GLOBAL Players picked...
#8 Fabian Weitz - LB, 6'0" 220 lbs. from Cologne, Germany
#17 Lucky Ogbevoen - DB, 6'2" 223 lbs.
DRAFT players picked...
#13, Kevens Clercius, WR, UCONN. 6'2", 217 lbs. Known as an elite ST player, and is known for doing the dirty work well in blocking.
#14, Michael Chris-Ike, RB/FB, Delaware State. 6'1", 225 lbs. 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.
#17, Gabe Wallace, OL, Buffalo. 6'6", 305 lbs. 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.
#20, Kyle Samson, DT, UBC. 6'3", 290 lbs.. 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.
#37, Ian Leroux, LS, Laval. 6'1" 225 lbs. Mike Benson's protege?
#40, Ethan Kalra, OL, Waterloo. 6'2". 305 lbs.
#46, Giovanni Manu, OL, UBC. 6'8", 340 lbs.. 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.
#55 Abdul-Karim Gassama - Manitoba 5'8" 158 lbs.
#64 Michael Vlahogiannis - McGill, OL 6'3" 312 lbs.
#73 Owen Hubert - McMaster, DL 6'4" 263 lbs.
Meet the 2024 Draft Class
They were already one of the toughest and meanest outfits in the entire Canadian Football League, long considered dominant along both sides of the line of scrimmage and perennially gritty on special teams.
And now — courtesy Tuesday's CFL Draft — the Winnipeg Blue Bombers just added a whole lot of nasties to an already ornery roster.
The Blue Bombers added to their homegrown talent depth with 11 selections, although they ultimately had to wait to make their first pick. Winnipeg flipped their first-round pick, eighth overall, to the Calgary Stampeders – along with third-round selection, 28th overall – for the 13th and 14th overall selections. That meant the Blue Bombers had four picks in the second round at 13, 14, plus the 17th and 20th overall selections they already had.
Through the first two rounds Blue Bombers took University of Connecticut receiver Kevens Clercius 13th overall, running back Michael Chris-Ike of Delaware State at 14, University of Buffalo offensive lineman Gabe Wallace at 17 and UBC defensive tackle Kyle Samson at 20th overall.
They then added a long snapper in Ian Leroux of Laval 37th overall, O-lineman Ethan Kalra of Waterloo at 40th overall – using the extra fifth-round selection through the Dru Brown trade to Ottawa in January – and then Giovanni Manu, the 6-6, 352-pound man mountain of an O-lineman who was drafted in fourth round pick by the Detroit Lions last weekend.
The club then went local by grabbing University of Manitoba receiver A.K. Gassama 55th overall, then McGill O-lineman Michael Vlahogiannis in the seventh round, 64th overall, and McMaster defensive end Owen Hubert in the eighth round, 73rd overall.
All added up, that's four offensive linemen, two receivers and defensive linemen, and one running back and long snapper added to the club's Canadian cupboard. Nine of the 10 picks – all but Manu – are expected to be at the club's rookie camp beginning next week on May 8th.
Earlier in the day the club also added two global prospects in the CFL Global Draft in German linebacker Fabian Weitz and Austrian defensive back/linebacker Lucky Ogbevoen.
GM Kyle Walters is to meet with the media Wednesday morning to provide more detail about the club's 2024 draft. In the meantime, here's a more detailed look at the newest Blue Bombers:
THE NEW BLUE CREW
Kevens Clercius
Selected: Round 2, 13th overall
Position: receiver
School: Connecticut
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 212
Notable: Tough player from a tough neighbourhood in Montreal, the son of Haitian immigrants... Lost his mother to illness at age 14... Landed a scholarship at UConn and arrived speaking almost no English but enrolled in language classes before school started... Appeared in 37 games over three years with the Huskies, pulling in 49 passes for 604 yards and five TDs.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He's got the size and grit to make an impact right away on special teams and potentially fill the 'dirty work' role Rasheed Bailey did so well with the offence as a blocker at the line and downfield.
