2024/2025 Blue Bombers Off-Season Thread

[Noeller]

Ya I'm definitely taking the over on that...

[17to85]

  On 2025-03-13 at 4:07 PM, Noeller said:

Ya I'm definitely taking the over on that...

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yeah 300 posts is nothing, especially if someone pokes the bear and gets them fired up...

Like for example, where do we rank Jake Thomas on the all time blue bombers list? At what point does he go into the team hall of fame? It's just such an inspiration to see guys with a body like that having immeasurable success in a professional league.

[blue85gold]

  On 2025-03-13 at 4:16 PM, 17to85 said:

yeah 300 posts is nothing, especially if someone pokes the bear and gets them fired up...

Like for example, where do we rank Jake Thomas on the all time blue bombers list? At what point does he go into the team hall of fame? It's just such an inspiration to see guys with a body like that having immeasurable success in a professional league.

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Jake Thomas - High Impact Canadian! 

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/03/11/3-high-impact-canadian-players-from-every-cfl-team/

[Mark H.]

  On 2025-03-13 at 4:21 PM, blue85gold said:

Jake Thomas - High Impact Canadian! 

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/03/11/3-high-impact-canadian-players-from-every-cfl-team/

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#forthew?

[Noeller]

  On 2025-03-13 at 4:58 PM, Mark H. said:

#forthew?

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#DefendTheFort #RIPHewieTheMoose

[wbbfan]

I mean he is a huge impact, not a good one for us but huge none the less. The usual cfl.ca quality lol. I think they got to 3 and couldn’t figure it out so they went with the old guy. 
 

I think Cjob types would go Brady Demski kramdi. 
Personally I’d go with 3 key Canadians to watch this year: Gabe Wallace, who has a big chance to fill a spot we badly need filled. With likely only imp competition. 
 Then cam Lawson.  We need that nose, we need a guy to take most of Jake’s reps. He was tremendous here before his injury. 
 Finally big Kev. Demski isn’t getting any younger, woli is gone he’s penciled in as a starter. But he flashed a lot more than just blocking next year. I loved woli but I don’t think we will miss a beat. He could be the next big wr break we land.  

[rebusrankin]

Cauz is an idiot. Neufeld or Kramdi are easily more impacted than Jake.

[Noeller]

  On 2025-03-13 at 6:06 PM, wbbfan said:

I mean he is a huge impact, not a good one for us but huge none the less. The usual cfl.ca quality lol. I think they got to 3 and couldn’t figure it out so they went with the old guy. 
 

I think Cjob types would go Brady Demski kramdi. 
Personally I’d go with 3 key Canadians to watch this year: Gabe Wallace, who has a big chance to fill a spot we badly need filled. With likely only imp competition. 
 Then cam Lawson.  We need that nose, we need a guy to take most of Jake’s reps. He was tremendous here before his injury. 
 Finally big Kev. Demski isn’t getting any younger, woli is gone he’s penciled in as a starter. But he flashed a lot more than just blocking next year. I loved woli but I don’t think we will miss a beat. He could be the next big wr break we land.  

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We'll miss Woogie a LOT in the room, but in the field, I have high hopes for Clercius...

[wbbfan]

  On 2025-03-13 at 6:27 PM, Noeller said:

We'll miss Woogie a LOT in the room, but in the field, I have high hopes for Clercius...

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For sure, he was a favorite security blanket for Zach. But it seemed like Clercius was picking that up pretty quickly last year. very excited to see what he does with a season under his belt. He really surprised considering how raw was. 

[rebusrankin]

  On 2025-03-13 at 6:06 PM, wbbfan said:

I mean he is a huge impact, not a good one for us but huge none the less. The usual cfl.ca quality lol. I think they got to 3 and couldn’t figure it out so they went with the old guy. 
 

I think Cjob types would go Brady Demski kramdi. 
Personally I’d go with 3 key Canadians to watch this year: Gabe Wallace, who has a big chance to fill a spot we badly need filled. With likely only imp competition. 
 Then cam Lawson.  We need that nose, we need a guy to take most of Jake’s reps. He was tremendous here before his injury. 
 Finally big Kev. Demski isn’t getting any younger, woli is gone he’s penciled in as a starter. But he flashed a lot more than just blocking next year. I loved woli but I don’t think we will miss a beat. He could be the next big wr break we land.  

