2015 CFL East Division Preview

Quarterback Zach Collaros is expected to have a big season in his second year with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, whom I'd label as the team to beat in the East Divison.

Much like their Western opposition, the East Division will feature a very competitive race to the playoffs. This isn't a division filled with powerhouses like Calgary or Edmonton, but rather with team's that have lots of potential and could surprise the league in 2015. A new season brings new optimism and predictions, and this is how I think the East Division will shape-up. 

1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats 

2014 record: 9-9 

2015 projected record: 11-7 

After earning their second trip to the Grey Cup in as many years, the Tiger-Cats have proven that they're the undisputed beasts of the East. Their 2014-2015 off-season was relatively quiet, and that's a good thing. After two full seasons at the helm, Kent Austin is done re-shaping the Tiger-Cats into the team he wants them to be, and that's a positive sign for those in the 'Hammer' that have seen this team experience more than their fair share of roster turnover in recent years. 

Some of Hamilton's off-season losses included injury-plagued offensive linemen Greg Wojt and Marc Dile, national receiver Sam Giguère and of course, their starting weak-side cornerback and CFL All-Star Delvin Breaux, who signed with his hometown New Orleans Saints of the NFL. The 'Tabbies also lost national defensive tackles Brian Bulcke and Linden Gaydosh for the season, while national receiver Spencer Watt won't suit up either due to a torn achilles tendon. 

Coach Austin's best move of the off-season came at the draft, where he acquired veteran national offensive lineman Ryan Bomben from Montreal in exchange for a couple high draft picks. The pick-up of Bomben was huge as it gives Hamilton easier ratio flexibility having a third starting national offensive lineman. Bomben joins a unit that struggled in 2014, no matter what the ratio balance was. Hamilton will also be getting national guard Peter Dyakowski back after he missed almost all of 2014 with a freak-injury suffered in the year prior's Grey Cup. 

Simoni Lawrence, Ted Laurent, Chris Butler and Eric Noorwood (I could keep going) headline Hamilton's elite defence. They boast one of the league's top linebacker corps, and while they're suddenly short of Canadian defensive tackles, Hamilton's still set at defensive line. Their secondary wasn't amazing last season despite all the talent, and I don't think it'll get much better in 2015. Hamilton will need some young defensive backs to step in and take on a large role in replacement of some of their veteran guys who I don't think will adjust well to the new rules. 

Special teams play in the CFL is so crucial to success, and it's on this side of the ball where Hamilton will dominate all of their competitors. Justin Medlock is the second most reliable kicker/punter in the league beside Swayze Waters, while we all know what the electrifying Brandon Banks can do when he gets the ball in his hands. The Ti-Cats, who drafted more-than-enough linebackers at the 2015 draft, are always focused on improving their coverage units as well. The hiring of special teams coordinator Jeff Reinebold a few years ago is really paying dividends to the Tiger-Cats' brass. 

Final Analysis: On paper, Kent Austin has put together a much better roster than an 11-7 record would indicate. Getting that entire roster ready for game day presents a bigger issue, as the Ti-Cats just keep losing players as training camp progresses. Two of their top three runningbacks are out, so expect Collaros to really carry the offence early, which shouldn't be an issue. Hamilton also has a history of starting seasons slow, and I don't expect that trend to change in 2015. The 'Tabbies, who were a terrible team on the road last year, will spend the first four weeks of the season as the visitors, which could hurt. They'll also be missing some key contributors to injury early on, which won't help even when they do return home to the ever-glorious Tim Hortons Field. But if the Ti-Cats decide to get all mediocrity out of the way early, they'll dominate the rest of the season. All of Ti-Cat nation will be hoping their teams momentum will carry them through the playoffs and back to the Grey Cup, where they can ultimately bring back the Grey Cup to 'Steeltown'. 

2. Montreal Alouettes 

2014 record: 9-9 

Projected 2015 record: 9-9

Jim Popp was a very busy general manager this off-season. He picked up a handful of veterans in free agency including runningback Stefan Logan from BC, cornerback Rod Williams from Saskatchewan as well as receivers Nik Lewis from Calgary and Sam Giguère from Hamilton. The Alouettes also acquired veteran receiver Fred Stamps from Edmonton in exchange for an up-and-comer in Kenny Stafford, to much fan-fare. 

Modifying the receiving corps was one of Popp's main goals this off-sesason. They lost an elite receiver in Duron Carter to the NFL, while 30-year old Brandon London surprisingly retired. Replacing Carter will be nearly impossible this season, but Montreal will be fine with SJ Green and Fred Stamps working as the team's number one and two receivers. 

The Alouettes cut injury-prone runningback Brandon Whitaker in a salary cap move during training camp but aren't expected to miss a beat. Whitaker was deemed expendable by a loaded group of runners that include Tyrell Sutton, Stefan Logan and Brandon Rutley. Frankly, the Alouettes could probably put whoever they want behind that offensive line and still find success. 

