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Posted

Interesting read:

By: Darren Cameron

I walked into General Manager Kyle Walters’ office this morning, eager to hear about the future of our league. He was fresh off a week of carefully studying prospects at the CFL Combine, and we quickly got talking. Within a minute of starting our conversation, in walked Mike O’Shea, and together they took me through the weekend. To sum up their thoughts in a few words, it would be safe to say the confidence about improving the roster on May 12th (CFL Draft day) is exceptionally high.

I tried my best to keep up with the names and attributes they were rattling off, and every time a player’s name would come up in an excited tone, the next would follow with even more animation.

I wish I could tell you who we will take with the second overall selection. Heck, even which position. The truth is, I wouldn’t be able to even if it was already decided, but let me run down few scenarios that Kyle and Mike tossed around on this Monday morning after the hectic Combine weekend.

Offensive Lineman

This has been our mantra since Kyle took over: Almost always take a lineman with your top pick, and another later on in the draft. We did this last year with Matthias Goossen, who we feel is going to be a solid player in our league. This year may buck that trend, though. As Kyle pointed out, “the draft is so deep, we could most likely grab a solid offensive lineman at 11, because there are five or six very good ones”. The idea of taking a lineman at number two overall isn’t out of the question, but with the offseason acquisitions of Stanley Bryant and Dominic Picard to drastically improve our offensive line already and the abundant talent at other valuable positions, it will make for an interesting debate here at Investors Group Field as May approaches.

Wide Receiver

This position is really what has changed things from our perspective heading into the draft. Kyle told me empathically that “Nic Demski (Manitoba), Addison Richards (Regina), Lemar Durant (Simon Fraser), and Jake Harty (Calgary) are all great football players.” This became even more evident when I looked up at Kyle’s whiteboard in his office and saw all four names circled under the receiver category. By the sounds of it, it is entirely possible that any of these four players could come in, start, and make an impact quickly. Solid Canadian pass-catchers are valuable assets, and with the thinking that a top offensive lineman will likely still be available at 11, do you add a dynamic playmaker to your roster and bolster an offence that has lacked consistent production from Canadian receivers for years? “Demski is the best pure athlete, but he’s not alone. Durant, Richards, and Harty are very, very interesting,” noted Kyle.

Defensive Player

Adding a defensive, ratio-changing player is of much intrigue to our staff, and has not been discussed very much to this point. Chris Ackie, a defensive back from Wilfrid Laurier, was one of the first players to be raved about this morning. First in the Broad Jump and Vertical Leap, and third in the 3-Cone Drill, Ackie is one of the defensive players who is making this decision even more difficult. There are others too, but the thinking here would be to take a ratio-changing defensive player at two, and again look to the depth of lineman and receivers for the next two picks (11 and 15).

One of the decisions I do believe has been made is that the number two selection will not be moved. “Obviously you never say never, but it is unlikely we will move that pick,” Kyle said. “There are just too many good football players at so many different positions to trade that away. With three in the first 15, we’re very confident we can add some depth and immediate impact-type players with the positions we are in, pick-wise.”

It’s starting to feel more and more like football season, isn’t it? In just a few short weeks we will be in Bradenton, Florida to evaluate the off-season free agent signings. May 12th is CFL Draft Day, and our rookie camp will open just over two weeks after that. As I was leaving Kyle’s office, I mentioned to Kyle and Mike the fast approaching season, and all eyes lit up. “Let’s go!” smiled the coach.

Until next time.

Darren

Posted

I'm not sure I got anything out of this blog post that wasn't in the initial Draft-related article Tait did like 3 weeks ago. I fully respect that the team can't really divulge inside information, but then........what's the point of just regurgitating stuff we already know?

Posted

I'm not sure I got anything out of this blog post that wasn't in the initial Draft-related article Tait did like 3 weeks ago. I fully respect that the team can't really divulge inside information, but then........what's the point of just regurgitating stuff we already know?

 

Yes, we already know your disdain for these so called "fluff" pieces by the Bombers.   

Posted

Interesting read:

By: Darren Cameron

I walked into General Manager Kyle Walters’ office this morning, eager to hear about the future of our league. He was fresh off a week of carefully studying prospects at the CFL Combine, and we quickly got talking. Within a minute of starting our conversation, in walked Mike O’Shea, and together they took me through the weekend. To sum up their thoughts in a few words, it would be safe to say the confidence about improving the roster on May 12th (CFL Draft day) is exceptionally high.

I tried my best to keep up with the names and attributes they were rattling off, and every time a player’s name would come up in an excited tone, the next would follow with even more animation.

I wish I could tell you who we will take with the second overall selection. Heck, even which position. The truth is, I wouldn’t be able to even if it was already decided, but let me run down few scenarios that Kyle and Mike tossed around on this Monday morning after the hectic Combine weekend.

