May 6th. Rookie Camp. May 10th Training Camp starts. May 12th roster reduced to 75. May 23rd. First pre-season game.
Guys I will be watching in TC. CND. Vibert, and Uwubanmuen. OL. Gatkuoth DL. Bouliane (LB). Stuart (DB). Daniels TE/FB. Elgersma (QB).
Quote from: Pigskin on April 29, 2026, 02:06:23 PMMay 6th. Rookie Camp. May 10th Training Camp starts. May 12th roster reduced to 75. May 23rd. First pre-season game.
Guys I will be watching in TC. CND. Vibert, and Uwubanmuen. OL. Gatkuoth DL. Bouliane (LB). Stuart (DB). Daniels TE/FB. Elgersma (QB).
Yes there will be lots to watch. Anything and everything related to the OL. Cline may not be here for all of TC if any at all. Regardless, how the starting LG and center shake out might be the key to that part of the ratio decisions.
The fact we didn't lean heavily on drafting more than 1 OL might be a good sign for those OL drafted in 2025?
Fairly safe to say that Gatkouth makes the AR instead of Kornelson IMO.
Moving up to get Daniels suggests he'll make the AR as well. The question is who does he bump off the AR?
I think, Novak, Ball, Kelly and Kornelson are most likely to be pushed hard to be replaced during TC by draft choices.
We have 25 Canadians on the roster at the moment ( excluding Elgersma ). Drafted 9 more, so there will be changes. A few new draft choices will be sent to PR but there isn't room for everybody. It's not clear if any will return to school.
Still a few more days to see if we sign some imports from the tryout camps to come to the mini camps. It is a now or never to make that time line, We'll see a few no shows, a few not passing medical and a few released before main TC.
Will Daniels start week 1? I don't see how he can pick up the nuances of blocking in the CFL that fast. Not to mention he'll have to learn how to act like a CFL hoggie/6th some of the time. AND learn how to do the ol' TE slip-out for the wide-open pass! AND improve his hands. AND learn how to line up & execute at the FB spot!
The funny thing is what we're expecting of him may be the hardest thing to learn on the whole team, because we want 4 players out of him! (TE/FB/OL/REC)
Maybe he can get on the AR by week 6-10 doing 1-2 of the above. He can grow into it from there. Probably Ike gets FB duty until then and we roll with just 1 spare hoggie (Vibert?).
Watching for?
1. What IMP rookies get the ol' "best hips I've ever seen", "how can you not start this REC", type comments from the peanut gallery or MOS. I'd like to see at least 1.
2. 2nd year progression from the "are they going to be good enough to play on D?" guys like Shay. And guys like Ball. Any could be cut at a moment's notice to make way for the new crop.
3. BinBC nailed it: OL. C and LG totally up for grabs. Who's getting the most reps where?
4. REC: who wins the final spot, NAT or IMP? Will ratio dictate or will we have a few options to balance OL/REC? Will Clercius be cut/traded?
QBs:
- Bryce Perkins is working with Strevy in the off season
- How does Elgersma look? What kind of opportunity does he get?
OL:
- Our tackles are solid and the best in the league.
- Is it just Eli at C or does an American get a shot?
- Same with the Wallace/Randolph/Vanterpool trio. All have been given opportunities but failed to grab a job away from others.
- Do we see Daniels worked in immediately or something that we work towards?
WR:
- If Danials or Chris-Ike is in, we don't really have 3 Canadian receivers, so the core is probably mostly set with White, Demski, Wilson, Neild.
DL:
- Who gets an opportunity? Do we see a "starter" opposite from Willie, or is it just a rotating cast based on alignment?
- Walter spoke about flexing out the canadian DT to get pass rush snaps from Gatkuoth
- Can't wait to see Ceresna in blue and gold
LBs
- The only question is if any of our draft picks get to see the field this year
Secondary:
- I don't really have too many questions. It looks like we signed some vets and have plans A through D.
We signed another Canadian receiver that wasn't drafted and we signed the Canadian punter drafted. Also added an import RB today.
Quote from: Tecno on April 30, 2026, 07:14:43 AMWill Daniels start week 1? I don't see how he can pick up the nuances of blocking in the CFL that fast. Not to mention he'll have to learn how to act like a CFL hoggie/6th some of the time. AND learn how to do the ol' TE slip-out for the wide-open pass! AND improve his hands. AND learn how to line up & execute at the FB spot!
The funny thing is what we're expecting of him may be the hardest thing to learn on the whole team, because we want 4 players out of him! (TE/FB/OL/REC)
Maybe he can get on the AR by week 6-10 doing 1-2 of the above. He can grow into it from there. Probably Ike gets FB duty until then and we roll with just 1 spare hoggie (Vibert?).
Didn't they say they want him to lose 15 lbs and become a true CFL TE/Rec? He becomes part of the REC corps roster spots. He will compete against Cocoran, Clercius, Cobb, Neild for a spot on the AR.
Sounds like they think he's going to do some damage: ""Wait 'til you seeing this f—ing guy," he told someone off-screen, who appeared to be team president and CEO Wade Miller. "(He's a) s–t-kicking blocker. A mean motherf—er.""
Quote from: theaardvark on April 30, 2026, 04:36:07 PMDidn't they say they want him to lose 15 lbs and become a true CFL TE/Rec? He becomes part of the REC corps roster spots. He will compete against Cocoran, Clercius, Cobb, Neild for a spot on the AR.
Sounds like they think he's going to do some damage: ""Wait 'til you seeing this f—ing guy," he told someone off-screen, who appeared to be team president and CEO Wade Miller. "(He's a) s–t-kicking blocker. A mean motherf—er.""
