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Ed Tait had a look at the Bombers' roster last month: HOW THE 2024 BLUE BOMBERS WERE BUILT Trades QB Zach Collaros, 2019, from Toronto OL Pat Neufeld, 2013, from Saskatchewan DT Cam Lawson, 2022, from Montreal CFL free agents OL Stanley Bryant, 2015 (Calgary) Rec Nic Demski, 2018 (Saskatchewan) LB Adam Bighill, 2018 (B.C.) RB Johnny Augustine, 2018 (Edmonton) DE Willie Jefferson, 2019 (Saskatchewan) C Chris Kolankowski, 2020 (Toronto) LS Mike Benson, 2021 (Montreal) LB Brian Cole, 2022 (Edmonton Rec Kenny Lawler, 2023 (Edmonton) K Sergio Castillo, 2023 (Edmonton) DT Miles Fox, 2023 (B.C.) Rec Lucky Whitehead, 2024 (B.C.) LB Tony Jones, 2024 (Edmonton) DB Michael Griffin II, 2024 (Calgary) QB Jake Dolegala, 2024 (B.C.) FB Bailey Feltmate, 2024 (Hamilton) DB Nick Taylor, 2024 (Calgary) OL Eric Lofton, 2024 (Saskatchewan) LB Bryce Notree, 2024 (Montreal) CFL Draft DT Jake Thomas — 2012, Rd 4, 29th overall LB Shayne Gauthier — 2016, Rd 4, 28th overall Rec Drew Wolitarsky — 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft RB Brady Oliveira — 2019, Rd 2, 14th overall OL Tui Eli — 2019, Rd 4, 34th overall DB Nick Hallett — 2019, Rd 7, 61st overall DB Noah Hallett — 2020, Rd 2, 18th overall LB Tanner Cadwallader — 2020, Rd 7, 64th overall OL Liam Dobson — 2021, Rd 1, 3rd overall DB Redha Kramdi — 2021, Rd 2, 16th overall CB Tyrell Ford — 2022, Rd 1, 13th overall DB Jake Kelly — 2023, Rd 2, 15th overall WR Jeremy Murphy — 2023, Rd 3, 26th overall DT Tanner Schmekel — 2023, Rd 4, 35th overall LB Max Charbonneau — 2023, Rd 8, 71st overall Rec Kevens Clercius — 2024, Rd 2, 13th overall FB Michael Chris-Ike — 2024, Rd 2, 14th overall OL Gabe Wallace — 2024, Rd 2, 17th overall DT Kyle Samson — 2024, Rd 2, 20th overall DE Owen Hubert — 2024, Rd 8, 73rd overall CFL Global Draft LB Souleymane Karamoko — 2022, 13th overall P Jamieson Sheahan — 2023, 8th overall LB Fabian Weitz — 2024, 8th overall DE Lucky Ogbevoen — 2024, 17th overall U.S. Scouting S Brandon Alexander, 2017 LB Kyrie Wilson, 2017 QB Chris Streveler, 2018; returned in 2024 DB Deatrick Nichols, 2021 DB Evan Holm, 2022 DB Jamal Parker, 2022 Rec Dalton Schoen, 2022 DE TyJuan Garbutt, 2023 DE Celestin Haba, 2023 DB Tyrique McGhee, 2023 CB Terrell Bonds, 2024 LB Michael Ayers, 2024 WR Keric Wheatfall, 2024 WR Ontaria Wilson, 2024 QB Terry Wilson, 2024 DT Devin Adams, 2024 DB Marquise Bridges, 2024 WR Kody Case, 2024 WR Myron Mitchell, 2024 DL Jason Person, 2024 OL Kendall Randolph, 2024 OL Micah Vanterpool, 2024 DT Jamal Woods, 2024 RB Chris Smith, 2024 OL Chris Walker, 2024 https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/11/15/48-hour-primer-the-build/

sign him up....I bet he would be a good mentor to Wilson too....He's more the type of QB Wilson is as to what Buck was....so that wouldn't hurt either. And I bet he be good for Strev too.

If you have a QB who is going to be 39, generally moves the ball between the 20s and then falters and usually has a .500 record, you don't hesistate, you commit.

Sask re-signs Harris... good luck with that! https://3downnation.com/2024/12/05/staying-in-saskatchewan-riders-re-sign-veteran-qb-trevor-harris/

Honest question...how many new faces (that start/become solid contributors) do you think a team should be bringing in every year? And how many of those new faces should realistically be considered "all stars" for you to be happy with the recruitment? Also this idea that other teams off casts shouldn't be seen as a find is bizarre. That's literally how this team was built. Either FA signings like Bryant (Which was an obvious homerun signing at the time). Or signing cast offs who other teams gave up on. (Yoshi, Nichols, Collaros, Taylor etc.) Good scouting doesn't just mean bringing in pure rookies.

