Blue Bombers 2022 Season Thread - Stunning Loss. Dynasty Interrupted. 2023 awaits.

[Boreal]

I have no idea who anybody but Cole Adamson is from that pick on. I like Cole Adamson well enough, but he doesn't strike me as a plus athlete. His motor is incredible. Kind of a Ryland Wickman come interior d-lineman with less college football pedigree. I love having the local guys on the squad though, so I'm thrilled with the selection. I hope he finds a way to play a bit eventually. DL is home to huge ultra-twitchy athletes by and large. It's a tough world to play in when you're expected to move a good bit in space. I'll be cheering for him like hell though.

 

[bustamente]

Seripusly starter potential here though. Has NFL prospect measurables, why hes going to 2 NFL rookie camps. Sounds like his tape doesnt quite match the measurables, but starter upside no doubt, maybe even at corner.

Was the class of OL that bad this year or not a need for the Bombers this year

Post automatically merged: May 3, 2022

Mr. Irrelevant Konner Burtenshaw FB from Queens the Bombers 9th round pick

 

[Boreal]

At 5'11 and 215, that is one tiny FB. In a world where FBs aren't really used. Can he long snap? Or at least possess the flexibility metrics to bend over and rifle a prolate spheroid between his legs and past his ass? Is he a magician at creating a wedge and shedding a block on teams?

I wish him nothing but the best... but goodness.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Was the class of OL that bad this year or not a need for the Bombers this year

Post automatically merged: May 3, 2022

Mr. Irrelevant Konner Burtenshaw FB from Queens the Bombers 9th round pick

I heard many times in the leadup that this was an extraordinarily weak OL class at the top. Some depth, but no standouts. Some thought we might not have an OL taken in the first round. Obviously some teams reached big for OL to throw that off.

Was OL a need? Kinda. Right now they have just 2 backup canadians under contract on OL (Kolankowski and Koczwara). Thats not alot of depth. But its looking like Dobson will be in camp which will help. Im guessing theyll bring in some other guys flowing around for camp. But itll be near impossible for any signee to make roster, theyll be looking at PR spots barring injuries.

DT was a big need. Thomas is getting up there and no depth. Lawson will help. Sounds like Adamson is going back to school and might be an OL convert but more depth. They really needed that imo.

Bombers have quietly bled alot of ST depth last two years. Ford gives them a big boost there, including a backup KR much more effective than the plodding Demski, IMO. Should help stabilize the backup spots at DB as well, considering theyve run their rosters thin on backup american DBs last year.

So yeah DT, OL and DB were probably the biggest weaknesses in that order. I think the Dobson news of potentially returning and the expected drop of OL allowed them gamble on getting a top OL at 13. Then teams reached for OL and Ford fell to them and was just too good to pass on. Just my speculation.

You could have stretched it to WR, and Id loved if they coild have snagged Cobb but oh well.

 

[rkp]

looking forward to training camp......should be open since the lifting of restrictions(hopefully)

 

[Holden Caulfield]

So overall draft picks from Bombers...
Rd 2 - 13. DB Tyrell Ford - Waterloo
Talked about above. The home run swing here. Gives instant ST value, potential to be a ratio breaking CB, maybe a starting S as well. His measurables have some NFL interest we'll see if anything comes of that.
Rd 4 - 38. DT Cole Adamson - Manitoba
Run stopping DT. Likely to head back to school. Perhaps a player that will be transitioned to OL at the CFL level. Either way local guy that they should be able to develop for a while and will add depth.
Rd 5 - 47. DB Chris Ciguineau - Ottawa
Recently converted from WR. Big DB at 6'3'' 194lbs. Should be a ST contributor right away, unlikely to have much upside on defense. Older prospect.
Rd 6 - 56. DT Jeremy Kapelanski - Guelph
More depth at DT. Clearly the theme of the draft. Another hardworking guy to add depth along DL.
Rd 7 - 65. DB Cedrick Lavigne - Carleton
More ST depth. Has experience at LS as well so will likely be the emergency LS behind Benson.
Rd 8 - 74. FB Konner Burtenshaw - Queen's
Pure ST player. At 26 unlikely to have upside.