I'm not sure who he's really competing against. I don't think it's one of those receivers since he's hardly every going to see the ball. At this point we've got 3 new Canadian receivers that will compete against the veterans.
Daniels might be competing with Chris-Ike on the AR. Unless Chris-Ike is as competing with Peterson for an AR role to back up as a RB. That wouldn't seem likely, but there isn't room for everybody.
He'll be competing against a back of roster Canadian of whatever position. If he's starting, he's acting as our 6th OL, but if we're asking him to slim down, he's not going to serve as our back-up OL. So using him will take a Canadian from another position group. Whether that's receiver, RB or defence.
Ed Tait did a feature on the bombers website about Daniels. Very compelling story. Although I'm a bit skeptical about how big an impact he'll actually have, you can't help but pull for the guy.
While I don't expect Diego Pavia to be in camp I wonder where he fits into the Bombers long range plans. Could we see him here after Labour Day? He certainly would be an interesting prospect. I don't see him making it the NFL with his size so he could be our future starter.Stay tuned.
Quote from: bwiser on April 30, 2026, 05:12:11 PMWhile I don't expect Diego Pavia to be in camp I wonder where he fits into the Bombers long range plans. Could we see him here after Labour Day? He certainly would be an interesting prospect. I don't see him making it the NFL with his size so he could be our future starter.Stay tuned.
He signed a 3 year deal with the Ravens.
He is currently not in our plans and Walters won't even reach out until after his NFL journey is over. He is not even on the radar at the moment.
Quote from: Jesse on April 30, 2026, 04:55:29 PMHe'll be competing against a back of roster Canadian of whatever position. If he's starting, he's acting as our 6th OL, but if we're asking him to slim down, he's not going to serve as our back-up OL. So using him will take a Canadian from another position group. Whether that's receiver, RB or defence.
As I've suggested he's not really going to be any sort of back up at RB or receiver in reality. That's why I suggested Chris-Ike might be the real player he could replace.
Quote from: Jesse on April 30, 2026, 05:30:01 PMHe signed a 3 year deal with the Ravens.
He is currently not in our plans and Walters won't even reach out until after his NFL journey is over. He is not even on the radar at the moment.
That answers that question. good chance he gets bumped from the neg list with another QB.
Quote from: Tecno on April 30, 2026, 07:14:43 AMWill Daniels start week 1? I don't see how he can pick up the nuances of blocking in the CFL that fast. Not to mention he'll have to learn how to act like a CFL hoggie/6th some of the time. AND learn how to do the ol' TE slip-out for the wide-open pass! AND improve his hands. AND learn how to line up & execute at the FB spot!
The funny thing is what we're expecting of him may be the hardest thing to learn on the whole team, because we want 4 players out of him! (TE/FB/OL/REC)
Maybe he can get on the AR by week 6-10 doing 1-2 of the above. He can grow into it from there. Probably Ike gets FB duty until then and we roll with just 1 spare hoggie (Vibert?).
Daniels won't be a starter and he's not a backup O-lineman. He is an H back and will be listed on the depth chart as a TE or FB.
The Bombers weren't the only team to draft a TE. As I mentioned in the draft thread, the new 35 second clock could be a reason.
For most of the game, the 35 second clock is a moot point as teams regularly get plays off in 30-35 seconds with ease. The times where it will become an issue is short yardage. Coaches like O'Shea will have to make quicker decisions, teams will still swap players on offence which means that the defence also gets time to substitute.
Where a TE is preferable to a 6th O-lineman in this situation is the TE wears an eligible number and does not have to report for each play. Those extra 2-4 seconds could be the difference between a well executed play and a play that is rushed resulting in failure.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 30, 2026, 05:32:21 PMThat answers that question. good chance he gets bumped from the neg list with another QB.
The Blue Bombers, who own Pavia's exclusive CFL rights, have backed off for the time being, though it seems they'll approach his camp again if things don't work out with the Ravens.
https://3downnation.com/2026/04/30/winnipeg-blue-bombers-keeping-tabs-on-diego-pavia/
He's worth holding onto. He is in a fight for #3 QB there, no guarantees.
Be heading out to a camp day or two.
Quote from: Waffler on April 30, 2026, 06:14:06 PMThe Blue Bombers, who own Pavia's exclusive CFL rights, have backed off for the time being, though it seems they'll approach his camp again if things don't work out with the Ravens.
https://3downnation.com/2026/04/30/winnipeg-blue-bombers-keeping-tabs-on-diego-pavia/
He's worth holding onto. He is in a fight for #3 QB there, no guarantees.
Back off makes it seem like we were previously talking with him. It never even got that far. He more than likely has never heard the name Winnipeg in his life at this point.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on April 30, 2026, 06:02:45 PMDaniels won't be a starter and he's not a backup O-lineman. He is an H back and will be listed on the depth chart as a TE or FB.
The Bombers weren't the only team to draft a TE. As I mentioned in the draft thread, the new 35 second clock could be a reason.
For most of the game, the 35 second clock is a moot point as teams regularly get plays off in 30-35 seconds with ease. The times where it will become an issue is short yardage. Coaches like O'Shea will have to make quicker decisions, teams will still swap players on offence which means that the defence also gets time to substitute.
Where a TE is preferable to a 6th O-lineman in this situation is the TE wears an eligible number and does not have to report for each play. Those extra 2-4 seconds could be the difference between a well executed play and a play that is rushed resulting in failure.
Walters also mentioned the fact that we were really predictable when we ran formations with Eli on the field and this will be a "better" version of our 6-man front where teams have to account for the pass threat that they mostly ignored before.