Michael Chris-Ike
Selected: Round 2, 14th overall
Position: running back
School: Delaware State
Ht: 6-1; Wt: 225
Notable: Has earned a rookie-camp invite with the New York Jets in the next couple of weeks... Did not carry the ball a lot at Delaware State, with just 14 touches last year for 90 yards... Tied for the fastest 40 time at the CFL Combine at 4.51 with DB Benjamin Labrosse (drafted by Calgary fourth overall).
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He gives them added depth behind CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Brady Oliveira and Johnny Augustine but is another tough dude with good size and speed who should contribute immediately on special teams and, perhaps, be an option to fill the fullback spot.
Gabe Wallace
Selected: Round 2, 17th overall
Position: offensive line
School: Buffalo
Ht: 6-6; Wt: 344
Notable: Posted great numbers at the University of Buffalo pro day, including a 29.5-inch vertical which, as pointed out by John Hodge of 3Down Nation, was higher than 23 OL at the NFL Combine this spring. He also threw up 29 reps at the bench press... Dressed for 49 games at Buffalo, including 28 games at guard, seven at left tackle and two games at right tackle.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He was called a 'big mauler' and a 'road grader' by TSN analysts Duane Forde and Jim Barker and that makes him a perfect fit in an O-line room already stacked with those types. Two Canadian starters in Chris Kolankowski and Pat Neufeld are in their 30s and give this guy some time with the best O-line coach in the CFL in Marty Costello and he could blossom.
Kyle Samson
Selected: Round 2, 20th overall
Position: defensive tackle
School: UBC
Ht: 6-3; Wt: 290
Notable: Played in 33 games over four seasons with the T-Birds, with eight sacks, 47 solo tackles, one interception, 19.5 tackles for loss and three pass knockdowns... A foot injury prevented him from being a full participant at the UBC pro day, but he did throw up 34 reps in the bench press... A two-time U Sports Second Team All-Canadian.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: The club is loaded at defensive tackle with veterans Jake Thomas and Cam Lawson, with Tanner Schmekel and Collin Kornelson from last year's draft class.
Ian Leroux
Selected: Round 4, 37th overall
Position: long snapper
School: Laval
Ht: 6-1; Wt: 225
Notable: Was a defensive captain at Laval and considered the best long snapper by many in this class... Vanier Cup champion in 2022.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Mike Benson has a lock on this job, but as consistent as he is, he's also 36. Leroux will come to camp, learn from one of the CFL's best, and then head back to Laval. That gives the club a long-snapping heir apparent in their stable of Canadian talent.
Ethan Kalra
Selected: Round 5, 40th overall
Position: offensive line
School: Waterloo
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 309
Notable: Earned an invite to the main CFL Combine in Winnipeg after a solid showing at the Invitational Combine in Waterloo... Had 29 career starts with the Warriors, mostly at guard.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Enters camp under essentially the same circumstances as Wallace, listed above.
Giovanni Manu
Selected: Round 5, 46th overall
Position: offensive line
School: UBC
Ht: 6-8; Wt: 340
Notable: Drafted last Saturday by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round... Absolutely freakish size and testing numbers to go with it – he ran an astonishing 5.03 yard 40 at his UBC pro day, which was attended by 16 NFL teams... Originally born in Tonga.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Well, he might not ever play in Canada, given he's a man mountain and has earned a long look by the Lions – even if they move on from him, the amount of NFL interest shown before the draft means several teams will line up to take their own look. Still, at this stage in the draft, it's certainly worth the risk for the club.
AK Gassama
Selected: Round 6, 55th overall
Position: receiver
School: Manitoba
Ht: 5-9; Wt: 158
Notable: He's an inspiration as his family fled Sierra Leone during the civil war to land in Winnipeg... He had 38 receptions for 465 yards and four TDs last season... Was a U Sports First Team All-Canadian last year and a Second Team All-Canadian in 2022 and was a two-time Canada West All-Star... Named Bison Sports Male Athlete of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He and Clercius give the Blue Bombers receiver depth behind veterans Nic Demski and Drew Wolitarsky and second-year man Jeremy Murphy. He's a different body type than Clercius and more of a speed/deep threat target.
