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« on: April 24, 2022, 04:41:08 PM » |
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First and Goal: Draft Prep - Ed TaitSeldom has a week passed during this Canadian Football League offseason without there being some sort of narrative/discussion/rant unfolding across the media - and, by extension, the diehard fan base - about the ratio. We're not here today to revisit any of that, because while those various ratio machinations are being proposed general managers and coaches must tune out all that noise circulating and prepare for the annual CFL Draft over the next 10 days. And, make no mistake, homegrown players remain the lifeblood of his league. Consider, for example, your back-to-back Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers and their Canadian content: five of the projected seven starters in 2022 - centre Michael Couture, running back Brady Oliveira, defensive tackle Jake Thomas and guard Geoff Gray, along with receiver Drew Wolitarsky, a supplemental draft pick, were all selected by the club. The sixth and seventh, slotback Nic Demski and guard Pat Neufeld, were both first-round draft picks by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the former arriving here via free agency and the latter in a trade. There are more numbers here to reinforce how successful the club's drafting has been since the current Kyle Walters/Mike O'Shea regime began in 2014. Consider that of the 28 Canadians who suited up for at least one game for the team, 18 were Blue Bombers draft picks. In addition to those listed above that crew also included Jesse Briggs, Shayne Gauthier, Nick and Noah Hallett, Drew Desjarlais, Jonathan Kongbo, Redha Kramdi, Tanner Cadwallader, Brendan O?Leary-Orange, Marc Liegghio, Tui Eli, Robbie Lowes and Nick Dheilly. Interestingly, of the eight other Canadians only three - offensive lineman Chris Kolankowski and linebacker Nakas Onyeka (Toronto) and kicker Tyler Crapgina (Calgary) - were drafted, while the others were all undrafted. That list includes Andrew Harris, Johnny Augustine, Mike Miller, Mike Benson and James Tyrrell, with Harris now in Toronto and Tyrrell having been released last year. All of this is a long-winded way of reminding everyone of how important the May 3rd talent grab will be for the Bombers, who have seven selections in the eight-round draft ? 9th, 18th, 38th, 47th, 56th, 65th and 74th. Their third-round selection, 29th overall, now belongs to the B.C. Lions courtesy the Sergio Castillo trade last October. The Blue Bombers have some holes to fill, too, with Desjarlais (New England Patriots) and Kongbo (Denver Broncos) in the NFL, with Harris now in Toronto with Eli still a free agent and the club having moved on from Crapigna, Onyeka, Dheilly and Tyrrell. The team will have two of its previous draft picks back in camp - running back Kyle Borsa, drafted in the 5th round in 2021, and offensive lineman Ben Koczwara, selected in the 8th round in 2018 - while two other selections from last year, offensive lineman Liam Dobson and defensive back Patrice Rene are not currently in the picture with Dobson in the USFL and Rene unsigned. Three other Canadians not drafted by the team will be in camp - former Stampeder/Argonaut linebacker Eric Mezzalira, Western linebacker Antonio Valvano and former Wilfrid Laurier defensive back Malcolm Thompson, who suited up for two games last year with the Ticats. More draft stuff and other notes in this week's edition of 1st & Goal... https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/04/23/first-and-goal-draft-prep/
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"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2022, 04:07:06 PM » |
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Looking forward to the draft as always. No idea who is on our radar and it's fluid in the 1st couple of rounds as other teams choose / or don't choose a given player. In a perfect world it would be nice to move up but I don't think we have anybody we want to trade that would make that possible. Still waiting to see if we can sign Rene and Eli which would change the roster needs. If the USFL tanks after week 4 we might see Dobson.  |
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2019 Grey Cup Champions
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ModAdmin
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« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2022, 04:48:45 PM » |
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There is a media conference tomorrow, Wednesday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m. CT. Kyle Walters, Mike O'Shea and Zach Collaros will be on it. I suspect some of it will deal with the draft.
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"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden
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ModAdmin
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« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2022, 05:31:54 AM » |
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"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden
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theaardvark
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« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2022, 03:03:19 PM » |
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Not sure we pick 2 Rec's, 2LB, 1RB, 1 OL and 1 DL... we will see of course, as well as undrafteds, but I think Rec, LB and RB are our deepest Nat positions... |
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Unabashed positron. Blue koolaid in my fridge. I wear my blue sunglasses at night. Homer, d'oh.