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You're hired. I'll inform cfl.ca

[bigg jay]

  On 2025-03-13 at 4:21 PM, blue85gold said:

Jake Thomas - High Impact Canadian! 

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/03/11/3-high-impact-canadian-players-from-every-cfl-team/

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He's highly impactful on the number of posts on MBB but on the field...

[wbbfan]

  On 2025-03-13 at 9:33 PM, rebusrankin said:

You're hired. I'll inform cfl.ca

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Now I know how all those kids drafted by the browns must feel. “Aww, do I suck?” 

[Booch]

  On 2025-03-13 at 2:38 PM, Pete said:

And so it continues ,,around 90 days til training camp you.say , so between Booch and Speedflex that should be about 300 Thomas posts.

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sorry that you dont like to hea about a wasted spot on a guy not worthy of a spot....but 301 now lol

[Booch]

High impact, or guys on Bombers who should be looked at as key Canadians to build around, and be front and center for securing/maintaining the foundation should be Lawson, Clercius and Wallace  as guys who should take the next step....and will be key factors......to a lesser extent MCI who I hope is being coached and groomed to be a more utilized weapon in not only the heavy sets...Athleticism and metrics used in evaluating/combines he blows away pretty much any skilled position guy we have....hopefully we don't waste and ***** his progression as just a teamer guy and actually coach him along...guy could be  real stud

With Jarius here I see that as a real bonus for guys like Clercius..MCI and Logan...even to a lesser extent with Demski

That 3down article was just a lazy piece with zero DD done for it...par for the course tho so shouldn't be surprising

 

[rebusrankin]

  On 2025-03-14 at 4:24 AM, wbbfan said:

Now I know how all those kids drafted by the browns must feel. “Aww, do I suck?” 

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Naw 3DNation is like the Browns, CFL.ca is more NY Giants. Umm, **** I think I insulted you again.

[wbbfan]

  18 hours ago, rebusrankin said:

Naw 3DNation is like the Browns, CFL.ca is more NY Giants. Umm, **** I think I insulted you again.

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Giants or the Jets? If it's the Jets, we gotta fight now LOL 

[wbbfan]

  18 hours ago, Booch said:

High impact, or guys on Bombers who should be looked at as key Canadians to build around, and be front and center for securing/maintaining the foundation should be Lawson, Clercius and Wallace  as guys who should take the next step....and will be key factors......to a lesser extent MCI who I hope is being coached and groomed to be a more utilized weapon in not only the heavy sets...Athleticism and metrics used in evaluating/combines he blows away pretty much any skilled position guy we have....hopefully we don't waste and ***** his progression as just a teamer guy and actually coach him along...guy could be  real stud

With Jarius here I see that as a real bonus for guys like Clercius..MCI and Logan...even to a lesser extent with Demski

That 3down article was just a lazy piece with zero DD done for it...par for the course tho so shouldn't be surprising

 

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I'll throw in 2 sleeper picks, too.

Jake Kelly. All he's done is succeed when we've had to go to him. He's shown more physicality than I'd ever suspect from his build and all the quickness/speed to excel. He's smart and a solid tackler. We have brought in a bunch of Imps to fight for BAs old spot, but I could see Kelly stealing it. And not just as a ratio guy, but legit winning it. 

Enock Makonzo. Say whaaaat? Well, He's a strong tackler and a good athlete. He can back up Kelly at S if he takes that job and Kramdi at sam. He can also rotate in at Wil. Our scheme could be very advantageous for him. This allowed him to play an inside wall spot downfield and enter the box to play the run.  When Jones drafted him, he had him targeted as a guy who could fill a modern Wil role, exactly like we used Griffins last year. Except in our split field zone concept, this role has less demanding man cover requirements. He's not going to be an all-star, but he should be a high-floor mid-roster Canadian backup. Having a guy like him on the AR who can actually fill a role on the D vs guys who can just play teams will be big. It could allow us to go full IMP DL at times, and he's a good db for the run fits. 

[Fatty Liver]

  18 hours ago, wbbfan said:

I'll throw in 2 sleeper picks, too.

Jake Kelly. All he's done is succeed when we've had to go to him. He's shown more physicality than I'd ever suspect from his build and all the quickness/speed to excel. He's smart and a solid tackler. We have brought in a bunch of Imps to fight for BAs old spot, but I could see Kelly stealing it. And not just as a ratio guy, but legit winning it. 