According to the article they had talked to Pavia's reps
the Winnipeg Blue Bombers made contact with the star quarterback's representation after he recently went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"(Conversations) picked up a little bit, just educating them (about the CFL)," general manager Kyle Walters told the media on Wednesday.
Apparently the guy he has to beat for #3 in Baltimore is 6'3". Both are undrafted rookies though. So it could be best man wins.
Quote from: Waffler on April 30, 2026, 06:30:28 PMAccording to the article they had talked to Pavia's reps
the Winnipeg Blue Bombers made contact with the star quarterback's representation after he recently went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"(Conversations) picked up a little bit, just educating them (about the CFL)," general manager Kyle Walters told the media on Wednesday.
Apparently the guy he has to beat for #3 in Baltimore is 6'3". Both are undrafted rookies though. So it could be best man wins.
A 5foot 9 inch QB doesn't have a chance against a 6 foot 3 inch QB in the NFL. We have seen over and over again that teams in the NFL have preconcieved notions about Qb's. Whether it is Flutie [too short] Moon[too black] or Rourke [too Canadian] they already have their minds made up.
Quote from: bwiser on April 30, 2026, 06:40:26 PMA 5foot 9 inch QB doesn't have a chance against a 6 foot 3 inch QB in the NFL. We have seen over and over again that teams in the NFL have preconcieved notions about Qb's. Whether it is Flutie [too short] Moon[too black] or Rourke [too Canadian] they already have their minds made up.
Doesn't need to ever be a starter to hold a clipboard and run around like Lamar for the defence in practice.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on April 30, 2026, 06:02:45 PMWhere a TE is preferable to a 6th O-lineman in this situation is the TE wears an eligible number and does not have to report for each play. Those extra 2-4 seconds could be the difference between a well executed play and a play that is rushed resulting in failure.
So why don't we always dress our 6th (backup NAT) OL as eligible (eligible number)? Then if he's needed in the 5 due to injury, swap to an OL jersey?
We could have been doing this all along with Eli??
If this is allowed for TE, then why not a 6th? You could argue Daniels is the same size as a OL anyhow. This would allow you to always keep the D guessing without having to tip them off with an eligible report.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 30, 2026, 05:30:46 PMAs I've suggested he's not really going to be any sort of back up at RB or receiver in reality. That's why I suggested Chris-Ike might be the real player he could replace.
If Eli doesn't show well at Centre, he is also at risk of being replaced, but I don't see Daniels making an immediate impact, this season will be for learning.
Quote from: Tecno on May 01, 2026, 05:44:47 AMSo why don't we always dress our 6th (backup NAT) OL as eligible (eligible number)? Then if he's needed in the 5 due to injury, swap to an OL jersey?
We could have been doing this all along with Eli??
If this is allowed for TE, then why not a 6th? You could argue Daniels is the same size as a OL anyhow. This would allow you to always keep the D guessing without having to tip them off with an eligible report.
I'm not sure where I heard this but there seems to be a requirement that the next man up at O-line is required to wear a non eligible number.
In 2024, Jake Thomas switched to #62 midgame when he was next man up. He didn't play on the O-line in that game.
In 2025, J-Min Pelley switched to #69 in an Argos game. 2024, Micah Johnson switched numbers a few times.
Once a number change has been made it is locked in for the balance of the game.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on May 01, 2026, 06:57:50 AMI'm not sure where I heard this but there seems to be a requirement that the next man up at O-line is required to wear a non eligible number.
You mean before he's called upon? Of course WHEN he's called upon he has to wear an ineligible. The question is what about before. We know, like you said, when he's some DT or something then he just switches jerseys. But if your statement above is about the 6th before an injury... it's a darn good question and it would be nice to see a rule-book answer for it, eh?
Quote from: Stats Junkie on May 01, 2026, 06:57:50 AMIn 2025, J-Min Pelley switched to #69 in an Argos game. 2024, Micah Johnson switched numbers a few times.
Once a number change has been made it is locked in for the balance of the game.
Man, I could have sworn Micah switched back and forth (many times) between sides of the ball... might be wrong. Is the "locked in" thing in the rule book too? It would have to be?
So back in the olden days the "both sides" guys could never be a hoggie?? Because if there was a lock-in rule (back then), he'd be stuck at ineligible...
So if you run out of OL then you may be severely weakened (or in the case of WFC's usual roster allocation -- screwed) at DL? Seems rather harsh.
Just for fun... you mentioned 6th (maybe) needing to be an ineligible number. What about the 7th? We used to dress 2 NAT backup OL (6th/7th) for nearly every game (most recently Eli/Wallace before Wallace took over LG)... could we have made Wallace (arguably the 7th then) an eligible number?
This (sorta, work with me here) walks-like-a-hoggie talks-like-a-hoggie Daniels guy certainly could mess with these norms. What if you don't dress a 6th at all (assuming that's allowed, which I'm nearly positive it is). Daniels plays how a 6th does (and more). Now you've gotten your 6th and bypassed any "6th must wear ineligible number" rule. Ya, it's a stretch, but put 20lb on Daniels and let's say he sucks at REC, TE, FB but excels at OL (or at least Eli's jumbo/TE spot)...
Interesting thought exercises, and worth examining to gain the advantage of having your 6th (or 7th) wear an eligible until injury! It's little tricks like this that can perhaps give you that little edge needed to win a close one.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 01, 2026, 06:12:40 AMIf Eli doesn't show well at Centre, he is also at risk of being replaced, but I don't see Daniels making an immediate impact, this season will be for learning.