If their defence is forced to carry the team as they did in 2014, Montreal still has a very good chance of making the playoffs. Much like Hamilton, they have a stacked front seven led by Bear Woods, John Bowman, Chip Cox and Gabriel Knapton. The Alouettes just might finish with the league's number one rushing defence, but the Ti-Cats will surely put up a fight. The two teams are also in a similar situation regarding their secondary. 

Final Analysis: Quarterback Jonathon Crompton's performance will go a long way in determining where the Alouettes place in the East Division. While I think they'll make the playoffs either way, they can say good-bye to any hopes of catching Hamilton in first place if Crompton regresses. The Alouettes have a fantastic offensive line, capable receiving corps and talented defence, but the Ti-Cats have that and a game-changing quarterback. Dan Lefevour looked better in limited pre-season action than Crompton did, and it sounds like there's a closer competition between the two than you might think. 

3. Toronto Argonauts

2014 record: 8-10

2015 projected record: 6-12

Trevor Harris will have the keys to the offence for at least six weeks while Ricky Ray recovers from off-season surgery. Harris has looked sharp in the past, most recently throwing for 281 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception on 26/36 passing in a must-win game last year against Ottawa. Despite the potential he's shown, it's hard to say the Argos make it to week seven in good shape. They'll spend the first four weeks on the road against the tough West Division, then continue their road trip  to Hamilton before finally returning home for their actual home-opener against Saskatchewan. 

The Argos lost more experienced players than they gained this off-season. Gone to the NFL are cornerback Jalil Carter and receiver John Chiles, while left tackle SirVincent Rogers signed with Ottawa and veteran wideout Maurice Mann retired.

Toronto's abysmal defence went through a slight makeover this off-season. They brought back veteran national defensive end Ricky Foley from Saskatchewan to form quite the tandem with 2014 break-out player Tristan Okpalaugo after the defensive line as a whole failed to generate much of a pass-rush last year. That trade was made possible by the emergence of linebacker Cory Greenwood- Toronto's first round pick in 2010- who's play late that season gave the Argos the opportunity to trade Shea Emry. Two other new faces on the defence will be former NFL defensive backs A.J. Jefferson and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, who have both impressed in the pre-season. Toronto's secondary is still very much inexperienced, and 2014 showed how valuable veteran defensive backs are. 

Final Analysis: If the Argos want to stay relevant in the Eastern Division, they'll need to find a way to survive the awful road trip that awaits them and Trevor Harris at the start of the season. Harris and Ray will be protected well behind Toronto's offensive line, but you have to wonder about the health of their main weapons Chad Owens and Andre Durie down the stretch even if the double blue start strong. The Argos' superstars simply cannot find a way to stay healthy, and that'll hurt Toronto again in 2015. The Argos are an up-and-coming team that I think will be really good come next year. They already have what appears to be a dominate defensive line in place and will use 2015 to gain another year of experience in their secondary while they also evaluate what they have with their linebackers and receivers. Trevor Harris could break-out and push Ray towards an earlier-than-anticipated-retirement, and while that's unlikely, it's definitely intriguing. His 2014 record may not help, but you can hardly blame the 29 year old. 

4. Ottawa Redblacks

2014 record: 2-16

2015 projected record: 5-13

There's a whole lot to be optimistic about in R-Nation. The Redblacks made the off-season interesting, acquiring a dynamic receiving corps, new offensive coordinator and an upgraded offensive line. Their young, promising defence remains intact and will be looked to build on what they started in Ottawa's inaugural campaign. 

Their biggest move was acquiring receiver/ return specialist Chris Williams. Williams spent the 2013 and 2014 season in the NFL after dominating the two previous seasons with Hamilton. Ottawa also signed receivers Ernest Jackson, Greg Ellingson, Brad Sinopoli and Alex Pierzchalski, all of whom have shown tremendous potential with their previous clubs. They also acquired veteran speedster Maurice Price in a trade that sent linebacker Jasper Simmons, voted the team's Most Outstanding Player, to the Stampeders.

General Manager Marcel Desjardins made sure to address their poor offensive line in the off-season as well, inking former Argonauts left tackle SirVincent Rogers to a contact while also drafting centre Alex Mateas with the first overall pick. If Henry Burris can take a sip from the fountain of youth and even somewhat regain his old form, there's no reason why this offence won't vastly improve on their terrible results from last season. 

Ottawa's defence was a glaring bright spot in their inaugural season. I see plenty of potential in the secondary with names like Brandon McDonald, Jerell Gavins, Abdul Kanneh and Jermaine Robinson, although I do worry about the lack of experience in this group which will improve as the weeks go on. Their front seven seems rather mediocre, with only break-out Canadian defensive end Justin Capicciotti, middle linebacker Travis Brown and strong side linebacker Antoine Pruneau being the lone sure-things. Ottawa's still without a second capable pass-rusher, while weak-side linebacker and defensive tackle are both positions with question marks. 

