BLUE BOMBERS RE-SIGN SHAYNE GUATHIER

[Blueforlife]

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/02/12/blue-bombers-re-sign-shayne-guathier/

Good depth signing!

[Jesse]

Nothing wrong with this.

[blue_gold_84]

This is good news.

[Blue In BC]

I expected we'd bring him back. He's still a good player on ST's and at times on defence. That said, I'd like to see his role more limited on defence however it's not clear who would pick up the slack.

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers add offensive lineman to roster

WINNIPEG, MB., February 12, 2024 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with veteran Canadian linebacker Shayne Gauthier.

He was scheduled to become a Canadian Football League free agent tomorrow.

Gauthier (5-10, 234; Laval; born: February 2, 1992, in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Que.) returns to the Blue Bombers for an eighth season in 2024 after originally being selected by the club in the fourth round, 28th overall, in the 2016 CFL Draft.

Gauthier was limited to six games in 2023 due to injury, causing him to miss action for the first time in four seasons. He finished the year with six defensive tackles and three more on special teams before suiting up for both the Western Final and Grey Cup games.

He posted career-best numbers in 2022 as he saw regular work in the defensive rotation and finished with 28 tackles and the first two quarterback sacks of his career.

Gauthier has now dressed for 87 regular-season CFL games, all with the Blue Bombers, and is a two-time Grey Cup champion following victories in 2019 and 2021.

He played his college ball at Laval, registering 130 tackles over four seasons while twice being named a RSEQ All-Star while earning CIS Second-Team All-Canadian honours as a senior.

[CrazyCanuck89]

I expected we'd bring him back. He's still a good player on ST's and at times on defence. That said, I'd like to see his role more limited on defence however it's not clear who would pick up the slack.

Why?  He hasn't hindered your defense in any way.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Great signing, now onto to Gray, Bailey, Clements and Castillo.

[Blue In BC]

Why?  He hasn't hindered your defense in any way.

Lack of speed to be used too often on defence other than situational IMO.

[Blueforlife]

Lack of speed to be used too often on defence other than situational IMO.

Good against the run and can start in a pinch

[Pigskin]

Lack of speed to be used too often on defence other than situational IMO.

Lack of speed? I remember his speed saving our bacon in one playoff game against the Riders. I watch a lot of Bomber practices, when healthy, SG44 can still run well for a 5'10" 235 LB.

[TecnoGenius]

Gauthier has single-handedly saved 2 (maybe 3) games with his better IQ and awareness and athleticism.  When all the other players are going the wrong way, he's the one sniffing out the real deal.

The limited D reps he does get, he doesn't seem to be a detriment.  You always need a mix of young & old on ST to ensure the torch is passed on properly.  I can see Miller having had a hand in requesting his return.

[Blue In BC]

Lack of speed? I remember his speed saving our bacon in one playoff game against the Riders. I watch a lot of Bomber practices, when healthy, SG44 can still run well for a 5'10" 235 LB.

That was 2021 IIRC.  He played 6 games in 2023 and will be 32 before TC starts. You may increase your football IQ as you play longer but you don';t get any faster.

EDIT: I see Briggs was transferred to retired list today.

[Blueforlife]

That was 2021 IIRC.  He played 6 games in 2023 and will be 32 before TC starts. You may increase your football IQ as you play longer but you don';t get any faster.

EDIT: I see Briggs was transferred to retired list today.

I really liked Briggs, sad to see him go but he had a good run as a depth player with us.

[Blue In BC]

I really liked Briggs, sad to see him go but he had a good run as a depth player with us.

He served the team well but he clearly was on the downside the last couple of years. It was time to move on and we have to find some roster space for a couple of 2024 draft choices.

Interesting that 2021 was his best year on defence but 2023 was a good year for him on ST's.

[Blueforlife]

He served the team well but he clearly was on the downside the last couple of years. It was time to move on and we have to find some roster space for a couple of 2024 draft choices.

Interesting that 2021 was his best year on defence but 2023 was a good year for him on ST's.

I have never checked his stats but that sounds about right.  Good point about a roster spot for the next gen.

[dd]

This signing is much like Thomas's signing- another role player, NAT depth player, nothing more, nothing less.

[Pete]

Good signing, a player we can slot in throughout the game and trust to play well. A nice under the radar signing

[TecnoGenius]

He served the team well but he clearly was on the downside the last couple of years. It was time to move on and we have to find some roster space for a couple of 2024 draft choices.

He's the Miles of this year.  It happens to them all, especially aging mostly-STer NATs.  They are actually lucky, they seem to get to hang around 3-6 seasons longer than similar IMPs.

Briggs, I think, was more on the IQ/organization side of things the last couple of seasons than the athletic/speed side.

Does this now make Gauthier the oldest/vet-ist mostly-STer on the roster?

I thank Briggs for his service, he was always solid, and one of those "glue" pieces that keep things stable behind the scenes.

[Blue In BC]

He's the Miles of this year.  It happens to them all, especially aging mostly-STer NATs.  They are actually lucky, they seem to get to hang around 3-6 seasons longer than similar IMPs.

