Calgary @ Winnipeg

[theaardvark]

Hockey, baseball and basketball don't have ratios. I don't think most of fans at games can name all the Canadians on the roster. I can. You might but that isn't generally true.

I cheer for players on the roster whether they are from Winnipeg or Alabama or beyond.

Fans cheer for the stars on a team. If they are Canadian all the better.

Don't think they are concerned that Lawler, Schoen, Bighill, Bryant, Nichols, Streveler or Collaros are not Canadian.

They are concerned when a given player is not good enough to be on the team or starting.

Sure it makes the game more interesting because of the mandates but that's an artificial situation.

There never used to be 4 extra DI's on rosters either. 

So where do you draw the line? Does the quality of the game go down if you eliminate more Americans?  Bombers have better Canadian depth than most teams.

In spite of that we've heard posters talk about Thomas, Kolo, Kramdi shouldn't be starting. In fairness there have been comments that Alexander, Lofton, Bighill shouldn't be starting either.

Keep in mind that the roster was 32 players long ago with 15 imports and 17 Canadians. Many of the imports played both ways and seldom came off the field.

Pretty sure most junior hockey leagues have very strict import rules.  Most European leagues as well. 

https://thejuniorhockeynews.com/the-import-player-rule-part-one-understanding-the-basics/

NHL, NFL, NBA or MLB don't, but I'm sure that many development leagues have restrictions.

All to support the development of local talent.

[Blueforlife]

I'm Canadian and I hate the ratio. It's form of discrimination whether you admit it or not.  I'm all for Canadians doing well. Having a ratio to prevent others that may be better players not be included, is just not right.

You might note that the ratio includes global players on both the AR and PR. That is at the cost of Canadian players. It has nothing to do with whether they are better than either imports or Canadians.

Just another reason to hate the ratio.

Your opinion on the ratio is a wee bit over the top imo. 

It's what makes our league unique and Canadian. It provides a great career for many Canadians.  It creates community. 

CFL football has a tremendous history and the hate on the ratio is essentially hating the league and the legacy of this great sports organization.  The CFL is much more than just a sport, it's a part of our culture.

Hockey, baseball and basketball don't have ratios. I don't think most of fans at games can name all the Canadians on the roster. I can. You might but that isn't generally true.

I cheer for players on the roster whether they are from Winnipeg or Alabama or beyond.

Fans cheer for the stars on a team. If they are Canadian all the better.

Don't think they are concerned that Lawler, Schoen, Bighill, Bryant, Nichols, Streveler or Collaros are not Canadian.

They are concerned when a given player is not good enough to be on the team or starting.

Sure it makes the game more interesting because of the mandates but that's an artificial situation.

There never used to be 4 extra DI's on rosters either. 

So where do you draw the line? Does the quality of the game go down if you eliminate more Americans?  Bombers have better Canadian depth than most teams.

In spite of that we've heard posters talk about Thomas, Kolo, Kramdi shouldn't be starting. In fairness there have been comments that Alexander, Lofton, Bighill shouldn't be starting either.

Keep in mind that the roster was 32 players long ago with 15 imports and 17 Canadians. Many of the imports played both ways and seldom came off the field.

"Thomas, Kolo, Kramdi shouldn't be starting"

Shouldn't be starting.... makes zero sense imo unless I am not interpreting you post correctly?  This isn't fantasy land.  This is CFL football and they should be starting as they are all the best Canadians we have at those positions.  All decent players.  Ratio is here to stay.

I don't believe the Canadian talent is an issue across the league, I strongly believe that talent is only getting better and contributes to each teams success and entertainment value.

Now back to the topic of the thread...

Not too concerned about our injuries at this time.  Happy to see no report on Bonds.  BO took a shot on the upper body (big hit), likely hurt his shoulder there.  Just hope these injuries are minor and will heal.  Would hate to have these players nicked all year.

[ModAdmin]

Paul Friesen
@friesensunmedia
It's Lucky 13 at Blue #Bombers practice. Whitehead's new number at REC.  Even luckier 8: QB Zach Collaros back at the controls.
10:01 AM · Jul 8, 2024
·

[Blue In BC]

Your opinion on the ratio is a wee bit over the top imo. 

It's what makes our league unique and Canadian. It provides a great career for many Canadians.  It creates community. 

CFL football has a tremendous history and the hate on the ratio is essentially hating the league and the legacy of this great sports organization.  The CFL is much more than just a sport, it's a part of our culture."Thomas, Kolo, Kramdi shouldn't be starting"

Shouldn't be starting.... makes zero sense.  This isn't fantasy land.  This is CFL football and they should be starting as they are all the best Canadians we have at those positions.  All decent players.  Ratio is here to stay.