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2022, 03:57:07 PM » |
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Not sure we pick 2 Rec's, 2LB, 1RB, 1 OL and 1 DL... we will see of course, as well as undrafteds, but I think Rec, LB and RB are our deepest Nat positions...
We only have O'leary-Orange as Canadian depth for receiver so that's not an area we are deep. We do seem deep at the LB position but a couple of those are 2021 draft picks + the one we picked up recently in free agency. I don't know much about Lowes or Mezzalaria so whether they stand a good chance to make the roster is a TBD. Wouldn't think we'd draft another RB either with Borsa and Valvano coming to TC. Valvano is listed as a FB but his college experience was a FB type that blocks well. Not quite sure where he'll fit in but did expect Borsa to be used an ST and developed at the RB position? We absolutely need some depth on the DL so I'd hope to see a couple of candidates there. Only DL picked in the mock draft on 72 players so it might be a thin group of talent? The reality is that things depend on who is available when we pick, so things could develop quite differently. |
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« Last Edit: April 27, 2022, 04:06:31 PM by Blue In BC »
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2019 Grey Cup Champions
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Pigskin
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« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2022, 04:10:36 PM » |
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I was very high on Zerr and Knights, looks like both will not be available. Zack Pelehos is 6'6" 300lbs. and has a nasty side. Like this guy. 2nd round Archibald or Federico both DL, would be nice to pickup one of these guys.
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Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror.
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Pete
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« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2022, 05:22:09 PM » |
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Its unlikely, but how good would it be to draft Tre Ford who has a ton of physical tools and could be a great successor to Collaris. With his athletic ability you could also have a special play package similar to Streveller and be a great change of pace.
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theaardvark
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« Reply #8 on: April 27, 2022, 05:30:50 PM » |
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Its unlikely, but how good would it be to draft Tre Ford who has a ton of physical tools and could be a great successor to Collaris. With his athletic ability you could also have a special play package similar to Streveller and be a great change of pace.
Ford should get NFL opportunities, and might not show up in the CFL for years... |
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Unabashed positron. Blue koolaid in my fridge. I wear my blue sunglasses at night. Homer, d'oh.
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #9 on: April 27, 2022, 08:33:11 PM » |
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Its unlikely, but how good would it be to draft Tre Ford who has a ton of physical tools and could be a great successor to Collaris. With his athletic ability you could also have a special play package similar to Streveller and be a great change of pace.
Interesting but we have higher needs unless Ford is good enough to be better than the imports we have competing at # 2 QB. I've never heard of him before today so don't know how close he is in his development curve. If he gets drafted in the NFL that might suggest he has an opportunity to make a roster down there. Now if he's available in rounds 5 and higher, then it might be worth a risk if he isn't drafted in the NFL tomorrow. He could also sign and NFL futures contract post NFL draft and pre CFL draft. Based on history has the NFL ever drafted a Canadian QB? A couple have made rosters in the past but were they drafted? Odds are long against. |
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« Last Edit: April 27, 2022, 08:36:54 PM by Blue In BC »
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2019 Grey Cup Champions
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dizzycamper
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« Reply #10 on: April 27, 2022, 09:51:53 PM » |
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I was very high on Zerr and Knights, looks like both will not be available. Zack Pelehos is 6'6" 300lbs. and has a nasty side. Like this guy. 2nd round Archibald or Federico both DL, would be nice to pickup one of these guys.
Hopefully, 1 of the following O-linemen Pelehos or MacKellar are our 1st round pick @ 9. The 2nd round at 18, I'm hoping for either one of these 3: Archibald, Cherry or Pickett. Cherry & Archibald can play inside or on the edge. Pickett is a edge rusher and believe there is a lot of upside with him. In his bowl games he was very noticeable. As far as Federico, there is a lot of print about him, but to me he shows similar to previous D-Linemen we drafted and released last year (Nick Dheilly). I would pass on Federico. Just my opinion. Hoping Adamson is a consideration further into the draft for the D-Line tackle position and another O-Lineman like Braydon Noll or Brandon Sanford as addition Cdn depth i.e. 5th & 6th rounds. |
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Pigskin
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« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2022, 03:14:18 AM » |
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Sounds like Patrice Rene only has a very slim chance of getting drafted this year in the NFL draft. He mite get some interested as a FA after the draft.
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Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror.