Daniels could easily get
Ike cut or PR'd. All depends how pro-ready he is. Ike is the one shaking in his boots right now (and maybe Clercius). I really can't see us ever AR'ing both Ike and Daniels, even if Daniels is on the slow dev train. Yes, we saw some other teams roster 2 FBs in the same game last season, but it was weird and didn't seem to be worth it.
Eli has said he's happy doing anything for the team. He's happy with his salary. He's happy with starting, jumbo, stashed, or even PR. I think to him being starting C would be great gravy, but not something he needed to stay with WFC.
He's like the Hogan of hoggies. "Where do you need me? Great, I'll do it." It's actually a nice sort of flexible asset to have around. I've always been a big Eli fan, but everyone is well aware of his ceiling by now.
If we get WORSE at C than '25 that will indicate huge mistakes were made in FA and we'll be in for a world of hurt as the DL will bypass our monster OTs and all attack the A gap with delays and stunts galore.
Quote from: Tecno on May 01, 2026, 07:39:40 AMDaniels could easily get Ike cut or PR'd. All depends how pro-ready he is. Ike is the one shaking in his boots right now (and maybe Clercius). I really can't see us ever AR'ing both Ike and Daniels, even if Daniels is on the slow dev train. Yes, we saw some other teams roster 2 FBs in the same game last season, but it was weird and didn't seem to be worth it.
Eli has said he's happy doing anything for the team. He's happy with his salary. He's happy with starting, jumbo, stashed, or even PR. I think to him being starting C would be great gravy, but not something he needed to stay with WFC.
He's like the Hogan of hoggies. "Where do you need me? Great, I'll do it." It's actually a nice sort of flexible asset to have around. I've always been a big Eli fan, but everyone is well aware of his ceiling by now.
If we get WORSE at C than '25 that will indicate huge mistakes were made in FA and we'll be in for a world of hurt as the DL will bypass our monster OTs and all attack the A gap with delays and stunts galore.
Exactly, Daniels is there to mainly block and catch the odd pass. I doubt he will be used like some of the other tightends, taken in the draft.
Quote from: Tecno on May 01, 2026, 07:39:40 AMDaniels could easily get Ike cut or PR'd. All depends how pro-ready he is. Ike is the one shaking in his boots right now (and maybe Clercius). I really can't see us ever AR'ing both Ike and Daniels, even if Daniels is on the slow dev train. Yes, we saw some other teams roster 2 FBs in the same game last season, but it was weird and didn't seem to be worth it.
Eli has said he's happy doing anything for the team. He's happy with his salary. He's happy with starting, jumbo, stashed, or even PR. I think to him being starting C would be great gravy, but not something he needed to stay with WFC.
He's like the Hogan of hoggies. "Where do you need me? Great, I'll do it." It's actually a nice sort of flexible asset to have around. I've always been a big Eli fan, but everyone is well aware of his ceiling by now.
If we get WORSE at C than '25 that will indicate huge mistakes were made in FA and we'll be in for a world of hurt as the DL will bypass our monster OTs and all attack the A gap with delays and stunts galore.
We can absolutely roster both if we want and we likely will. They will have totally different roles on special teams and different assignments scheme wise on offense. They're incredibly different players.
Maybe the daniels signing can let Ike be the RB he should have been all along. Guy can be a handle full with the ball in his hands and would be able to give Brady a break everyone once in a while.
Quote from: BIGBLUE204 on May 01, 2026, 03:42:18 PMMaybe the daniels signing can let Ike be the RB he should have been all along. Guy can be a handle full with the ball in his hands and would be able to give Brady a break everyone once in a while.
I'd think Peterson is the better choice at RB if there is a need.
Quote from: BIGBLUE204 on May 01, 2026, 03:42:18 PMMaybe the daniels signing can let Ike be the RB he should have been all along. Guy can be a handle full with the ball in his hands and would be able to give Brady a break everyone once in a while.
He's hardly touched the ball, how do you know this?
Quote from: Tecno on May 01, 2026, 07:30:44 AMYou mean before he's called upon? Of course WHEN he's called upon he has to wear an ineligible. The question is what about before. We know, like you said, when he's some DT or something then he just switches jerseys. But if your statement above is about the 6th before an injury... it's a darn good question and it would be nice to see a rule-book answer for it, eh?
Man, I could have sworn Micah switched back and forth (many times) between sides of the ball... might be wrong. Is the "locked in" thing in the rule book too? It would have to be?
So back in the olden days the "both sides" guys could never be a hoggie?? Because if there was a lock-in rule (back then), he'd be stuck at ineligible...
So if you run out of OL then you may be severely weakened (or in the case of WFC's usual roster allocation -- screwed) at DL? Seems rather harsh.
Just for fun... you mentioned 6th (maybe) needing to be an ineligible number. What about the 7th? We used to dress 2 NAT backup OL (6th/7th) for nearly every game (most recently Eli/Wallace before Wallace took over LG)... could we have made Wallace (arguably the 7th then) an eligible number?
This (sorta, work with me here) walks-like-a-hoggie talks-like-a-hoggie Daniels guy certainly could mess with these norms. What if you don't dress a 6th at all (assuming that's allowed, which I'm nearly positive it is). Daniels plays how a 6th does (and more). Now you've gotten your 6th and bypassed any "6th must wear ineligible number" rule. Ya, it's a stretch, but put 20lb on Daniels and let's say he sucks at REC, TE, FB but excels at OL (or at least Eli's jumbo/TE spot)...
Interesting thought exercises, and worth examining to gain the advantage of having your 6th (or 7th) wear an eligible until injury! It's little tricks like this that can perhaps give you that little edge needed to win a close one.