Final Analysis: I wouldn't expect the Redblacks to come flying out of the gate to open up the 2015 season. While pre-season games should be taken with a grain of salt, it seems Ottawa's offence is still behind as both the new faces and returnees learn Jason Maas' offence. It might not be until July until we see the full potential that we see on paper show it on the field, and that's assuming Henry Burris steadily improves as the weeks go on. I have my doubts with the 40 year old quarterback. His accuracy woes displayed last season didn't look any better in the pre-season, but of course most of his pass-catchers weren't familiar faces with Ottawa's new acquisitions. Ottawa's defence didn't suffer from much roster turn-over, although there is an obvious lack of depth at nearly every position and that has to be concerning. Once again, the Redblacks will remain very competitive in the East Division, however the fans no longer want to settle for competitiveness, they want wins. The 2015 season may not bring as much as they may hope. 

2015 CFL West Division Preview

The 2015 season is expected to be quite the battle in the CFL's West Division. The off-season was littered with transactions and most made the Western teams look even more intimidating on paper. I feel like there's quite a disparity in talent between the two divisions, evidently shown by the amount of wins handed out to teams in the West in my preview. 

So here it is, my 2015 CFL West Division predictions, preview and off-season recap. 

1. Calgary Stampeders

2014 record: 15-3

2015 projected record: 14-4

The Stampeders have a league-high 75 wins over the past six seasons under the guidance of John Hufnagel. They'll be expected to add a lot more to that total in 2015, and of course, another big shiny trophy. 

The Stamps were unable to keep a good chunk of players that left during free agency. But don't be fooled, even with these losses, the reigning Grey Cup champions still have the most impressive roster in the league. 

Out are the likes of right tackle Stanley Bryant (Blue Bombers), centre Brent Jones (New York Giants), national receiver Brad Sinopoli (Ottawa) and defensive end Shawn Lemon (Pittsburgh Steelers). They also traded veteran slotback Maurice Price to the Redblacks in exchange for linebacker Jasper Simmons. 

One of the main reasons that Calgary has been so good is because of their incredible depth, which makes most of these losses hardly anything major. They're the league's best team at finding and developing talent, so they almost never miss a beat when a player goes down, even if it's Jon Cornish. 

Expect big things from Bo Levi Mitchell and this offence in year two of the young signal-caller's career as a starter. Mitchell was exceptional in his first season, so don't be surprised if offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson makes the passing game the feature of the offence after years of them employing a run-first system with Cornish. Cornish will still easily lead the league in rushing; he did so last year in only nine games. Cornish even believes he could surpass the 2,000 yard plateau- only Mike Pringle has ever accomplished the feat- and I wouldn't bet against him. 

Calgary's defence is just as good. They have an elite group of linebackers and defensive backs, while there's many options along the defensive line. Look for veteran defensive end Charleston Hughes to have a huge season after injuries plagued him in 2014 and for Freddie Bishop to smoothly replace Shawn Lemon opposite of Hughes.

Final Analysis: The Stamps have to be the favourites to hoist the Grey Cup at Investors Group Field in November. Looking to win back-to-back Grey Cups for the first time in team history, the Stamps will look to their up-and-coming elite quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, healthy runningback Jon Cornish, talented receiving corps and ball-hawking defence to guide them back. Hufnagel and his coaching staff have discovered the perfect winning formula, and it'll be in full effect this season. 

2. Edmonton Eskimos 

2014 record: 12-6

2015 projected record: 12-6

The Eskimos are one of the those teams that have took on their head coaches' personality and philosophy onto the playing grid-iron. Lead by a tough, physical and strategic defence, the Eskimos define football in the Western Division. Chris Jones has transformed the identity of this defence while quarterback Mike Reilly has become an elite signal caller on Edmonton's exciting, smash-mouth style offence. 

The Eskimos were rather quiet in the off-season, although the shocking trade that sent veteran and fan-favourite receiver Fred Stamps to Montreal for young receiver Kenny Stafford made plenty of headlines. Edmonton mainly picked up reinforcements for their shaky offensive line in 29 year old guard Greg Wojt (Hamilton) and former Eskimos centre Alex Krausnick (Ottawa). The Esks are hoping Wojt will replace right guard Matt O'Donnell, who signed with the NFL's Cincinatti Bengals. 

GM Ed Hervey didn't have to do too much this off-season, but one thing he did quickly was pick up a replacement for runningback John White. Edmonton had high hopes for White after the 24 year old was named a West Division All-Star in 2014, however he recently tore his achilles tendon in practice, ending his season prematurely. Hervey picked up former Blue Bomber Chad Simpson to provide depth behind while either Shakir Bell or Kendial Lawrence take on the bulk of the hand-offs.

