Blue Bombers Forum

Which of these 3 would add the most value to the roster?

Note: I choose Adams only because he has played in 2025 and IMO we need to add depth at DT.

What I think we need most is QB pressure from our defensive line so if Adams or Woods could supply that I go with them.

Ayers would be perfect if the ratio rules were relaxed but he's expensive when it comes down to the reality that he's just playing teams. He is very good at that though.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on September 24, 2025, 05:25:34 PMWhat I think we need most is QB pressure from our defensive line so if Adams or Woods could supply that I go with them.

Ayers would be perfect if the ratio rules were relaxed but he's expensive when it comes down to the reality that he's just playing teams. He is very good at that though.

No disagreement with any of those thoughts in general. I'm not quite sure what you meant by relaxing the ratio rules. We've had the option all year to choose our DI's and rotational imports that weren't full time starters.

I'm not sure if Adams came off when we added Person. Person looked good initially and we aren't exactly deep at DE either. Since then he's been less obvious but I wouldn't say he's playing badly for a rookie. He has upside.  That shift moved pressure from inside to outside and there are pros and cons to each.

So trading a DT for a DE as a DI wouldn't be my 1st choice.

Our DI's are 4 of : Castillo, Vaval, Person, Woodbey, Ayers and Lawson in  the last game ( Griffin previously ).

Losing Parker this week gives us a " new " opportunity but how they fill it is a TBD: Woods, Adams, Vanterpool and even Texada might all be among the choices

The result of this weeks game, roster changes made or not made will be a topic of discussion again next week.  My concern was that we gave up nearly 160 yards rushing last time against the TiCats.

A very good poll and thanks for doing it.  I was going to suggest one but you structured this one nicely.  Tough decision, forum split no surprise.

I did choose Adams.

But I also wonder what coaches are seeing on film that is keeping him out of the line up? There has to some reasoning. Obviously our DL wasn't that effective when he was a part of it either.

Ayers, because he gives the most flexibility, is proven as being a "favorite", and because I think swapping in/out 1 DT won't help anything.

Isn't Ayers beefy enough he can also play DE or DT or provide some beef on blitz packages?  He seems like "I can do anything except DB".

Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 25, 2025, 03:47:20 AMAyers, because he gives the most flexibility, is proven as being a "favorite", and because I think swapping in/out 1 DT won't help anything.

Isn't Ayers beefy enough he can also play DE or DT or provide some beef on blitz packages?  He seems like "I can do anything except DB".

Agree all, well said.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 25, 2025, 03:47:20 AMAyers, because he gives the most flexibility, is proven as being a "favorite", and because I think swapping in/out 1 DT won't help anything.

Isn't Ayers beefy enough he can also play DE or DT or provide some beef on blitz packages?  He seems like "I can do anything except DB".

He seems to give the least amount of flexibility in practice. He only plays ST and as a LB, he's stuck in the position group with 10 others.

Quote from: Jesse on September 25, 2025, 10:22:11 AMHe seems to give the least amount of flexibility in practice. He only plays ST and as a LB, he's stuck in the position group with 10 others.

Haven't we charted him as DE depth before?  Hasn't he made some pass-rush attempts?  Even if he lines up at LB he could make a valuable wild card pass rusher.  I don't know, I haven't watched him intently on D like BinBC does.

There's certainly something MOS likes about him, and it's gotta be more than just his ST aptitude?

Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 25, 2025, 10:25:47 AMHaven't we charted him as DE depth before?  Hasn't he made some pass-rush attempts?  Even if he lines up at LB he could make a valuable wild card pass rusher.  I don't know, I haven't watched him intently on D like BinBC does.

There's certainly something MOS likes about him, and it's gotta be more than just his ST aptitude?

That's the only place he's ever been listed, because we physically can't fit another LB on the roster page.

But he only plays on ST. And in the (one game?) he got a defensive snap or two, he was obviously immediately washed out of the play. And I'm sure he, like J. Jones, was up for a LB spot when K. Wilson went down, but that hasn't happened. And T. Jones has obviously been pretty stout in the middle. I'm sure MOS is perfectly happy rostering a player who is only good on special teams though.

