Our 3 LBers we drafted this year. Novak is now on the IR, but I had seen/heard his name more than the other 2. I was actually surprised he made the squad and wasn't sent back to University.
Has he passed Shay & Smith? How many reps have these guys gotten outside of Teams?
Blue in BC high on Novak on teams, about all I know he knows things LOL
I don't think any of these guys have gotten run outside of STs. Not sure the numbers but our coverage has appeared alright. Smith is different from Shay and Novak, as he's more of a SAM.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on July 31, 2025, 04:12:28 PMOur 3 LBers we drafted this year. Novak is now on the IR, but I had seen/heard his name more than the other 2. I was actually surprised he made the squad and wasn't sent back to University.
Has he passed Shay & Smith? How many reps have these guys gotten outside of Teams?
They all have zero defensive reps.
None have gotten a single rep on D, all have contributed on teams.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on July 31, 2025, 04:12:28 PMOur 3 LBers we drafted this year. Novak is now on the IR, but I had seen/heard his name more than the other 2. I was actually surprised he made the squad and wasn't sent back to University.
Has he passed Shay & Smith? How many reps have these guys gotten outside of Teams?
Zero, so far the starting LB's have remained healthy, if injury happens likely Jon Jones, Griffin and Ayers are next up. the 3 Natl. draft picks are not likely to get reps till later in the season or next year. I see Novak as a ST who can contribute now, but not sure a starting job is in his future, in that respect he is behind Shay and Smith.
Each will have different roles going forward. We may see Gauthier gone in 2026 with the new crop of LB's. His role has changed to mostly ST's and we have others picking up that role. He's not an expensive player but how many Canadian LB's can we retain on the AR barring injury?
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 31, 2025, 05:09:43 PMEach will have different roles going forward. We may see Gauthier gone in 2026 with the new crop of LB's. His role has changed to mostly ST's and we have others picking up that role. He's not an expensive player but how many Canadian LB's can we retain on the AR barring injury?
Agree if they step up might see Gauthier gone but some have suggested that for years and he continues to be a good depth guy (against the run)
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 31, 2025, 05:20:27 PMAgree if they step up might see Gauthier gone but some have suggested that for years and he continues to be a good depth guy (against the run)
Not really. He used to get more reps on defence on running plays but now it's just on 3rd and short or 3rd and goal. Depth is always good but like I said, how many Canadian LB's can we keep on the AR? I don't know how long Novak will be out or whether he'll be gone for the season and part of 2026.
Novak had 3 ST's in 5 games and Gauthier had 2 in 6 games. It appears Novak had a solid role on ST's in the early going. Younger, faster and a little cheaper.
Shay and Smith are not getting defensive reps yet but I'd be expecting them to be doing that by 2026.
So it's a tough call. Gauthier could be asked back for TC 2026 but it's bad PR if he gets beat out by those draft choices.
We'll also have 6 - 8 2026 draft choices that we'll need to find some room on the rosters. A few will make the AR.
Who we lose or gain in free agency comes into play as the roster gets shuffled. Wilson, Cadwallader and Gauthier are all potential free agents.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 31, 2025, 05:29:54 PMNot really. He used to get more reps on defence on running plays but now it's just on 3rd and short or 3rd and goal. Depth is always good but like I said, how many Canadian LB's can we keep on the AR? I don't know how long Novak will be out or whether he'll be gone for the season and part of 2026.
Novak had 3 ST's in 5 games and Gauthier had 2 in 6 games. It appears Novak had a solid role on ST's in the early going. Younger, faster and a little cheaper.
Shay and Smith are not getting defensive reps yet but I'd be expecting them to be doing that by 2026.
So it's a tough call. Gauthier could be asked back for TC 2026 but it's bad PR if he gets beat out by those draft choices.
We'll also have 6 - 8 2026 draft choices that we'll need to find some room on the rosters. A few will make the AR.
Who we lose or gain in free agency comes into play as the roster gets shuffled. Wilson, Cadwallader and Gauthier are all potential free agents.