Michael Vlahogiannis
Selected: Round 7, 64th overall
Position: offensive line
School: McGill
Ht: 6-3; Wt: 312
Notable: A Quebec conference all-star last year at centre... Started seven games last year and 19 in his career with the Redbirds.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Canadian O-line depth is critical and now the club has it in abundance in Neufeld, Kolankowski, Liam Dobson, Tui Eli, Wallace, Manu (although he's bound for the NFL) and Vlahogiannis.
Owen Hubert
Selected: Round 8, 73rd overall
Position: defensive end
School: McMaster
Ht: 6-4; Wt: 263
Notable: Good testing numbers at the CFL Combine with a vertical jump of 30 inches and 113 inches in the broad jump, while running a 5.03 40... Saw action in 17 games with the Marauders.
Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: The Blue Bombers are stacked at Canadian at defensive tackle, but Hubert could give them another option at end behind Anthony Bennett, last year's top pick.
GLOBAL DRAFT SELECTIONS
Fabian Weitz
Selected: Round 1, eighth overall
Position: linebacker
School/last club: Cologne Centurions (European League of Football)
Ht: 6-0; Wt: 221
FYI: Played his college ball at the University of Buffalo (2018-22), appearing in 22 games and working primarily on special teams... Returned to his hometown to play with the Cologne Centurions in Germany and had 20 tackles and a fumble recovery in five games in 2023... Ran a 4.77 at the CFL Global Combine, the second-fastest time among a group that was primarily D-linemen and linebackers. Also 17 reps on the bench.
Lucky Ogbevoen
Selected: Round 2, 17th overall
Position: defensive back/linebacker
School/last club: Tirol Raiders (ELF)
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 223
FYI: Born in Vienna, Austria and began playing football in 2012, playing with the Austrian National U17 and U19 teams... Attended the 2022 NFL International Combine in London... He was the Raiders defensive MVP in 2022 after registering 79 total tackles, one and a half sacks, and 10 tackles for loss.
https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?action=post;topic=55598.0;last_msg=1620541
I think we did pretty well in terms of getting what we needed. We may not have gotten the gravy, but we did fill the holes. Assuming some/many/most work out.
The Can Mafia is pretty good at judging fit and character, not just the stats. I'll assume many/most of these picks can be Winnipeg Locker Room guys.
I can go to sleep satisfied, and feeling a little better about our overall team structure.
It appears that 2 of the draft choices will return to school after TC. Manu is a long shot to come to the CFL or he may be here in 3 or 4 years.
So that leaves us with 7 Canadians and 2 global players looking to crack the roster. A few will end up on the PR in 2024. I'd guess that 3 or 4 will make the AR.
All in all, I like the picks. STs/blocking seemed to be the name of the game early, which is never a bad approach. Love the Samson pick, Schmekel didn't show much last season and being potentially 3 deep at Canadian DT is not a bad thing.
Future long snapper and a talented return man in AK are nice additions late. Would have liked to see more LB/DBs brought in to compete but can never go wrong with OL
IDK about Gassama. He's so light and I doubt he'll be the leading returner for the team. As a receiver, I'm not sure. We still have Murphy as depth. Our global draft choices were on the defensive side of the ball, so there is that to consider.
I thought the draft would go a completely different direction in the order in which positions were taken, but looking at the result, I am again impressed with Walters and company.
Good value at each spot, filled holes, current and future, took one flyer on what could end up being a huge (literally) Oline presence, got a LS that's going back to school giving us security behind Benson.
We have lost some ST grit the last few years, but it looks like this draft really addressed that. Might we have the new Miller in camp this year?
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 01, 2024, 02:38:26 PMIDK about Gassama. He's so light and I doubt he'll be the leading returner for the team. As a receiver, I'm not sure. We still have Murphy as depth. Our global draft choices were on the defensive side of the ball, so there is that to consider.