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2022, 03:21:26 PM » |
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Sounds like Patrice Rene only has a very slim chance of getting drafted this year in the NFL draft. He mite get some interested as a FA after the draft.
I guess it will come down to how long he's willing to wait out getting an offer for an NFL tryout. Obviously that could happen but getting drafted increases his chances. A non draft might just be TC fodder. Big risk, big reward I suppose. There is still time to get him on a Bomber contract before TC. IMO the 1st two players we draft will be players they expect to compete for roster spots this season. For the later drafts we might look at players that are returning to college for more season or are looking at NFL opportunities. I don't see many available roster spots to be filled by new players. The quality of players going into round 3 and beyond might not be great with our lower level draft picks? |
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« Last Edit: April 28, 2022, 05:14:28 PM by Blue In BC »
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CrazyCanuck89
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« Reply #13 on: April 28, 2022, 05:21:50 PM » |
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Interesting but we have higher needs unless Ford is good enough to be better than the imports we have competing at # 2 QB. I've never heard of him before today so don't know how close he is in his development curve. If he gets drafted in the NFL that might suggest he has an opportunity to make a roster down there.
Now if he's available in rounds 5 and higher, then it might be worth a risk if he isn't drafted in the NFL tomorrow. He could also sign and NFL futures contract post NFL draft and pre CFL draft.
Based on history has the NFL ever drafted a Canadian QB? A couple have made rosters in the past but were they drafted? Odds are long against.
Yes! Jesse Palmer, Mark Rypien, Dan Faraday. |
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #14 on: April 28, 2022, 05:37:01 PM » |
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Yes! Jesse Palmer, Mark Rypien, Dan Faraday.
I knew there were a couple. Three in the last 50 years on what is now a 32 team league? A few more might have been signed for TC that weren't drafted. That would be harder to track down. In any case, the odds are long as I mentioned. IDK if Ford gets a shot in an NFL TC. My bigger feeling is he might hold out for a while longer trying to get one. We'll see what happens after NFL draft and before ours. I suspect he gets drafted in the CFL but in which round is the question. |
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DM83
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« Reply #15 on: April 30, 2022, 07:33:53 PM » |
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I would guess. A DT, OL and a receiver if there is one that can step in and play
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NewBlue
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« Reply #16 on: May 01, 2022, 12:59:18 PM » |
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I would guess. A DT, OL and a receiver if there is one that can step in and play
Agree, and in that order. But, I think the DT has to be the guy that is ready to step in and play. Hopefully the other 2 can stay on PR for the year. |
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dizzycamper
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« Reply #17 on: May 01, 2022, 01:51:47 PM » |
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Sounds like Patrice Rene only has a very slim chance of getting drafted this year in the NFL draft. He mite get some interested as a FA after the draft.
I would say, Kyle Walters should be receiving a call from Rene's agent, this week some time. Or even Patrice Rene calling himself. |
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dizzycamper
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« Reply #18 on: May 01, 2022, 02:46:47 PM » |
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Not sure we pick 2 Rec's, 2LB, 1RB, 1 OL and 1 DL... we will see of course, as well as undrafteds, but I think Rec, LB and RB are our deepest Nat positions...
Going into the season as far as Cdn starters we will be fine with the replacements for the starters/rotation guys that have left. But, again I do wonder if its at the level we were last year. We do need to inject depth into our O-line (g/c type) and D-line (Archibald, Cherry or Pickett) positions. The first two picks need to be in those two areas and hopefully Cole Adamson (DT) is drafted as well later on. RB we are fine going into this draft but a LB and Rec should be drafted in this draft. Hope that Patrice Rene (DB) signs with us shortly & one of our O-Line guys (Eli or Dobson) returns just to boost that position. As far as the O-Line guys, don't know much about Eli and Dobson wasn't playing the USFL game I watched a portion of last night. My choice would be Eli, as he is familiar, but don't know the whole story about his situation. I will leave it at that. With our thin depth & not having that 3rd round pick, hopefully our guys can work their magic with the 7 picks we have. I do also believe that after the 2 drafts on May 3rd, we should look at what is available in Cdn LB & Rec free agents (undrafted players from 2021 & 2022 draft years) that played the 2021 university season. |
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #19 on: May 01, 2022, 03:52:55 PM » |
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I'd still like to get Eli back in 2022. IMO he'd start at LG ahead of Gray. In any case it would improve our Canadian depth on the OL.
If the covid requirement proof for airlines goes away, we may see him back shortly after the start of the season.