Overall this is a very Walters draft. One big swing for the fences with Ford and a bunch of high character guys that will help ST right away. Some with upside, most without much upside on O/D. Tells me the Bombers are mostly content with their starting content and were just looking to build depth.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Bombers added another key piece today. 2021 3rd round pick (21st overall) Patrice Rene. A guy that could have been a 1st in 2021, he fell since he was returning to school last year and was coming off a season ending injury. Was hoping to have NFL interest this year that never developed. Competition is going to be pretty intense at DB this year with Rene and if Ford gets in. Looks like Bombers do think starting a canadian DB is possible and soon.

 

[Roughneck1]

Seripusly starter potential here though. Has NFL prospect measurables, why hes going to 2 NFL rookie camps. Sounds like his tape doesnt quite match the measurables, but starter upside no doubt, maybe even at corner.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

At 5'11 and 215, that is one tiny FB. In a world where FBs aren't really used. Can he long snap? Or at least possess the flexibility metrics to bend over and rifle a prolate spheroid between his legs and past his ass? Is he a magician at creating a wedge and shedding a block on teams?

I wish him nothing but the best... but goodness.

Apparently he is a ST ace at Usports. Garners comparaisons to Wade Miller hahaha

 

[Boreal]

Apparently he is a ST ace at Usports. Garners comparaisons to Wade Miller hahaha

Ha! Perfect! I'll never forget Dave Ritchie describing Wade Miller as, "Short and squatty all butt, no body".

 

[Holden Caulfield]

CFLPA instructs veteran quarterbacks not to attend 'voluntary sessions' during rookie camp, warns of 'retribution' from one team - 3DownNation

The CFLPA issued the following statement Sunday: “We have instructed all veteran quarterbacks not to attend voluntary sessions held this week and to align with the decisions our Association will make regarding Training Camps. The directive has been given across the league with the exception of one club, where there is concern by our Association over a pattern of retribution toward players by team management.”

My guess is this is Edmonton and Chris Jones that they are warning against. Jones seems like the type to retaliate against players for perceived slights.

Negotiations have turned quite a bit more sour after a bad CFL proposal to players (10 years no cap increase, destruction of the ratio, less healthcare for players). We'll see but I think both sides know that a lockout/strike is not feasible on either side for the long term stability of the league.

 

[WolfHouse]

CFLPA instructs veteran quarterbacks not to attend 'voluntary sessions' during rookie camp, warns of 'retribution' from one team - 3DownNation




My guess is this is Edmonton and Chris Jones that they are warning against. Jones seems like the type to retaliate against players for perceived slights.

Negotiations have turned quite a bit more sour after a bad CFL proposal to players (10 years no cap increase, destruction of the ratio, less healthcare for players). We'll see but I think both sides know that a lockout/strike is not feasible on either side for the long term stability of the league.

Except he has no veteran quarterbacks haha

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Except he has no veteran quarterbacks haha

Theres Arbuckle and Cornelius but yeah i get your point haha.

Its ridiculous they have 7 QBs on the roster, and another is expected to join shortly.
Nick Arbuckle
Taylor Cornelius
Cardale Jones
Keon Howard
Kai Locksley
Khalil Tate
Mike Beaudry (Canadian)
Tre Ford (Canadian not signed attending NFL mini camps atm)

Wtf is Jones doing, idk. They just lost JT Barrett to a season/career ending injury as well.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Confirmed I was right. Chris Jones would be the one to retaliate on players standing up for themselves.

 

[None]

Confirmed I was right. Chris Jones would the one to retaliate on players standing up for themselves.

