2024 CFL Draft

Blue In BC · April 30, 2024, 02:21:49 PM

Quote from: dizzycamper on April 30, 2024, 02:09:08 PMI still wonder if Geoff Gray is gone, this has been very quiet. Last game of last season when the Bombers had wrapped up first, a portion of the game, the O-Line lined up with Gray at right tackle and Dobson @ guard. Just my observation and question.

I understand all the salary stuff that has been happening this past year and prior. As of late it has been announced the Bombers were over the salary cap, the signings leading up to the Feb free agents was slow/stressful, the release of some popular/needed players, players taking a cut in their salaries in the past and on.

Now, will there be a couple signings here shortly. The immediate need for O-Line and D-Line is there. Geoff Gray and Jonathan Kongbo would help.

In closing, the Bombers will do what is best/available for the team with today's draft.

The Bombers said they had money to re-sign Grant. If he doesn't re-sign, then they might have a little extra in the pot to bring Gray back.

I didn't get the impression that Gray not returning was a money issue per se. He may have wanted to move into his non football career.

A lot can change over the next 24 hours. We could potentially draft 2 OL with our 1st 2 picks. Those decisions may determine whether we look at currently available free agents. Kongbo for example.

SMS and strength / readiness of draftees all part of the equation.

The global draft can't be dismissed either. The may find a good rotational player on defence?

Sir Blue and Gold · April 30, 2024, 03:22:51 PM

The Global Draft just ended. Interesting strategy for the Bombers as they've gone in a different direction from every other team. The Bombers are the only team to pick directly from the European Football League (EFL) and they used both picks there.

At 8th overall - Fabian Weitz - LB - 6'0 220 (age 25) -- from Cologne, Germany (not sure pro games played, but he's definitely been in some)
At 17th overall - Lucky Ogbevoen - DB - 6'2 223 (age 24) - from Vienna, Austria (26 pro games in Europe played)

Note: Ogbevoen is listed as a DB per the draft tracker but seems to play ILB/OLB and probably translates to SAM here since's he's listed as a DB and not a linebacker.

Further reading:

Consider the source but Weitz is described as one of Europe's best linebackers. https://europeanleague.football/news/cologne-centurions-sign-division-i-homegrown-fabian-weitz-1347

Less on Oghevoen but there's a short article here with some basic descriptors: https://europeanleague.football/news/tirol-raiders-extend-nfl-international-combine-attendee-lucky-ogbevoen-861

LXTSN · April 30, 2024, 03:51:02 PM

Can't wait to see these guys compete in training camp with the rest of the fellas

theaardvark · April 30, 2024, 03:51:16 PM

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 30, 2024, 03:22:51 PMThe Global Draft just ended. Interesting strategy for the Bombers as they've gone in a different direction from every other team. The Bombers are the only team to pick directly from the European Football League (EFL) and they used both picks there.

At 8th overall - Fabian Weitz - LB - 6'0 220 (age 25) -- from Cologne, Germany (not sure pro games played, but he's definitely been in some)
At 17th overall - Lucky Ogbevoen - DB - 6'2 223 (age 24) - from Vienna, Austria (26 pro games in Europe played)

Note: Ogbevoen is listed as a DB per the draft tracker but seems to play ILB/OLB and probably translates to SAM here since's he's listed as a DB and not a linebacker.

Further reading:

Consider the source by Weitz is described as one of Europe's best linebackers. https://europeanleague.football/news/cologne-centurions-sign-division-i-homegrown-fabian-weitz-1347

Less on Oghevoen but there's a short article here with some basic descriptors: https://europeanleague.football/news/tirol-raiders-extend-nfl-international-combine-attendee-lucky-ogbevoen-861

Interesting. Looks like the are trying to create another Hansen, both will play ST nicely.

Thought they might take a P, but I guess there are a lot of GLB P out there undrafted, so why waste a pick? I still expect there to be a global P in camp, probably more than one invited and see who shows up...

Sir Blue and Gold · April 30, 2024, 04:09:49 PM

Quote from: theaardvark on April 30, 2024, 03:51:16 PMInteresting. Looks like the are trying to create another Hansen, both will play ST nicely.

Thought they might take a P, but I guess there are a lot of GLB P out there undrafted, so why waste a pick? I still expect there to be a global P in camp, probably more than one invited and see who shows up...

Agree they probably will bring some punting competition in, although it seems they are fairly happy Sheahan (although let's wait and see what happens at the draft tonight and a few days after). The fact we're pretty close to camp and there hasn't been a signing means it hasn't really been an area of emphasis I would surmise.

theaardvark · April 30, 2024, 05:22:50 PM

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 30, 2024, 04:09:49 PMAgree they probably will bring some punting competition in, although it seems they are fairly happy Sheahan (although let's wait and see what happens at the draft tonight and a few days after). The fact we're pretty close to camp and there hasn't been a signing means it hasn't really been an area of emphasis I would surmise.

I think the Global draft being over, and any P prospects that weren't taken now on the open market, you will see us invite a few to camp and hope someone shows up.

Sheehan was a very interesting experiment, and who knows, maybe he had a good offseason figuring out how to mold his skills into the CFL game.

