OLine Training Camp

[theaardvark]

I can't see our OL much better then last year. Bryant and Neufled another year older. I can't see Eli as our starting C.  Wallace, Randolph and/or Vanterpool same as last season. I am hoping the Bomber can find a starting Canadian C in FA, because we usually don't draft and start a young Canadian. But I would love to find a player like Fortin in the first round of this years draft. 

The sheer number of contestants for the Oline coming into camp leaves us to hope there will be an upgrade.  Especially at C and RT, and backup LT.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I don't remember if this was ever discussed but Eli played the entire second half of the ESF in place of Neufeld and did pretty well. Not going to discount his abilities to compete for the Centre spot, he certainly has earned his shot.

[Tecno]

I don't remember if this was ever discussed but Eli played the entire second half of the ESF in place of Neufeld and did pretty well. Not going to discount his abilities to compete for the Centre spot, he certainly has earned his shot.

Ya, maybe he's finally ready to step up.  But it will be one of the longest dev paths ever!  If we don't sign a splash C in FA (don't see how we can now, with SMS concerns), then it'll be up to TC competition, and maybe the draft, to finalize our C.

As for the ESF, I haven't rewatched yet, so I only can go by what I saw live at Molson.  And at Molson I had no idea whatsoever Neuf got hurt, so yes, that's saying something about Eli that our OL did pretty good in the 2nd H with Eli at RG, which isn't even his natural spot.

Maybe that impressed Mafia enough to give him a shot to earn a starting role.

[bunker]

https://3downnation.com/2026/02/24/giordano-vaccaro-remains-in-2026-cfl-draft-class-sets-pro-day/

This guy looks like a possible prospect...native of Winnipeg, seems to project as a guard. We have an extra pick at the end of the second round, but sounds like they are projecting he will go first round. I like that he is from Winnipeg, makes it more likely he will stay for more than the ELC/cup of coffee.

[Pete]

Here are the current rostered Oline Rookies and where they played in college:

57 DOOLEY, Ben      6'5   320   24   Boise State    LG
64 ELSBURY, Tyler   6'6   333   24   Iowa   Played OC/all positions
0 LINDSAY, Zovon   6'4   300   25   Coastal Carolina  RT
0 MORE, Joseph      6'5   311   26   Arkansas  RT
0 PARES, Sebastian   6'6   310   24   Eastern Illinois RG
58 PONCIUS, Hunter   6'8   318   24   North Dakota State OT OG
0 WILLIAMS, Bucky   6'3   300   25   Appalachian Stat  OC

So, it looks like there is one true OC (Williams) and one that has played OC (Elsbury), so there might be something to KMan's release and potential for 2 IMP Oline

Do any of these players have experience at center? Right now I don't know who our plan B is even if its for injury replacement

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Do any of these players have experience at center? Right now I don't know who our plan B is even if its for injury replacement

Like Elsbury's size, second time they've invited him back so maybe they like what they see but haven't been able to accommodate him.  Randolph and Vanterpool should have a foot up on all contenders when it comes to experience and professional polish.

[dd]

Looks like a decent prospect but I am worried about who our centre is going to be

[Tecno]

Do any of these players have experience at center? Right now I don't know who our plan B is even if its for injury replacement

It appears plan A is Eli.  Someone said Vibert is a possible C.  So maybe there's competition there, or at minimum a NAT backup.

2 of the IMP scouting finds have done C.  So even more, better competition.

The only problem is if all 4 royally suck.  Like worse than Ko-man.  Then we're in a world of hurt of our own making.

Maybe there's a top-rated C in the draft we can snag?