Pick Your Player

[ModAdmin]

The following is a TSN question but a pretty good exercise for the forum.

If you could pick any player from another team in your division to join your team, who would you choose?

[TecnoGenius]

If we can't have Lawler:  Burnham.  He'd fit right in; he'd love the culture here.  He'd have great success.

[the paw]

As of today, Sean McEwen.  If we get Couture back, then Boateng.

[dd]

Easy. Brian burnham by a landslide. Total playmaker, he?d be awesome here. Why he closes to stay in BC speaks to his loyalty to a team that has really struggled the last couple of years.

[Go Big Blue]

DL Kwaku Boateng and a big plus he's a National player.

[Pigskin]

Ellingson.

[The Fresh Prince Of Belair, MB]

Cory Fajardo.
Just to piss off the Rider fans.

[Blue In BC]

Either of the two Canadians mentioned above.  Top Canadians are always tough to find.

[blue_gold_84]

Burnham in this offense would be wild, especially with the deep plays.

[3rdand1.5]

As the dust settles on our O-line and D-Line, I would pluck the best player at whatever position we are the weakest at.

Example; if we are weakest at C, I would take the best C of all other teams in our division, so Mc Ewan

I 100% believe that games are won and lost on the lines.

[Pigskin]

I am pretty sure Sean McEwen signed a week ago with Calgary.

[Blue In BC]

I am pretty sure Sean McEwen signed a week ago with Calgary.

He did but the question was worded in a way that didn't ask / suggest the player would be available as a free agent.

[RebusRankin]

Burnham

[TecnoGenius]

Ellingson.

Interesting!  He also would probably fit well in WPG.  Is there life in the ol' guy still?  Probably.

Some of the others make a good point: a DL NAT snag would be very advantageous.

Although... if we lose Bailey (doubt it), what if we bring back Petermann (as a starter) and go all-IMP on D??  Fatboi/Kongbo (if here) can always sub in but don't have to start.  Might be easier to get decent NAT WR instead of hen's teeth NAT DL, especially DT.

[road griller]

Lauther

[bomb squad]

Bo Levi Mitchell. (Yes, I would start Collaros).

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Lauther

Lauther is actually a F.A., he's a Natl. and one of the best F.G. kickers in the CFL right now at age 31.  Nothing could hurt the Riders worse than stealing him away and forcing them to find a replacement in a short time span like the Bombers struggled to do last season.  They may not fully realize it, but a body blow so well executed would compare favourably to stealing Willie J. away from them in 2019.

[road griller]

Lauther is actually a F.A., he's a Natl. and one of the best F.G. kickers in the CFL right now at age 31.  Nothing could hurt the Riders worse than stealing him away and forcing them to find a replacement in a short time span like the Bombers struggled to do last season.  They may not fully realize it, but a body blow so well executed would compare favourably to stealing Willie J. away from them in 2019.

Exactly! 

[TecnoGenius]

Lauther NAT??  How did I not know this?  Helps with the roster, but not the "starting 7", no?  So we still need to field that extra NAT D or someone else on O.  NAT K just buys as an extra DI.

So, meh, a top-line "starting 7" NAT is a better grab than a NAT K.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Lauther NAT??  How did I not know this?  Helps with the roster, but not the "starting 7", no?  So we still need to field that extra NAT D or someone else on O.  NAT K just buys as an extra DI.

So, meh, a top-line "starting 7" NAT is a better grab than a NAT K.

I'm not too worried about the ratio, they should have enough Natl. talent to cover it.  More concerned with having to go through the same ordeal they went through with the kicking game last year, if Castillo decides to try the NFL again.

[M.O.A.B.]

On the free-agent list, I would love to have WR Jake Wieneke and/or WR Bryan Burnham.

If we can trade for someone, I would like DL Shawn Oakman, (specially if Stove will not be back). That mountain of a man (6.09) will be monster in the middle of the 2 Jeffs.   

[Pigskin]

Williams and Henry from the Riders are both FA's. Henry is a Canadian DL and had a very good year for the Riders. Williams is a big play making receiver.

[M.O.A.B.]