Briggs, I think, was more on the IQ/organization side of things the last couple of seasons than the athletic/speed side.

Does this now make Gauthier the oldest/vet-ist mostly-STer on the roster?

I thank Briggs for his service, he was always solid, and one of those "glue" pieces that keep things stable behind the scenes.

I agree that Briggs has a high football IQ and was a veteran leader on the team. I don't know if he has any interest in coaching but it might be a place we see him back. Gauthier as well is a team kind of guy that plays an important role.

As I said, we have 10 draft choices and 2 or 3 might make the AR. Depends on injuries in TC but that is all part of succession on any roster. There will be some nominal SMS savings as older role players depart but it's more about developing draft choices.

Usually we see a couple return for another college season, a few make the AR or IR and a few end up on the PR in season 1.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I agree that Briggs has a high football IQ and was a veteran leader on the team. I don't know if he has any interest in coaching but it might be a place we see him back. Gauthier as well is a team kind of guy that plays an important role.

As I said, we have 10 draft choices and 2 or 3 might make the AR. Depends on injuries in TC but that is all part of succession on any roster. There will be some nominal SMS savings as older role players depart but it's more about developing draft choices.

Usually we see a couple return for another college season, a few make the AR or IR and a few end up on the PR in season 1.

I would guess half the draft picks are cut, never to be heard from again.

[kkc60]

I would guess half the draft picks are cut, never to be heard from again.

there's been some rough drafting lately, hopefully this year goes a bit better

[blue_gold_84]

there's been some rough drafting lately, hopefully this year goes a bit better

Since 2020, the team has selected Hallett, O'Leary-Orange, Cadwallader, Dobson, Kramdi, Ford, Bennett.

What's been rough about the drafting?

[Blue In BC]

I would guess half the draft picks are cut, never to be heard from again.

Half would be a little high. We have 5 on our roster that were drafted in 2023. Many spent most of the year on the PR, but they are still around.

IDK how good / bad the 2024 draft crop is or what direction we choose to draft.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Good signing.

[kkc60]

Since 2020, the team has selected Hallett, O'Leary-Orange, Cadwallader, Dobson, Kramdi, Ford, Bennett.

What's been rough about the drafting?

Outside of Kramdi and Cadwallader, what have any of those guys really done? Dobson has potential, but he was also a first round pick so I would hope he shows something. Our lack of drafting success led to 2 DI spots going to LBs for STs and one to a fullback because our other one on the roster (Burtenshaw) couldn't even crack the roster on STs

[Blue In BC]

Outside of Kramdi and Cadwallader, what have any of those guys really done? Dobson has potential, but he was also a first round pick so I would hope he shows something. Our lack of drafting success led to 2 DI spots going to LBs for STs and one to a fullback because our other one on the roster (Burtenshaw) couldn't even crack the roster on STs

Hallett has bbeen pretty good when he's played at safety. Ford looked really good but had an NFL dream to chase. Some have suggested he might be good enough to start at CB if he returns.

BTW. We drafted Oliveria in 2021. How did that work out for you?

[kkc60]

Hallett has bbeen pretty good when he's played at safety. Ford looked really good but had an NFL dream to chase. Some have suggested he might be good enough to start at CB if he returns.

BTW. We drafted Oliveria in 2021. How did that work out for you?

I'm assuming when he put Hallett he was referencing Noah, since he shared a class with Kramdi and Dobson.

Did I say every draft pick has been bad? No. Drafting is a crapshoot a good chunk of the time, but guys like Miller, Briggs and Exume need to be properly replaced. 

[Blue In BC]

I'm assuming when he put Hallett he was referencing Noah, since he shared a class with Kramdi and Dobson.

Did I say every draft pick has been bad? No. Drafting is a crapshoot a good chunk of the time, but guys like Miller, Briggs and Exume need to be properly replaced. 

I get it. I'm anti ratio but it is what it is. I'd be fine with increasing the number of imports ( as DI's?) and reducing the number of Canadian back ups.

[blue_gold_84]

Outside of Kramdi and Cadwallader, what have any of those guys really done?

Don't move the goalposts.

BTW. We drafted Oliveria in 2021. How did that work out for you?

Oliveira was drafted in 2019.

[kkc60]

Don't move the goalposts.

Oliveira was drafted in 2019.

I didn't. That's two players from one draft class. It's too soon to say anything about this past class, and I have hope for Dobson but we had no servicable canadians to step in when Gauthier and Briggs missed time, not to mention when we lost Miller for the year too.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Half would be a little high. We have 5 on our roster that were drafted in 2023. Many spent most of the year on the PR, but they are still around.

IDK how good / bad the 2024 draft crop is or what direction we choose to draft.

Referring more to the later round picks, some of which decide not to pursue football.

[blue_gold_84]

I didn't. That's two players from one draft class. It's too soon to say anything about this past class, and I have hope for Dobson but we had no servicable canadians to step in when Gauthier and Briggs missed time, not to mention when we lost Miller for the year too.

I mean, what's the timeframe in which to determine if a drafted player is a bust or not?

I think the team has drafted dependent primarily on necessity, so I'm not sure I understand how drafting has been rough recently.