Now back to the topic of the thread...

Not too concerned about our injuries at this time.  Happy to see no report on Bonds.  BO took a shot on the upper body (big hit), likely hurt his shoulder there.  Just hope these injuries are minor and will heal.  Would hate to have these players nicked all year.

Well when another poster suggests a difference of opinion makes me non Canadian then I'm going to challenge that comment.

I haven't specifically said that Thomas, Kolo or Kramdi shouldn't be starting. However, I have questioned whether that was our best option. There are several others that have suggested others should be starting in front of them.

Saying they are the best Canadians we have at those positions is not a primary reason for them to start. The scouting didn't do a good job to bring in imports to compete for those positions.

There was zero doubt that those players were going to start before TC started.

Now I can't blame those 3 directly for our current record. I would point out that Thomas had a knock down but had no impact on pressuring the QB or making DT's. He wasn't the only one but our DL was not effective.

Kramdi has been burned seriously several times.  We don't have the luxury of film or know who was responsible for what on each play. Even the best get burned at times. However, I'm not seeing what we saw when we had Leggett or Maston always " making " plays.

You and I have had our conversational battles over the years. You refuse to see anything negative about the team. The rules make the game unique. The ratio is something only some die hard fans care about.

Try being a little less bias and look at the reality. Bombers had to start Hurl because we needed a 7th Canadian at the time. Obviously years ago, but that's the point.

Next time you go to a game, ask 3 fans sitting next to you what they think. Ask them if they can name 15 Canadians on the roster. Let me know what they say.

[Blue In BC]

Pretty sure most junior hockey leagues have very strict import rules.  Most European leagues as well. 

https://thejuniorhockeynews.com/the-import-player-rule-part-one-understanding-the-basics/

NHL, NFL, NBA or MLB don't, but I'm sure that many development leagues have restrictions.

All to support the development of local talent.

Then why does the CFL need what the other pro sports played in Canada don't?  I don't watch much hockey but how many Canadian players are on the Jets?

I don't care if we start 20 Canadians if we're winning. This is not to say we'd be winning if we were only starting 7 either. some our imports are injured or not ready for prime time.

I wonder how many posters that are pro ratio would complain if ratio was changed to eliminate the DI's and add 4 more Canadians.  How can you develop more Canadians if we continue to find ways to eliminate roster spots for one reason or another.

The ratio has been fluid over the past 50 years. Rosters have increased and we don't see too many two way players anymore.

The recent rule about creating Nationalized Canadians with a new designation for veteran imports is just another way around the ratio. Do pro ratio folks like that
change?

[Blueforlife]

Well when another poster suggests a difference of opinion makes me non Canadian then I'm going to challenge that comment.

I haven't specifically said that Thomas, Kolo or Kramdi shouldn't be starting. However, I have questioned whether that was our best option. There are several others that have suggested others should be starting in front of them.

Saying they are the best Canadians we have at those positions is not a primary reason for them to start. The scouting didn't do a good job to bring in imports to compete for those positions.

There was zero doubt that those players were going to start before TC started.

Now I can't blame those 3 directly for our current record. I would point out that Thomas had a knock down but had no impact on pressuring the QB or making DT's. He wasn't the only one but our DL was not effective.

Kramdi has been burned seriously several times.  We don't have the luxury of film or know who was responsible for what on each play. Even the best get burned at times. However, I'm not seeing what we saw when we had Leggett or Maston always " making " plays.

You and I have had our conversational battles over the years. You refuse to see anything negative about the team. The rules make the game unique. The ratio is something only some die hard fans care about.

Try being a little less bias and look at the reality. Bombers had to start Hurl because we needed a 7th Canadian at the time. Obviously years ago, but that's the point.

Next time you go to a game, ask 3 fans sitting next to you what they think. Ask them if they can name 15 Canadians on the roster. Let me know what they say.

Would would you start in front of the three players? What other Canadians would you rotate in? I believe these three are our best option at the moment.  I do value your opinion and knowledge as you have a deep understanding of the rules, players, game in general.

Starting good Canadian players is always the goal of any CFL club.  The best teams often have the best Canadian depth.  I disagree it's a scouting issue.  To replace these starting Canadians you need to be patient develop players, draft well or trade for Canadian vets.  Yes we could have brought in imports at these positions but then other positions would need Canadians to step up.  Not as simple or as linear of a process as you make it out to be.