Daniels does not have the bulk of an O-lineman, he looks more like Jevon Cottoy and matches Jordan Reeves in flexibility, Chris Jones would love this guy. He could handle blocking on the edge against LB's and DB's and assist other O-lineman with double teams, but he would fair badly one on one against D-linemen.
(https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/winnipegsun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/b6/bb6aac70-9ad0-4861-a4ee-7e1874c1df56/69f3d6bf6581b.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C886)
There is no reason Daniels can't be the extra hoggie in the jumbo set, even wearing a receiver jersey. That's the beauty of him. He can be a blocker or receiver on any play, and both in the "throw to Eli" type plays we used last year.
Which then brings up, how do you align to defend? Does he have a cover, or is he treated as a hoggie. Presnap read on that can lead to a lot of what my highschool coach used to call "pro pass" where the TE crashes down into the D backfield and gets nailed in the chest with the ball. Or leak into the flat.
If he's covered, he can go into the pattern, or pass block.
I think if he gets even 50% of the snaps, he's going to be a nice outlet/distraction that our QB's can use.
Condell can cook up a lot of plays to take advantage of him.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 01, 2026, 05:17:05 PMDaniels does not have the bulk of an O-lineman, he looks more like Jevon Cottoy and matches Jordan Reeves in flexibility, Chris Jones would love this guy. He could handle blocking on the edge against LB's and DB's and assist other O-lineman with double teams, but he would fair badly one on one against D-linemen.
He says he can take out a DT... and the descriptions of his blocking prowess puts him a little different class than Cottoy. Sure, Cottoy can run through guys, and I'm sure Daniels will too, but it is his blocking that is the key. On BO20 runs, or ND10 sweeps, he's going to blow up whoever is first into the gap. And maybe the second guy too.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 01, 2026, 05:19:57 PMThere is no reason Daniels can't be the extra hoggie in the jumbo set, even wearing a receiver jersey. That's the beauty of him. He can be a blocker or receiver on any play, and both in the "throw to Eli" type plays we used last year.
Which then brings up, how do you align to defend? Does he have a cover, or is he treated as a hoggie. Presnap read on that can lead to a lot of what my highschool coach used to call "pro pass" where the TE crashes down into the D backfield and gets nailed in the chest with the ball. Or leak into the flat.
If he's covered, he can go into the pattern, or pass block.
I think if he gets even 50% of the snaps, he's going to be a nice outlet/distraction that our QB's can use.
Condell can cook up a lot of plays to take advantage of him.
He says he can take out a DT... and the descriptions of his blocking prowess puts him a little different class than Cottoy. Sure, Cottoy can run through guys, and I'm sure Daniels will too, but it is his blocking that is the key. On BO20 runs, or ND10 sweeps, he's going to blow up whoever is first into the gap. And maybe the second guy too.
Well he's weakish and slowish so I don't know, hopefully they throw the ball at him a few times every game so we can find out what he's good at.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 01, 2026, 05:26:43 PMWell he's weakish and slowish so I don't know, hopefully they throw the ball at him every game so we can find out what he's good at.
Weakish? Are you talking about the bench press reps? And slowish, the barely sub 5 sec 40?
Well, if he drops 10-15 like the Bombers are envisioning, that 40 gets faster, and bench? Sorry, huge numbers on bench mean you have the right physique for bench pressing. Bad numbers on bench while having a reputation for being a sh-t kicking blocker, I'm OK with.
If he can show sure hands and the "out 5 yards, fall forward for 2 more" type of 2nd down and 5 receptions that Woli was good for, but also clears paths for 10 and 20, he's the perfect pick. Would he have been there at 13? Maybe, but probably not 14, and if we didn't trade up, Ham might have.
By the end of next year, we will see.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 01, 2026, 05:26:43 PMWell he's weakish and slowish so I don't know, hopefully they throw the ball at him a few times every game so we can find out what he's good at.
He's been blocking DL his whole college career. Bigger guys than we have in the CFL. That's his skill set.
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on May 01, 2026, 12:22:15 PMExactly, Daniels is there to mainly block and catch the odd pass. I doubt he will be used like some of the other tightends, taken in the draft.
Walters' comments during the draft trade talk seem to support this. He didn't mention anything about his running or cathing ability - all he talked about was a monster blocker.
Quote from: VictorRomano on May 01, 2026, 07:09:03 PMWalters' comments during the draft trade talk seem to support this. He didn't mention anything about his running or cathing ability - all he talked about was a monster blocker.
Walters' comments after the draft spoke about him being a receiving threat so the defence couldn't ignore that aspect of our offence.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 01, 2026, 05:17:05 PMDaniels does not have the bulk of an O-lineman, he looks more like Jevon Cottoy and matches Jordan Reeves in flexibility, Chris Jones would love this guy. He could handle blocking on the edge against LB's and DB's and assist other O-lineman with double teams, but he would fair badly one on one against D-linemen.
Daniels 266lb. Eli 287lb. That's not a huge difference. And if we wanted to we could have Daniels put on that extra 20lb to be more of a jumbo/6th than a pass-threat TE.
If Eli's 287 can push around DL, so should Daniels' 266.
As for slow/weak: slow you're kind of stuck with, but weak can be dealt with in the gym by a personal WFC trainer.
Quote from: BIGBLUE204 on May 01, 2026, 03:42:18 PMMaybe the daniels signing can let Ike be the RB he should have been all along. Guy can be a handle full with the ball in his hands and would be able to give Brady a break everyone once in a while.