Williams and Henry from the Riders are both FA's. Henry is a Canadian DL and had a very good year for the Riders. Williams is a big play making receiver.

Same Williams who poke BA in the eye during WF?

[theaardvark]

FA lists, especially day one, are expensive places to find players...

After day one, or even noon day one, there will be "bargains" to be had.  Players that pulled the trigger too late after teams signed another player with the same skillset.  

I wonder how many of these groups are out there... Burnham/Weineke/Lawler  might be one, first to sign might get the best deal, but if there are too many "buyers", as availability declines, price goes up.  Does the second tier ask rise once first tier are gone?  

All way above my paygrade, and I trust totally in KW and Co. to weed through chaff and winnow out our next GC champion team...

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

FA lists, especially day one, are expensive places to find players...

After day one, or even noon day one, there will be "bargains" to be had.  Players that pulled the trigger too late after teams signed another player with the same skillset.  

I wonder how many of these groups are out there... Burnham/Weineke/Lawler  might be one, first to sign might get the best deal, but if there are too many "buyers", as availability declines, price goes up.  Does the second tier ask rise once first tier are gone?  

All way above my paygrade, and I trust totally in KW and Co. to weed through chaff and winnow out our next GC champion team...

It doesn't work that way, demand is limited and supply is abundant, as there are only 9 teams and not every team needs or wants to shop for every position in F.A..  If a player isn't signed during the first wave, they are usually looking at compromising their demands in order to get a contract.  On the open market many players will wish they signed multi-year deals when they had the chance.  As Walters says, his first offer is his best, if the player doesn't take it, chances are the second offer will be the same or for less.

[Jesse]

On the free-agent list, I would love to have WR Jake Wieneke and/or WR Bryan Burnham.

If we can trade for someone, I would like DL Shawn Oakman, (specially if Stove will not be back). That mountain of a man (6.09) will be monster in the middle of the 2 Jeffs.  

In his media availbility, Walters talked about the receiving core as an area where we are going to see losses to make up for spending in other areas.

So I think people need to be a little more realistic when it comes to FA signings. I expect to see a ton of new faces in camp competing for spots on entry level deals. CFL vets are going to be coming on Day 2 and 3 deals once the big names have signed else where.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

In his media availbility, Walters talked about the receiving core as an area where we are going to see losses to make up for spending in other areas.

So I think people need to be a little more realistic when it comes to FA signings. I expect to see a ton of new faces in camp competing for spots on entry level deals. CFL vets are going to be coming on Day 2 and 3 deals once the big names have signed else where.

Agreed, the budget is the enemy, Walters will be shopping middle of the pack for 1-year bargains but will also attempt to fill a few positions with cheaper CFL rookies.  If he can find 2-3 newcomers that stick it will help his budget.

[M.O.A.B.]

In his media availbility, Walters talked about the receiving core as an area where we are going to see losses to make up for spending in other areas.

So I think people need to be a little more realistic when it comes to FA signings. I expect to see a ton of new faces in camp competing for spots on entry level deals. CFL vets are going to be coming on Day 2 and 3 deals once the big names have signed else where.

I'm in the assumption that Lawler will not be back and Adams will probably sign somewhere (maybe Ott) because I think he will get a lower $$ here compare to what he will get in FA.

[theaardvark]

I'm in the assumption that Lawler will not be back and Adams will probably sign somewhere (maybe Ott) because I think he will get a lower $$ here compare to what he will get in FA.

Not sure Adams demands a big payday anywhere, he might be more valuable here than anywhere.  Lapo might want him, and pay a premium, but costs of moving and playoff money potential might factor in, as well as familiarity.  Lower $ here might still be a better deal.

[theaardvark]

Agreed, the budget is the enemy, Walters will be shopping middle of the pack for 1-year bargains but will also attempt to fill a few positions with cheaper CFL rookies.  If he can find 2-3 newcomers that stick it will help his budget.

This is what happens every year... 2 years ago, it was Lawler, and to a lesser amount Bailey and others.  Last year it was Alford and Nichols and others... scouting will bring in players, and we will usually manage to get starting performance out of a player on an ELC...

[GCn19]

I'm in the assumption that Lawler will not be back and Adams will probably sign somewhere (maybe Ott) because I think he will get a lower $$ here compare to what he will get in FA.