I think without Grant, we can truly audition him as a returner. I doubt he's the best option, but a year on the PS, professional trainers and dieticians to help him out on some weight and I think there is immense potential
Love that we added some players that can be great on special teams.
I don't see Clercius or Chris-Ike as potential starters down the road. I do see them as great special teams fits, and potential back-ups or role players to fill in on some packages.
The top 2 picks make the team for special teams play alone, Clercius replacing Sheed, Chris-Ike replacing Johnson, both cheaper, both Nats and I don't think we will see a dropoff.
Masterful use of the roster, you have to wonder if these two players were the exact picks Walters wanted. The off season roster moves, and how well these players fit into those holes suggests to me that this was the plan all along, and the trade down move ensured that we got both.
Taking 4 OL through the draft, ranging in size from 6'2 to 6'8, 309 lbs to 344 lbs, with wide ranging skillsets, I think they filled the pipe in a very interesting way.
The panel was suggesting we could start 9 Nats this year, Wallace played games at OT in Buffalo, could he be in the competition for RT to give us 10 Nat starters? Longshot for a rookie to start at RT, but 6'6, 344 with a 29.5" vertical...
I have mixed feeling about the draft. Would have like to have picked up Okopko at #8. Then at #13 and 14, Brubacher or Hladik at either one of those picks. Needed a WR, Clercius was a nice pickup. Did we really need another RB at that point in the draft.
I liked what we did at #17 and 20. Lots of competition at DT, Samson 6'3" 290. Wallace could be a good one.
Can't go wrong on taking a flyer on Manu.
Interesting pick at #73. Owen Hubert 6'4" 263. This kid could be a good one.
Quote from: kkc60 on May 01, 2024, 03:31:51 PMI think without Grant, we can truly audition him as a returner. I doubt he's the best option, but a year on the PS, professional trainers and dieticians to help him out on some weight and I think there is immense potential
Well I'm still thinking we have a chance to re-sign Grant. He always signs very late. If he doesn't, there are a bunch of receivers and DB's that are also returners. One or more might make the AR as a DI.
Gassama doesn't appear to be a guy that is going to go downfield on coverage teams. I don't see him as ever being the next man up as a receiver.
We'll see but is there a smaller player in the CFL?
Quote from: Pigskin on May 01, 2024, 04:02:20 PMI have mixed feeling about the draft. Would have like to have picked up Okopko at #8. Then at #13 and 14, Brubacher or Hladik at either one of those picks. Needed a WR, Clercius was a nice pickup. Did we really need another RB at that point in the draft.
I liked what we did at #17 and 20. Lots of competition at DT, Samson 6'3" 290. Wallace could be a good one.
Can't go wrong on taking a flyer on Manu.
Interesting pick at #73. Owen Hubert 6'4" 263. This kid could be a good one.
I think that the conventional wisdom is as you suggest. But the Mafia is far from conventional. We sucked on teams last year. So, they went out and got teams demons. Exactly replacing Sheed/Miller/Johnson's roles with Nats in picks 13-14. We will have to see how they pan out at this level, but on paper this looks brilliant, IMHO.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 04:12:02 PMI think that the conventional wisdom is as you suggest. But the Mafia is far from conventional. We sucked on teams last year. So, they went out and got teams demons. Exactly replacing Sheed/Miller/Johnson's roles with Nats in picks 13-14. We will have to see how they pan out at this level, but on paper this looks brilliant, IMHO.
What was Johnson's role?
Quote from: Pigskin on May 01, 2024, 04:22:07 PMWhat was Johnson's role?
Pretty sure he meant Jackson the import FB.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 01, 2024, 04:22:07 PMWhat was Johnson's role?
Oops.. old age brainfart, yes, Jackson. FB. ST demon.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 05:07:30 PMOops.. old age brainfart, yes, Jackson. FB. ST demon.
Your kidding, he had 3 STs.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 01, 2024, 05:36:38 PMYour kidding, he had 3 STs.