VictorRomano · May 01, 2024, 01:11:44 AM

Flipping our #8 pick +#28 to Calgary for Calgary's pics at 13 and 14 was a brilliant move. 4 picks in the 2nd round (13, 14, 17, 20) in one of the deepest drafts in recent history is amazing.

VictorRomano · May 01, 2024, 01:44:58 AM

At #13, Kevens Clercius, WR, UCONN. 6'2", 217. Known as an elite ST player, and is known for doing the dirty work well in blocking. A Canadian Sheed?
https://youtu.be/9ET7bQ-Gixc?si=IG8AlO82dTq3a7mj
https://youtu.be/LvbcFSaNpSM?si=RNqwWRpG0R6_N043

At #14, Michael Chris-Ike, RB/FB, Delaware State. 6'1, 225#. A large, fast player. Known for brute force and speedy cuts, his vision has been questioned. A durable backup for Brady, but expected to be an immediate special teams player in the mold of Mike Miller.
https://youtu.be/dn1f8piIdyo?si=YUw6b2Vj0n2ITr9P

At #17, Gabe Wallace, OL, Buffalo. 6'6", #305. Was originally projected at #3. A mean, hard-nosed big body road-grader who can play guard or tackle. Favorite player growing up in BC was Adam Bighill.
https://youtu.be/jgfS0Z0WffE?si=ePn2wOzLb-nMAH1J

At #20, Kyle Samson, DT, UBC. 6'3", #290. 2X Academic All Canadian, 2X All Canadian, 2X All Star. . 34 reps on the bench on his pro day. Reputation as a run-stuffer with a great motor.
https://youtu.be/35nByW_PCDU?si=KVO7OlTshNSbXYF8

At #37, Ian Leroux, LS, Laval. 6'1", #225. Mike Benson's protege?

At #40, Ethan Kalra, OL, Waterloo. 6'2". 305.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T8P4M7gjYw

At #46, Giovanni Manu, OL, UBC. 6'8", #340. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 4th round of the NFL draft. A low price to pay If he ever makes it to the CFL, he could be impressive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iggOW_M1lNM

theaardvark · May 01, 2024, 01:55:54 AM

Wow... WR and RB first two picks...

Guessing OL next 2...

ModAdmin · May 01, 2024, 02:59:25 AM

A LS at #37 Ian Laroux from Laval. At #40 Ethan Kelra OL Waterloo - 6"2" 309 lbs.

Blueforlife · May 01, 2024, 03:13:03 AM

I like the size of these OL

ModAdmin · May 01, 2024, 03:19:13 AM

#46 Giovanni Manu - UBC 6'8" 340 (drafted by Detroit Lions).

#55 Abdul-Karim Gassama - Manitoba 5'8" 158 lbs.

ModAdmin · May 01, 2024, 03:44:49 AM

#64 Michael Vlahogiannis - McGill, OL 6'3" 312 lbs.

#73 Owen Hubert - McMaster, DL 6'4" 263 lbs.

CrazyCanuck89 · May 01, 2024, 04:01:42 AM

Quote from: Blue In BC on April 30, 2024, 01:15:09 PMOur current ratio could allow a change to 3 import OL in the short term. That may mean 1 or more of the imports that end up on the PR could be injury replacements.

Obviously we'll draft an OL. The question is whether he's a better immediate replacement if an injury happens. Ratio may mean he goes on the AR and gets some reps as the season progresses.

We have been keeping 7 OL on the AR. Losing Gray changes that at the moment.

Their is no need to go 3 imports on the Oline. Dobson/Eli will Duke it out for LG and when Neufeld retires the loser might take his place.

theaardvark · May 01, 2024, 04:31:17 AM

Interesting draft...

Consensus #1, Isiah Adams, not chosen.

4 OL including Manu, a 4th round NFL draftee (won't see him for a while, if ever)
2 WR
2 DL
1 RB
1 LS

Lots of players with ST ability, lots that MOS will love.

Loved the coverage, when the panel was gushing over WPG's current depth, saying they could start 9 NAT's...

WR, RB off the bat was unexpected, but both are going to contribute immediately on ST, and could be good depth for development.

Our picks:

13 CLERCIUS, KEVENS CONNECTICUT WR   6'2   217   1999-10-07

14 CHRIS-IKE, MICHAEL DELAWARE STATE RB   6'1   225   1999-01-02

17 WALLACE, GABE BUFFALO OL   6'6   305   2000-01-09

20 SAMSON, KYLE UBC DL   6'3   290   2000-11-14

37 LEROUX, IAN LAVAL LS   6'1   225   1999-05-06

40 KALRA, ETHAN WATERLOO OL   6'2   309   2000-03-27

46 MANU, GIOVANNI UBC OL   6'8   340   2001-01-26

55 GASSAMA, ABDUL-KARIM MANITOBA WR   5'9   158   1999-10-13

64 VLAHOGIANNIS, MICHAEL MCGILL OL   6'3   312   1998-11-11

73 HUBERT, OWEN MCMASTER DL   6'4   263   2000-03-01