I keep Wilson and Cadwallder, if better options beat out Gauthier yes move on
Gauthier this year is a good depth LB against the run (if we get injuries), he is like an insurance policy, hope don't need it but it's there when you need it, not the greatest coverage but good cost LOL
But can't keep everyone and need the new gen to step up, our development at LB is key to our success going forward, as deep as I can remember in a decade, maybe not the star power but everyone can play or looks to be a good prospect imo
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 31, 2025, 06:10:31 PMI keep Wilson and Cadwallder, if better options beat out Gauthier yes move on
Gauthier this year is a good depth LB against the run (if we get injuries), he is like an insurance policy, hope don't need it but it's there when you need it, not the greatest coverage but good cost LOL
But can't keep everyone and need the new gen to step up, our development at LB is key to our success going forward, as deep as I can remember in a decade, maybe not the star power but everyone can play or looks to be a good prospect imo
We never know what players decide to move on in free agency. Cadwallader is very good on ST's. Smith has been exceptional so far in 2025 and Shay has had less impact that I can see. Novak was doing very well too. So it's a numbers game and then it's an SMS game to sort out.
I've seen Smith make some plays on special teams and I like his upside.
I don't really see us starting a national middle linebacker. It's just too important a position and they would have to beat out a ton of very talented players to get a spot.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 31, 2025, 05:29:54 PMNot really. He used to get more reps on defence on running plays but now it's just on 3rd and short or 3rd and goal. Depth is always good but like I said, how many Canadian LB's can we keep on the AR? I don't know how long Novak will be out or whether he'll be gone for the season and part of 2026.
Novak had 3 ST's in 5 games and Gauthier had 2 in 6 games. It appears Novak had a solid role on ST's in the early going. Younger, faster and a little cheaper.
Shay and Smith are not getting defensive reps yet but I'd be expecting them to be doing that by 2026.
So it's a tough call. Gauthier could be asked back for TC 2026 but it's bad PR if he gets beat out by those draft choices.
We'll also have 6 - 8 2026 draft choices that we'll need to find some room on the rosters. A few will make the AR.
Who we lose or gain in free agency comes into play as the roster gets shuffled. Wilson, Cadwallader and Gauthier are all potential free agents.
Stats. don't tell the whole story on ST's, the gunners will get more tackles than players like Gauthier and Novak who's jobs are to block up return lanes and cut down angles. They only move to pursuit mode if the returner evade the first wave of tacklers and advances further up field.
Quote from: LXTSN on July 31, 2025, 06:51:13 PMI've seen Smith make some plays on special teams and I like his upside.
I don't really see us starting a national middle linebacker. It's just too important a position and they would have to beat out a ton of very talented players to get a spot.
Considering Shay, Novak and Smith can all play MLB, I don't see why the Bombers won't start a national in the future.
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on July 31, 2025, 07:34:31 PMConsidering Shay, Novak and Smith can all play MLB, I don't see why the Bombers won't start a national in the future.
Big waste of a lot of draft picks if they saw no potential for a starter in the group.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 31, 2025, 07:08:46 PMStats. don't tell the whole story on ST's, the gunners will get more tackles than players like Gauthier and Novak who's jobs are to block up return lanes and cut down angles. They only move to pursuit mode if the returner evade the first wave of tacklers and advances further up field.
Sure but it still comes down to how many Canadian LB's do we roster. How does age and SMS come into play? We didn't expect to be able to land Shay this draft. Every off season every team has to assess the bottom 1/3 of their roster. How specific is a given players skill set.
Gauthier is not a bad player but he will be 34 by next TC and have played 120 games give or take. He's been healthy for the most part over 9 seasons.
I'd put him and Nick Hallett as possibly at the bottom of our Canadian depth. A little on the older and slightly higher SMS hit compared to draft choices over the last 2 years etc.
Quote from: Jesse on July 31, 2025, 07:42:16 PMBig waste of a lot of draft picks if they saw no potential for a starter in the group.
