Jaylen Smith

[Blue In BC]

I've mentioned that we have to play our Canadians where they are best suited to play. At the moment I'd rank our best options at SAM:

1. Griffin
2. Kramdi
3. Smith

IMO that creates some complications / questions at SAM that may result in a move to MLB

1. If Griffin is really our best SAM as some have suggested, having Smith take on that role means less reps for Griffin. Maybe Smith's upside means he can grow into the best SAM we have.

2. I don't think Kramdi at safety is his best position but also think he's not our best SAM either.

3. If Smith does compete at MLB that still leaves Kramdi at safety, or moving him to SAM leaves Griffin somewhat out of his best role.

Essentially I want a more traditional player at safety so I'm tying to determine the lesser evils of the choices and how to get around the possibilities.

I threw in Griffin as an option at MLB but that's just another guess.

[Tecno]

Why not smith at WILL? I'm still not sold on Jones being anywhere except MLB.

I think the current setup is being dictated by the desire to keep Kyrie around. Once he's gone we might be able to place guys more optimally.

There's also the question of shay.

And no matter who gets Sam, they aren't making the impact that guys like Moe used to. So are any of them really that "good"?

[Jesse]

If Younger is still the DC, it does not matter at all what you call him, but Smith is 100% starting at LB for us next year.

I still expect Tony Jones next to him and a couple tweeners playing all over around them as well.

[CrazyCanuck89]

I'd stick him at SAM with his size and speed.  He makes plays constantly.

[Blue In BC]

Why not smith at WILL? I'm still not sold on Jones being anywhere except MLB.

I think the current setup is being dictated by the desire to keep Kyrie around. Once he's gone we might be able to place guys more optimally.

There's also the question of shay.

And no matter who gets Sam, they aren't making the impact that guys like Moe used to. So are any of them really that "good"?

Jones is not good in pass coverage over the middle. I think that is why he was moved to WIL. Yes, Smith could be a candidate at WIL, but then we have an issue with what to do with Jones. More going on at MLB then at WIL IMO.

I agree that there was a desire to keep Wilson around and that may have been somewhat forced once JSK got injured in TC.

Hard to say what the plan for Shay is since he doesn't get many if any reps on defence. In theory, he'd be a good choice to be the back up at MLB if Smith takes that role as a starter.


Maybe others will comment on what they think about Jones at MLB.

As I've suggested we have to play the Canadians where they are most suited. The Americans will play elsewhere unless we find the next Bighill and he dictates where he plays due to his skill set.

It would be easier if Kramdi was best suited at safety. However, better play at MLB might make that an easier job. He moves into the box because of what I consider a liability at MLB.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I really like Smith in that SAM role. He's great at it. It's hard to find good strong side linebackers from either side of the border because it's a pretty uniquely CFL position. In that context, it makes little sense to move him to MLB or WILL which is much more 1:1 Canada to US game. Theoretically, we can recruit for those easier.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Why not smith at WILL? I'm still not sold on Jones being anywhere except MLB.

I think the current setup is being dictated by the desire to keep Kyrie around. Once he's gone we might be able to place guys more optimally.

There's also the question of shay.

And no matter who gets Sam, they aren't making the impact that guys like Moe used to. So are any of them really that "good"?

Complicated issue for sure, I think Woodbey is pretty close to being healthy so that would have added another piece to the puzzle if there were more games left to play.  Jones spends half his time at WIL in the backfield trying to rush the QB, I think any LB with good speed could take on that role such as Ayers, can't recall Smith being in on any sacks so maybe he's not physical enough to shed larger blockers. 

Jones has also become the chief agitator and I think Younger has been using that to antagonize the other team more since mid-season, he's not the brains of the D but he is the mouth. Jones other asset is he has a non-stop motor, he doesn't come off the field and never slows down, which is a pretty hard act to follow.