Offensive Lineman

This has been our mantra since Kyle took over: Almost always take a lineman with your top pick, and another later on in the draft. We did this last year with Matthias Goossen, who we feel is going to be a solid player in our league. This year may buck that trend, though. As Kyle pointed out, “the draft is so deep, we could most likely grab a solid offensive lineman at 11, because there are five or six very good ones”. The idea of taking a lineman at number two overall isn’t out of the question, but with the offseason acquisitions of Stanley Bryant and Dominic Picard to drastically improve our offensive line already and the abundant talent at other valuable positions, it will make for an interesting debate here at Investors Group Field as May approaches.

Wide Receiver

This position is really what has changed things from our perspective heading into the draft. Kyle told me empathically that “Nic Demski (Manitoba), Addison Richards (Regina), Lemar Durant (Simon Fraser), and Jake Harty (Calgary) are all great football players.” This became even more evident when I looked up at Kyle’s whiteboard in his office and saw all four names circled under the receiver category. By the sounds of it, it is entirely possible that any of these four players could come in, start, and make an impact quickly. Solid Canadian pass-catchers are valuable assets, and with the thinking that a top offensive lineman will likely still be available at 11, do you add a dynamic playmaker to your roster and bolster an offence that has lacked consistent production from Canadian receivers for years? “Demski is the best pure athlete, but he’s not alone. Durant, Richards, and Harty are very, very interesting,” noted Kyle.

Defensive Player

Adding a defensive, ratio-changing player is of much intrigue to our staff, and has not been discussed very much to this point. Chris Ackie, a defensive back from Wilfrid Laurier, was one of the first players to be raved about this morning. First in the Broad Jump and Vertical Leap, and third in the 3-Cone Drill, Ackie is one of the defensive players who is making this decision even more difficult. There are others too, but the thinking here would be to take a ratio-changing defensive player at two, and again look to the depth of lineman and receivers for the next two picks (11 and 15).

One of the decisions I do believe has been made is that the number two selection will not be moved. “Obviously you never say never, but it is unlikely we will move that pick,” Kyle said. “There are just too many good football players at so many different positions to trade that away. With three in the first 15, we’re very confident we can add some depth and immediate impact-type players with the positions we are in, pick-wise.”

It’s starting to feel more and more like football season, isn’t it? In just a few short weeks we will be in Bradenton, Florida to evaluate the off-season free agent signings. May 12th is CFL Draft Day, and our rookie camp will open just over two weeks after that. As I was leaving Kyle’s office, I mentioned to Kyle and Mike the fast approaching season, and all eyes lit up. “Let’s go!” smiled the coach.

Until next time.

Darren

 

For some odd reason that first paragraph reminded me of a Penthouse Forum letter....obviously I was disappointed with the climax of the story.

Posted

Interesting read:

By: Darren Cameron

I walked into General Manager Kyle Walters’ office this morning, eager to hear about the future of our league. He was fresh off a week of carefully studying prospects at the CFL Combine, and we quickly got talking. Within a minute of starting our conversation, in walked Mike O’Shea, and together they took me through the weekend. To sum up their thoughts in a few words, it would be safe to say the confidence about improving the roster on May 12th (CFL Draft day) is exceptionally high.

I tried my best to keep up with the names and attributes they were rattling off, and every time a player’s name would come up in an excited tone, the next would follow with even more animation.

I wish I could tell you who we will take with the second overall selection. Heck, even which position. The truth is, I wouldn’t be able to even if it was already decided, but let me run down few scenarios that Kyle and Mike tossed around on this Monday morning after the hectic Combine weekend.

Offensive Lineman

This has been our mantra since Kyle took over: Almost always take a lineman with your top pick, and another later on in the draft. We did this last year with Matthias Goossen, who we feel is going to be a solid player in our league. This year may buck that trend, though. As Kyle pointed out, “the draft is so deep, we could most likely grab a solid offensive lineman at 11, because there are five or six very good ones”. The idea of taking a lineman at number two overall isn’t out of the question, but with the offseason acquisitions of Stanley Bryant and Dominic Picard to drastically improve our offensive line already and the abundant talent at other valuable positions, it will make for an interesting debate here at Investors Group Field as May approaches.

Wide Receiver

This position is really what has changed things from our perspective heading into the draft. Kyle told me empathically that “Nic Demski (Manitoba), Addison Richards (Regina), Lemar Durant (Simon Fraser), and Jake Harty (Calgary) are all great football players.” This became even more evident when I looked up at Kyle’s whiteboard in his office and saw all four names circled under the receiver category. By the sounds of it, it is entirely possible that any of these four players could come in, start, and make an impact quickly. Solid Canadian pass-catchers are valuable assets, and with the thinking that a top offensive lineman will likely still be available at 11, do you add a dynamic playmaker to your roster and bolster an offence that has lacked consistent production from Canadian receivers for years? “Demski is the best pure athlete, but he’s not alone. Durant, Richards, and Harty are very, very interesting,” noted Kyle.

