Blue Bombers roster - 2021-2022

[Blue In BC]

QUICK HITS - ROOKIE CAMP - DAY 3
Ed Tait

4. FYI: A number of kick-return candidates were getting extended looks on Friday, including receivers Keyion Dixon, Lucky Jackson, Whop Philyor, B.J. Muckelvene, Antonio Nunn and Blake Jackson as well as running back Shane Simpson ... LB Darian Taylor had an impressive start to rookie camp, but missed a good chunk of Thursday's session and all of today's. Also on the mend are LB Robbie Lowes and DT Jeremy Kapelanski ... The Bombers made a pair of roster moves on Friday, releasing receiver Tavonn Salter and transferring to the suspended list RB/receiver T.J. Hammonds ... Mourtada on kicking in today's gale-force winds: "Do you guys play golf? It's the same thing. You've got to understand what iron you're using. Today, going into the wind you've just got to take that trajectory and bring it down a bit to really cut through because at any point if (the kick) goes up it's going to hit a wall and it might even come back to you." ...

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/13/quick-hits-rookie-camp-day-3/

Even in early days some kick return players are also competing for spots on the PR as well as for a possible role on the AR. Being able to do more things is a valuable commodity.

Did Taylor suffer an injury or was the team just looking at other candidates. Little time and many to look at across the board. Making the roster for an import LB will be difficult. Barring injury there is some chance as a DI but more probable as a candidate for the PR.

We've loaded the roster with some young Canadian LB's and the ratio suggests that is the most probable direction. An import could be better than those players and actually the next man up to start when an injury happens. Being on the AR when that happens is more of a ratio constraint.

Of course it's possible there is a ratio adjustment for 2022.

Anyway, he sounds like a player to watch in TC and hopefully he doesn't miss any time if he came up nicked.

[dizzycamper]

Even in early days some kick return players are also competing for spots on the PR as well as for a possible role on the AR. Being able to do more things is a valuable commodity.

Did Taylor suffer an injury or was the team just looking at other candidates. Little time and many to look at across the board. Making the roster for an import LB will be difficult. Barring injury there is some chance as a DI but more probable as a candidate for the PR.

We've loaded the roster with some young Canadian LB's and the ratio suggests that is the most probable direction. An import could be better than those players and actually the next man up to start when an injury happens. Being on the AR when that happens is more of a ratio constraint.

Of course it's possible there is a ratio adjustment for 2022.

Anyway, he sounds like a player to watch in TC and hopefully he doesn't miss any time if he came up nicked.

I must be missing something and need to ask... loading up with young Cdn LB's.

I count five (5), Briggs & Gauthier who have been with the club for a good number of years, Mezzalira (drafted in 2018, 17th pic) experienced free agent pick up this year, Cadwallader a Bomber 2020 draft pick #64 and Lowes a Bomber 2021 draft pic #34.

[Blue In BC]

I must be missing something and need to ask... loading up with young Cdn LB's.

I count five (5), Briggs & Gauthier who have been with the club for a good number of years, Mezzalira (drafted in 2018, 17th pic) experienced free agent pick up this year, Cadwallader a Bomber 2020 draft pick #64 and Lowes a Bomber 2021 draft pic #34.

Remember the hash marks being moved and the suggestion that the WIL will become more like a SAM. That is a hybrid DB that can support the run but cover in the normal sense. Many of the rookie Canadian DB's fall into that category. I categorize them in that way as candidates as players that may see action at what used to be WIL.

Previously we only had 3 on the AR. So 5 is more. Perhaps I over stated but I think we'll see some Canadians take on a different role in 2022.

[DM83]

Excellent point. Will a bigger LB be replaced by a better cover guy? Also will this eliminate a Canadian at linebacker, as you need a player built like an American strong safety who can cover and fill in the run.   Very interesting point!

