The 1981 CFL Draft composed of seven rounds where 81 Canadian football players were chosen from eligible Canadian universities and Canadian players playing in the NCAA. A total of 18 players were selected as territorial exemptions, with every team making at least one selection during this stage of the draft. Through a trade with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Calgary Stampeders selected first overall in the draft.
Saskatchewan Roughriders Eugene Larocque DT Utah
Toronto Argonauts Hazen Carinci DB Simon Fraser
Toronto Argonauts Dan Ferrone G Simon Fraser
Toronto Argonauts Bernie Pickett TB Wilfrid Laurier
Toronto Argonauts Bob Bronk TB Queen's
Ottawa Rough Riders John Park TE Bowling Green
Ottawa Rough Riders Ian Beckstead TE Richmond
Montreal Alouettes Mark Lacelle TB McGill
British Columbia Lions Rob Smith G Utah State
British Columbia Lions Rick Klassen G Simon Fraser