2024/2025 CFL (non-Bomber) Off-Season Thread

[SpeedFlex27]

7 hours ago, wbbfan said:

I suspect the Europe deal is a much better quality of life than coaching here. Most cos or better at competitive programs from hs in the us on up live pretty rough lives during the season. 
 

 

I'm also sure as an assistant coach over in Europe, they aren't putting in 12-14 hours of work a day during the season, either. Coaching in USport, Junior & even the CFL seems like a limited career. It's not like coaches here have a pipeline if they want to move up to the NCAA or NFL. If they move up to the CFL from the lower ranks, once an assistant get fired from a CFL team, it seems to be over for most of them. Going back down to the lower levels is the only choice. . 

[bigg jay]

Canadian DE Isaiah Bagnah posts pedestrian numbers at Big 12 Pro Day - 3DownNation

Less NFL interest is great for CFL teams but probably not so great for the player.  Bagnah was ranked 4th in the latest rankings and is the highest rated player scheduled to be participating at the national combine.

 

[wbbfan]

2 hours ago, bigg jay said:

Canadian DE Isaiah Bagnah posts pedestrian numbers at Big 12 Pro Day - 3DownNation

Less NFL interest is great for CFL teams but probably not so great for the player.  Bagnah was ranked 4th in the latest rankings and is the highest rated player scheduled to be participating at the national combine.

 

Oof those numbers are ugly. He’s gonna have to hope to be one of those guys who plays fast / tests poor. Unless he retests and pops much better numbers I doubt he get an nfl look. 
 

He looks like he treads on acceleration but still isn’t explosive as an athlete. Football iq, decisiveness, motor and strength seem to be his game. He does seem to drop back, play lber and rushing from different positions and angles.  Seems like more of a football player than an athlete or tester. But he really isn’t explosive. 
 

 

[JuranBoldenRules]

1 hour ago, wbbfan said:

Oof those numbers are ugly. He’s gonna have to hope to be one of those guys who plays fast / tests poor. Unless he retests and pops much better numbers I doubt he get an nfl look. 
 

He looks like he treads on acceleration but still isn’t explosive as an athlete. Football iq, decisiveness, motor and strength seem to be his game. He does seem to drop back, play lber and rushing from different positions and angles.  Seems like more of a football player than an athlete or tester. But he really isn’t explosive. 
 

 

Yeah probably get him to eat his way to 3 technique but mostly as a patient gap filler.  I'd be surprised if he gets anything but a mini-camp invite from NFL.  Really don't like DL who have weak legs and jumps.  He's also 25 so probably not a ton of upside, hope we don't repeat the Anthony Bennett mistake.  Want a guy with legs that look like tree trunks who can jump 36 inches.

There are a lot of guys like this in the upcoming draft.  Probably be ok CFLers for a little bit, hold a place.  But nothing exceptional.

Edited Friday at 12:03 AM by JuranBoldenRules

[SpeedFlex27]

3 hours ago, JuranBoldenRules said:

Yeah probably get him to eat his way to 3 technique but mostly as a patient gap filler.  I'd be surprised if he gets anything but a mini-camp invite from NFL.  Really don't like DL who have weak legs and jumps.  He's also 25 so probably not a ton of upside, hope we don't repeat the Anthony Bennett mistake.  Want a guy with legs that look like tree trunks who can jump 36 inches.

There are a lot of guys like this in the upcoming draft.  Probably be ok CFLers for a little bit, hold a place.  But nothing exceptional.

He got legs. He knows how to use them. 

[wbbfan]

13 hours ago, JuranBoldenRules said:

Yeah probably get him to eat his way to 3 technique but mostly as a patient gap filler.  I'd be surprised if he gets anything but a mini-camp invite from NFL.  Really don't like DL who have weak legs and jumps.  He's also 25 so probably not a ton of upside, hope we don't repeat the Anthony Bennett mistake.  Want a guy with legs that look like tree trunks who can jump 36 inches.

There are a lot of guys like this in the upcoming draft.  Probably be ok CFLers for a little bit, hold a place.  But nothing exceptional.

I was thinking about that too. He looks soft in his build, but his frame could hold a good bit more weight and he is really strong, with good disengage. 

Yeah, the 40 is ugly for his weight, but if he had that twitchy first step and just wasn't a track guy it'd be fine. I'm not sure the guy could touch the net on a basketball rim with that jump though. Maybe if he gets with the right SnC coach he could become something, but he's already been in the NCAA for a couple of years if it hasn't happened at this age it isn't too likely. 

Worse measurables than Bennett, but better intangibles. Tbh, I'd look at him in the late 3rd or lower if he tests well in 1-on-1s. He could be a guy who gains weight and utility and then does a bunch of jobs. But I don't look at him and see anything that says first-round pick or NFL invite. 

CFL teams are soo deeply in love with guys who go to the NCAA, even if they don't ever play. (I know we took MCI and Clercius like this, but they were stellar athletes at least, and lower picks)

 

[Booch]

5 hours ago, wbbfan said:

I was thinking about that too. He looks soft in his build, but his frame could hold a good bit more weight and he is really strong, with good disengage. 