ST's isn't just STT. He wasn't a gunner. But he still got downfield and did his job well.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 05:39:24 PMST's isn't just STT. He wasn't a gunner. But he still got downfield and did his job well.
Sure that's why we cut him even before TC. lol
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 01, 2024, 05:50:47 PMSure that's why we cut him even before TC. lol
As I have said in other posts, it looks like the Mafia had a succession plan for both Jackson and Sheed, which would be why they decided against re-signing them or bringing them to camp, to allow them to catch on elsewhere...
Sheed was money. Plan and simple, not enough money.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 01, 2024, 06:25:07 PMSheed was money. Plan and simple, not enough money.
He also wanted more of a chance to play a larger role possibly but yes he was an SMS casualty.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 01, 2024, 02:38:26 PMIDK about Gassama. He's so light and I doubt he'll be the leading returner for the team. As a receiver, I'm not sure. We still have Murphy as depth. Our global draft choices were on the defensive side of the ball, so there is that to consider.
Similar feelings about Gassama, at the Combine he was fast but didn't show he had great hands or much grit. I think he's the Bombers perennial MB. pick that likely wasn't going to be drafted by any other team, only to get cut after TC. If it wasn't him, it would be some young kid from the Wpg. Rifles brought in to show support for MB. football and provide a bit of local flavour.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 01, 2024, 06:30:53 PMHe also wanted more of a chance to play a larger role possibly but yes he was an SMS casualty.
No player that is needed is ever an SMS casualty. If you don't have a succession plan for that position, you pay the player.
Yes, there are players that "there isn't enough money for". Sheed played a role, did his job, signed here last year for less, and we already had a bajillion dollars invested in the rec corps. But I am sure they'd have found the $SMS for him if they didn't have a plan.
The fact they chose Clercius with their first pick, and he is 100% what Rasheed does, plus special teams, a NAT passport on an ELC seems to suggest he was the succession plan all along, making Sheed expendable. I HATEd that we let Sheed go, he was a heart and soul guy that was team first and signed for less last year to play with his brothers here, but this is a business, and while saving $SMS was a factor, I truly don't think it was the only factor.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 06:50:48 PMNo player that is needed is ever an SMS casualty. If you don't have a succession plan for that position, you pay the player.
Yes, there are players that "there isn't enough money for". Sheed played a role, did his job, signed here last year for less, and we already had a bajillion dollars invested in the rec corps. But I am sure they'd have found the $SMS for him if they didn't have a plan.
The fact they chose Clercius with their first pick, and he is 100% what Rasheed does, plus special teams, a NAT passport on an ELC seems to suggest he was the succession plan all along, making Sheed expendable. I HATEd that we let Sheed go, he was a heart and soul guy that was team first and signed for less last year to play with his brothers here, but this is a business, and while saving $SMS was a factor, I truly don't think it was the only factor.
I don't believe it was already in the plans before Clercius was drafted or there's much of a chance he starts in Sheed's spot, considering the import competition he's up against. Plus the fact they already have 2 Natl receivers starting and don't need a 3rd. If he shows well, in a year or 2 he may take over Woli's job, for this year it's likely PR or backup duty if he can supplant Murphy.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 06:50:48 PMNo player that is needed is ever an SMS casualty. If you don't have a succession plan for that position, you pay the player.
Yes, there are players that "there isn't enough money for". Sheed played a role, did his job, signed here last year for less, and we already had a bajillion dollars invested in the rec corps. But I am sure they'd have found the $SMS for him if they didn't have a plan.
The fact they chose Clercius with their first pick, and he is 100% what Rasheed does, plus special teams, a NAT passport on an ELC seems to suggest he was the succession plan all along, making Sheed expendable. I HATEd that we let Sheed go, he was a heart and soul guy that was team first and signed for less last year to play with his brothers here, but this is a business, and while saving $SMS was a factor, I truly don't think it was the only factor.
That's just not accurate. We had no idea who was going to replace Bailey. We had no idea who was going to replace Hardrick. There might have been someone on our PR that could replace Walker and / or Jefferson but it's TBD.