Kramdi has got burnt but has shown promise and is developing.  I think it will be worth a few bumps in the road.  Kramdi has played poorly, average and very well in his time here.  The consistency in his game is what is missing.  He isn't and likely never will be a huge maker.  I see the promise of a good steady player.  Thomas has been nothing but extremely consistent and reliable.  He is at the tail end of a good career. He shows flashes of making big plays.  Less as he ages.  Kolo I know less about and won't comment too much.  Reliable and consistent enough to start imo.  Likely a long term Bomber and I am happy with that.

There is no bias here in term of this discussion.  We are not talking about the club we are talking about the league and the ratio.  It's my opinion that the ratio is a critical part of it.  Bringing up Hurl has nothing to do with this conversation.  Bringing up a player that under preformed years ago brings nothing to the discussion.

I am not sure what a survey of fans would result in terms of their knowledge of the Canadian talent.  I would he interested in seeing those results (larger sample).  Asking 15 people at a game would mean nothing.  The sample size would be insufficient.  I don't see what that survey has to do with the ratio debate.  Players are recognized by many factors including their longevity with the team, the position they play, their success / star power and how much press / media time they get (and a bunch of other factors I'm missing).  I believe many hard core CFL fans could name a bunch of Canadians on each of the leagues teams.  I would be bad at that game because of my poor memory but I do play attention on TV and to programs to see where all the players are from, years in league, etc.

I am supportive on how the rosters are managed today and strongly believe the Canadian talent is critical to this great league.  It's fine you don't support it but I believe you are under valuing the contributions of the Canadian members throughout the league and it's impact on this great country.

My opinion on globals is positive as I have liked the talent they have brought in.  I like how it gives lesser know latent from other countries a shot to play pro ball.  I am ok with how the rosters are managed today and would like to ensure spots for Canadian players are always a part of this league.  However, I haven't liked some of the changes to roster management has created very complicated rules that even some clubs have voiced their opinion about.  I generally prefered the way rosters were managed years ago, was just more simple and easy to understand.

Saying I refuse to see anything negative about the team is not true.  I have been on here for many years and have debating the good, bad and ugly about this club for as long as I can remember.  I have a track record of support the current core of players, coaches and management for a very long time.  I have liked what I see over our mini dynasty run and still do.  When I don't like what I see I'll have just as strong opinion.

The CFL can't be compared to other major league.  It's uniquely Canadian and so much smaller.  It's always had Canadian talent and always will.  Makes the league richer and great.

The league is popular, has a good TV deal and some clubs have nice facilities.  I see these as key issues, ensuring the next gen supports the league, our TV revenue remains strong and we try to continue build new venues.  I would like to see our weaker markets improved.  I don't see the ratio impacting any of these things.
 

[Blue In BC]

I see the Stamps had injuries to both their healthy RB's. As a result they signed Jamal Morrow. He's not going to be game ready and the Stamps also take a hit on rotation at RB and returner.

Can't hurt our run defence. By default that should improve our ability to pressure Maier and allow LB's to be more active in pass defence. It's not 100% certain that neither of the Stamps RB's can't play but adding in Morrow suggests there is an issue.

It may change by game time but transactions show Samson added to our AR. I wasn't expecting that so we'll see what his role is or whether a Canadian comes off Schmekel perhaps?

[Blue In BC]

Would would you start in front of the three players? What other Canadians would you rotate in? I believe these three are our best option at the moment.  I do value your opinion and knowledge as you have a deep understanding of the rules, players, game in general.

Starting good Canadian players is always the goal of any CFL club.  The best teams often have the best Canadian depth.  I disagree it's a scouting issue.  To replace these starting Canadians you need to be patient develop players, draft well or trade for Canadian vets.  Yes we could have brought in imports at these positions but then other positions would need Canadians to step up.  Not as simple or as linear of a process as you make it out to be.

Kramdi has got burnt but has shown promise and is developing.  I think it will be worth a few bumps in the road.  Kramdi has played poorly, average and very well in his time here.  The consistency in his game is what is missing.  He isn't and likely never will be a huge maker.  I see the promise of a good steady player.  Thomas has been nothing but extremely consistent and reliable.  He is at the tail end of a good career. He shows flashes of making big plays.  Less as he ages.  Kolo I know less about and won't comment too much.  Reliable and consistent enough to start imo.  Likely a long term Bomber and I am happy with that.