[Blue In BC]

Excellent point. Will a bigger LB be replaced by a better cover guy? Also will this eliminate a Canadian at linebacker, as you need a player built like an American strong safety who can cover and fill in the run.   Very interesting point!

In 2021 we only had 3 Canadian LB's on the roster. I think we end up with 4 after signing Mezzalira. Lowes probably ends up on the PR in order to develop a bit. Those are players that will see action on ST's as well as some rotation on defence. Briggs and Gauthier saw action in 2021.

What I don't think we see is an import LB on the AR behind our starters. Again I think we increase our Canadian depth and type of players for in game injuries.

I don't expect a spot for an import LB as a DI but think we keep a good player on the PR. He might directly become a starter if Bighill or Wilson suffer an injury.

We also have global Maruo who I think makes the roster as an ST player and might possibly see some rotation on defence.

Canadian Chaves is listed as a DB. He's about the same size as Maston. Apparently he is a LS candidate so he might be a player that will be kept around, at the very least on the PR. Appears to have some versatility. Whether he is classified as a LS, a DB or a LB is moot.

All of this is just a guess / opinion based on players we signed / didn't sign and how I see filling DI's and team needs from a position point of view.

In spite of all that I don't think Wilson is at any risk of losing his role. He's next man up for any injury to Bighill and is an excellent player. Seems to do well in coverage responsibilities.

[Pete]

as far as linebackers go.. Wilson is very underrated other than in Winnipeg, he has good speed and instincts so he should be just fine even with the new hash mark positioning. Ly we had Brown available in case of injury, this year we picked up Malik and Rene might also be a candidate.I think Chaves is purely a long snapper insurance.

[Blue In BC]

as far as linebackers go.. Wilson is very underrated other than in Winnipeg, he has good speed and instincts so he should be just fine even with the new hash mark positioning. Ly we had Brown available in case of injury, this year we picked up Malik and Rene might also be a candidate.I think Chaves is purely a long snapper insurance.

Malik is probably a good acquisition but getting him onto the AR is the problem. I think it takes an injury to Bighill or Wilson for that to happen IMO.

Wilson is solid. He's often nearly invisible and I suggest that as a compliment rather than a negative. Offences respect him IMO. He may not look flashy but he more than gets the job done.

I checked the stats on Chaves and he had 26 tackles in 7 games as a DB. He's the stoutest of our Canadian DB's in college. Whether he has good speed and technique to translate into the CFL IDK. Just thinking on paper he has a good basis to think he might have some versatility beyond just LS.

However, we currently have 8 Canadian DB's and where they rank and end up we'll see. Once Ford shows up it gets even more difficult to find spots on the AR.

The 3rd day camp reports were very positive about Rene. Someone suggested he might be the starter at safety while Alexander is out. Anxious to see where and how he fits in and how quickly.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

O'Shea makes Natl. LB types the backbone of his S.T., can never have too many, with the potential loss of Hansen they need to find someone who can fill his gap.

[NewBlue]

1st cutdown is today, right?  Guess we won't find out until tomorrow who's gone?

[CrazyCanuck89]

Excellent point. Will a bigger LB be replaced by a better cover guy? Also will this eliminate a Canadian at linebacker, as you need a player built like an American strong safety who can cover and fill in the run.   Very interesting point!

Why would that eliminate a Canadian at linebacker.  Their are Canadian strong safety types on the roster like Kramdi.  It may not even be that big deal and the WLB might still be in the area of 230lbs.

[Blue In BC]

1st cutdown is today, right?  Guess we won't find out until tomorrow who's gone?

Yes down to 85 which might mean 10 or so released. Lot track of which players are the non counters. Another drop to 75 on this Tuesday. Might be a few no shows / late shows that end up suspended. A few might have permission but missing rookie camp suggests they aren't coming.

[Blue In BC]

Why would that eliminate a Canadian at linebacker.  Their are Canadian strong safety types on the roster like Kramdi.  It may not even be that big deal and the WLB might still be in the area of 230lbs.