[theaardvark]

Getting one player a draft that will eventually start is awesome.  Getting another one or two that can help out on teams is a good year as well.

You will rarely get more than that, and when you do, that means someone did some great scouting, and then some great coaching.

With 10 picks this year, I hope we do better than that average.

[Jesse]

Since 2020, the team has selected Hallett, O'Leary-Orange, Cadwallader, Dobson, Kramdi, Ford, Bennett.

What's been rough about the drafting?

One starter in 4 years of drafts? Seems a little rough. And that's if Kramdi keeps his spot.

[blue_gold_84]

One starter in 4 years of drafts? Seems a little rough. And that's if Kramdi keeps his spot.

Is "starter material" the only metric by which to measure the quality of a selection?

Rosters need depth. Proper drafting addresses more than one need.

[Jesse]

Is "starter material" the only metric by which to measure the quality of a selection?

Rosters need depth. Proper drafting addresses more than one need.

It's certainly a big one.

The last few drafts have been disappointing (since 2019 - which was a great one). We're one of the worst teams in the league in terms of our drafted players as a percentage of our active roster.

We've obviously been successfully anyway, but it is an area we could improve in.

[blue_gold_84]

It's certainly a big one.

The last few drafts have been disappointing (since 2019 - which was a great one). We're one of the worst teams in the league in terms of our drafted players as a percentage of our active roster.

We've obviously been successfully anyway, but it is an area we could improve in.

I don't have those stats, so please share them if you do.

I just can't agree with the claim the team's drafting has been rough. Rough has a very negative connotation, IMO.

[Pigskin]

I would really like to know what Ford is doing? He has been in limbo for awhile now.

[CrazyCanuck89]

Is "starter material" the only metric by which to measure the quality of a selection?

Rosters need depth. Proper drafting addresses more than one need.

It is for rounds 1-3.  If 4-7, turn into depth/special teams players, than you did good.

[theaardvark]

2019 Kyle hit it out of the park, drafting:

Pick #, player

4 Desjarlais
5 Kongbo
14 Oliviera
34 Eli
61 Nick Hallett
70 Exhume

He missed on Connor Griffiths and Malik Richards...  but still... that's half a decades worth of good draft picks in one draft...

In 2020:

18 Noah Hallett
37 Oleary-Orange
39 Liegghio
64 Cadwallader

2021:
3 Dobson
18 Kramdi

2022:
13 Ty Ford

2023
8 Bennett
26 Murphy
35 Scmekel

So, yeah, since 2019, Walters has been barely keeping up, but we've used DP's in trades to get players rather than draft with them when fielding championship teams.

2020 Picks for Collaros
2022 Picks for Lawson, Castillo

I think the Bombers have a pretty solid use of the draft...

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I would really like to know what Ford is doing? He has been in limbo for awhile now.

He's under contract, so if he wants to play football this year, he'll show up at TC.  I guess if he doesn't show, he's no longer interested in playing football.

Edit: Confirmed Ford is coming back.

[TecnoGenius]

I mean, what's the timeframe in which to determine if a drafted player is a bust or not?

If they are dressing regularly for games after 2 seasons, and still dressing in their 4th season, I'd call that success.  Doesn't matter if they are "just a STer", or whether they are starting.

If they are still PR after 3 seasons then that's a bust.  OL might be the only exception.

If you find a legit NAT starter once in 3 seasons, then you are winning the lotto.  Maybe less so for the "placeholders" (like some FS) if the team is super desperate on the ratio (Hurl).

Recent super-successes of CFL draft are: MTL's Philpot, SSK's KSB, MTL's Uguyak (sp?), etc.  I'm not sure if he's a superstar, but Kramdi would also qualify as a legit full-time starter.  Desjar and Gray also.

[Pigskin]

We actually traded our first round pick (9) in 2022 to Montreal for one of there second round picks (13). They took Philpot and we took Ford. Philpot score the winning TD in the GC. Ouch.

[Jesse]

In the 4 years before winning the Grey Cup in 2019, we drafted:
Couture, Loffler, Gauthier (2016), Gray (2017), Desjarlais, Kongbo, Oliveira, Eli, Hallett, and Exume (2019).

That's 5 staters so far and Eli may become one this year (if not this year, probably next). Not to mention the significant depth/ST contributions Gauthier, Hallet, and Exume.

[theaardvark]

We actually traded our first round pick (9) in 2022 to Montreal for one of there second round picks (13). They took Philpot and we took Ford. Philpot score the winning TD in the GC. Ouch.

We also got Lawson in that deal, we didn't give the pick up for nothing. 

It ended up Philpot and Rodeem Brown for Cam Lawson and Ty Ford.  We will see this year whether we win this trade long term.

[TecnoGenius]

We also got Lawson in that deal, we didn't give the pick up for nothing. 

It ended up Philpot and Rodeem Brown for Cam Lawson and Ty Ford.  We will see this year whether we win this trade long term.

Ya, it's always hard to judge these things.  Who's to say we would have taken Philpot with that pick?  Probably not, as we would rarely take a WR that high in the draft.

Lawson is solid; a shoe-in as the "next Fatboi".