Quote from: Jesse on September 25, 2025, 10:30:09 AMI'm sure MOS is perfectly happy rostering a player who is only good on special teams though.

Haven't we given up zero TDs on ST this season?  I bet we are one of the best coverage teams for avg yards given up.

Maybe there's something to it then?

Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 25, 2025, 10:25:47 AMHaven't we charted him as DE depth before?  Hasn't he made some pass-rush attempts?  Even if he lines up at LB he could make a valuable wild card pass rusher.  I don't know, I haven't watched him intently on D like BinBC does.

There's certainly something MOS likes about him, and it's gotta be more than just his ST aptitude?

He's been replaced as an outside / DE rusher by Woodbey who seems to have taken a big hold as a rotational player on defence. I'd say he's getting more than 50% of the snaps.

Ayers gets in on defence a few times on SY plays but even that seems to have gotten to be less.

I'm sure he's very well liked by his coaches and does whatever he's asked. He's very good on ST's but the question IS about flexibility comparison, rotational depth needs over other choices. He adds value to the roster. That isn't the argument.

Small rosters and ratio create difficult choices at times.

I did point out that last time against the TiCats we gave up 160 yards rushing and didn't pressure BLM that much. I hope we don't have a repeat of that this week. Adams or Woods might not improve that but I'm thinking it would.

BTW I think we did give up a return TD this year. Nobody suggests that was because of Ayers.

It's a three horse race, he isn't out of the Woods yet lol

Ayers should come off. Basically only plays teams. DTonOB has charted it and its minimal snaps on D, only in short yardage. MOS likes wasting Dis though. See Damian Jackson.

Quote from: RebusRankin on September 25, 2025, 04:39:49 PMAyers should come off. Basically only plays teams. DTonOB has charted it and its minimal snaps on D, only in short yardage. MOS likes wasting Dis though. See Damian Jackson.

Damian Jackson was as involved in the offence as MCI has been, had a few passes thrown his way and may

Quote from: RebusRankin on September 25, 2025, 04:39:49 PMAyers should come off. Basically only plays teams. DTonOB has charted it and its minimal snaps on D, only in short yardage. MOS likes wasting Dis though. See Damian Jackson.

MCI isn't getting much more action than Jackson did, kind of disappointed he hasn't been integrated into the offence more than he has.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 25, 2025, 05:39:01 PMDamian Jackson was as involved in the offence as MCI has been, had a few passes thrown his way and may
MCI isn't getting much more action than Jackson did, kind of disappointed he hasn't been integrated into the offence more than he has.

No but at least he's a Canadian and not taking a spot for a DI. We're getting more votes in the poll now. Spread fairly evenly between the 3. OTOH, 12 to 4 for adding another DT instead of Ayers.

To clarify my point, I am fine with Canadians who only play teams. Its a waste of a DI spot though IMO.

Quote from: RebusRankin on September 25, 2025, 04:39:49 PMAyers should come off. Basically only plays teams. DTonOB has charted it and its minimal snaps on D, only in short yardage. MOS likes wasting Dis though. See Damian Jackson.

The two situations are not similar imo. I believe the club is grooming Ayers to be a ST demon that might rotate on D.  The criticism of Jackson was overstated, he could do a few things for the club which kept him on the field.  He helped us rebound, have a good year and success in the post season.  Wasn't a waste but wasn't a big impact.  Many players like Ayers don't need to be heros, just consistent.  Ayers as expected is on sounds like.  Woods as I wanted is coming on too.  I am curious what else we do with the roster but I'm happy thus far.

Well, well and well. Kornelson, Person and Artopoeus moved to PR and Woods added to AR according to CFL.CA.  We had room to add Woods without moving Person so I'm not quite sure what else is about to happen. Who fills the extra import spot on the bingo card? Maybe Parker can play?

We have room for another Canadian ( Hallett or Cobb ) or a 2nd global which would be Bailey. I'd guess Bailey as a DE replacing Person but they didn't move him from the PR today, ditto for Cobb. So does that mean Hallett off of IR is returning?