There is no bias here in term of this discussion.  We are not talking about the club we are talking about the league and the ratio.  It's my opinion that the ratio is a critical part of it.  Bringing up Hurl has nothing to do with this conversation.  Bringing up a player that under preformed years ago brings nothing to the discussion.

I am not sure what a survey of fans would result in terms of their knowledge of the Canadian talent.  I would he interested in seeing those results (larger sample).  Asking 15 people at a game would mean nothing.  The sample size would be insufficient.  I don't see what that survey has to do with the ratio debate.  Players are recognized by many factors including their longevity with the team, the position they play, their success / star power and how much press / media time they get (and a bunch of other factors I'm missing).  I believe many hard core CFL fans could name a bunch of Canadians on each of the leagues teams.  I would be bad at that game because of my poor memory but I do play attention on TV and to programs to see where all the players are from, years in league, etc.

I am supportive on how the rosters are managed today and strongly believe the Canadian talent is critical to this great league.  It's fine you don't support it but I believe you are under valuing the contributions of the Canadian members throughout the league and it's impact on this great country.

My opinion on globals is positive as I have liked the talent they have brought in.  I like how it gives lesser know latent from other countries a shot to play pro ball.  I am ok with how the rosters are managed today and would like to ensure spots for Canadian players are always a part of this league.  However, I haven't liked some of the changes to roster management has created very complicated rules that even some clubs have voiced their opinion about.  I generally prefered the way rosters were managed years ago, was just more simple and easy to understand.

Saying I refuse to see anything negative about the team is not true.  I have been on here for many years and have debating the good, bad and ugly about this club for as long as I can remember.  I have a track record of support the current core of players, coaches and management for a very long time.  I have liked what I see over our mini dynasty run and still do.  When I don't like what I see I'll have just as strong opinion.

The CFL can't be compared to other major league.  It's uniquely Canadian and so much smaller.  It's always had Canadian talent and always will.  Makes the league richer and great.

The league is popular, has a good TV deal and some clubs have nice facilities.  I see these as key issues, ensuring the next gen supports the league, our TV revenue remains strong and we try to continue build new venues.  I would like to see our weaker markets improved.  I don't see the ratio impacting any of these things.
 

Well that's a lot of questions. First of al wel aren't required to start 10 Canadians so it's not just about starting our best Canadians. Part of it is we knew we were losing talent on defence on the DL in particular. We went into TC with the knowledge that we could start an import. The same could be said about SAM as well.

Obviously the plan was for Lawson to get the bulk of reps as the Canadian DT  and injuries hurt is with the rookie import recruits. Thomas getting this many reps is not useful and it's hurting the defence.

It seems Samson got moved to the AR but I don't get to see him in practice and have no idea whether he'll see some of the reps Thomas is getting.

I'd give serious thought to playing both Woods and Adams inside taking away as many of Thomas's reps as possible. Actually I'm not sure how many reps Thomas is getting. It doesn't take long to read posts as far back as last year saying we shouldn't be starting Thomas.

In theory we could move Ford to SAM with Kramdi as the back up. Or it could be Griffith as a choice at SAM or taking over at CB if Ford moves.  Realistically we'll have a different option if and when Parker returns to the AR. We spent TC and pre season using Cole at SAM. Did anyone else even get a look?

In the seasons we've had global players, most decent ones are kickers. The others are cannon fodder. We have 2 of the 3 on the PR that haven't seen a live regular game snap. They were given PR spots because they were the only 2 drafted.

Bombers have 1 on the AR and 3 on the PR. If you want ratio for Canadian development then get rid of those spots held by globals and add 4 more Canadians.

Note: That globals haven't been able to displace either a Canadian or Import as a starter. Global punter is a free card on the bingo board since we have to roster one.

Obviously a larger sample of opinions would be of value. My suggestion was just to prove a point. Many fans go to the game for entertainment. It's a live event so I'm not sure that those same fans watch every away game or the majority of other CFL games.

It's a small test, nothing lost by asking 3 random fans sitting next to you.

I think I asked you last year if you could name all the Canadians on the roster without looking it up?

Continued on the next post.

[Blue In BC]

Part 2.

I already mentioned that special roster spots are created for globals at the expense of Canadians. The 2 normal spots on the PR are " extra " spaces. However that could just as easily be added for 2 more Canadians.

I don't know if you've noticed, but there are 3 global players on the PR and only 3 Canadians and 6 Americans. If the addition of Samson to the AR sticks then there are only 2 Canadians on the PR.