Yeah, the 40 is ugly for his weight, but if he had that twitchy first step and just wasn't a track guy it'd be fine. I'm not sure the guy could touch the net on a basketball rim with that jump though. Maybe if he gets with the right SnC coach he could become something, but he's already been in the NCAA for a couple of years if it hasn't happened at this age it isn't too likely. 

Worse measurables than Bennett, but better intangibles. Tbh, I'd look at him in the late 3rd or lower if he tests well in 1-on-1s. He could be a guy who gains weight and utility and then does a bunch of jobs. But I don't look at him and see anything that says first-round pick or NFL invite. 

CFL teams are soo deeply in love with guys who go to the NCAA, even if they don't ever play. (I know we took MCI and Clercius like this, but they were stellar athletes at least, and lower picks)

 

MCI was probably the best athlete and tester in the entire draft class....and would have been in top teir in NFL draft for his position as well even tho he he didnt have the actual play time....savvy pick and with the right coaching and not getting his development or projected use stagnated/********....he is gonna be a huge assett

The dlineman talkd about just isn't a tester...but he is a gamer...he's from the visual on his tape smart...see's plays develop and knows where/how to get to spots to make an impact.....some guys just arent testing beasts but all they do is make plays...much like many of the testing metric superstars...and guys who look like greek gods are useless and middling players...this is where your scouting....your connections in who you know and who to talk to are valuable and important in finding the gems

I

[wbbfan]

1 hour ago, Booch said:

MCI was probably the best athlete and tester in the entire draft class....and would have been in top teir in NFL draft for his position as well even tho he he didnt have the actual play time....savvy pick and with the right coaching and not getting his development or projected use stagnated/********....he is gonna be a huge assett

The dlineman talkd about just isn't a tester...but he is a gamer...he's from the visual on his tape smart...see's plays develop and knows where/how to get to spots to make an impact.....some guys just arent testing beasts but all they do is make plays...much like many of the testing metric superstars...and guys who look like greek gods are useless and middling players...this is where your scouting....your connections in who you know and who to talk to are valuable and important in finding the gems

I

Yeah, those two are both the exception that proves the rule IMO. Plus, both Clercius and MCI bring tremendous versatility. Idk if MCI will evolve to be a feature back, if he does the miss match will be insane. Luckily, he can slowly get his feet wet and learn his craft in an ideal situation here.  Even if he never becomes a feature back, as an FB, teams, and package guy he is of tremendous value. If he can be a good change of pace back and package offensive player, that is a gigantic win. I didn't get to see nearly enough of him running the ball to gauge that, but his physical tools should translate to a high floor as a runner. I'd love to see him grow as a pass catcher who can run out of the backfield routes and stuff from the TE spot. Doesn't need amazing route-running skills, just the ability to get to a spot and catch the ball. 

He certainly isn't a tester. And he has the intangibles to over come that. I like ends that have a better first step, but he is going to be a worthwhile project for someone. And I think out side of the top 2 ish rounds, (1on1s depending) I think he will offer good value. 

[Booch]

19 hours ago, wbbfan said:

Yeah, those two are both the exception that proves the rule IMO. Plus, both Clercius and MCI bring tremendous versatility. Idk if MCI will evolve to be a feature back, if he does the miss match will be insane. Luckily, he can slowly get his feet wet and learn his craft in an ideal situation here.  Even if he never becomes a feature back, as an FB, teams, and package guy he is of tremendous value. If he can be a good change of pace back and package offensive player, that is a gigantic win. I didn't get to see nearly enough of him running the ball to gauge that, but his physical tools should translate to a high floor as a runner. I'd love to see him grow as a pass catcher who can run out of the backfield routes and stuff from the TE spot. Doesn't need amazing route-running skills, just the ability to get to a spot and catch the ball. 

He certainly isn't a tester. And he has the intangibles to over come that. I like ends that have a better first step, but he is going to be a worthwhile project for someone. And I think out side of the top 2 ish rounds, (1on1s depending) I think he will offer good value. 

yeah...Agreed...not sure if feature back is in cards....but as a TE in big packages...or even as a slot/Drury type guy he could reep huge rewards...get him out on swings or crossers...in open space...and he gets rolling with his sub 4.5 speed and his size....yowzers

 

[Stickem]

12 minutes ago, Booch said:

yeah...Agreed...not sure if feature back is in cards....but as a TE in big packages...or even as a slot/Drury type guy he could reep huge rewards...get him out on swings or crossers...in open space...and he gets rolling with his sub 4.5 speed and his size....yowzers

 

This guy is only going to get better....in fact I'm going to predict he has a banner year and well into the future....One of our bright lights for sure

[Booch]

13 minutes ago, Stickem said:

This guy is only going to get better....in fact I'm going to predict he has a banner year and well into the future....One of our bright lights for sure

yeah too bad he got knicked last yr....but I expect an expanded role...and with good coaching....which we basically have...upside is huge if we plan to utilize his skillset....same with Clercius's development now he defacto starter....he has serius upside as well.....

