the previous three seasons and ranks third with a 90.7 pass-rush grade in that span. Alongside him comes Jared Brinkman, the league’s highest-graded run defender in 2024 (90.9) and Robbie Smith, whose 63 whole pressures final season had been second-most within the CFL.
They be a part of incumbent Brandon Barlow, a constantly productive edge defender with each pass-rush and run-defense grades north of 72.0 over the past three seasons. Edmonton additionally boasts spectacular depth: rotational defenders Noah Taylor and Noah Curtis mixed for 55 pressures final yr.
While the crew was enthusiastic about high draft choose Darien Newell — a standout pass-rush prospect — he’ll miss the season as a consequence of a suspension for a banned substance.
2. BRITISH COLUMBIA LIONS
- Projected Starters: Mathieu Betts, Christian Covington, Dewayne Hendrix, Sione Teuhema
- Key Depth Players: Tibo Debaille, Jonah Tavai
The Lions’ excessive rating hinges on Mathieu Betts returning to his dominant 2023 type. After a stint within the NFL, Betts rejoined B.C. late final season and carried out modestly, however he was unmatched in 2023, main the league with 19 sacks, 95 whole pressures and a 90.1 pass-rush grade.
Christian Covington posted a stable 71.6 total grade in his CFL debut and must be much more efficient with a full offseason underneath his belt. Free agent addition Dewayne Hendrix brings pass-rush juice after ending third within the league with an 88.1 pass-rush grade, although his 55.1 run-defense grade leaves room for enchancment. Sione Teuhema provides a well-rounded presence with 41 pressures and 18 solo run stops final yr.
Depth shouldn’t be a priority both: Tibo Debaille and Jonah Tavai posted a mixed 13.2% pass-rush win price in rotational roles. Meanwhile, second-round choose Hayden Harris is at present with the Buffalo Bills, but when he returns to B.C., he may contribute in a situational position.
3. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
- Projected Starters: Malik Carney, Mike Rose, Micah Johnson, Shane Ray
- Key Depth Players: Caleb Sanders, Habakkuk Baldonado, Ali Saad
Despite lacking 5 video games final season, Malik Carney was a dominant power each time he was on the sector. He led the CFL in pass-rush win price (17.2%), strain proportion (15.0%) and pass-rush productiveness rating (9.2), whereas additionally posting an elite 85.4 run-defense grade.
With arguably the perfect edge rusher within the league, the Roughriders strengthened their line even additional by including Mike Rose, who has averaged 9 sacks and 47 whole pressures per season over the previous three years. Veteran inside presence Micah Johnson continues to be a workhorse, logging extra snaps (2,251) than all however three different inside defenders since 2021.
The return of Grey Cup and Super Bowl champion Shane Ray provides much more upside after he posted a powerful 79.0 total grade in 2022. Rookie Ali Saad, the fourth total choose on this yr’s draft, can be poised to contribute early as a rotational inside defender.
4. MONTREAL ALOUETTES
- Projected Starters: Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, Mustafa Johnson, Shawn Oakman, Lwal Uguak
- Key Depth Players: Trevon Mason, Dylan Wynn
By signing Shawn Oakman this offseason, the Alouettes might have fashioned the CFL’s high inside defensive duo. Oakman brings a robust presence inside, ending final season with the fourth-highest pass-rush grade (84.6) and providing sturdy contributions in opposition to the run. He joins Mustafa Johnson, one of many league’s most dominant defenders, as his 89.6 total grade over the previous three seasons ranks second amongst all gamers.
On the sting, Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund gives regular strain, ending with the eighth-most whole pressures within the league final yr (51). Lwal Uguak is extra of a run-game presence, having posted a 77.9 run-defense grade in restricted motion (six video games) final season, although his pass-rushing potential stays unproven.
Depth may very well be a priority on the sting, however the inside rotation will get an enormous enhance from Dylan Wynn. Wynn owns the seventh-best run protection grade (79.3) amongst defenders over the previous three seasons, making him one of many league’s most useful rotational gamers.
5. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
- Projected Starters: Julian Howsare, Casey Sayles, Miles Fox, TyJuan Garbutt
- Key Depth Players: Isaiah Bagnah, Ty Anderson
The TiCats’ line of defense begins with one of many CFL’s elite — Casey Sayles. Sayles has been the league’s highest-graded defensive lineman over the previous three seasons with a 91.1 total grade, and his 13.0% pass-rush win price leads all inside defenders in that span.