The Edmonton organization is a disaster.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

CFLPA advises players not to travel for training camp, CFL to make new CBA offer Wednesday - 3DownNation

Looks like tomorrow is the big day in CBA negotiations. If CFL barely moves off their previous joke of an offer, we will see a short strike, IMO. If they can start to give some ground i think we'll be opening camp on May 15 as scheduled. CFLPA needs to see some movement. With increased americans taking part in union activities CFLPA wont roll over as easily anymore, IMO. I think the long term CBA 5+ years dream is dead on both sides though.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

CFLPA unsatisfied with new CFL CBA offer, directs players to report for possible work stoppage - 3DownNation

If you ignore the typical 3 Down Nation terrible terrible title and read the article it actually states pretty much the opposite of what the title is in the article. CFL teams have committed to providing food and housing until end of training camp, strike or not. CFLPA is asking players to attend camp. They've committed to picking up travel costs in case of an extended strike where players want to go home. Lots of work done yesterday, they stayed at the table all day and are scheduled to pick it back up first thing this morning. I think we'll see an agreed upon deal from the negotiating teams presented to CFLPA members and CFL teams in the next day or two. If not I'd bet we are talking only a day or two of strike. Seems to be progressing nicely.

Some things I'm expecting.
1) Shorter than either side would like. 2-4 years, with maybe some mutual options years. Both sides wanted long term, but that's unlikely now.
2) Ratio adjustments. I have to think this is coming. How and what is hard to say. I've heard alot of 3-3 Canadian starter talk. As in you have to start 3 on each side of the ball. CFL teams have traditionally used much of their starting canadians on offense (typically 3-4 OL and WR at least). This would force more canadian defensive players. Canadian talent is expanding, but it might actually increase offenses by artificially introducing some weaknesses into D. I think this is in part why the CFL draft was so defense heavy early this year.
3) Global adjustments. I'm thinking they may play with this. I have a feeling PA might push to have specialists (LS, K, P) excluded from Global consideration. With current rules Canadian punters are going to end up phased out. Why not use an Aussie punter who makes less than minimum as a punter rather than a canadian? Also they may open up the salary on Globals. At least I hope so, I want Thiadric back.
4) Reduced Canadians. I think they will take away 1-3 spots from backup canadians to add more backup americans on the roster.
5) Padded practices. I think this will be coming back. Very very limited, but I gotta think 1 padded practice a week/every two weeks/per month is something the PA will comprise on.

Just can't wait to get this season started for real!

 

[WolfHouse]

Typical CFL mess... force globals into the league and cut Canadians- cheap put on talent after announcing a new deal with a.major sponsor

 

[TS Quint]

I don’t get the want for the Canadian ratio adjustment. This turns the CFL into a purely free agent league. How do they plan to balance the league’s talent? in most leagues you give the bad teams the best young prospects to help them build up. But in a 100% free agent league are they just hoping the cap will do that? I don’t think that will work.

 

[WolfHouse]

I don’t get the want for the Canadian ratio adjustment. This turns the CFL into a purely free agent league. How do they plan to balance the league’s talent? in most leagues you give the bad teams the best young prospects to help them build up. But in a 100% free agent league are they just hoping the cap will do that? I don’t think that will work.

These proposals seem like they are trying to gain ground for a four down proposal... look we changed the ratio why are downs and the Rouge sacred... CFL board wants a poor man's xfl...

 

[Holden Caulfield]

I don’t get the want for the Canadian ratio adjustment. This turns the CFL into a purely free agent league. How do they plan to balance the league’s talent? in most leagues you give the bad teams the best young prospects to help them build up. But in a 100% free agent league are they just hoping the cap will do that? I don’t think that will work.

Canadians are more expensive. Starting canadians esspecially. Less starting canadians, means that those that remain are easier to keep costs down as you'd have too many "starters" for less spots. Bit short sighted but not a big deal. The elimination of ratio was just a ridiculous starting point but i think everyone knew wasnt serious. I think once its all said and done itll end up with tweaks at most. But that doesnt drive page views like "CFL eliminates ratio!"

