KINGSTON, Ont. (Jan. 22, 2025) – Queen's Football's Darien Newell was featured on the second straight edition of the CFL Scouting Bureau's list of Top 20 prospects eligible for the 2025 CFL Draft, rising from No. 19 in the fall edition to No. 13 in the winter edition.

Newell (Philosophy) was named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian for the second straight year this past season after finishing the 2024 regular season with 18.5 tackles (13 solo, 11 assisted), 3.5 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for a loss. Newell was tied for 11th in the OUA in sacks and tackles for a loss.

Newell recently competed alongside teammates Silas Hubert and Ashton Miller-Melancon in the College Gridiron Showcase in Texas earlier this month, putting in an impressive performance, according to a report from 3DownNation.com.

Newell competed in defensive line drills and his performance at the event resulted in an interview with scouts from the NFL's New England Patriots, according to the 3DownNation report.

From 3DownNation: Queen's University defensive tackle Darien Newell was an absolute wrecking ball during Saturday's pass rush one-on-ones, violently knocking back opponents regardless of the logo on their helmets. At six-foot-three and 298 pounds, the three-time All-Canadian showed special twitch at his size and NFL calibre power, which resulted in an interview with the New England Patriots.

The CFL Scouting Bureau will also release their list of Top 20 prospects in the spring, ahead of the 2025 CFL Draft. View the full CFL Scouting Bureau winter edition list here.