I agree with the others that Peterson is the guaranteed Brady backup and constant dress. The ONLY way you put in Ike over Peterson is if Peterson is injured (or Brady), or there's some special opponent situation where we absolutely
need 2 FB.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 01, 2026, 03:30:40 PMWe can absolutely roster both if we want and we likely will. They will have totally different roles on special teams and different assignments scheme wise on offense. They're incredibly different players.
Maybe because of ST... maybe. Maybe if both Ike & Daniels prove way better than the myriad LBers that are on ST. Doubt it. No way we AR 2 FB on the depth chart (especially with Peterson dressed!).
AR'ing both just because we need them on O? Nah (see my last post).
We never put that much depth weight on O. Most of our STers and spares are on D. We'll have Peterson as RB backup, probably 1 NAT REC backup (Corcoran or Cobb), and a backup hoggie. It would be very un-MOS-like to yank our 18th dressed LBer or extra DB/FS just to field another FB -- a position that only sees the field maybe 1/3 to 1/2 snaps anyway!
Quote from: Tecno on May 02, 2026, 03:54:46 AMMaybe because of ST... maybe. Maybe if both Ike & Daniels prove way better than the myriad LBers that are on ST. Doubt it. No way we AR 2 FB on the depth chart (especially with Peterson dressed!).
AR'ing both just because we need them on O? Nah (see my last post).
We never put that much depth weight on O. Most of our STers and spares are on D. We'll have Peterson as RB backup, probably 1 NAT REC backup (Corcoran or Cobb), and a backup hoggie. It would be very un-MOS-like to yank our 18th dressed LBer or extra DB/FS just to field another FB -- a position that only sees the field maybe 1/3 to 1/2 snaps anyway!
If we're going three Canadian receivers we're going to want more Canadians at the skill positions on offense. Even if we're not, there is no reason we can't have both Chris Ike and Daniels on the roster if we want to. There are so many ways to do that.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 02, 2026, 05:40:00 AMIf we're going three Canadian receivers we're going to want more Canadians at the skill positions on offense. Even if we're not, there is no reason we can't have both Chris Ike and Daniels on the roster if we want to. There are so many ways to do that.
Exactly. Daniels would have the flexibility to replace a FB, WR or OT in a pinch. It's nice to have that kind of flexibility.
His main role will be to play the extra OL on short yardage packages, and maybe some 1st downs where there's an 80% chance of a run.
I think he eliminates the need for a 7th OL on the AR.
Quote from: LXTSN on May 02, 2026, 01:03:55 PMExactly. Daniels would have the flexibility to replace a FB, WR or OT in a pinch. It's nice to have that kind of flexibility.
His main role will be to play the extra OL on short yardage packages, and maybe some 1st downs where there's an 80% chance of a run.
I think he eliminates the need for a 7th OL on the AR.
Both of those may be true. Chris-Ike is a good ST player.
All that said, there are so many variables including whether we lose 1 Canadian choice by adding a 2nd global player to the AR.
We have 11 draft choices to consider counting the 2 global players. How many push to make the AR and who gets pushed off as a result? Or who gets bumped to the new reserve list?
Which way does the ratio go on the OL and receiver choices?
I was expecting 2 or 3 newbies to make the roster.
It wouldn't be surprising to see some deletions as a result. Players lose opportunities in the numbers game and how the roster gets constructed.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 02, 2026, 01:23:27 PMBoth of those may be true. Chris-Ike is a good ST player.
All that said, there are so many variables including whether we lose 1 Canadian choice by adding a 2nd global player to the AR.
We have 11 draft choices to consider counting the 2 global players. How many push to make the AR and who gets pushed off as a result? Or who gets bumped to the new reserve list?
Which way does the ratio go on the OL and receiver choices?
I was expecting 2 or 3 newbies to make the roster.
It wouldn't be surprising to see some deletions as a result. Players lose opportunities in the numbers game and how the roster gets constructed.
Of course. We will see roster changes without question. I'd be more concerned if we're talking about DIs or Americans but it's always been really easy to roster the Canadians you want since most don't need to start. If you look at the roster from last year's playoff game, for a random example, we could simply remove Ball as a third safety option and have rostered another Canadian on offense. Not advocating for Chris-Ike specifically, just saying there's no world in which we couldn't have both playing if we deem that's the best fit. There's a ton of ways to do that .
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 02, 2026, 02:19:14 PMOf course. We will see roster changes without question. I'd be more concerned if we're talking about DIs or Americans but it's always been really easy to roster the Canadians you want since most don't need to start. If you look at the roster from last year's playoff game, for a random example, we could simply remove Ball as a third safety option and have rostered another Canadian on offense. Not advocating for Chris-Ike specifically, just saying there's no world in which we couldn't have both playing if we deem that's the best fit. There's a ton of ways to do that .
Agreed. I think Ball, Kornelson, Kelly, Novak, Cobb, Corcoran and Chris-Ike are players I'm not sure about going into the season. The 2 man reserve might create that additional space week to week as players get rotated in or off the roster.
I lost track but we've drafted and signed some Canadian receivers that weren't drafted. I have no idea whether any one of them might push a player from 2025.
IMO we have a glut of players that are mostly ST players. Maybe there is a small trade to be made for a low draft pick next year or neg list player. Those that I mentioned are not bad players but we can't keep everybody.
By my rough count we had 90 players before adding new draft choices and a few late import additions.. In theory we'll have to delete 15 - 20 of those by May 12, some of which right after rookie camp. That's just on the horizon. Actually we have to reduce that to 85 before rookie camp. So early next week there will be a few changes.
We're at the point for every new signing of ( counters ) will require another to be released.
I really, really hope more than a few newbies make the AR.