Enock Makonzo. Say whaaaat? Well, He's a strong tackler and a good athlete. He can back up Kelly at S if he takes that job and Kramdi at sam. He can also rotate in at Wil. Our scheme could be very advantageous for him. This allowed him to play an inside wall spot downfield and enter the box to play the run.  When Jones drafted him, he had him targeted as a guy who could fill a modern Wil role, exactly like we used Griffins last year. Except in our split field zone concept, this role has less demanding man cover requirements. He's not going to be an all-star, but he should be a high-floor mid-roster Canadian backup. Having a guy like him on the AR who can actually fill a role on the D vs guys who can just play teams will be big. It could allow us to go full IMP DL at times, and he's a good db for the run fits. 

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Don't have much faith Jake Kelly will become a great Safety, maybe they use Makonzo/Griffin at SAM and move Kramdi back to Safety where he takes over the duties of Bighill and BA as QB of the D.

[wbbfan]

  15 hours ago, Fatty Liver said:

Don't have much faith Jake Kelly will become a great Safety, maybe they use Makonzo/Griffin at SAM and move Kramdi back to Safety where he takes over the duties of Bighill and BA as QB of the D.

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Griffins I think, will kick out and fill a full-time role left by Ford. We aren't likely to double shift S and Sam, especially with the level of turnover we have in experience. Kelly has given no reason to lack confidence in him. He's our best Canadian cover guy. Kramdi is likely best off at Sam. He's good at jumping backfield plays based on his read; he isn't athletic enough to do that from S, few guys are. He isn't strong at making downhill plays downfield at all. He's a wall player and isn't strong if he has to pick up a man in straight cover.  S in our system especially demands a guy who can keep the top on the D, pick up on deep breaks, be quick laterally to get to spots, and make downhill plays. We don't need a hitter, and we don't need at ball hawk at S. Those are nice to have, but it's not really the fit we need.  If anything, Holm would be a much better fit at S.

[Booch]

  18 hours ago, wbbfan said:

I'll throw in 2 sleeper picks, too.

Jake Kelly. All he's done is succeed when we've had to go to him. He's shown more physicality than I'd ever suspect from his build and all the quickness/speed to excel. He's smart and a solid tackler. We have brought in a bunch of Imps to fight for BAs old spot, but I could see Kelly stealing it. And not just as a ratio guy, but legit winning it. 

Enock Makonzo. Say whaaaat? Well, He's a strong tackler and a good athlete. He can back up Kelly at S if he takes that job and Kramdi at sam. He can also rotate in at Wil. Our scheme could be very advantageous for him. This allowed him to play an inside wall spot downfield and enter the box to play the run.  When Jones drafted him, he had him targeted as a guy who could fill a modern Wil role, exactly like we used Griffins last year. Except in our split field zone concept, this role has less demanding man cover requirements. He's not going to be an all-star, but he should be a high-floor mid-roster Canadian backup. Having a guy like him on the AR who can actually fill a role on the D vs guys who can just play teams will be big. It could allow us to go full IMP DL at times, and he's a good db for the run fits. 

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I agree on Kelly...didnt include him as seen him as an already somewhat established guy...although limited in time here he has showed huge skill already and even higher upside....Love if he could grab that safety spot...he closes like a missile and has real good instincts already for a young guy...huge upside and we don't need a thumper at safety

Totally forgot about Makonzo....big under radar signing...he showed real good at SAM before he got hurt as a rookie....better than our guy Kramdi and he still has immense upside...Kramdi I don't see anymore upside...and he isnt as athletically gifted as Makonzo either

I'd like to see Kramdi is the versatile swiss army guy who can take reps behind both Kelley and Makonzo (if he back to 100 percent health) and be that huge depth piece who can also start if need be

  15 hours ago, wbbfan said:

Griffins I think, will kick out and fill a full-time role left by Ford. We aren't likely to double shift S and Sam, especially with the level of turnover we have in experience. Kelly has given no reason to lack confidence in him. He's our best Canadian cover guy. Kramdi is likely best off at Sam. He's good at jumping backfield plays based on his read; he isn't athletic enough to do that from S, few guys are. He isn't strong at making downhill plays downfield at all. He's a wall player and isn't strong if he has to pick up a man in straight cover.  S in our system especially demands a guy who can keep the top on the D, pick up on deep breaks, be quick laterally to get to spots, and make downhill plays. We don't need a hitter, and we don't need at ball hawk at S. Those are nice to have, but it's not really the fit we need.  If anything, Holm would be a much better fit at S.