Quote from: Blue In BC on September 25, 2025, 11:21:10 PMWell, well and well. Kornelson, Person and Artopoeus moved to PR and Woods added to AR according to CFL.CA.  We had room to add Woods without moving Person so I'm not quite sure what else is about to happen. Who fills the extra import spot on the bingo card? Maybe Parker can play?

We have room for another Canadian ( Hallett or Cobb ) or a 2nd global which would be Bailey. I'd guess Bailey as a DE replacing Person but they didn't move him from the PR today, ditto for Cobb. So does that mean Hallett off of IR is returning?

Cobb please

Quote from: Blue In BC on September 25, 2025, 11:21:10 PMWell, well and well. Kornelson, Person and Artopoeus moved to PR and Woods added to AR according to CFL.CA.  We had room to add Woods without moving Person so I'm not quite sure what else is about to happen. Who fills the extra import spot on the bingo card? Maybe Parker can play?

We have room for another Canadian ( Hallett or Cobb ) or a 2nd global which would be Bailey. I'd guess Bailey as a DE replacing Person but they didn't move him from the PR today, ditto for Cobb. So does that mean Hallett off of IR is returning?

It would be great to see Bailey and Woods in the lineup with a fair amount of rotation, maybe they're finally receiving their allotted game time opportunities.  Not a lot of new players jumping off the page this season, everybody getting their chance but impacts have been minor.

Quote from: Blueforlife on September 25, 2025, 11:16:27 PMThe two situations are not similar imo. I believe the club is grooming Ayers to be a ST demon that might rotate on D.  The criticism of Jackson was overstated, he could do a few things for the club which kept him on the field.  He helped us rebound, have a good year and success in the post season.  Wasn't a waste but wasn't a big impact.  Many players like Ayers don't need to be heros, just consistent.  Ayers as expected is on sounds like.  Woods as I wanted is coming on too.  I am curious what else we do with the roster but I'm happy thus far.

Ayers is an american taking up a DI spot. Outstanding Ster but no regular role on D. He's playing short yardage and DTonOB has discussed this before and he's playing 2-3 reps per game on D with no regular role. Woodby is a rookie and he's playing more of an actual role on D. Ayers last year actually did play some actual D reps so you have to ask why has he regressed in terms of actually getting reps on D in year 2?

Jackson is a great comparison. He played at most 10 reps on D and was used mainly as a blocker, something that an extra OL or a NI FB can do. He didn't do much on teams (no ST tackles). If anything he was a worse use of DI spot because Ayers at least is really good on teams. As for your comment about Jackson helping us rebound, he joined us in 2023, when we were coming of a 15-3 season with a close cup loss. We went 14-4 and had another close cup loss. So rebound from what?

We need to win tomorrow to stay ahead of the Lions. If the moves today result in a win, then all is good.

Quote from: RebusRankin on September 26, 2025, 02:16:52 AMAyers is an american taking up a DI spot. Outstanding Ster but no regular role on D. He's playing short yardage and DTonOB has discussed this before and he's playing 2-3 reps per game on D with no regular role. Woodby is a rookie and he's playing more of an actual role on D. Ayers last year actually did play some actual D reps so you have to ask why has he regressed in terms of actually getting reps on D in year 2?

Jackson is a great comparison. He played at most 10 reps on D and was used mainly as a blocker, something that an extra OL or a NI FB can do. He didn't do much on teams (no ST tackles). If anything he was a worse use of DI spot because Ayers at least is really good on teams. As for your comment about Jackson helping us rebound, he joined us in 2023, when we were coming of a 15-3 season with a close cup loss. We went 14-4 and had another close cup loss. So rebound from what?

Got my seasons mixed up, rebound was a comment from last year as we had a bad start.  Thanks for clearing that up.  I don't see the comparison as Jackson was used in different scenarios and that's why he was in the lineup.  He was more a specialist (that would play different spots) where I see Ayers as a potential rotational player on D that we are developing.  Ayers will have a future in this league, Jackson only last the one year I believe.  Agree to disagree.