Perhaps but if they are " next man up " on the depth chart then they eliminate the need for a DI LB. It's too early to tell who rises to the top but Shay was perceived to be that capable in the draft. I don't know that Novak was considered for more than a good ST player. IE: replacement for Gauthier in 2026 potentially but injury changes that to a TBD.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 31, 2025, 07:52:49 PMPerhaps but if they are " next man up " on the depth chart then they eliminate the need for a DI LB. It's too early to tell who rises to the top but Shay was perceived to be that capable in the draft. I don't know that Novak was considered for more than a good ST player. IE: replacement for Gauthier in 2026 potentially but injury changes that to a TBD.
Well, if you believe Walters, Smith was supposed to be our first round pick because they didn't think Shay would be available. And they weren't going to double down on LB, but then Smith was still there.
I think they believe pretty strongly in their ceilings.
Quote from: Jesse on July 31, 2025, 07:56:57 PMWell, if you believe Walters, Smith was supposed to be our first round pick because they didn't think Shay would be available. And they weren't going to double down on LB, but then Smith was still there.
I think they believe pretty strongly in their ceilings.
Agreed. They could be a significant part of the future. They can play ST's and be fighting for roles to start in 2026 or at the least be next man up. I don't get to go to home games so more input from posters that can see what they are doing beyond stats and PR.
I think Shay will be a future Kramdi-like starter. Not sure which position, per se, but he's being groomed to be another ratio-buster.
It would be nice if he could get some D snaps this season, though. Not easy seeing as how our starting LB corps is probably the strongest part of our D.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 01, 2025, 04:39:08 AMI think Shay will be a future Kramdi-like starter. Not sure which position, per se, but he's being groomed to be another ratio-buster.
It would be nice if he could get some D snaps this season, though. Not easy seeing as how our starting LB corps is probably the strongest part of our D.
Agree I think both Shay and Smith are calculated to become starters within the next season or two, once they establish themselves as capable replacements for the current imports. Recall O'Shea saying he sees Smith as more of a DB type than a heavy LB because of his mobilitiy. Could potentially take over at Safety.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 01, 2025, 05:04:39 AMAgree I think both Shay and Smith are calculated to become starters within the next season or two, once they establish themselves as capable replacements for the current imports. Recall O'Shea saying he sees Smith as more of a DB type than a heavy LB because of his mobilitiy. Could potentially take over at Safety.
He is going to have to get lighter to play safety in the CFL.
SMITH, Jaylen LB N 5'10 227 23
Quote from: BBFANDM on August 01, 2025, 05:10:03 AMHe is going to have to get lighter to play safety in the CFL.
Then Shay MLB and Smith WILL? (eventually) That body type of Smith screams WILL. Kyrie won't last forever.
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on July 31, 2025, 07:34:31 PMConsidering Shay, Novak and Smith can all play MLB, I don't see why the Bombers won't start a national in the future.
I think Smith is almost a Kramdi-role guy. The Bombers love his versatility, so perhaps a Griffin role (as a obvious passing downs linebacker) is in his future?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 01, 2025, 05:50:32 AMThen Shay MLB and Smith WILL? (eventually) That body type of Smith screams WILL. Kyrie won't last forever.
I think perhaps SAM. Yes, heavier than the usual but if he can keep up with his man, why not have the advantage of a bigger SAM vs the run? If he can't do it, then WIL it is
Quote from: kkc60 on August 01, 2025, 12:27:42 PMI think Smith is almost a Kramdi-role guy. The Bombers love his versatility, so perhaps a Griffin role (as a obvious passing downs linebacker) is in his future?
That's how I see it as well. Smith is faster and more versatile, while Shay is more built for the MLB or maybe WLB.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 01, 2025, 05:04:39 AMAgree I think both Shay and Smith are calculated to become starters within the next season or two, once they establish themselves as capable replacements for the current imports. Recall O'Shea saying he sees Smith as more of a DB type than a heavy LB because of his mobilitiy. Could potentially take over at Safety.