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Griffin is the ace in hole I think and wonder what they do with him....I'd like to see him....or Parker at SAM....and whoever gets beat out can fill either corner or HB.....Both those guys have extreme athleticism for the roles and are actually guys who cover well and close on guys in space like a magnet...and are real good tacklers...Kramdi is horrible in coverage...gets lost in space and isnt a good open field tackler...he's fine in a scrum and crashing down in the box playing more of a spy/contain role.....but as a SAM....who should be one your better cover guys and tacklers and have greasy fluid hips to range around and flip his hips to cover a guy...and in that role you may be responsible for a teams #1 or 2 slot...he's just not that guy....he just isnt

Go to any practice and when db's/lb's do techical work.... and watch Parker move...pivot...shift outta backpeddle to pursuit....smooth as smooth.....He's got that ability that Denmark had to move/cut/pivot at top speed and not have to gear down....then watch Kramdi.....and you will see my point...And it's not that I hate Kramdi and dont want him on the team....it's more his role...or what it should be...and his price tag for what he offers is a bit of a hinderance to us

 

[wbbfan]

  14 hours ago, Booch said:

I agree on Kelly...didnt include him as seen him as an already somewhat established guy...although limited in time here he has showed huge skill already and even higher upside....Love if he could grab that safety spot...he closes like a missile and has real good instincts already for a young guy...huge upside and we don't need a thumper at safety

Totally forgot about Makonzo....big under radar signing...he showed real good at SAM before he got hurt as a rookie....better than our guy Kramdi and he still has immense upside...Kramdi I don't see anymore upside...and he isnt as athletically gifted as Makonzo either

I'd like to see Kramdi is the versatile swiss army guy who can take reps behind both Kelley and Makonzo (if he back to 100 percent health) and be that huge depth piece who can also start if need be

Griffin is the ace in hole I think and wonder what they do with him....I'd like to see him....or Parker at SAM....and whoever gets beat out can fill either corner or HB.....Both those guys have extreme athleticism for the roles and are actually guys who cover well and close on guys in space like a magnet...and are real good tacklers...Kramdi is horrible in coverage...gets lost in space and isnt a good open field tackler...he's fine in a scrum and crashing down in the box playing more of a spy/contain role.....but as a SAM....who should be one your better cover guys and tacklers and have greasy fluid hips to range around and flip his hips to cover a guy...and in that role you may be responsible for a teams #1 or 2 slot...he's just not that guy....he just isnt

Go to any practice and when db's/lb's do techical work.... and watch Parker move...pivot...shift outta backpeddle to pursuit....smooth as smooth.....He's got that ability that Denmark had to move/cut/pivot at top speed and not have to gear down....then watch Kramdi.....and you will see my point...And it's not that I hate Kramdi and dont want him on the team....it's more his role...or what it should be...and his price tag for what he offers is a bit of a hinderance to us

 

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Yeah, excited about the type of player Kelly is and what he can become. Athletically viable Canadians, who are smart, and have that toughness are a great keystone to build around.

Makonzo, kelly, and kramdi give us a great bit of utility on D with the Canadians. No more need for Lbers/dbs who are pylons, and DL who aren't even that. JY has a tremendous tool to throw out different packages this year. Its going to be great to see how he develops and uses them. 

Big fan of Griffin. I think he could adjust to play most any position, but is probably at his best inside. Should be a lock to take a starting spot this year. Forgot about parker, if he's 100% that's a big sleeper too. 

Guys like Makonzo, and Parker despite not being huge can bring a lot better tackling and physicality to the secondary this year. 

 

[sweep the leg]

  On 2025-03-13 at 3:08 AM, JuranBoldenRules said:

The Bombers bankroll the U16 and U18 provincial teams along with camps run all winter and spring in preparation, and not just for the more elite group who end up making those teams.  Also U12 and U14 academy programs on top of that.

In addition to bankrolling WHSFL league operations, supporting RMFL and supplying all minor football programs, some more than others based on need. 

They've been running a flag program for a long time.  Both at indoor soccer facility and a summer program.

I'd bet amateur football in MB would shrink by half if the Bombers pulled back.  It costs way less to run a high school program now than when I played because of their support, like by 1/3.

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The Bombers involvement in minor football has increased significantly since Miller took over. The Bomber Academy in winter and reviving the Blue & Gold game were both great decisions, as is supporting kids flag and putting their logo on all flag jerseys.

