2026 CFL Draft - Blue Bomber Selections

[Pete]

The difference between Santos Knox and Sankey is the $$$.  Not sure that Awe is expensive, but I think he's not a fit otherwise.

At the rate and guarantee that we signed him for, Santos Knox is a no brainer.  If he beats Wilson for WIL, its a great trade up. If he doesn't, what did it cost?  A roster spot in TC?

I think we signed Knox because we needed insurance for the middle lb spot. Wilson is good at outside, but hes not a great choice for the middle. Its why we signed Jones ly even though we didnt use him.

[Blue In BC]

I think we signed Knox because we needed insurance for the middle lb spot. Wilson is good at outside, but hes not a great choice for the middle. Its why we signed Jones ly even though we didnt use him.

Shay was supposed to be the back up at MLB as part of the future plan. J. Jones was closer to a rookie than a long time veteran and he spent most of his time on the PR. We can't move Santos-Knox to the PR.

[theaardvark]

We could end up with "Team 78" if Jones and Santos Knox win spots.

[Tecno]

It's easy to say that but then what does that say about the Canadian LB's drafted in 2025. If you expected any of them to take a bigger role, you wouldn't bring in Santos-Knox.

Sure you would.  The '25 DP LBers like Shay are still on the dev track.  They aren't starter, or even #1 backup, level yet.  That's why I said the best hope is to see Shay get many reps spelling the starters, at MLB or WILL (or both).

If Shay sits ST-only like most other DP LBers we ever get, then we'll know we're in trouble with that pick.

Even better would be Shay pulls a Kramdi and actually can start in year 2.  But that doesn't seem to be in the cards.  (Is WILL/MLB harder to dev/learn? vs SAM? dunno)

As for JSK... he's plug'n'play and ready to roll week 1.  He could start or be main DI backup.  For 2 positions.

[Blue In BC]

Sure you would.  The '25 DP LBers like Shay are still on the dev track.  They aren't starter, or even #1 backup, level yet.  That's why I said the best hope is to see Shay get many reps spelling the starters, at MLB or WILL (or both).

If Shay sits ST-only like most other DP LBers we ever get, then we'll know we're in trouble with that pick.

Even better would be Shay pulls a Kramdi and actually can start in year 2.  But that doesn't seem to be in the cards.  (Is WILL/MLB harder to dev/learn? vs SAM? dunno)

As for JSK... he's plug'n'play and ready to roll week 1.  He could start or be main DI backup.  For 2 positions.

Pure math ( game day roster of dressed players ) says all of that is an issue: Griffin, Woodbey and Ayers. It has nothing to do with his skill set. He can play those positions well.

[Pete]

I believe Jaylon Smith actually  has more potential than Shay to play regular reps whether its at sam, or a 4th lb..

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

It's a great thought but then why did we sign Santos-Knox. We have too many LB's even before that: Ayers, Griffin, K.Wilson and Woodbey.

We'd all like to see Shay get a larger role and all of this could change in TC. Something has to give. Plus we drafted more LB's this week.

Walters spoke briefly on ratio flexibility on defence, he mentioned Kramdi, Lawson and potentially Gatkuoth but didn't mention the 2 natl. LB's.

[Tecno]

I believe Jaylon Smith actually  has more potential than Shay to play regular reps whether its at sam, or a 4th lb..

Then doesn't that make 1RDP Shay a bust?  Think of all the high level starters that got picked after him...

[Tecno]

Interesting, the longer BTS draft-night look gobombersgo recently put in the videolinks thread makes it look like the Daniels trade/pick was driven in no small way by Jim Jauch (newly appointed asst GM) -- KW specifically asks "Jimmy" on the final word?  Which is interesting because that guy only joined WFC Jan '25.

Bet most of us haven't really heard that name much, if at all, this last year, let alone remember it, eh?

Looks like Jauch is moving up the ranks fast, partially filling the holes made by Ted and Rigmaiden?

I like it, especially if he's a keeper and we can actually keep him around.

[The Zipp]

might be my favorite pick of the draft now:

https://www.winnipegsun.com/sports/winnipeg/never-give-up-hard-scrabble-childhood-didn-t-stop-bombers-daniels/article_b2fdf82d-9f0d-4064-9bd5-dad710702757.html

[Blue In BC]

Then doesn't that make 1RDP Shay a bust?  Think of all the high level starters that got picked after him...

I don't know but it would be good if either of these 2 were more than just ST players. Whether they are long term answers at any role as a starter or just good in game back ups would be useful. Safety was another role mentioned for Shay IIRC.

I'm not knocking Allen but I'd think his role as a starter will be challenged by several players in TC.

[BIGBLUE204]

I disagree with most of what you have stated but agree on the positive qualities of his game.

Kramdi is an excellent LB.  He is not a safety full stop.

He won't play safety this year unless its an emergency, paying 2 to 1 one odds I'm right.

I guess we will see. This management has a track record of moving swiss army knives to Safety and want someone who can help quarterback the defense in that spot.

[BIGBLUE204]

Then doesn't that make 1RDP Shay a bust?  Think of all the high level starters that got picked after him...

No. This is one of the biggest problems in pro football right now honestly. Rushing young guys on to the field. Him not taking any meaningful reps last year was, imo a smart move. Let him learn the pro game and get comfortable before piling more responsibilities on to him.

Smith at MLB and Shay at Sam is possible. But I doubt we see both starting this year. With the wealth of LB's they currently have I'm not sure either start, I guess it depends on how they want to work the ratio.

[Blue In BC]

No. This is one of the biggest problems in pro football right now honestly. Rushing young guys on to the field. Him not taking any meaningful reps last year was, imo a smart move. Let him learn the pro game and get comfortable before piling more responsibilities on to him.

Smith at MLB and Shay at Sam is possible. But I doubt we see both starting this year. With the wealth of LB's they currently have I'm not sure either start, I guess it depends on how they want to work the ratio.

They don't have to start but they should see some meaningful reps on defence. Not every game is won or lost in the last 3 minutes. When game situations allow, give them some reps.

Noting that it's also useful for " maintenance " of those players that are starting.

[BIGBLUE204]

They don't have to start but they should see some meaningful reps on defence. Not every game is won or lost in the last 3 minutes. When game situations allow, give them some reps.

Noting that it's also useful for " maintenance " of those players that are starting.

100% I'd like to see both or at least 1 get meaningful reps this year. I was just saying that if they don't start, I don't think it's a sign that they are busts. Young players need time to grow/learn etc. Starting after being drafted shouldn't be expected.