Bombers sign 4, including former Elks OL Antonio Garcia

[VictorRomano]

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-four-including-former-edmonton-elks-ol-antonio-garcia/

"The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed four American players, including receiver D'Marcus Adams, offensive lineman Antonio Garcia, linebacker Marvin Pierre, and defensive back Marcus Hillman.

Adams was on Edmonton's practice roster for part of this past year but didn't see any regular-season action. The six-foot, 185-pound native of Ormond Beach, Fla. finished his collegiate career at Syracuse University where he made seven catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns, returned six kickoffs for 93 yards, and returned 16 punts for 119 yards.

Garcia was most recently with Edmonton but didn't see any regular-season action with the team in 2024. The six-foot-seven, 305-pound native of Houston, Texas was originally a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots before NFL stints with the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Miami Dolphins. The 31-year-old blocker has also been a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Vegas Vipers, DC Defenders, and Philadelphia Stars.

Pierre attended training camp with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this past season but was released before the start of the regular season. The six-foot-one, 221-pound native of Rahway, N.J. signed with the Arizona Cardinals after going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft but was released before training camp got underway. He later signed with the Green Bay Packers and dressed for one preseason game, though he was waived shortly thereafter.

Hillman attended a portion of training camp with the Blue Bombers last year but was cut before its conclusion. The six-foot, 200-pound native of Camden, N.J. played 47 collegiate games at Elon University where he made 101 tackles, 13 sacks, one interception, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and five pass knockdowns. He was named first-team All-Coastal Athletic Association as a senior."

[Blueforlife]

Thanks for letting us know! 

I don't know these names but hopefully add some depth at the very least

[VictorRomano]

Thanks for letting us know! 

I don't know these names but hopefully add some depth at the very least

Hillman was in our TC last year (and in 2023), but was cut before the end of camp both times.  They must have seen something in him to bring him back. 

The rest look like TC prospects, Garcia in particular.  He has good size, but his measurables (24 reps on the bench, 5.15 40 yard dash) are nothing special.  For reference to other Bombers, Gabe Wallace put up 29 reps on his pro day with a 5.84 40yd dash, Kendall Randolph did 23 with a 4.95 40yd dash, Chris Kolankowski did 22 reps with a 5.19 40yd dash, and Micah Vanterpool did 16 reps with a 5.29 40yd dash. There's no data for Paddy Neufeld or Tui Eli (who didn't even attend his pro day). Big Stan did not bench at his combine, but ran a 5.02 40yd dash.  Liam Dobson also did not participate in his pro day, but was clocked at a 5.22 40yd dash.  This might be why Garcia has had trouble sticking around in any league he's been in.

[Blue In BC]

It probably doesn't mean much but we have at least 4 import OL ( 2 rookies and 2 PR from 2024 ) signed for TC. That's earlier than usual and might be leverage in getting Lofton to re-sign or a decision to replace him?

[ModAdmin]

Keep in mind the Bombers have not released this so it is not official.

[TecnoGenius]

The rest look like TC prospects, Garcia in particular.  He has good size, but his measurables (24 reps on the bench, 5.15 40 yard dash) are nothing special.

Yes, Garcia piques the interest.  Mafia has a way of finding the castoffs that have potential and then getting the best out of them.

Is Garcia a natural OT or OG?  What we really need is a dev IMP OT for when Stan retires or Lofton leaves (or starts underperforming).

[Jesse]

Sunderland bringing in a bunch of his Elks players.