We've only got 3 Canadians on the 6 game IR and Noah Hallett has only ever played about 2 games. So it's not injuries that cause this imbalance.

Samson is a 2024 rookie and the other Canadians are a LB and a DB. That's not exactly a succession plan or choice to start a different Canadian at DT. It comes down to needing that to fall to an import. It wasn't difficult to know this would / could be an issue this season.

If you can create 2 spaces for global specific on the PR then certainly we could " force " a better split to have more Canadians on the PR than current. Two of the current globals on the PR have not seen the field in 5 games. Karamoko has has limited reps in game situations.

If teams can find 2 or 3 more Canadians that would be about 30 more jobs for Canadians in development mode.

I'd start a modification of the ratio by eliminating all global spots and switching them to Canadian designations. The 2nd thing I'd do is eliminate the Nationalized American.

While I don't like or agree with the ratio, all these extra designations are in opposition to trying to develop more Canadians.

BTW. Every new CBA there is an effort by the league to reduce the number of Canadians in some fashion.

[Pete]

Is it really an issue, we have traditionally gone with 6 cdns on offence. 3 olineman, rb, 2 receivers. Why we have to continually try to force the 7th to be a dt is beyond me. We spend a lot of our draft picks on this position as well. It would seem to be more easier and cheaper to find a cdn safety. I don't think there would be a drop off to insert Hallet over Alexander. Actually there is no need as we start a cdn db (Ford) and at LB (Kramdl) My issue is the continued stubbornness of having a cdn dt, or even a cdn offensive lineman just because we've always done that.

[Blueforlife]

https://3downnation.com/2024/07/08/calgary-stampeders-sign-former-riders-rb-jamal-morrow-sources/

Stamps RB situation is a big advantage for us.  Our run game is solid and there's will be a big question mark.

Well that's a lot of questions. First of al wel aren't required to start 10 Canadians so it's not just about starting our best Canadians. Part of it is we knew we were losing talent on defence on the DL in particular. We went into TC with the knowledge that we could start an import. The same could be said about SAM as well.

Obviously the plan was for Lawson to get the bulk of reps as the Canadian DT  and injuries hurt is with the rookie import recruits. Thomas getting this many reps is not useful and it's hurting the defence.

It seems Samson got moved to the AR but I don't get to see him in practice and have no idea whether he'll see some of the reps Thomas is getting.

I'd give serious thought to playing both Woods and Adams inside taking away as many of Thomas's reps as possible. Actually I'm not sure how many reps Thomas is getting. It doesn't take long to read posts as far back as last year saying we shouldn't be starting Thomas.

In theory we could move Ford to SAM with Kramdi as the back up. Or it could be Griffith as a choice at SAM or taking over at CB if Ford moves.  Realistically we'll have a different option if and when Parker returns to the AR. We spent TC and pre season using Cole at SAM. Did anyone else even get a look?

In the seasons we've had global players, most decent ones are kickers. The others are cannon fodder. We have 2 of the 3 on the PR that haven't seen a live regular game snap. They were given PR spots because they were the only 2 drafted.

Bombers have 1 on the AR and 3 on the PR. If you want ratio for Canadian development then get rid of those spots held by globals and add 4 more Canadians.

Note: That globals haven't been able to displace either a Canadian or Import as a starter. Global punter is a free card on the bingo board since we have to roster one.

Obviously a larger sample of opinions would be of value. My suggestion was just to prove a point. Many fans go to the game for entertainment. It's a live event so I'm not sure that those same fans watch every away game or the majority of other CFL games.

It's a small test, nothing lost by asking 3 random fans sitting next to you.

I think I asked you last year if you could name all the Canadians on the roster without looking it up?

Continued on the next post.

I don't agree with limiting Thomas's reps.  Big fan of rotation but Thomas is good against the run (north/south).  I do like Woods and Adams, maybe by mid season get them more reps.  For now I like what they are doing for rotation.  Agree about Lawson, he sure was a key cog in our plans.
I wouldn't replace Kramdi with the options you suggest.  Ford needs to learn his spot not be swapped.  Griffin is too raw to know what we got and is suitable for rotation at DB like they have been to get his feet wet.

Parker coming back will open things up for options.  I like Cole but can't comment on his ability to play different roles.

Thanks for the detailed input and convo on the ratio.  It's informative.