Yep

What exactly are you hoping for? Every player to be a stud? It doesn't happen EVER. To get a couple quality starters a year through recruitment is very good recruitment. To get 2 quality starters and another 2-3 players that are showing that they have quality starter potential is even better. 1000 yard receiver, shut down DB, and a productive NAT rookie receiver is a pretty darn good year. Add Wheatfall, Ayers, and Woods to that mix (all players that flashed a high ceiling) and I really have no idea what you are complaining about.

Only if he paid attention to them. Coaches/players/officials are probably best served by not going anywhere near places like this - we're all on the outside looking in so what we say doesn't hold any weight but could still be bad for you mentally. You could be the best ever in your role but one slip and people will s**t all over you.

I don't think that's the case at all. Both guys have been candidates for GM/HC jobs for a couple years now so it was only a matter of time. If either guy wanted to advance their career (which they both did and now have done), it wasn't going to be in Winnipeg, at least not at this time with Walters & MOS here. As far as a thank you goes, it's only been a day (for Buck) or less (for Ted) since their hirings were made official. Give it time. Winnipeg was very important to Buck and his family so I'd be shocked if he didn't say something at some point. I don't think I've ever heard anything from Ted - he's been more of a behind the scenes guy so I'm not sure that will change.

Wow, biting off twice as much as he can chew. BC's offence is going to suuuuuck

Goveia is a huge loss. We can sugarcoat it all we like but he's the primary reason our Cdn scouting was so good. I guess we have a young guy waiting in the wings wanting to make a name for himself as a scout but until he does he'll be a question mark. The Stamps in the 00's. 10 & 20's (until this year) may have mised the playoffs a couple of times. The Esks made the playoffs every year for 37 seasons straight. We've had a great run as but we're nearly two decades behind those teams. Who both eventually hit hard times because they never adapted or changed. We'll see this season how sustainable it is losing Pierce & Goveia. Maybe McManus. Changing scouting staff may be a shot of fresh air.

Bonds was ******* good at db, Wilson did get 1000 yards as a rookie... which is not bad when you consider how many roles actually ever go to raw rookies in the league.

Buck said he will be calling the plays. So, looks like he be HC/OC. Jackson might not have a room there unless he's OK to be just a QB coach. Here is his legit chance to be a OC or OC/QB just like Buck.

Shame that Wilson is made of glass cause God he could be a good player when healthy.

I think they limited Pokie's yards the second half of the season using him mostly inside where Woli and Clercius should dwell, almost every pass thrown his way required him to come back to the ball or stop and wait for the reception allowing defenders to congregate. He's quick, twitchy and as slippery as an eel, hit him in stride and there's a good chance he's taking it to the house, which he did multiple times in the first half of the season. With the right QB throwing the ball he should have no problem accounting 1500 yd seasons, if he can stay healthy. Unbox him, turn him loose.

this seems based on absolutely nothing... Pierce interviewed for head coach roles last season... he took a job in BC this year. i don't get where you figure there is animosity. Goveia also took a promotion... that happens. as for no thank yous... have these moves even been made official? give it time.

I think we were due for a change ...be it management or players......The last Cup loss was a big hint that that should occur....Now how we deal with those changes will dictate what the future is for this club....immediate and long term....We need to give serious thought to who is available coaching wise right now and make our move(s)....Serious plan for FA should be paramount as well and the more immediate task is reupping the guys we want around for 25'....Lots of work for Walters and I know he's up to the tasks at hand ...I hope we're giving some real indepth thought to the quarterbacking for 25' as I think that's the key moving forward...IF a big move is being planned, I hope we make it early and that' where it all starts

for sure...seeing value and upside in guys where other teams didn't is also key....you have to remember some teams have eyes on guys that are on other teams heg list....or were signed before they got the chance...so when they get cut lose.....they get brought in If you are not scouting the other teams and watching their moves for the chance to steal a guy...you not doing your job

Lofton was a Bomber before he was a Rider as he played for us in 2022. He also wasn't cut, he played out his contract with Sask and came back here early in Free Agency.

Sooo....you're hoping for the Bombers to take a Leake?

I view it somewhat differently... I mean during the years Lyle Bauer was here we had some successful seasons but the failure in bringing home the championship kept leading to change, which kept causing setbacks organizationaly which led to a huge hole to dig out from. I'm not so linear in thinking that if you're not first your last. There's a lot of context surrounding any seasons result. 3 straight Grey cup losses... they do show some areas to adjust for sure, but we can't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Bombers are bringing back receiver Jaylen Hall for another look. Who says the Bombers need to replace Ted? Just bring back all the players from last year's training camp.

Well I listed 2... the you had guys like woods who started the bulk of the games and did look solid... garbut and adams had moments, ayers as well... so what exactly are you hoping for? Not a lot of rookies step in and do what schoen did. Often will be their 2nd year guys really hit their stride... show me a team that's done better with first year players...

Benevides has been on the Lions sideline the last two years, Im pretty sure....

He was already in place as their STC, calm, intelligent and an improvement on Ryan Phillips.

I was wondering what MB was up to these days, apparently still interested in coaching I see. He should move back to the broadcast booth with Lapo, I loved watching them go back and forth from an O versus D point of view using the game they are covering to debate with one another in how their half time adjustments would be better. 'Lapo versus Benevides' half time show to replace 'Please stop yelling Jim Barker' half time show.