Defensive Player

Adding a defensive, ratio-changing player is of much intrigue to our staff, and has not been discussed very much to this point. Chris Ackie, a defensive back from Wilfrid Laurier, was one of the first players to be raved about this morning. First in the Broad Jump and Vertical Leap, and third in the 3-Cone Drill, Ackie is one of the defensive players who is making this decision even more difficult. There are others too, but the thinking here would be to take a ratio-changing defensive player at two, and again look to the depth of lineman and receivers for the next two picks (11 and 15).

One of the decisions I do believe has been made is that the number two selection will not be moved. “Obviously you never say never, but it is unlikely we will move that pick,” Kyle said. “There are just too many good football players at so many different positions to trade that away. With three in the first 15, we’re very confident we can add some depth and immediate impact-type players with the positions we are in, pick-wise.”

It’s starting to feel more and more like football season, isn’t it? In just a few short weeks we will be in Bradenton, Florida to evaluate the off-season free agent signings. May 12th is CFL Draft Day, and our rookie camp will open just over two weeks after that. As I was leaving Kyle’s office, I mentioned to Kyle and Mike the fast approaching season, and all eyes lit up. “Let’s go!” smiled the coach.

Until next time.

Darren

For some odd reason that first paragraph reminded me of a Penthouse Forum letter....obviously I was disappointed with the climax of the story.
Agreed. I was hoping for some drunken binge stories involving alcohol, waking up in a hotel bathtub in a pool of vomit, and lots of strippers. Darren's story sure went downhill from there. I was picturing a Hangover 4 type weekend for Walters, O'Shea, Morris and Govea.
Posted

But I did learn something.

If you read between the lyings, you'd learn that it is more unlikely now that we will move our 1st pick - that wasn't a given in previous weeks.

Also, we're seeing more and more, the thought of moving away from drafting an O-lineman with the 1st pick.

The Combine has done that with the showings of many players - offensive and defensive.

I think that they're showing us that there are more combinations to think about, now that the Combine has come and gone, and that mock drafts are going to be more challenging this year.

Posted

I would rather have seen this blog a few days before the draft when names are off the board because of NFL interest. This blog just basically tells me that the Bombers, like kids before X-mas, have gotten the new Sears Wishbook and have begun circling every new toy they are remotely interested in. When that list gets a little more fine tuned, that's when things will get interesting. RIght now, all of our options remain open and we don't know what our plan of attack will be.

Posted

But I did learn something.

If you read between the lyings, you'd learn that it is more unlikely now that we will move our 1st pick - that wasn't a given in previous weeks.

Also, we're seeing more and more, the thought of moving away from drafting an O-lineman with the 1st pick.

The Combine has done that with the showings of many players - offensive and defensive.

I think that they're showing us that there are more combinations to think about, now that the Combine has come and gone, and that mock drafts are going to be more challenging this year.

Posted

once again this blog can be summed up like this: 

 

"I walked into Kyle Walters office and man oh man is this guy just the best. He is bar none the best GM in the league and he is ensuring the long term success of this team for years and years to come" 

 

 

I understand they gotta put the positive spin on things but this is just so over the top it's ridiculous. I honestly expected a line in there about how Walters and O'Shea helped a few old ladies cross the street before getting to work. 

Posted

What the fk do you guys expect?  He's the bombers PR guy...  lighten up.

 

We learned that Walters is tending away from an OL with first pick and that Ackie is on the radar.

It's not about expecting anything, it's about mocking an obvious and very lame PR job. It's quite frankly a little bit insulting that they think they need to do this kind of stuff. I'd expect that from the Riders, but no the Bombers. Blatant self promotion dressed up as something insightful is just annoying. 

Posted

 

What the fk do you guys expect?  He's the bombers PR guy...  lighten up.

 

We learned that Walters is tending away from an OL with first pick and that Ackie is on the radar.

It's not about expecting anything, it's about mocking an obvious and very lame PR job. It's quite frankly a little bit insulting that they think they need to do this kind of stuff. I'd expect that from the Riders, but no the Bombers. Blatant self promotion dressed up as something insightful is just annoying. 

 

 

So you want to go back to the days of Kelly and Mack not releasing any info

 

There's more info in this blog than I expected...  as if Walters is going to say that they are hoping Ruby drops to 11th or something like that.

Posted

WHERE'S THE ANGST??!!

 

Ridiculous.

 

Who does he think he is, using his blog to give his thoughts?

 

I SEE RIGHT THRU YOU CAMERON!!!

There's a good point -- because I really don't think he is. He's using *A* blog to give us the team's PR spin dressed up as *HIS* blog giving us his thoughts. 

 

The point is, if you're not going to give us something we aren't already getting elsewhere, then why bother at all?

Posted

What are we doing now?

Daring Cameron?

What?

To come out and say - read the papers - I've nothing to say.

Providing information this way is way better than in the past.

Don't forget...it's what you do with the info provided.

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