A greater need to be able to cover. You are correct that a player like Kramdi could see more activity in what was previously a LB spot. The point was not so much that a LB would be eliminated but that a different skill set might be needed by a given player classified as a LB. A little more speed than size?

Whether we call that player a LB or a DB is moot. College DB's often become classified as LB's or safeties in the CFL.

[gobombersgo]

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: SPECIALISTS
THE RETURNEES:
Placekicker/punter: Marc Liegghio, P/K; Ali Mourtada, K

Long-snapper: Mike Benson

Punt returns: Janarion Grant

Kickoff returns: Janarion Grant
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/05/positional-preview-specialists-5/

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: LINEBACKERS
The Returnees: Adam Bighill, Kyrie Wilson, Jesse Briggs*, Shayne Gauthier*, Tanner Cadwallader*, Robbie Lowes*, Les Maruo (G)

CFL free-agency additions: Eric Mezzalira*, Malik Clements

Departed: Kevin Brown, Ayo Oyelola (G), Jontrell Rocquemore

*Indicates Canadian; (G) - Global player
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/07/positional-preview-linebackers-6/

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: DEFENSIVE LINE
The Returnees:
DE Willie Jefferson, Jackson Jeffcoat; DT: Jake Thomas*, Casey Sayles, Ricky Walker

CFL free-agent/trade additions: Acquired DT Cam Lawson from Montreal in draft-day trade.

Departed: Steven Richardson (B.C.); Jonathan Kongbo (Denver); Thiadric Hansen, Tobi Antigha (Edm), Ezekiel Rose

2022 CFL Draft picks: Cole Adamson (4th round, 38th overall); Jeremy Kapelanski (6th round, 56th overall).

CFL newcomers: Jordan Berner, L.B. Mack III, Inoke Moala, Cedric Wilcots II, Kenneth Randall, Jojo Wicker
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/07/positional-preview-defensive-line-6/

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Returnees:
Starters: Safety Brandon Alexander, halfbacks Deatrick Nichols and Nick Taylor, cornerback Winston Rose

Also: Mercy Maston (dime), Nick Hallett*, Noah Hallett*, Demerio Houston, Redha Kramdi*, Josh Miller

Free-agent additions: CB/HB Tyquwan Glass (Montreal); Malcolm Thompson* (Hamilton)

Departed: CB DeAundre Alford (Atlanta), Dime Alden Darby (Hamilton), Mike Jones (Montreal), Josh Johnson, Sergio Schiaffino-Perez, David Rivers

CFL 2021/22 Draft picks: Patrice Rene* (3rd round, 21st overall, 2021); Tyrell Ford* (2nd round, 13th overall, 2022), Chris Ciguineau (5th round, 47th overall, 2022), Cedrick Lavigne (7th round, 65th overall), Souleymane Karamoko (Global Draft, 2nd round, 13thoverall)

CFL newcomers: Marlon Character, Marwin Evans, Mike Hampton, Zach Hannibal, Tyrique McGhee, Donovan Olumba, Jermaine Ponder, Donald Rutledge, Jr., Corey Straughter,

*Indicates Canadian; (G) ? Global player
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/09/positional-preview-defensive-backs-6/

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: OFFENSIVE LINE
The Returnees:
Starters: LT Stanley Bryant, C Michael Couture*, RG Pat Neufeld*, RT Jermarcus Hardrick

Returning vets: Geoff Gray*, Chris Kolankowski*, Tomoya Machino (G), Drew Richmond (dressed for one game last year and was injured), Jalen Burks (was on the practice roster for a bit last season).

CFL vets: Eric Lofton (Ottawa/Edmonton), Leon Johnson (started one game with Calgary in ?21).

Departed: Drew Desjarlais* (New England), Tui Eli* (unsigned)

CFL Draft picks in camp: Ben Koczwara (2018 CFL Draft pick, attended camp in Winnipeg in 2018-19 and was with Toronto for a portion of ?21).