Normally, I would agree but Adams has been very amicable to the team in his past couple contracts. He likes it here.

[Jesse]

I'm in the assumption that Lawler will not be back and Adams will probably sign somewhere (maybe Ott) because I think he will get a lower $$ here compare to what he will get in FA.

If Lawler is gone, then I expect Bailey and Adams back.

If Lawler accepts our offer, then I think those guys look for better contracts elsewhere.

[blue_or_die]

If Lawler is gone, then I expect Bailey and Adams back.

If Lawler accepts our offer, then I think those guys look for better contracts elsewhere.

Not sure I agree. I don't think either are connected. I really think Darvin wants to finish his career here and be paid fairly, have a chance at playoff money and another ring, and not have to move into anew city and system. I think Bailey stays but might test the market before signing. And I think Lawler is the sacrifice simply because he will likely make north of $200 somewhere else that can afford to outbid us.

So I think we will be looking to find someone that can play like a #1 WR for maybe #2 money. Could be an FA that just needs the right QB to give him the ball and have a breakout year. Or maybe it's a blue chip recruit who we think has massive upside to become a Lawler by season's end and Darvin becomes the #1 target for a while?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I don't even think Adams is a pending free agent. He signed a 3-year deal in 2020. I know it's been reported in some places but from the Bombers own release:

Adams (6-2, 201, Auburn) had been scheduled to become a free agent on February 11, but is now locked up through the 2022 Canadian Football League season. The 2020 campaign will mark the 30-year-old?s sixth with the Blue Bombers since joining the club in 2015 after two years with the Toronto Argonauts.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2020/02/09/bombers-sign-receiver-darvin-adams-three-year-extension/

[blue_gold_84]

I don't even think Adams is a pending free agent. He signed a 3-year deal in 2020. I know it's been reported in some places but from the Bombers own release:

https://www.bluebombers.com/2020/02/09/bombers-sign-receiver-darvin-adams-three-year-extension/

CFL has him listed as a pending free agent: https://www.cfl.ca/fa22#BOMBERS

[Sir Blue and Gold]

CFL has him listed as a pending free agent: https://www.cfl.ca/fa22#BOMBERS

Yeah. It's strange. The Bombers release says he's signed through the 2022 season. Maybe that was an error?

[the paw]

Yeah. It's strange. The Bombers release says he's signed through the 2022 season. Maybe that was an error?

CFL.ca transactions page shows Darvin Adams being released and readded to the roster in January 2021.  That is often the sign of a restructuring.  It?s possible they needed to massage the cap going into the season, and lopped a year off the deal in exchange for a little less money.

[Blue In BC]

CFL.ca transactions page shows Darvin Adams being released and readded to the roster in January 2021.  That is often the sign of a restructuring.  It?s possible they needed to massage the cap going into the season, and lopped a year off the deal in exchange for a little less money.

Yeah we're seeing contradictory info. I'd be happy to see Adams back. Similar to what some of us have said about A. Harris. Taking a lesser role and reduced SMS. That would have made more sense if we were getting Lawler back and he became the # 1 receiver while Adams took a role as the 2nd or 3rd guy. Bailey was becoming better each game and Demski is an important target.

So it depends on who we actually lose or gain as well as changes to SMS whether we need of can afford a given player.

Adams played well in our play off run in particular. Another guy that is a team leader although quiet type.

[TecnoGenius]

Williams and Henry from the Riders are both FA's. Henry is a Canadian DL and had a very good year for the Riders. Williams is a big play making receiver.

Ooh Henry.  DT or DE?  If NAT DT, I'm all over that dude!  As I recall, Henry was making monster plays.  If he's DE, guess we could do the Kongbo/Fatboi shuffle with Henry instead of Kongbo.

I'm in the assumption that Lawler will not be back and Adams will probably sign somewhere (maybe Ott) because I think he will get a lower $$ here compare to what he will get in FA.

GC and Die are correct, Adams 100% re-signs in WPG (or retires).  Collaros loves Adams.  Gave him the most props of any receiver all year.  Adams loves WFC.  Everyone loves Adams, and the dude found his hands in 2021.  And in the GC he showed he still has the moves!!  See those doink jukes early in the game?!  Who expected that??