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« Last Edit: May 01, 2022, 07:20:46 PM by Blue In BC »
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2019 Grey Cup Champions
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #20 on: May 02, 2022, 05:12:47 PM » |
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Global draft May 3 at 12:00 ET.
EDIT: Elks just traded 2nd overall pick in global draft to Hamilton??!! I find that strange in that the Ticats have 5 global players on their roster at the moment. They must be targeting somebody specific. However with 3 draft choices that will bring their global roster to 8. Competition for TC but who doesn't make the cut?
Perhaps they have other global trades in mind?
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« Last Edit: May 03, 2022, 02:05:11 AM by Blue In BC »
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GOLDMEMBER
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« Reply #21 on: May 02, 2022, 10:10:44 PM » |
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I'd still like to get Eli back in 2022. IMO he'd start at LG ahead of Gray. In any case it would improve our Canadian depth on the OL.
If the covid requirement proof for airlines goes away, we may see him back shortly after the start of the season.
Covid is the same as the flu now. Get Eli back, please. |
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I LOSHT MY MEMBER IN AN UNFORTUNATE SHMELTING ACCSHIDENT!
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TecnoGenius
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« Reply #22 on: May 03, 2022, 05:17:21 AM » |
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EDIT: Elks just traded 2nd overall pick in global draft to Hamilton??!! I find that strange in that the Ticats have 5 global players on their roster at the moment. They must be targeting somebody specific. However with 3 draft choices that will bring their global roster to 8. Competition for TC but who doesn't make the cut?
What did EDM get in return? |
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #23 on: May 03, 2022, 11:56:00 AM » |
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What did EDM get in return?
Probably the most significant aspect was the # 8 pick in the Canadian draft. Now the Elks has the # 1 and # 8 of the top 10 pics. Then they have # 18 as a territorial pick. |
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2019 Grey Cup Champions
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dizzycamper
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« Reply #24 on: May 03, 2022, 12:06:43 PM » |
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Probably the most significant aspect was the # 8 pick in the Canadian draft. Now the Elks has the # 1 and # 8 of the top 10 pics. Then they have # 18 as a territorial pick.
How did #18 become Edn territorial, isn't 18 Wpg's pick in the 2nd round. I bet Jones is putting something together to get Pelly in the supplemental with #8 and probably something from next year... He's a weasel!!! |
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #25 on: May 03, 2022, 01:10:20 PM » |
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Bombers just made a trade with the Als for a Canadian DT, Cameron Lawson. gave up picks # 9 and # 18 in exchange for # 13 pick and the DT. He was the # 16 pick in 2020.
Don't know a lot about him but this improves our depth / rotation behind Thomas.
Now are next pick after 13 is 38. Could be slim pickings after the 1st pick.
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« Last Edit: May 03, 2022, 01:18:20 PM by Blue In BC »
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Jesse
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« Reply #26 on: May 03, 2022, 01:21:32 PM » |
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Bombers just made a trade with the Als for a Canadian DT, Cameron Lawson. gave up picks # 9 and # 18 in exchange for # 13 pick and the DT. He was the # 16 pick in 2020.
Don't know a lot about him but this improves our depth / rotation behind Thomas.
Now are next pick after 13 is 38. Could be slim pickings after the 1st pick.
Sounds like we aren't impressed with this draft. |
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My wife is amazing!
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CrazyCanuck89
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« Reply #27 on: May 03, 2022, 01:31:11 PM » |
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How did #18 become Edn territorial, isn't 18 Wpg's pick in the 2nd round.
I bet Jones is putting something together to get Pelly in the supplemental with #8 and probably something from next year... He's a weasel!!!
Bombers still get their second round pick, buy EDM and OTT get a territorial pick for bring the two worst teams last year. |
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #28 on: May 03, 2022, 01:37:06 PM » |
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Sounds like we aren't impressed with this draft.
Not sure what it means but we needed a Canadian DL and our chances of getting one might have been slim. The other issue is that our overall Canadian roster is pretty good and there are not a lot of openings for additions. Bombers might have liked what they knew about Cameron as well from 2020 scouting. We could still get a good player at # 13 and now the question is do we go OL or receiver. Things could hinge on what they now think chances of getting Dobson and / or Eli back in 2022. IMO we might look for another receiver since we're very thin. OL is in better shape of those two areas. |
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2019 Grey Cup Champions
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Blue In BC
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« Reply #29 on: May 03, 2022, 01:39:45 PM » |
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How did #18 become Edn territorial, isn't 18 Wpg's pick in the 2nd round.