CFL newcomers: Pat Allen, Dennis Bardwell, Brandon Sanford* (UBC)
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/09/positional-preview-offensive-line-6/

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: RECEIVERS
THE RETURNEES:
Starters from 2021: Nic Demski*, Drew Wolitarsky*, Rasheed Bailey

Also: Janarion Grant, Kelvin McKnight, Brendan O'Leary-Orange*, Carlton Agudosi (practice roster in 2021), Blake Jackson (injured in camp last year),

CFL free-agent additions: Greg Ellingson (Edmonton); Jalen Saunders (Hamilton/Ottawa)

Departed: Kenny Lawler (Edmonton); Darvin Adams (Ottawa); Charles Nelson (Edmonton).

CFL newcomers: Tavonn Salter, Lucky Jackson, Antonio Nunn, Whop Philyor, Dalton Schoen, T.J. Simmons, Eli Stove, Tavaris Harrison, Keyion Dixon, B.J. Muckelvene

*Indicates: Canadian
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/10/positional-preview-receivers-6/

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: RUNNING BACKS
The Returnees: RB Brady Oliveira*, RB Johnny Augustine*, FB Mike Miller*

Departed: RB Andrew Harris (Toronto)

2021/22 CFL Draft picks in camp: Kyle Borsa* (5th round, 39th overall in 2021 CFL Draft), Konner Burtenshaw (8th round, 74th overall)

CFL newcomers: Antonio Valvano*, Vance Barnes, Greg McCrae, Shane Simpson

*Indicates: Canadian
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/12/positional-preview-running-backs-6/

POSITIONAL PREVIEW: QUARTERBACKS
The Returnees:
Starter: Zach Collaros; Dru Brown

CFL free-agent additions: Dakota Prukop (Edmonton)

CFL newcomers: Jake Floriea

U Sports Canadian QB Initiative participant: Jackson Tachinski (University of Manitoba)

Departed: Sean McGuire
https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/13/positional-preview-quarterbacks-6/

[gobombersgo]

BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS: MAY 15, 2022

WINNIPEG, MB., May 15, 2022 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American defensive back Jamal Parker.

Parker (5-8, 177, Kent State, January 16, 1998, in Pennsauken, N.J.) joins the Blue Bombers after a four-year college career with the Kent State Golden Flashes. During his freshman season, Parker appeared in 12 games while starting 7. The following season Parker led his team in passes broken up and was fourth in tackles. During his Junior season, he was named a team captain and started each game. Parker finished his career with 230 tackles, 28 passes broken up, and 9 interceptions. Parker was named to Athlon's preseason All-MAC First Team Defense and All-MAC Third Team Specialists.

The team has also released National linebacker Robbie Lowes and transferred American quarterback Chase Litton and American defensive back Tyrique McGhee to the suspended list.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/15/blue-bombers-transactions-may-15-2022/

[Blue In BC]

BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS: MAY 15, 2022

WINNIPEG, MB., May 15, 2022 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American defensive back Jamal Parker.

Parker (5-8, 177, Kent State, January 16, 1998, in Pennsauken, N.J.) joins the Blue Bombers after a four-year college career with the Kent State Golden Flashes. During his freshman season, Parker appeared in 12 games while starting 7. The following season Parker led his team in passes broken up and was fourth in tackles. During his Junior season, he was named a team captain and started each game. Parker finished his career with 230 tackles, 28 passes broken up, and 9 interceptions. Parker was named to Athlon's preseason All-MAC First Team Defense and All-MAC Third Team Specialists.

The team has also released National linebacker Robbie Lowes and transferred American quarterback Chase Litton and American defensive back Tyrique McGhee to the suspended list.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/15/blue-bombers-transactions-may-15-2022/

There are probably more transactions not yet released. A bit surprised that Lowes didn't even make it to the full TC. There must be something we're not hearing. Failing medical perhaps.