Know anything about the players who should be up when we're drafting? I haven't looked into the draft at all.
You don't think they'll look at a DL?
I've traditionally been fairly awful at mock drafting CFL. So don't take my word on where they might draft haha. And all of my notes below about prospects are exclusively generated from watching clips and scouting reports from people far more in the know that I.
However I don't see DL as a big need for the Bombers. I did say above that DE is a position they might look, and they very well might. But on the interior Cameron Lawson is developing into a premier Canadian DT. We started to see glimpses of it last year. And while he's been around quite a while (drafted by MTL in 2020, traded to Bombers before 2022 season) he's STILL younger than projected #1 overall pick* in the draft this year at only 25 years old. Of course you have the stalwart Jake Thomas still around and contributing as a rotational interior guy. On the outside you have the departure of Jeffcoat, but Bombers have shown little indication they want to flip that position Canadian. Anthony Bennett is still around as a depth guy at end. They could certainly upgrade on him, IMO, but I don't think it's high priority.
*=Projected #1 Overall pick is 26 year old LB Joel Dublanko who played last year in USFL after stints in NFL following a career at U of Cincinnati where he graduated following the 2021 season, just for reference.
Some guys I'd like to see the Bombers look at
Round 1 Targets
WR Kevens Clercius - UConn - This guys scouting profile reads nearly identical to Rasheed Bailey. Has the physical tools, loves to play physical, great blocker, embraces whatever role that's given to him. But has struggled to have the production you'd expect from such a good player. I don't know that's a starter, but should be a quality backup that can play in certain packages for sure. With only Jeremy Murphy to backup both Demski and Wolitarsky I think WR is a need and this guy could be a good fit.
G George Una - Windsor - Physical blocker who plays with an edge. Good size, and probably play all 3 interior positions with ease and fill in at tackle when needed as well. Bombers have 6 OL locked in, but could always use more depth.
G Kyle Hergel - Boston College - If he wasn't already signed by the New Orleans Saints he'd be a potential #1 overall pick. However he got very little guaranteed money in New Orleans so he doesn't have that great a chance of sticking. Will likely be a top end G as soon as he arrives in Canada, if he ever does. Likely gone by pick #8, and his talent level may impress New Orleans to stick long enough to get a real shot down south.
DE Luke Brubacher - Wilfred Laurier - I doubt he'll be there at 8, but he's the best DE available. Despite having only started football post pandemic, he has had a meteoric rise. He's got great testing numbers for NFL, nevermind CFL. Obviously very raw, but most are projecting this guy to be in CFL for just a year or two before he heads down south once he's been coached up a little bit. Would be a interesting dart throw.
Round 2 Targets
SLB Melique Straker - Arkansas State - That's right a true SLB prospect, those are quite rare. Once projected as a Round 1 player, he's more of a late 2nd, 3rd or 4th rounder after some horrendous testing numbers. But the Bombers are the only CFL team that regularly starts a Canadian at SLB and could use some depth there. This is a guy who didn't have a defined position in college, they player him at "star" position, which was a mix of nickel corner, linebacker, and safety. Essentially designed their defense to let him make plays.
LB Nick Wiebe - University of Saskatchewan - Former walk on at the elite Oregon program in NCAA, he's a potential starting WLB or MLB in CFL. Will not play this season with an injury, but looks to be a top prospect that might be gotten in the 2nd as he will have a "red shirt" year essentially. Bombers have shown a willingness to wait in the past with Liam Dobson and Jonathan Kongbo.
RB/FB Michael Chris-Ike - Delaware State - His low end is a quality STer and FB. But has the measureables to potentially threaten to actually have a chance to be a RB. Violent runner but can be a bit awkward, his production never matched the testing. But at least he will be a quality STer and can add some work at FB which the Bombers desperately missed with former FB Mike Miller missing all of 2023 and now he's the ST coach for the team.
Various Late Round Guys
RB Matthew Peterson - University of Alberta - This guy is a true RB, projecting probably similar to a Johnny Augustine. A lack of size means he'll be a slider in the draft. However he is flat out productive with the ball in his hands, and despite the size limitations he loves to play physical. That's most of the battle in getting RB's to pass block, they gotta love that contact. While RB isn't a super big need this guy to me screams an undervalued guy they'll be able to get some use of like Augustine at the low end, potential starter at the high end.
TE/LS Brad Hladik - University of British Columbia - If they fail to get Chris-Ike earlier, they really should be taking Hladik in rounds 3 or 4. This guy will be able to fill in somewhat as a TE when needed, and can do some work as the FB as well catching passes and blocking. Likely long term he is more of a LS down the road as well, which would be perfect if he can contribute as a STer and FB for a year or two before moving the LS full time when 36 year old Mike Benson hangs them up as he will likely do soon.
LB Ryan Baker - University of British Columbia - Tested poorly, but a two time Canada West All-Star at LB has elite ST potential. Perfect size and tape plays better than measurables. A gamer. Former QB so can also be a leader on the ST unit. Bombers desperately need to add youth and talent to the ST ranks this year as they've dealt with alot of injuries and retirements recently.
Bombers Picks
WPG 1st Round (8)
WPG 2nd Round (17)
NAT Comp Pick (20)
WPG 3rd Round (28)
WPG 4th Round (37)
OTT 5th Round (40)
WPG 5th Round (46)
WPG 6th Round (55)
WPG 7th Round (64)
WPG 8th Round (73)