Good, let them have a retread

Actually, please don't. Tell him the opposite, say our O was outstanding I wouldn't change a thing for your new O in BC plus take on as many roles as you can as the new HC it being your first time. All good. 🙂

Some definite interesting guys on this list. I like the idea of poaching from Toronto, they've been a very well coached team the last few years.

https://3downnation.com/2024/12/05/eight-candidates-to-be-the-next-offensive-coordinator-of-the-winnipeg-blue-bombers/ Hodge with a decent article on our oc options. I hadn’t thought about getting costanza back but do like that idea. Lionello is a big jump but he’d be an excellent get too, really like the refresh he could offer us. Mike miller of the Argos is a real interesting pick. Hes done the job a bunch in the nfl. I think he’s the perfect guy to pair with a young guy like lionello but idk if he’d want to be the mentor. All in all a good list.

Yeah, not saying that Buck has an axe to grind with fans here but those comments had to hurt. I read some of them here.

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/12/04/city-throttles-forward-on-105000-square-foot-princess-auto-superstore

Someone tell buck our O was **** the entire year outside of 3 or 4 games.

The quality of our front offic 5 years ago was impressive. Two were Asst GMs who eventually became GMs in Ringmaiden & Goveia.

Goaltending is a major concern

Ontaria Wilson having a 1000 yard season didn't do it for you I guess? Complain away then....

Exactly, look at your past draft. Wallace should take over for Neufeld at RG. Clercius should be starting in the recieving corps. Samson will rotate with Lawson at DT. Not to mention, hopefully Hubert will get another chance. That is a decent haul.

With maksymic to Edmonton, landing spots are getting thin for Jackson. Be a damn shame if he didn’t get a job for this year.

Jones signing hopefully means the end of kyrie and or preferably and moving on from bighill. Just $$$ wise you saving a bunch going younger at LB.

Nope..this is true...but you can throw out some aging vets...and lack luster others who have been there for the 3 straight losses, as obviously they aren't getting it done... for new...fresh....inspired blood....because the intelligent person can't think that in attempt number 4...being one yr older...1 more step slower...some guys probably 2....and one more additional yr removed from being productive that this time they gonna do it........that's something you can do to the bath water. You can also maybe change how you fill that tub too,,,schematic and philosophy wise a bit ....evolve some would call it....thats what you can do.....and it's easy to do it if you flip your mindset a bit....and coming from being there before...an older player knowing that a younger...and many times more athletic player is on your ass...and can take your job at any moment brings out a lil more fire and squeezes out the last couple drops of juice outta that guy....which also is a net positive.....can't coast and feel safe that you are a lock....just because....too many instances of guys the last 3 yrs being too comfortable and not having that extra something something....

Yep. I really like the balance he strikes in terms of size and strength between Cole and jones. Very kyrie esq

The entire purpose of the regular season is to set up the post season. The only reason the season isn’t shorter is monetary. Drastically less regular season would make the season much better in terms of quality. Shorter post season wouldn’t benefit any thing. You’ve got 3 tiers for quality of season. Missed the play offs, made the play offs but lost in them, and the champion. we can soothe our self with the considerable financial success of the year or the extra games, but in the end we are no different in terms of success than the rest of the teams that lost in the play offs. Nothing wrong with enjoying the team despite them missing the final goal. If the goal posts get moved shorter though, that’s how you end up in situations on the field like Edmonton and Calgary. That’s how you end up with fan bases like the riders and leafs. Oh hey we won ldc and made a good push late in the year, go us! We’re no1!

at very worst he is the perfect DA linebacker who can fill in at 2 spots...plays teams.....He has shown he is a capable starter...with some limitations but would kill it as a situational down backer

I'd be all for Jackson to be honest...He would know how to use the pieces we have....and I bet he could bring Leke with him as I sure Leake loved how he was used...He would solve several issues for us...returner...reciever...change of pace backfield guy

If this were really true why even have the regular season? Yes ultimately the championship is the main goal, but you don't get the chance without regular season results. You know that I don't blindly support every move this team makes with their roster choices, and you know I think you've got some good insights and are generally a knowledgeable voice.... however you are completely off the deep end in your constant criticism of the whole thing. You have strong opinions about the kind of player you like... but that's just one opinion, there's lots of things that can make a good player. Does this group get everything right? Nope not at all, but they do get a lot right as evidenced by the fact they have all this regular season success and have made 5 straight championship games. Honestly biggest step now IMO is figuring out why the offense has turned into a giant pile of useless in 3 straight Grey cups and change that.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/04/food/chi-chis-restaurant-relaunch/index.html

Every team brings guys like that to camp, it's the keeping and playing that was the issue.

I tend to side with this

You're really entitled as a fan eh? We get it, you want a nice public flogging of the guy but that's not going to happen. We just gotta trust that the gm of the team knows what he is doing, and considering we have played in 5 straight Grey cups I am inclined to believe he does.