We need some upgrades, and the only way a newbie gets on the AR is if he is a substantial upgrade (MOS loves his vets), so the more newbies, the better the team.
The sheer number of Oline and DB bodes well for upgrading the team...
The position I am most interested in, thought, remains QB. This is the most potential we have seen in the QB room in a long, long time.
Quote from: LXTSN on May 02, 2026, 01:03:55 PMI think he eliminates the need for a 7th OL on the AR.
For a lot of 2025 we didn't dress a 7th. I was always fretting about in-game injuries but we mostly lucked out in that regard.
So perhaps you could modify your supposition to be: we may not need a 6th!! Ya, probably not happening... but if Daniels beefs up and ends up looking more like an OL than a REC then hey, you never know! Remember... he's only 20 lbs from being Tui.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 02, 2026, 02:55:53 PMAgreed. I think Ball, Kornelson, Kelly, Novak, Cobb, Corcoran and Chris-Ike are players I'm not sure about going into the season. The 2 man reserve might create that additional space week to week as players get rotated in or off the roster.
I lost track but we've drafted and signed some Canadian receivers that weren't drafted. I have no idea whether any one of them might push a player from 2025.
IMO we have a glut of players that are mostly ST players. Maybe there is a small trade to be made for a low draft pick next year or neg list player. Those that I mentioned are not bad players but we can't keep everybody.
By my rough count we had 90 players before adding new draft choices and a few late import additions.. In theory we'll have to delete 15 - 20 of those by May 12, some of which right after rookie camp. That's just on the horizon. Actually we have to reduce that to 85 before rookie camp. So early next week there will be a few changes.
We're at the point for every new signing of ( counters ) will require another to be released.
I wouldn't be so quick to have Novak as the 3rd wheel from the 25 drafted trio. Pretty sure he was the most noticeable of the 3 before he got hurt.
Obviously with those 3 from 2025 and 2 more LBers from this recent draft, some have to be cut, but I don't think anyone is safe.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 03, 2026, 01:44:23 PMI wouldn't be so quick to have Novak as the 3rd wheel from the 25 drafted trio. Pretty sure he was the most noticeable of the 3 before he got hurt.
Obviously with those 3 from 2025 and 2 more LBers from this recent draft, some have to be cut, but I don't think anyone is safe.
Agreed. Assuming health. I'd pencil him in.
Quote from: Tecno on May 03, 2026, 04:26:27 AMFor a lot of 2025 we didn't dress a 7th. I was always fretting about in-game injuries but we mostly lucked out in that regard.
So perhaps you could modify your supposition to be: we may not need a 6th!! Ya, probably not happening... but if Daniels beefs up and ends up looking more like an OL than a REC then hey, you never know! Remember... he's only 20 lbs from being Tui.
Ya, I'm wondering what they want from him - beef up & be more of an extra OL, or slim a little and be that TE style?
I think they jumped to draft him because of the possibilities he could bring as a TE/SB. Couldn't we still declare a 6th OL guy AND have Daniels pushing the line? Would sure help our short game which wasn't great last year.
For the record, Eli had been listed at 325 before last year, and I've seen Daniels all over, but most seem to say 275.
I wonder if they ask Eli to pack on the pounds again as they likely will not use him as a pass decoy.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 03, 2026, 01:44:23 PMI wouldn't be so quick to have Novak as the 3rd wheel from the 25 drafted trio. Pretty sure he was the most noticeable of the 3 before he got hurt.
Obviously with those 3 from 2025 and 2 more LBers from this recent draft, some have to be cut, but I don't think anyone is safe.
I'm not sure what his injury recovery status is at the moment. Because we drafted more LB's, he'd be the one most probable to have a fight on his hands. He only had 3 ST's in 5 games. His role may have been different that just an ST tackle machine but that's debatable.
He was the 3rd choice of the 3 drafted in 2025 at # 45.
We already have Cadwallader, Shay and Smith, so having a 4th Canadian LB is questionable to begin with on the AR.
I guess we'll see.
EDIT: We should see some last minute tweaking of the roster before the start of rookie camp early next week. It's now when we find out if there a few more no shows, retirements etc.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 03, 2026, 02:51:02 PMI'm not sure what his injury recovery status is at the moment. Because we drafted more LB's, he'd be the one most probable to have a fight on his hands. He only had 3 ST's in 5 games. His role may have been different that just an ST tackle machine but that's debatable.
He was the 3rd choice of the 3 drafted in 2025 at # 45.
We already have Cadwallader, Shay and Smith, so having a 4th Canadian LB is questionable to begin with on the AR.
I guess we'll see.
EDIT: We should see some last minute tweaking of the roster before the start of rookie camp early next week. It's now when we find out if there a few more no shows, retirements etc.
Wasn't Novak the one practicing long snapping so he had another tool in his toolbox? If so, he will endear himself to O'Shea but that doesn't lift him above the two rookie LB's drafted ahead of him. At best he may become Gauthier's replacement, but there seems to be a lot of players fighting for that role. Cadwallader likely becomes the ST captain now.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 03, 2026, 02:04:03 PMYa, I'm wondering what they want from him - beef up & be more of an extra OL, or slim a little and be that TE style?
I think they jumped to draft him because of the possibilities he could bring as a TE/SB. Couldn't we still declare a 6th OL guy AND have Daniels pushing the line? Would sure help our short game which wasn't great last year.
For the record, Eli had been listed at 325 before last year, and I've seen Daniels all over, but most seem to say 275.
I wonder if they ask Eli to pack on the pounds again as they likely will not use him as a pass decoy.