Ditto for Grant. Yes we have a dozen players that might take on that role. We also didn't re-sign McCrae who at least had some experience as the back up.
Saying there is always a plan is wishful thinking. SMS and what a player wants plays into everything.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 01, 2024, 09:04:08 PMThat's just not accurate. We had no idea who was going to replace Bailey. We had no idea who was going to replace Hardrick. There might have been someone on our PR that could replace Walker and / or Jefferson but it's TBD.
Ditto for Grant. Yes we have a dozen players that might take on that role. We also didn't re-sign McCrae who at least had some experience as the back up.
Saying there is always a plan is wishful thinking. SMS and what a player wants plays into everything.
I think Bomber fans will be happy with Murphy slotting into Boo's spot this season. He has some speed and good hands.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 01, 2024, 09:53:05 PMI think Bomber fans will be happy with Murphy slotting into Boo's spot this season. He has some speed and good hands.
I like Murphy and he steps up from the back up to the back up, to the next man up. Clercius should fill a very good role on ST's and back the 2nd man behind Murphy as a back up receiver. I don't think Murphy played ST's?
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 01, 2024, 10:12:11 PMI like Murphy and he steps up from the back up to the back up, to the next man up. Clercius should fill a very good role on ST's and back the 2nd man behind Murphy as a back up receiver. I don't think Murphy played ST's?
I think the Bombers could go with four canadian receivers if one or two can do STs. Could go lighter at DB or LB instead.
Quote from: kkc60 on May 01, 2024, 10:25:28 PMI think the Bombers could go with four canadian receivers if one or two can do STs. Could go lighter at DB or LB instead.
It's another option, but Murphy didn't play ST's last year or receiver. He was a PR guy.
OTOH, we got Ford back and he could end up starting. Noah Hallett is back and he was an ST guy and 2nd round pick originally.
Not sure about the LB's and to some degree that may come down to whether the global LB makes the AR. You need a combination of speed and size. DB's or receivers play a significant role on ST's but you need some bigger bodies as well.
So it's an interesting point and it will be evaluated in TC. Which players are most ready to play ST's and be game ready to play some role on defence or offence are part of the question.
IMO unless you are an exceptional ST player, you needed to have that other skill set depth wise.
There are going to be several options. Chris Ike might have a role on ST's and FB as one possible choice as well. He's LB size ( like Miller ) and could fill a few roles.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 03:57:16 PMThe panel was suggesting we could start 9 Nats this year, Wallace played games at OT in Buffalo, could he be in the competition for RT to give us 10 Nat starters? Longshot for a rookie to start at RT, but 6'6, 344 with a 29.5" vertical...
TSN said Wallace was way too slow/clunky to play OT. His particular assets may make him a decent guard and run-blocker though.
I think we're pretty much obligated to find a serviceable IMP RT now...
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 04:12:02 PMWe sucked on teams last year. So, they went out and got teams demons. Exactly replacing Sheed/Miller/Johnson's roles with Nats in picks 13-14. We will have to see how they pan out at this level, but on paper this looks brilliant, IMHO.
Lots of people are saying this, but is this really a thing? Does any GM ever sit there before the draft and say "I really don't want top starters, what I really want is ST-only guys". I'm thinking no.
I think the goal in the draft (for us), especially after the first round, is to find guys who could be solid, dressed, in-game injury replacements (as well as spellers) while being acceptable on ST. If 1 of every 5 of those guys turns out to be a legit starter, then bonus!! (In addition you want some extra injury backups who you can dev into the above on the PR.)
Keep in mind that not even Mike Miller was ST-only... he had a decent-sized role as the TE/FB before his injuries.
So my hunch is even these guys we are looking at as "brought in to beef up ST" are seen has having a good shot at real roles on O and D. Think: Miles, Briggs, Cole, Hallett...