You guys are right, a quiet Adams 2021 contract restructure took his 2-years-left deal to a 1-year.  Always thought it was weird, but I guess it was needed to get the business of '21 to work.

[pjrocksmb]

Adams will be back

[DM83]

Adams is a pretty good football player.  Not my cup of tea as a deep threat.  Iffy hands a surprising times.  But he does block, and not just 170 pound dbs.  think he might be a solid team leader in the clubhouse. he isn't a pouting guy when he doesn't get the ball, and comes across as a real team first guy, who can make huge plays.  Currently, I think we are OK at Receiver.  But without Andrew and Brady, are e good enough at RB?

Whats the draft like for Cdn receivers?

[Jesse]

Adams is a pretty good football player.  Not my cup of tea as a deep threat.  Iffy hands a surprising times.  But he does block, and not just 170 pound dbs.  think he might be a solid team leader in the clubhouse. he isn't a pouting guy when he doesn't get the ball, and comes across as a real team first guy, who can make huge plays.  Currently, I think we are OK at Receiver.  But without Andrew and Brady, are e good enough at RB?

Whats the draft like for Cdn receivers?

Brady has signed while Adams has indicated he is not signing.

[DM83]

Who is Adams?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Who is Adams?

Johnny Adams, he was a Bomber rookie allstar in 2015, he was traded to Hamilton than finished up with the Esks. in 2017. 

[Jesse]

Johnny Adams, he was a Bomber rookie allstar in 2015, he was traded to Hamilton than finished up with the Esks. in 2017. 

[KINGCHARLES]

call me crazy here but a Ed Gainey, Nick Marshall or Dashaun Amos would be amazing additions to our secondary. From the East....audible here what about Antoine Pruneau over Brandon Alexander??? A canadian Safety?

[Jesse]

call me crazy here but a Ed Gainey, Nick Marshall or Dashaun Amos would be amazing additions to our secondary. From the East....audible here what about Antoine Pruneau over Brandon Alexander??? A canadian Safety?

Is Amos a FA? Because that would be an amazing - though completely out of nowhere - addition.

The rest...I wouldn't have wanted 5 years ago, much less now...

[GOLDMEMBER]

call me crazy here but a Ed Gainey, Nick Marshall or Dashaun Amos would be amazing additions to our secondary. From the East....audible here what about Antoine Pruneau over Brandon Alexander??? A canadian Safety?

Marshall is a bit of a head case. Takes undisciplined penalties. Gainey would look sweet here.

[dd]

Marshall definitely plays on the edge and sometimes goes over. Very aggressive player. Gained is a ball hawk. Neither will be cheap to acquire

[the paw]

Marshall definitely plays on the edge and sometimes goes over. Very aggressive player. Gained is a ball hawk. Neither will be cheap to acquire

What are you guys talking about?  Marshall extended in Regina, and Gainey is signing with Edmonton. 

We have Rose, Nichols, Maston, and Taylor locked down.  If we can get Darby back, we are golden.  Even if we don't Demetrious Houston may be ready to take the next step. 

[Sir Blue and Gold]

If we're going to spend money I think the biggest holes are at slot and receiver. We've currently got:
Nic Demski
Rasheed Bailey
Blake Jackson
Kelvin McKnight
Drew Wolitarksy and Brendan O'Leary-Orange

Even assuming the scouting department can hit a homerun that's still a pretty ho-hum group. Factor in an injury or two and it's mission critical very quickly. We obviously don't have the blank cheques that some teams have but we absolutely should add some experience and depth there if we can.

If Greg Ellingson comes in too high some other names (I think) that are still floating around:
Markeith Ambles
Ricky Collins Jr.
Jaleon Acklin
RJ Harris
BJ Cunningham
Josh Huff
 

[the paw]

If we're going to spend money I think the biggest holes are at slot and receiver. We've currently got:
Nic Demski
Rasheed Bailey
Blake Jackson
Kelvin McKnight
Drew Wolitarksy and Brendan O'Leary-Orange

Even assuming the scouting department can hit a homerun that's still a pretty ho-hum group. Factor in an injury or two and it's mission critical very quickly. We obviously don't have the blank cheques that some teams have but we absolutely should add some experience and depth there if we can.