I don't see Ayers regressing, I see good team depth ahead of him.  Gotta wait your turn on this club.  I seen promise in Ayers last year.  There is a certain type off player that grinds on ST and then develops into a backup, rotational guy or starter.  This is what I believe Ayers is, which is a far cry from what Jackson ever was going to be.

Woodbey>Ayers imo.

I think folks didn't like Jackson in the lineup and now have similar feelings about Ayers and that's about as deep as the comparison goes imo.

Quote from: Blue In BC on September 26, 2025, 01:01:29 PMWe need to win today to stay ahead of the Lions. If the moves today result in a win, then all is good.

Tomorrow, Blue.

Quote from: Pigskin on September 26, 2025, 01:44:36 PMTomorrow, Blue.

LOL. I haven't had my morning coffee yet.

Quote from: Blueforlife on September 26, 2025, 01:22:02 PMGot my seasons mixed up, rebound was a comment from last year as we had a bad start.  Thanks for clearing that up.  I don't see the comparison as Jackson was used in different scenarios and that's why he was in the lineup.  He was more a specialist (that would play different spots) where I see Ayers as a potential rotational player on D that we are developing.  Ayers will have a future in this league, Jackson only last the one year I believe.  Agree to disagree.

I don't see Ayers regressing, I see good team depth ahead of him.  Gotta wait your turn on this club.  I seen promise in Ayers last year.  There is a certain type off player that grinds on ST and then develops into a backup, rotational guy or starter.  This is what I believe Ayers is, which is a far cry from what Jackson ever was going to be.

Woodbey>Ayers imo.

I think folks didn't like Jackson in the lineup and now have similar feelings about Ayers and that's about as deep as the comparison goes imo.

A guy getting less reps and opportunity on D in year 2 compared to year 1 is not getting groomed for a future role.

Quote from: RebusRankin on September 27, 2025, 03:21:41 PMA guy getting less reps and opportunity on D in year 2 compared to year 1 is not getting groomed for a future role.

A victim of circumstance too. Our starting LBs have played every game.

That's wasn't true last year.

Quote from: Jesse on September 27, 2025, 03:33:21 PMA victim of circumstance too. Our starting LBs have played every game.

That's wasn't true last year.

It's also probably true that he's not the next man up at any LB position.  That has to be J. Jones who actually got many defensive reps when he was on the AR.

Quote from: RebusRankin on September 27, 2025, 03:21:41 PMA guy getting less reps and opportunity on D in year 2 compared to year 1 is not getting groomed for a future role.

Use him or lose him, if the Bombers don't find a starting position for Ayers, he'll walk away in free agency. Last season he beat out Brian Cole as the future WIL behind Kyrie, doubt he'll be satisfied remaining a ST player only.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 27, 2025, 04:54:37 PMUse him or lose him, if the Bombers don't find a starting position for Ayers, he'll walk away in free agency. Last season he beat out Brian Cole as the future WIL behind Kyrie, doubt he'll be satisfied remaining a ST player only.

K. Wilson and J. Jones are also potential free agents. So no guarantees any of the 3 don't choose to leave etc etc.

Woodbey is getting a really good look on defence and he may be moving up the list as a choice at WIL in 2026.

Hard to say whether Ayers gets a lot of looks in free agency that are better than what the Bombers might offer. If teams don't view him as a potential starter that limits offers and looks. He has to be at least a next man up option like an experienced veteran starter fro example.

As discussed an ST player only is a high cost for a DI. Not every team will be willing to do that.

Quote from: Blue In BC on September 27, 2025, 05:38:22 PMK. Wilson and J. Jones are also potential free agents. So no guarantees any of the 3 don't choose to leave etc etc.

Woodbey is getting a really good look on defence and he may be moving up the list as a choice at WIL in 2026.

Hard to say whether Ayers gets a lot of looks in free agency that are better than what the Bombers might offer. If teams don't view him as a potential starter that limits offers and looks. He has to be at least a next man up option like an experienced veteran starter fro example.

As discussed an ST player only is a high cost for a DI. Not every team will be willing to do that.

At least they don't have to worry about Ted anymore, he likely knew Ayers potential.  Not sure I expect Kyrie or J. Jones back next season but would welcome their return if Walters decides to extend them.