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2024, 06:50:48 PMNo player that is needed is ever an SMS casualty. If you don't have a succession plan for that position, you pay the player.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 01, 2024, 09:04:08 PMThat's just not accurate. We had no idea who was going to replace Bailey. We had no idea who was going to replace Hardrick. There might have been someone on our PR that could replace Walker and / or Jefferson but it's TBD.
Ya, BinBC nailed it: Hardrick. "Succession plan" means you have a big FA splash lined up or a dude in-house you've dev'd 1-2 years. We fired all the IMP OL (well, save Ivy who likely won't be "it", and traveled-the-league Lofton who couldn't hack it in SSK), and let a good one walk previously (McGloster). There ain't jack squat as a succession plan for Hardrick except hopes and prayers.
The
only way you can say we had a plan all along is if week 1 we're starting a NAT (Neufeld?) at RT...
and it works out.
So everyone get down on your knees and pray that one of the IMP rookie OTs coming to camp are the next Yoshi!! Because that's what it's going to take or things will get real ugly for Zach in about a month!
Cut down days in Bomberland are going to be tough this year, and I think a lot of our cutdowns are going to find homes on other teams.
The new Nats DP's that are joining are going to make life tough for some current players. I wouldn't be surprised if we have multiple players refuse PR spots or get plucked off our PR.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 02, 2024, 06:50:31 AMLots of people are saying this, but is this really a thing? Does any GM ever sit there before the draft and say "I really don't want top starters, what I really want is ST-only guys". I'm thinking no.
I think the goal in the draft (for us), especially after the first round, is to find guys who could be solid, dressed, in-game injury replacements (as well as spellers) while being acceptable on ST. If 1 of every 5 of those guys turns out to be a legit starter, then bonus!! (In addition you want some extra injury backups who you can dev into the above on the PR.)
Keep in mind that not even Mike Miller was ST-only... he had a decent-sized role as the TE/FB before his injuries.
So my hunch is even these guys we are looking at as "brought in to beef up ST" are seen has having a good shot at real roles on O and D. Think: Miles, Briggs, Cole, Hallett...
I don't think you can rate Mike Miller's positional play as anything other than minimal. I think the attitude the Bombers are looking for in "our kind of guy" is a player who will be happy just to get paid to play football and will do anything asked. Whereas many more physically talented players that have had past success may only be content if they can play as a starter in a specific position. It's an attitude thing.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 02, 2024, 05:24:04 PMI don't think you can rate Mike Miller's positional play as anything other than minimal.
His TE/FB role was important enough that when he was IR'd we wasted an entire DI spot on a replacement for that role for most of 2023, including the post-season!
I know what you're saying -- not a starter, etc -- but some of the backup / special set roles are pretty critical to our team. Guys like Lawson, or the special-set passing down LBers (Cole, Clements) or DBs (Hallett) who spell the regulars. And the 6th/7th hoggies who are in for 20-30% of the game sometimes.
Mike Miller was as critical to his role as those guys are to theirs -- in addition to their ST role.
So maybe there's a middling role, in between starter and (mostly) ST-only guy. The above are examples of the middling (and very important) players. Examples of the ST-only guys would be Exume and Augustine, the lowest (but still dressed) on the totem poll: they really only see the field in garbage time/season, or after injuries.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 02, 2024, 05:00:03 PMCut down days in Bomberland are going to be tough this year, and I think a lot of our cutdowns are going to find homes on other teams.
The new Nats DP's that are joining are going to make life tough for some current players. I wouldn't be surprised if we have multiple players refuse PR spots or get plucked off our PR.
Some posters suggest that every TC. It almost never happens. Every team has their own rookies to add to their PR's and unless we chop some experienced players, then it's unlikely.
Every team has rookies they hope will be all stars and have long time success. A few will but most will disappear after cut day and PR assignments.
IIRC, we have 99 players + 12 draft choices made this week. A large number will be released when rosters are trimmed to 75 non counters.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 03, 2024, 02:26:30 AMHis TE/FB role was important enough that when he was IR'd we wasted an entire DI spot on a replacement for that role for most of 2023, including the post-season!