If Shay can take the WLB spot and Smith the SLB spot, that would be alot of speed in your linebacking corps.
Quote from: Jesse on July 31, 2025, 07:42:16 PMBig waste of a lot of draft picks if they saw no potential for a starter in the group.
I think at least Shay and Smith have starter potential, but not at the MLB spot. There are so many very talented MLB's in this league, and very few of them are nationals. Teitz for Calgary and Veresuk are only NAT starting MLB's in the league currently, and I wouldn't say either of them stand out. It's just a tough position to find standout Canadians it seems.
Lots of GREAT National WLB's however! Hladik, Judge, Allen (SSK) are some of the best in the league.
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on August 01, 2025, 02:43:09 PMIf Shay can take the WLB spot and Smith the SLB spot, that would be alot of speed in your linebacking corps.
I think that would be a huge draft success if both those guys become solid starters. I'm happy with Smith as a rotational guy though too.
Quote from: LXTSN on August 01, 2025, 02:54:06 PMI think at least Shay and Smith have starter potential, but not at the MLB spot. There are so many very talented MLB's in this league, and very few of them are nationals. Teitz for Calgary and Veresuk are only NAT starting MLB's in the league currently, and I wouldn't say either of them stand out. It's just a tough position to find standout Canadians it seems.
Lots of GREAT National WLB's however! Hladik, Judge, Allen (SSK) are some of the best in the league.
Yes, Shay would have to be very good to beat out either of the Jones boys, hate to compromise for ratio at MLB, still think it's the most important position on the defence. Makes total sense for Shay to take over at WIL if he is mobile enough to cover inside receivers.
It's very early to know what their long term role or future will bring. I wouldn't compromise for the sake of ratio but we've seen some very good Canadian MLB's as starters.
T.Jones is signed for 2026 so I expect he'll be here for at least that long. A solid Canadian MLB could eliminate the need for an import as a DI in that role. That's still an improvement with the ratio if earned.
Looking forward to see how they develop. Really we won't see them get many defensive reps in 2025 but might get more in practice.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 01, 2025, 04:59:19 PMIt's very early to know what their long term role or future will bring. I wouldn't compromise for the sake of ratio but we've seen some very good Canadian MLB's as starters.
T.Jones is signed for 2026 so I expect he'll be here for at least that long. A solid Canadian MLB could eliminate the need for an import as a DI in that role. That's still an improvement with the ratio if earned.
Looking forward to see how they develop. Really we won't see them get many defensive reps in 2025 but might get more in practice.
For sure! But it is fun to speculate.
If anyone of these three guys turns out to be as good as Judge, I would be very happy.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 01, 2025, 04:59:19 PMwe've seen some very good Canadian MLB's as starters.
Yes we have. Henoc. Singleton: who is still in the NFL after a zillion years AFAIK. Is Singleton the biggest played-in-CFL -> NFL success of the last 7 years?
Sam Hurl... ...
...
KIDDING!!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 02, 2025, 07:47:46 AMYes we have. Henoc. Singleton: who is still in the NFL after a zillion years AFAIK. Is Singleton the biggest played-in-CFL -> NFL success of the last 7 years?
Sam Hurl... ...
...
KIDDING!!
Bahahah Techno! I almost started the reply in my head. ;D
Quote from: LXTSN on August 01, 2025, 02:54:06 PMI think at least Shay and Smith have starter potential, but not at the MLB spot. There are so many very talented MLB's in this league, and very few of them are nationals. Teitz for Calgary and Veresuk are only NAT starting MLB's in the league currently, and I wouldn't say either of them stand out. It's just a tough position to find standout Canadians it seems.
Lots of GREAT National WLB's however! Hladik, Judge, Allen (SSK) are some of the best in the league.
Veresuk stands out alot. Pick six, forced fumble great in zone and man coverage. Yes, he needs to be better against the run, but do does the rest of the defense. I would say Veresuk is better than any MLB the Bomber's have.