[wbbfan]

1 hour ago, Stickem said:

This guy is only going to get better....in fact I'm going to predict he has a banner year and well into the future....One of our bright lights for sure

I was really impressed with his uptake last year. He went from lost in short yardage and not really able to fill any roster role to a pretty good block n push guy. Excited to see year two from last years rookie crop. We got a tremendous mix of athletic upside, and strong intangibles. 
 

 

[Booch]

1 hour ago, wbbfan said:

I was really impressed with his uptake last year. He went from lost in short yardage and not really able to fill any roster role to a pretty good block n push guy. Excited to see year two from last years rookie crop. We got a tremendous mix of athletic upside, and strong intangibles. 
 

 

yup...took him a few games....mainly getting used to the speed and the intricasies of Canadian Pro ball but when he grasped it...he was getting real good

With a new offensive brain trust now.....which is gonna only be good for us albeit maybe a few growing pains along the way...but I see them really utilizing skill sets and dynamics of what we can do....Buck was horrible with creating anything to take advantage of what players could/can do, and exploiting teams with it...he was just stuck in his template and I dont think could see past the basic of basic

I think the biggest signing here is Jarius and his ability to see what can be with players and implementing it onto game plans.....I'm really curious to see what he does and how he and the OC implement out 3 backs (BO....Logan...MCI)

My hope with MCI and Clercius on roster...we drop that extra Oline guy we carried and use those 2 big bodies on the edge with the threat they can pop out and take a pass, or a toss.....We only used that 7th guy for most part off the edge anyway and really was insignificant as teams knew he was no threat

[wbbfan]

1 hour ago, Booch said:

yup...took him a few games....mainly getting used to the speed and the intricasies of Canadian Pro ball but when he grasped it...he was getting real good

With a new offensive brain trust now.....which is gonna only be good for us albeit maybe a few growing pains along the way...but I see them really utilizing skill sets and dynamics of what we can do....Buck was horrible with creating anything to take advantage of what players could/can do, and exploiting teams with it...he was just stuck in his template and I dont think could see past the basic of basic

I think the biggest signing here is Jarius and his ability to see what can be with players and implementing it onto game plans.....I'm really curious to see what he does and how he and the OC implement out 3 backs (BO....Logan...MCI)

My hope with MCI and Clercius on roster...we drop that extra Oline guy we carried and use those 2 big bodies on the edge with the threat they can pop out and take a pass, or a toss.....We only used that 7th guy for most part off the edge anyway and really was insignificant as teams knew he was no threat

Yeah, really excited to see what Jackson brings. Happy buck is gone this is the single biggest cause for optimism I have for us. The out with the old especially buck. His lack of adjustments and play calls were sickening. 
 

definitely need to move away from 7 ol with all the extra big bodies we have. Plus the ni dl on the roster. 

[Goalie]

MCI Wallace Clercius. Hell of a draft by Walters. 

Be nice if we can find 3 more this year who contribute  

 

Edited Saturday at 09:47 PM by Goalie

[Booch]

58 minutes ago, wbbfan said:

Yeah, really excited to see what Jackson brings. Happy buck is gone this is the single biggest cause for optimism I have for us. The out with the old especially buck. His lack of adjustments and play calls were sickening. 
 

definitely need to move away from 7 ol with all the extra big bodies we have. Plus the ni dl on the roster. 

yup...pointless to have that extra guy really when you have big bodied skill guys

Buck subtraction to me is addition...big one...he got stale

19 minutes ago, Goalie said:

MCI Wallace Clercius. Hell of a draft by Walters. 

Be nice if we can find 3 more this year who contribute  

 

Samson too really....He's a better option than either SchmeckThomas....Can he hurdle them and Osh's affinity...thats the question...way more upside...and he's a powerhouse bull....could be a key piece to develop

[wbbfan]

1 hour ago, Goalie said:

MCI Wallace Clercius. Hell of a draft by Walters. 

Be nice if we can find 3 more this year who contribute  

 

Yuuuuup. Bumper crop last year. Another year similar will be huge. Down side was the global draft was another total dud. Gotta improve that. 
 

plus Samson who has great upside, a lotto ticket in gio, gassama is back for camp, and finally Laroux. We brought back benson but still have Larouxs rights. 
 

52 minutes ago, Booch said:

yup...pointless to have that extra guy really when you have big bodied skill guys

Buck subtraction to me is addition...big one...he got stale

Samson too really....He's a better option than either SchmeckThomas....Can he hurdle them and Osh's affinity...thats the question...way more upside...and he's a powerhouse bull....could be a key piece to develop

plus brock gowanlock, who I think they are very high on. He played short yardage and blocking stuff in Montreal. 
 Hes also a much better kick cover guy than you usually see from Canadian DL. Brings great versatility again as a big body Canadian.