If Greg Ellingson comes in too high some other names (I think) that are still floating around:
Markeith Ambles
Ricky Collins Jr.
Jaleon Acklin
RJ Harris
BJ Cunningham
Josh Huff
 

I think Acklin is committed to Ottawa.  I think BJ Cunningham has been a bit too injured and old for my taste.  I have never been enthusiastic about RJ Harris, but I don't know why.

I think any of the others on your list could work.  Huff did yeoman's work for me in fantasy on a couple of occasions.  I was also impressed by how good a year Ricky Collins had.  But I agree, we need a proven veteran who can put up 700-800 yards over 18 games. 

[DM83]

Ellingson had always been awesome.  An under the radar type guy..

Not much else out there. Ricky Collins could flourish here also

[Pigskin]

Ellingson.

Bingo.

[theaardvark]

Sean Whyte?  Do we need to address that situation? 

[Sec227]

Sean Whyte?  Do we need to address that situation? 

I Bet we get Sergio back. No need to chase Whyte.

[Blue In BC]

I Bet we get Sergio back. No need to chase Whyte.

Whyte was reported to be going to the Lions. His advantage is that he's a National. Castillo is an import but might be our best option if he is affordable. At the moment I'm guessing the Bombers hope Mourtada improves or Liegghio wins the job outright. Having 1 kicker gives us an advantage with an extra sport for a DI. Also saves some SMS on not having a more expensive veteran.

[Jesse]

Media seems to be suggesting Castillio is gone.

I think it'll be a point of weakness again next season.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I Bet we get Sergio back. No need to chase Whyte.

You bet wrong, get used to chanting MOURTADA TO VICTORY!!!

[BLUEBOMBER]

I wonder why Mourtada is not gone yet...

[theaardvark]

Of the remaining FA's on the board, who would you pick, and why would it be Frankie Williams?

[the paw]

Of the remaining FA's on the board, who would you pick, and why would it be Frankie Williams?

If we can?t land Janarion Grant, then Frankie Williams would be a good choice, although I wonder if we have the budget.

Two remaining free agents that could help us with depth might be Stefan Charles or Brett Boyko.

[Jesse]

Of the remaining FA's on the board, who would you pick, and why would it be Frankie Williams?

I am interested in Williams, but I want Grant back.

[GCn19]

I want Trumaine Washington. Frankie Williams would suffice as well, although I'd rather have Grant. Gotta give a big thumbs down to Boyko. The guy is a pylon.

[M.O.A.B.]

I want Roc Thomas as KR and backup to the backup RB

[Pete]

Id like Cody Speller if he's available, Frankie Williams and or Ciante Evans  Ambles from Calgary woud be great too.

[Blue In BC]

I want Trumaine Washington. Frankie Williams would suffice as well, although I'd rather have Grant. Gotta give a big thumbs down to Boyko. The guy is a pylon.

Washington would be great. He always played well against the Bombers. Williams is a good DB and returner but getting Grant is the # 1 choice.

He hasn't signed anywhere and that's curious?

[Pigskin]

Now that we have landed my first pick which was Ellingson.

I would go with Cody Speller, which allow us to go DL in the first round of the draft.

[blue_gold_84]

I am interested in Williams, but I want Grant back.

Samesies!

[Blue In BC]

Now that we have landed my first pick which was Ellingson.

I would go with Cody Speller, which allow us to go DL in the first round of the draft.

I think we need to go DL in the early rounds to create the rotation necessary.

I think Speller was injured in 2021 but don't know where he is in the rehab or salary expectation. Depending on whether Dobson is coming to TC may determine any additional need on the OL.

Still some hope we can get Eli back

[Pigskin]

I think we need to go DL in the early rounds to create the rotation necessary.

I think Speller as injured in 2021 but don't know where he is in the rehab or salary expectation. Depending on whether Dobson is coming to TC may determine any additional need on the OL.