I don’t know how much they put into the provincial teams, but it cost me approx $3k for my kid to play at the Canada Cup two years ago. The team might be more competitive if the price came down. I’d love to the see the Bombers/Football MB put more money into the provincial teams.

[3rdand1.5]

Booch and WBBfan, well said....And why I fully agreed and was actually happy we didn't put a big dollar offer in Ford's direction. Yes he is an elite CDN, but the guys you mentioned and went into detail about IMO made him a luxury and not a need for us. Yes we more than likely lose a CDN passport in his spot but as you both described and I fully agree we still have very talented players with both passports that as a whole I think will be a better unit. 

If Kelly takes another step, if Parker is healthy, If Makonzo is healthy, if Griffen takes a step, If Kramdi fills some of teh "smarts" void Biggie provided...I get it that's a lot of if's but if you take a 1000ft view, we have a bunch of guys to compliment and move around...I really do believe we can see an overall better LB and DB crew then we had teh last couple years....

 

[Booch]

  11 hours ago, 3rdand1.5 said:

Booch and WBBfan, well said....And why I fully agreed and was actually happy we didn't put a big dollar offer in Ford's direction. Yes he is an elite CDN, but the guys you mentioned and went into detail about IMO made him a luxury and not a need for us. Yes we more than likely lose a CDN passport in his spot but as you both described and I fully agree we still have very talented players with both passports that as a whole I think will be a better unit. 

If Kelly takes another step, if Parker is healthy, If Makonzo is healthy, if Griffen takes a step, If Kramdi fills some of teh "smarts" void Biggie provided...I get it that's a lot of if's but if you take a 1000ft view, we have a bunch of guys to compliment and move around...I really do believe we can see an overall better LB and DB crew then we had teh last couple years....

 

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Totally agree....and in Ford was a guy we didn't need to meet ratio, had guys in house already to replace him and his price would have been an anchor and raped us elsewhere. He is easily replaced at that corner spot with just as good...or even better production at well over half the cost.....the allure of him being Canadian is all fine and dandy and a nice story....somepeople just love that....but if he was an import player playing that spot...and similar or even better production...he'd have been just another top tier corner...no loss really

If we can stabilize our interior dline...with impact guys....guys who are active and athletic...and can play multiple techniques...and minimize and or elominate reps for the inferior Canadians not named Lawson we be cooking...as our back end is gonna be tight this yr....better than last I bet

If Person can step out at camp...like I think he will....Vaughters would be the perfect guy to spell him and WJ off...and not be relied on to absorb too many snaps and keep him and WJ fresh....interested to see how Younger evolves his system

[wbbfan]

  7 hours ago, Booch said:

Totally agree....and in Ford was a guy we didn't need to meet ratio, had guys in house already to replace him and his price would have been an anchor and raped us elsewhere. He is easily replaced at that corner spot with just as good...or even better production at well over half the cost.....the allure of him being Canadian is all fine and dandy and a nice story....somepeople just love that....but if he was an import player playing that spot...and similar or even better production...he'd have been just another top tier corner...no loss really

If we can stabilize our interior dline...with impact guys....guys who are active and athletic...and can play multiple techniques...and minimize and or elominate reps for the inferior Canadians not named Lawson we be cooking...as our back end is gonna be tight this yr....better than last I bet

If Person can step out at camp...like I think he will....Vaughters would be the perfect guy to spell him and WJ off...and not be relied on to absorb too many snaps and keep him and WJ fresh....interested to see how Younger evolves his system

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Fords an excellent ratio braking ni talent and athlete. But at the least valuable position in general and to the team.  When we already break the bank on a rb and a bunch of other spots it’s just not sustainable with a db too. 
 

Id love to see a dl that is much better more athletic and talented. Lawson woods wj vaughters adams is gonna be very solid. If Thomas takes the fewest snaps and we run 7 dl we will be in good shape. I have a hard time seeing us carrying 6 imp dl. But If we sub a lot and go 30 half the time, while having rotational Canadians like makonzo, and or start Kelly we can make it work. 
 

S, Sam, dt, 3ol, rb, 2wr that gives us our 9 starters that we covet, and the flexibility to go extra imps in the secondary and dl. 
 

DI might be the tightest battle in camp. We are set up for di at the dl, lber, db, K and kr. And we could use a 2nd on the dl. 
 I doubt we will use the nat Canadian on some one like wj like we should. Using the nat on dl would be huge.