Hamilton added veteran edge rusher Julian Howsare, whose 165 pressures over the previous three seasons rank fifth league-wide. While these two give the road a powerful basis, the remainder of the unit is unproven. TyJuan Garbutt flashed promise with a 74.1 total grade after stepping right into a beginning position in Week 7, however he stays mild on CFL expertise.
Miles Fox has logged simply 336 snaps over the previous three seasons. The door is open for rookies Isaiah Bagnah and Ty Anderson — each 2025 draft picks — to carve out significant roles early of their careers.
6. OTTAWA REDBLACKS
- Projected Starters: Lorenzo Mauldin IV, Michael Wakefield, Cleyon Laing, Bryce Carter
- Key Depth Players: Kene Onyeka, Belssman Ta’ala
The Redblacks boast one of many league’s most formidable edge duos in Lorenzo Mauldin and Bryce Carter. Mauldin leads the CFL in whole pressures over the previous three seasons with 216, whereas Carter’s 14.1% pass-rush win price ranks sixth in that span. Michael Wakefield has been a gradual presence on the inside, posting practically an identical total grades of 66.7 and 66.8 up to now two seasons whereas logging over 950 snaps in each campaigns.
Cleyon Laing, nevertheless, struggled to generate strain final season, posting a 5.6% pass-rush win price and a 54.1 pass-rushing grade.
Depth is a priority. Kene Onyeka has excelled on particular groups however has but to face out as a rotational inside lineman, whereas Blessman Ta’ala is dependable in opposition to the run however presents restricted influence as a go rusher.
7. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
- Projected Starters: Willie Jefferson, Jake Thomas, Jamal Woods, James Vaughters
- Key Depth Players: Cameron Lawson, Devin Adams
The Bombers return the ageless Willie Jefferson to anchor their defensive entrance, and there’s little cause to consider he gained’t stay one of many CFL’s elite go rushers. Jefferson’s 90.7 pass-rush grade over the previous three seasons ranks fourth league-wide, and he leads all defenders with an astounding 37 batted passes in that span.
Newly signed James Vaughters posted a 72.4 total grade final season and may profit from taking part in reverse Jefferson. Jake Thomas brings a stable pass-rushing presence on the inside with 117 whole pressures over the previous three years, although his 56.9 run-defense grade leaves room for enchancment.
Jamal Woods flashed potential in restricted snaps final yr, ending with a 63.9 total grade. Depth choices Cameron Lawson and Devin Adams spherical out the rotation and may assist maintain the starters contemporary all through the season.
8. CALGARY STAMPEDERS
- Projected Starters: Folarin Orimolade, Miles Brown, Josiah Coatney, Clarence Hicks
- Key Depth Players: Charles Wiley, Justin Sambu
The Stampeders made a serious offseason splash by signing one of many CFL’s premier go rushers in Folarin Orimolade. The former Argo leads the league with a 16.5% pass-rush win price over the previous three seasons and ranks second with a 90.9 pass-rush grade.
Clarence Hicks additionally impressed final season with a 14.1% win price and may profit from Orimolade drawing consideration off the sting. On the inside, Miles Brown is an elite run defender, incomes an 84.6 run-defense grade over the previous three seasons, the best amongst defensive linemen.
Mike Rose’s departure leaves a niche that Caleb Coatney might be anticipated to fill, however he’ll want to enhance on his 60.9 total grade and lack of pass-rush influence from final yr. Charles Wiley, who earned a 74.5 pass-rush grade, presents high quality rotational depth. Justin Sambu noticed restricted motion in eight video games final yr, and a step ahead might be wanted to solidify his position.
9. TORONTO ARGONAUTS
- Projected Starter: Derek Parish, Demarcus Christmas, Jordan Williams, Andrew Chatfield
- Key Depth Players: Anthony Lanier II, Celestin Haba, Jeremiah Ojo
The Argonauts might lack a standout star on the line of defense, however they make up for it with spectacular depth. Derek Parish performed in each sport final season and posted a stable 72.2 total grade, whereas Jordan Williams, regardless of lacking half the yr, produced an analogous 72.0 grade. DeMarcus Christmas gives a gradual presence as a run defender on the inside.
Toronto signed Bryan Cox Jr. to bolster the sting, however he’s now anticipated to overlook the season. That leaves Andrew Chatfield and Celestin Haba in competition for a beginning position. Haba brings CFL expertise from his time as a rotational participant in Winnipeg, whereas Chatfield has but to look in a regular-season sport.
Anthony Lanier figures to be a key rotational go rusher, only a yr faraway from main the league with a 17.7% pass-rush win price. First-round choose Jeremiah Ojo may additionally push for a task and would possibly even crack the beginning lineup earlier than season’s finish.