The Edmonton Elks and the rest of the CFL were back to the drafting board on Wednesday morning, kicking off the two-round Global Draft.
The Elks were the third team to draft, using their first of two picks on Mexican kicker Jesus Gomez (Arizona State), while selecting French defensive lineman Jeffrey M’Ba (SMU).
Gomez, a native of Puebla, Mex., transferred to Arizona State this past season, converting 22-of-30 field goals at a 73.3 per cent rate, while going 33-for-33 on point after attempts. He set career highs in both field goals and extra points made, and in point after attempts made, and point after attempts attempted. He joined Arizona State after spending four years at Eastern Michigan.
M’Ba, who was born in Libreville, Gabon, and grew up in France, where he played football for three years. He stands at a towering 6-foot-6, 312 lbs., and started 12 games this season for the Mustangs, recording 42 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, and his five sacks tied him for third on the team. He was named an All-ACC honourable mention for his season.
M’Ba wasn’t selected in the 2026 NFL draft last week, but signed a deal with the NFL’s Washington Commanders, who brought in Edmonton Elks first-round draft pick Dariel Djabome for a rookie camp tryout.
“M’ba’s evaluation will hit a wall with some teams due to his age (will be a 27-year-old rookie), but he’ll be seen as a development prospect with intriguing power by others,” said NFL analyst Lance Zierlein of M’Ba, who graded him a 5.8, an “average backup of special-teamer.”
“Tight hips and a lack of take-on technique create inconsistencies with contact balance and anchor,” Zierlein continued. “M’ba does an admirable job of competing against blockers using brute force and determination. There will be lane-clogging potential as a rotational nose tackle if he improves his technique.”