I know what you're saying -- not a starter, etc -- but some of the backup / special set roles are pretty critical to our team. Guys like Lawson, or the special-set passing down LBers (Cole, Clements) or DBs (Hallett) who spell the regulars. And the 6th/7th hoggies who are in for 20-30% of the game sometimes.
Mike Miller was as critical to his role as those guys are to theirs -- in addition to their ST role.
So maybe there's a middling role, in between starter and (mostly) ST-only guy. The above are examples of the middling (and very important) players. Examples of the ST-only guys would be Exume and Augustine, the lowest (but still dressed) on the totem poll: they really only see the field in garbage time/season, or after injuries.
So in my mind, I have Clercius replacing BOO's spot and Chris-Ike replacing Miller/Jackson.
All our backups on the AR need to be able to play special teams, but it is nice when they can fill in for a bit to give some of our starters a breather when needed. I can also see them putting in Clercius on short yardage plays (swapping out Demski), if they find that he's a talented blocker.
I like the idea of Chris-Ike at fullback too. I feel like he can turn into a really nice threat out of the backfield too. You will rarely see a FB get a handoff in the CFL, but you will occasionally see them catch a pass out of the backfield with lots of space to run. Even though I don't see him as a staple in our offence, he could get close to a catch a game when teams start to overload on the WR's leaving him wide open!
My take on the draft...
Clercius and Murphy will be battling for BOO's spot. Clercius could have the inside track with his ST play.
Chris-Ike will have Millers spot. I don't see any other contenders for it. Jackson's DI spot becomes a free spot for either a rookie Int DB or WR, or even a OT.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 03, 2024, 03:36:57 PMMy take on the draft...
Clercius and Murphy will be battling for BOO's spot. Clercius could have the inside track with his ST play.
Chris-Ike will have Millers spot. I don't see any other contenders for it. Jackson's DI spot becomes a free spot for either a rookie Int DB or WR, or even a OT.
I would say it probably should be for a DE as things stand right now. Bennett hasn't proven a thing and our defense is at its best when it has three true defensive ends (last year they were lining up Walker at DE, the year prior Sayles). DB I too could get behind. Cole, Castillo, KR, DB, DE.
Last year with the lack of Canadian STers, Clement and Cole had to dress. Luckily that won't be the case this year (although Hall did a great job featuring them).
Quote from: LXTSN on May 03, 2024, 01:40:10 PMSo in my mind, I have Clercius replacing BOO's spot and Chris-Ike replacing Miller/Jackson.
I like the idea of Chris-Ike at fullback too. I feel like he can turn into a really nice threat out of the backfield too.
Everyone needs to go watch KW's May 1 interview on bb.com. He really spells out what his thoughts are on all these guys' positions. He basically lays out what many of us have predicted.
And lots of ideas for FB/TE usage.
And what he wants to do with Wallace.
It's great insight into the mind of the Mafia and hints as to what we'll see week 1, if all goes according to plan.
Quote from: kkc60 on May 03, 2024, 04:47:28 PMI would say it probably should be for a DE as things stand right now. Bennett hasn't proven a thing and our defense is at its best when it has three true defensive ends (last year they were lining up Walker at DE, the year prior Sayles). DB I too could get behind. Cole, Castillo, KR, DB, DE.
Ya, if you look at the puzzle-piece approach, I think it's clear we were really hurt by not having more DL and LB as DI's. Especially DL. We are really out of whack with the rest of the league in terms of DL rotation.
But that means we need to find some impact IMP guys that can rotate!! I would love to see some new monster DTs dressing -- not just our starter but a DI.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 04, 2024, 12:42:21 AMEveryone needs to go watch KW's May 1 interview on bb.com. He really spells out what his thoughts are on all these guys' positions. He basically lays out what many of us have predicted.
And lots of ideas for FB/TE usage.
And what he wants to do with Wallace.
It's great insight into the mind of the Mafia and hints as to what we'll see week 1, if all goes according to plan.
Awesome interview, and great insight. The Dru Brown "trade" pick being used as a flyer is just so fitting...