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
Some really good size there throughout, have to see what they feet and hands are like
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 27, 2026, 03:56:30 AMSome really good size there throughout, have to see what they feet and hands are like
Have to consider The Bubble Butt as well.
Also, add Micah Mazzucca to the list (OG/RT - 6'5". 325#, 25YO - Nebraska/Florida/Baylor). In 2022, he started 10 of 11 games at guard and was graded out as the second-best guard in the Big 12 according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His run-blocking grade from PFF was the best in the Big 12 and among the top 15 in the nation.
Quote from: VictorRomano on January 27, 2026, 02:10:35 PMHave to consider The Bubble Butt as well.
Also, add Micah Mazzucca to the list (OG/RT - 6'5". 325#, 25YO - Nebraska/Florida/Baylor). In 2022, he started 10 of 11 games at guard and was graded out as the second-best guard in the Big 12 according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His run-blocking grade from PFF was the best in the Big 12 and among the top 15 in the nation.
Don't see him on the Bomber roster, is he a new signing?
Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2026, 03:47:26 PMDon't see him on the Bomber roster, is he a new signing?
Yes.
Still have to wonder if we could entice Bob Wylie to TC as a guest coach. With the right incentives (he likes nice things) I'm sure he could be influenced to come north for a month.
Do quest coaches expenses come out of the front office SMS, or can they be Magic Marketing Money? I'm sure "Set, HUT" can be a marketing campaign.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2026, 01:14:16 AMSo, 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
Ooooh, I didn't know we were bringing 2 IMP C's to TC! This is very good news for my IMP C theory. I guess Mafia wants to see if either guy can beat out Eli for the spot.
A 6'6 333 C... Now that I'd LOVE to work out.
Quote from: Tecno on January 27, 2026, 05:33:24 PMOoooh, I didn't know we were bringing 2 IMP C's to TC! This is very good news for my IMP C theory. I guess Mafia wants to see if either guy can beat out Eli for the spot.
A 6'6 333 C... Now that I'd LOVE to work out.
These guys got beasts written all over them
Will we be having a real training camp this year or will all our veterans be receiving helmets on day one and these guys are for future evaluation only?
We need leaders who can lead by being better than the man across from them this year. Not leaders who get washed out every play and go months without a tackle. The latter is an example of a coach in pads and the end result will be the same as last year if we take the same approach.
You would hope someone here could be about as athletic as some of the dinosaurs on our offensive line but will they be given an actual chance? And if someone is, are we committed enough to tell someone like Stanley no?
If not, we're in for 2025 2.0. We talked tough at the start of the off season but our actions have largely signalled the opposite of late.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 28, 2026, 02:48:21 AMWill we be having a real training camp this year or will all our veterans be receiving helmets on day one and these guys are for future evaluation only?
We need leaders who can lead by being better than the man across from them this year. Not leaders who get washed out every play and go months without a tackle. The latter is an example of a coach in pads and the end result will be the same as last year if we take the same approach.
You would hope someone here could be about as athletic as some of the dinosaurs on our offensive line but will they be given an actual chance? And if someone is, are we committed enough to tell someone like Stanley no?
If not, we're in for 2025 2.0. We talked tough at the start of the off season but our actions have largely signalled the opposite of late.
Unfortunately they attempted a more intense training camp last year and immediately dealt with a bunch of injuries so I'm expecting more of a club style atmosphere this year.
Quote from: Jesse on January 28, 2026, 01:39:58 PMUnfortunately they attempted a more intense training camp last year and immediately dealt with a bunch of injuries so I'm expecting more of a club style atmosphere this year.
I'd much rather a player get injured in an intense training camp than take it easy and have them get injured week one when the action ramps up.
Its called "stress testing". Trial by fire. Figure it out before there is a problem.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 28, 2026, 07:49:51 PMI'd much rather a player get injured in an intense training camp than take it easy and have them get injured week one when the action ramps up.
Its called "stress testing". Trial by fire. Figure it out before there is a problem.
I agree, but MOS said comments indicating otherwise last season.
Quote from: Jesse on January 28, 2026, 07:51:03 PMI agree, but MOS said comments indicating otherwise last season.
I'm guessing there is a compromise position between boot camp and club med.
Quote from: Jesse on January 28, 2026, 01:39:58 PMUnfortunately they attempted a more intense training camp last year and immediately dealt with a bunch of injuries so I'm expecting more of a club style atmosphere this year.
I don't mind a milder training camp. What I think we need but don't think we'll get is a more aggressive approach to who ultimately wins starting spots.
There is no way a couple of our veterans should have won jobs last year and since O'Shea is (seemingly) incapable of allowing a veteran to get beat out in that way then I was hoping we'd do it the "nice" way which is just not inviting some of our veterans to camp. But they're basically all back. Which means they've basically all made it through training camp already as the starter unless they get hurt. CFL rosters are too small to carry quality up and coming players and so the regression likely continues in 2026 unless they change course. And I think we all know the answer to that.
This means in reality, the strategy is to hope aging veteran players play better a year older than they did the prior year. This basically does not happen. The only changes we've actually made to do better than an east final blow out loss is cut our centre, and moved a rotational defensive tackle to coach. That's the full measure of changes so far. Terrible.
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.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 29, 2026, 03:52:49 PMI 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.
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.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2026, 06:00:42 PMI 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.
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.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2026, 01:14:16 AMHere 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
Quote from: Pete on February 25, 2026, 03:03:39 PMDo 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.
Looks like a decent prospect but I am worried about who our centre is going to be
Quote from: Pete on February 25, 2026, 03:03:39 PMDo 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?
None of the OL in the top 20 are C... not sure if that's because C don't get noticed the same... there are some impressive OT prospects, like Tyrell Lawrence, 6'7 355 OT...
Quote from: theaardvark on February 26, 2026, 03:44:48 PMNone of the OL in the top 20 are C... not sure if that's because C don't get noticed the same... there are some impressive OT prospects, like Tyrell Lawrence, 6'7 355 OT...
I'd totally take someone like that eyeing 2027 in case Big Stan retires. Broxton to LT, rookie to RT. (Unless Broxton just kills it at RT, in which case leave him there!)
If we had a ratio-busting NAT OT it would be even easier to get an IMP C or G in there.
It's a deep draft year for OL.
Tyrell Lawrence 6'7" 355
Logan Taylor 6'7" 312
Albert Reese 6'7" 330
Gio Vaccaro 6'3" 310 Manitoba.
Jez Janvier 6'5" 315
Darius Bell 6'5" 300
Jonathon Denis 6'3" 315
Quote from: Tecno on February 27, 2026, 01:31:41 AMI'd totally take someone like that eyeing 2027 in case Big Stan retires. Broxton to LT, rookie to RT. (Unless Broxton just kills it at RT, in which case leave him there!)
If we had a ratio-busting NAT OT it would be even easier to get an IMP C or G in there.
Thats the thing though, top centers import or not seem to be hard to find or were not looking, I wander what is happening with Sean McEwan
Quote from: Pete on February 27, 2026, 02:58:49 PMThats the thing though, top centers import or not seem to be hard to find or were not looking, I wander what is happening with Sean McEwan
I think he's still a free agent. Was the 4th ranked free agent O-lineman in 2025, but he's coming off an ACL injury in May 2025, so not sure when he'll be ready to play, and not sure at what level. And he'll be turning 33 in June. Might be a option to consider if their current plan doesn't work out well, and no one signs him.