I bet Jones is putting something together to get Pelly in the supplemental with #8 and probably something from next year... He's a weasel!!!
Sorry. I should have said Elks have the # 19 pick. |
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2019 Grey Cup Champions
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Throw Long Bannatyne
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« Reply #30 on: May 03, 2022, 04:41:34 PM » |
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I'd still like to get Eli back in 2022. IMO he'd start at LG ahead of Gray. In any case it would improve our Canadian depth on the OL.
If the covid requirement proof for airlines goes away, we may see him back shortly after the start of the season.
It sure doesn't look like Eli is coming back, he doesn't seem to have the commitment or motivation to resume his football career and with his body type he may have gained a ton of weight in the off-season if he hasn't been training for camp. The Covid rules are fast disappearing, he probably could have signed with any CFL team of his choice at a healthy salary by now, if wanted to play football, he hasn't. I have not heard any reports he has been pursuing any NFL opportunities either. |
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M.O.A.B.
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« Reply #31 on: May 03, 2022, 05:00:36 PM » |
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I'm guessing it will be a future pick at #13 for the Bombers, perhaps Jesse Luketa ?
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« Last Edit: May 03, 2022, 07:10:23 PM by M.O.A.B. »
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Pigskin
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« Reply #32 on: May 03, 2022, 06:46:43 PM » |
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I'm guessing the Bombers it will be a future pick at #13 for the Bombers, perhaps Jesse Luketa ?
Luketa would be a interesting pick. |
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Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror.
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Nic16
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« Reply #33 on: May 03, 2022, 07:14:53 PM » |
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My top 20 mock
MTL - Richards LB
BC (last minute trade with OTT) - Philpott Rec
BC - Philpott Rec
EE - Makonzo LB
CGY - Knight DL
Tor - Adeboboye RB
Sask - Zerr OL
EE - Tre Ford QB
MTL - Hogan-Saidon OL
EE - Tyrell Ford DB
OTT - Emilus Rec
OTT - Pelohos OL
WBB - Rodeem Brown OL
CGY - Dalke DB
TOR - Federico DL
SASK - Cherry DL
HAM - Fry OL
MTL - Joshua Archibald DL
EE Territorial pick - Shakel
OTT Territorial pick - Luketa
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Jesse
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« Reply #34 on: May 03, 2022, 07:53:53 PM » |
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Not sure what it means but we needed a Canadian DL and our chances of getting one might have been slim. The other issue is that our overall Canadian roster is pretty good and there are not a lot of openings for additions. Bombers might have liked what they knew about Cameron as well from 2020 scouting.
We could still get a good player at # 13 and now the question is do we go OL or receiver. Things could hinge on what they now think chances of getting Dobson and / or Eli back in 2022.
IMO we might look for another receiver since we're very thin. OL is in better shape of those two areas.
At the very least, it means we think a guy drafted at the end of the second round last year is better than who we might get in the first round this year. And that's fine. He looks like a good prospect. |
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Nic16
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« Reply #35 on: May 03, 2022, 08:06:13 PM » |
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At the very least, it means we think a guy drafted at the end of the second round last year is better than who we might get in the first round this year.
And that's fine. He looks like a good prospect.
Agreed. If Walters ends up with Lawson thru trade, Brown or Pelehos @ 13, and can somehow get their hands on Gavin Cobb, I would judge that as a job very well done no matter what else he does tonight. |
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TecnoGenius
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« Reply #36 on: May 03, 2022, 08:44:49 PM » |
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The other issue is that our overall Canadian roster is pretty good and there are not a lot of openings for additions. Bombers might have liked what they knew about Cameron as well from 2020 scouting.
Ya, we're pretty well stocked for NATs, except maybe OL. Also, '21 and '22 have the weird aspect of being able to pick stragglers from the "forgotten" '20 class. I think there are a lot of NAT FAs out there still, too. The league is kind of swimming in NATs right now... well, except OL. |
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Never go full Rider!
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theaardvark
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« Reply #37 on: May 03, 2022, 09:32:46 PM » |
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BC drafting twins? When has that ever worked out for a team in BC?
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Unabashed positron. Blue koolaid in my fridge. I wear my blue sunglasses at night. Homer, d'oh.
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