No mystery, Walters said the team wants Daniels to drop weight and play TE.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 03, 2026, 03:48:12 PMWasn't Novak the one practicing long snapping so he had another tool in his toolbox? If so, he will endear himself to O'Shea but that doesn't lift him above the two rookie LB's drafted ahead of him. At best he may become Gauthier's replacement, but there seems to be a lot of players fighting for that role. Cadwallader likely becomes the ST captain now.
It would be a useful addition to his toolbox if he develops as a LS. OTOH it's been said on this site that LS's are a dime a dozen. That and Leroux is a young player that could be that player for a number of years.
I'm not really trying to diss Novax but we have depth and new depth at LB. To some degree it depends on the talent of those drafted in 2026. We can't / won't keep everybody even on the PR.
So I'm just voicing an opinion of which players are probably at the bottom of our depth chart for Canadians. With the new draft choices and a few extras we're approaching 40 Canadians on the roster.
Only 4 draft choices left to be signed. Gatkouth, Cline and the 2 global players. The rest of the roster seems to have been updated now.
I'm not sure the dates for Gatkouth or Cline mini camp invites or whether they'll get TC offers in the NFL. Ditto the 1 global DL.
Just as a side note, we should find and sign a couple more global players for TC. At maximum we only have 4 if and when those 2 are signed. That's a bit thin to cover AR and PR.
EDIT: Roster is almost compete. The last 3 import DE's not yet added.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 04, 2026, 03:52:11 PMOnly 4 draft choices left to be signed. Gatkouth, Cline and the 2 global players. The rest of the roster seems to have been updated now.
I'm not sure the dates for Gatkouth or Cline mini camp invites or whether they'll get TC offers in the NFL. Ditto the 1 global DL.
Just as a side note, we should find and sign a couple more global players for TC. At maximum we only have 4 if and when those 2 are signed. That's a bit thin to cover AR and PR.
EDIT: Roster is almost compete. The last 3 import DE's not yet added.
Rookie camp opens on Weds, can't wait!
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 03, 2026, 02:04:03 PMCouldn't we still declare a 6th OL guy AND have Daniels pushing the line? Would sure help our short game which wasn't great last year.
Of course, and that is most likely. What Daniels might do is make it so we really never have to dress a 7th when he's on AR. Very handy.
Condell is known for his max-pro (6,7,8,9 pass-pro guys). This all gels into that.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 03, 2026, 02:04:03 PMFor the record, Eli had been listed at 325 before last year, and I've seen Daniels all over, but most seem to say 275.
No idea what Eli's max ever was but he's listed on cfl.ca at 287 right now. And this jives with the fact that he's always a bit undersized and gets pushed around. I would think/hope that if he's starting C he'll beef up to well above 300.
287 would put him lighter than a couple of the heaviest DT's!!!
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 03, 2026, 03:49:48 PMNo mystery, Walters said the team wants Daniels to drop weight and play TE.
Ya, but in another breath he said "he's a mean tall heavy big strong m f" (paraphrasing). You can't necessarily be that guy AND drop weight. And a blocking-TE would want to maintain the weight... it's only if you want more of a REC (or TE who sneaks out for passes a lot) that you'd skinny him up.
Ok good. We signed another LB. Can't ever have too many of those. lol
2026-05-04 WPG Clinton, Ja'Kobe LB
Quote from: Tecno on May 05, 2026, 01:57:36 AMOf course, and that is most likely. What Daniels might do is make it so we really never have to dress a 7th when he's on AR. Very handy.
Condell is known for his max-pro (6,7,8,9 pass-pro guys). This all gels into that.
No idea what Eli's max ever was but he's listed on cfl.ca at 287 right now. And this jives with the fact that he's always a bit undersized and gets pushed around. I would think/hope that if he's starting C he'll beef up to well above 300.
287 would put him lighter than a couple of the heaviest DT's!!!
When Eli played in college he was listed as 315 lbs, when he first showed up in Wpg. he wore his jersey like a moo moo, he stood no chance of tucking it in.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRC9rIcYH4jxtQm3ASXndqTHSkO-EZFIkM5ng&s)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 05, 2026, 02:22:15 AMWhen Eli played in college he was listed as 315 lbs, when he first showed up in Wpg. he wore his jersey like a moo moo, he stood no chance of tucking it in.
Ya, looks like he fluctuates between 287-327 since U ball. 20-30 lbs is totally normal fluctuation for a hoggie, and many lose a lot of weight in the off season and specifically bulk up in spring. (I have inside info on Rice's old regimen!)
Of course, then there's the hoggies who roll into spring
too fat and need to
lose some, lol.
Bottom line is, another 25 lb should stop Tui from being pancaked as he often is. Our C needs to be able to stop that beefy nose tackle. Do we really want a C that gets manhandled more than Ko-man was??
Quote from: Tecno on May 05, 2026, 03:40:46 AMYa, looks like he fluctuates between 287-327 since U ball. 20-30 lbs is totally normal fluctuation for a hoggie, and many lose a lot of weight in the off season and specifically bulk up in spring. (I have inside info on Rice's old regimen!)
Of course, then there's the hoggies who roll into spring too fat and need to lose some, lol.
Bottom line is, another 25 lb should stop Tui from being pancaked as he often is. Our C needs to be able to stop that beefy nose tackle. Do we really want a C that gets manhandled more than Ko-man was??
I don't think he'd be willing to bulk up that much, he's now married and is much more health conscious than he used to be, I think he realizes there's more to life than football. Can't predict how he'll handle Center but at least he's finally getting the chance to prove himself. If they do go 3 Import O-line, I suspect he's more in danger of being replaced than Neuf or Wallace.
I read on FB that Jawarski retired?