I dont agree at all @WolfHouse. Ratio has been in flux since inception of CFL. I really dont think CFL will find any traction even in their own ranks for elimination of Canadian game. Theres a reason they walked away from XFL when they tried to dictate rules. Tweaks and changes will always be there, but wide spread changes like downs will end CFL and everyone knows that.

 

[bustamente]

Anything other than 3 downs is not CFL football as for the ratio it will always be a part of the CFL in one form or another

 

[TS Quint]

Canadians are more expensive. Starting canadians esspecially. Less starting canadians, means that those that remain are easier to keep costs down as you'd have too many "starters" for less spots. Bit short sighted but not a big deal. The elimination of ratio was just a ridiculous starting point but i think everyone knew wasnt serious. I think once its all said and done itll end up with tweaks at most. But that doesnt drive page views like "CFL eliminates ratio!"

I dont agree at all @WolfHouse. Ratio has been in flux since inception of CFL. I really dont think CFL will find any traction even in their own ranks for elimination of Canadian game. Theres a reason they walked away from XFL when they tried to dictate rules. Tweaks and changes will always be there, but wide spread changes like downs will end CFL and everyone knows that.

Well sorta, on average Americans make more money according to Justin Dunk.

I mean, there is a cap…. Player costs are fixed at the end of the day so no one is saving any money. Its just different way of allocating the money. So the point is moot. This is more of a play to increase the talent than tempering the salaries of so called expensive Canadians.

The concern should be how you balance talent in a 100% free agent league.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Well sorta, on average Americans make more money according to Justin Dunk.

I mean, there is a cap…. Player costs are fixed at the end of the day so no one is saving any money. Its just different way of allocating the money. So the point is moot. This is more of a play to increase the talent than tempering the salaries of so called expensive Canadians.

The concern should be how you balance talent in a 100% free agent league.

Well of course Americans cost more on average. There's only like 3/4 backups per roster for Americans, there's 15-18 for Canadians. So yes the average will be higher for Americans, plus Quarterbacks are almost all American. Quarterbacks and a couple top end Americans pull the average up, then Canadian starters are next priority, then american starters, then canadians have a ton of league min backups that pull their average down.

It drives many nuts in the CFL to see guys Mathieu Betts getting paid big bucks. He had 0 sacks last year but he's a top 10, maybe top 5 paid DE in the entire CFL. Because he has the talent to start at a ratio breaking position of DE. So he gets paid huge. He is making the same or maybe more than Jackson Jeffcoat. That type of stuff drives the CFL nuts. I know there's a cap and it all should come out in the wash, but that's just not how it's viewed by many teams. CFL teams management are people still, and that stuff drives them bonkers.

I don't see it as "increasing talent level". And I don't think the CFL sees that as why they want to eliminate the ratio.

 

[TS Quint]

Well of course Americans cost more on average. There's only like 3/4 backups per roster for Americans, there's 15-18 for Canadians. So yes the average will be higher for Americans, plus Quarterbacks are almost all American. Quarterbacks and a couple top end Americans pull the average up, then Canadian starters are next priority, then american starters, then canadians have a ton of league min backups that pull their average down.

It drives many nuts in the CFL to see guys Mathieu Betts getting paid big bucks. He had 0 sacks last year but he's a top 10, maybe top 5 paid DE in the entire CFL. Because he has the talent to start at a ratio breaking position of DE. So he gets paid huge. He is making the same or maybe more than Jackson Jeffcoat. That type of stuff drives the CFL nuts. I know there's a cap and it all should come out in the wash, but that's just not how it's viewed by many teams. CFL teams management are people still, and that stuff drives them bonkers.

I don't see it as "increasing talent level". And I don't think the CFL sees that as why they want to eliminate the ratio.

You aren’t saving any money and you don’t think it leads to a talent increase . There’s no reason for the league to propose this. Your take seems to make it more of a priority for the PA for fair pay….but I have never seen that.

To change the ratio over a couple of exceptions on a level playing field would be stupid. Youre just moving money from one pocket to another.