Is it really an issue, we have traditionally gone with 6 cdns on offence. 3 olineman, rb, 2 receivers. Why we have to continually try to force the 7th to be a dt is beyond me. We spend a lot of our draft picks on this position as well. It would seem to be more easier and cheaper to find a cdn safety. I don't think there would be a drop off to insert Hallet over Alexander. Actually there is no need as we start a cdn db (Ford) and at LB (Kramdl) My issue is the continued stubbornness of having a cdn dt, or even a cdn offensive lineman just because we've always done that.

If Hallet was a better option than Alexander he would be starting imo.  I don't mind him and he is a good depth player.  Flexibility with having more Canadians is an advantage imo.  Have to be ready to adjust the lineup with many different injury scenarios.  I have nothing against developing a Canadian safety.  Would take time and patience to find a good one.  Developing Kramdi will pay off long term imo.  Ford will be a star in a few years I bet.

[TecnoGenius]

Hockey, baseball and basketball don't have ratios. I don't think most of fans at games can name all the Canadians on the roster. I can. You might but that isn't generally true.

Does the Valour soccer league have a ratio?  (If so, there ya go; if not, maybe they are too minor league with no budget to bring in Americans or globals.)  (I'm also assuming Valour's league is Canada only?  Otherwise ignore this point completely.)

In any case, your point is a red herring because there really is no other league situated as the CFL is.  I'm pretty sure CFL is the only "major league" "pro" sport that is fully contained within Canada.  The "bigger" ML sports are all mostly American-based, thus a Canadian ratio would be asinine (as the X-Era was in the CFL).

The CFL is unique, and the ratio is unique, and we all know the stated goals and purposes -- and, the ratio has been around forever, at least since I was born, which is "forever" enough for me.

If you ditch the ratio tomorrow what you have is the CFL turning into XFL, AAF, US Spring League, or other <insert crappy short-lived American NFL-knockoff here>.  I've watched a lot of those.  They all suck.  Hard.  No one wants that.  I don't want an NFL-lite up here.  I want the CFL.  It's fine the way it is.  If you want a no-ratio all-American all-NFL-reject league, go watch those ones!

(And I'm not being antagonistic, I get what you're saying, but the reality is it's the ratio that makes the CFL CFL.  Give it some more thought, and argue why we wouldn't become just another US-adjunct league.)

[TecnoGenius]

Now I can't blame those 3 directly for our current record. I would point out that Thomas had a knock down but had no impact on pressuring the QB or making DT's. He wasn't the only one but our DL was not effective.

Watch again!  I have a keen eye on Fatboi as one of my fave players, and he's been getting big push on OLs forcing them close to the QB, which makes the QB antsy.  Ya, doesn't get a stat, but it makes QBs make mistakes.

I wish Fatboi could shed blocks a little better for run stop, but that's never been his strong suit.  I think the plan for him is to get him to tie up as many OL as he can, and do unexpected things to throw off OL and mess with the pocket.

Remember when everyone said Jake isn't an everydown guy?  Ya, well, he's an everydown guy now! (For a couple of seasons now)

[TecnoGenius]

I'd start a modification of the ratio by eliminating all global spots and switching them to Canadian designations. The 2nd thing I'd do is eliminate the Nationalized American.

I'd be all over that.  But clearly the league is not immune to questionable social zeitgeists.  It is what it is, and I doubt those who call the shots (and I'm not talking Ambrosie) will abandon the boondoggle -- on-field product and NAT participation be darned.

[Blue In BC]

Is it really an issue, we have traditionally gone with 6 cdns on offence. 3 olineman, rb, 2 receivers. Why we have to continually try to force the 7th to be a dt is beyond me. We spend a lot of our draft picks on this position as well. It would seem to be more easier and cheaper to find a cdn safety. I don't think there would be a drop off to insert Hallet over Alexander. Actually there is no need as we start a cdn db (Ford) and at LB (Kramdl) My issue is the continued stubbornness of having a cdn dt, or even a cdn offensive lineman just because we've always done that.

Where Canadians start is fluid. Most teams don't start a Canadian RB either. OL and DL are part of the supply and demand issue as far as availability. Finding a Canadian safety is the opposite of that volume wise.

Ford looks like he's going to become a top CB so I have no issue with a few growing pains. It's easier to see that on TV then it is evaluating Kramdi. The SAM has varying duties and without game film and knowing the responsibilities, harder to judge.

I don't know that teams try to force the 7th as a DT. While Canadian receivers are becoming better all the time, the supply / demand issue means we look into the American pool for talent.  Ditto for LB's and DB's in general.

That essentially means the CFL tends to look at the OL pool for a large number of starters. There is a larger American pool there as well, but it's a question of where can teams draft players most likely to play at a good level.