Still some hope we can get Eli back

Eli is a monster and has a edge to him. Would be nice to have him back.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Ricky Collins, they lost two of their top receivers, they signed Ellingson but can't expect a CFL rookie to jump in and start.  Not interested in using McNight.

[Blue In BC]

Ricky Collins, they lost two of their top receivers, they signed Ellingson but can't expect a CFL rookie to jump in and start.  Not interested in using McNight.

I wonder why Collins has played for 4 teams in a relatively short career. He seems to be productive.

Starting a rookie is not my 1st choice but Lawler and Bailey started as rookies. So it depends on pedigree and pro experience.

It's a bit early to not consider McKnight. He was used in short patterns similar to how they used Bailey in 2019. Collaros wanted him to make the roster from nearly the 1st day of TC. So he must see something we haven't seen in games.

Performance could be related to HOW they use him rather than how they could use him. Also look at the receivers we had in front of him. He was not going to be a primary target or a deep threat target.

All of that said, I'd like to get a taller, bigger receiver. There will be a few 2021 TC receivers returning and we'll have a dozen fighting for a roster spot.

We'll see. No guarantees he makes the roster at this point.

[theaardvark]

Now that we have landed my first pick which was Ellingson.

I would go with Cody Speller, which allow us to go DL in the first round of the draft.

Not sure if Speller was injured or unvaxxed... whichever, Walters traded him away for a 6th rounder... and never saw the field...

[dd]

Ricky Collins, they lost two of their top receivers, they signed Ellingson but can't expect a CFL rookie to jump in and start.  Not interested in using McNight.

Agree on signing Ricky Collins. We let him get away before, bring the guy back and our receiving corps is set

[TecnoGenius]

Id like Cody Speller if he's available, Frankie Williams and or Ciante Evans  Ambles from Calgary woud be great too.

Speller spent nearly the entire time in the tub after leaving WFC.  I seriously didn't see him start in any game, though I'm sure he must have.  Just like Nevis, it turned out to be a win to let them go.  Now... if either guy is healthy, they will be monster.  But that's the $64k question, isn't it.

I feel like we rely on our own OL dev cycle now rather than bringing in FA OL.  I think we're good with Gray/Eli and whoever we have as "the new guy" backup.

As for Collins.... Collins would be a great pickup.  Dude is almost always a great pick in fantasy.  He gets the receptions, yds and tds.  But does he have "MOS locker room attitude"?  Don't know.  Haven't seen anything to say he doesn't.

[Blue In BC]

We don't have Eli though.

[theaardvark]

I remember Eli being rumoured to be trying to get some NFL looks... had he been vaxxed and played in the GC, he'd have had a lot better shot at that.  I think there will be a team that needs a starting Nat OG that is versatile that will take a chance on him ahead of him signing here as 6th man... *IF* he gets vaxxed.

[DM83]

Ards the Guy could not make the Bombers, plus he cant be that smart as he isnt vaxxed.

HIS decisions don't scream good choices.

[theaardvark]

Ards the Guy could not make the Bombers, plus he cant be that smart as he isnt vaxxed.

HIS decisions don't scream good choices.

He DID make the Bombers, and was 6th man to an Oline that took Every AllStar Nomination except C, which they should have won as well. 

As to vaccine, we are not sure what that story is. 

He was touted as a solid NFL prospect before things went sideways on him in college...

As to "good choices", he chose to be here the last two years...

[M.O.A.B.]

Ards the Guy could not make the Bombers, plus he cant be that smart as he isnt vaxxed.

HIS decisions don't scream good choices.

I disagree that he cannot make the Bombers roster. IIRC, Eli was projected to be among the top OLs on his NFL draft class but was injured and became undecided if he will continue his football career or not. He found his love for football again when the Bombers drafted him. In 2021 it's a fact that he was ahead of Gray on the depth chart and I have no doubt if he is in the roster he will likely starting in the LG vacated by Desjarlais.

Also don't agree on the vaxx part.

[Pigskin]

Eli would be an excellent re-sign. The man has a nasty side, and can play. Vax or no vax, it wouldn't matter by the time we get to June.

[theaardvark]

Still no news on Frankie Williams... with Darby in the Donut Box now, maybe???