On paper, the Eskimos look very solid. Offensively, Reilly has a slew of weapons to throw to including the league's top receiver in 2014 Adarius Bowman, young Canadians  Nate Coehoorn and Shamawd Chambers, and also dynamic, dual-threat player Kendial Lawrence. And that's not it, the list goes on. The offensive line is my main concern (it may be the league's most depleted), but Reilly is one of the best in the business at buying himself time, and offensive coordinator Stephen McAdoo runs his offence to their strengths. 

Their defence is even better. Led by Odell Willis and Almondo Sewell, Edmonton's defensive line is the best in the business, while their secondary, led by Pat Watkins and Aaron Grymes, is very strong as well. They have JC Sherritt at middle linebacker along with the CFL's top rookie of the year in 2014, Dexter McCoil, ball-hawking on the weak-side. 

Final Analysis: Clearly, the Eskimos haven't made any friends with the CFL's schedule makers. The Green and Gold play consecutive games between their terrible week 2 and 20 bye weeks, which won't help an already injury-plagued team stay healthy or energized. Especially not against the Stampeders, who stand in the Eskimos way from getting a first round playoff bye or a Grey Cup berth. The Eskimos went 0-4 against Calgary last year, but don't expect the battle of Alberta to go all Calgary's way this year. In year two of all their coordinator's systems, and with no major off-season changes, the Eskimos are destined to improve. They'll be battling during the race for the West Division title, although injuries and an awful offensive line could slow them down. 

3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

2014 record: 7-11

Projected 2015 record: 10-8

The Bombers made sure they did their due-diligence and brought in enough talent to make sure Drew Willy stays off his back in his second season as the Bombers' starting quarterback. The 28 year old pivot was sacked a league high 68 times last year and was bruised and battered by mid-season. 

And Kyle Walters decided to do something about it. The Bombers inked highly coveted left tackle Stanley Bryant from Calgary in free agency and picked up centre Dominic Picard after he was cut from the 'Riders for salary cap purposes. They even drafted guard Sukh Chungh with the second overall pick, so Winnipeg's more than set along the interior of their offensive line. 

Another big move Walters made was signing national defensive end Jamaal Westerman, an NFL veteran who had contract offers from all nine CFL teams. The Bombers could potentially start 8 Canadians per game now if they choose. That's an incredible thought considering they've had trouble scraping together seven capable starters in the past. 

Two things the Bombers have to get better at are running the ball and stopping the run. Newly signed bruiser Cam Marshall will be a nice compliment to the speedy incumbent Paris Cotton, but it's still up to offensive coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille to give them enough carries per game for them to get in a groove. On defence, the Bombers brought in Richie Hall and his traditional scheme as defensive coordinator after witnessing Gary Etcheverry's exotic defence get run over by runningbacks week after week. Hall doesn't have a whole lot of talent at linebacker to work with, while I still have questions about the interior of this defensive line. 

Final Analysis: Drew Willy and this Bomber offence should be able to put up points consistently through the air. Willy passed for big yards when healthy, and he should continue that trend with his improved offensive line giving him time to progress through his reads. However, I think that if the Bombers can't run the ball consistently, it'll hold the team back a lot. Winnipeg is set on special teams and looks decent on defence, especially their always-good secondary. Mike O'Shea is in year two, so he knows the players and they know what to expect. The Bombers have to make the playoffs, and their projected 10-8 record will give them a spot. 

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders

2014 record: 10-8

2015 projected record: 9-9

The 'Riders had quite the entertaining off-season. The blockbuster trade that sent fan-favourite national defensive end Ricky Foley back to the Argonauts in exchange for national linebacker Shea Emry shocked many, but made sense as it meant the 'Riders had finally found a middle linebacker after a revolving door there in 2014. It especially made sense when the Riders announced the signing of defensive end Alex Hall, who was a force in the CFL in 2013 but spent the 2014 season down south in the NFL. 

There were other significant players brought in, such as quarterback Kevin Glenn, who'll solidify Saskatchewan's back-up position. The 'Riders went 2-10 when Darian Durant went down last season, so GM Brandon Taman made it his priority to bring in the best insurance policy in a former 'Rider in Glenn.

The 'Riders should have one of league's top passing attacks under a healthy Durant in new offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine's system. Their veteran quarterback is surrounded with quite the arsenal of weapons with a pick-your-poison type receiving corps headlined by Weston Dressler. There are some concerns regarding the five big-men blocking for Durant, however, as centre Dominic Picard was released for salary cup purposes and national right tackle Ben Heenan left for the NFL. There's also some questionable depth along this offensive line as well. 

The 'Riders may have a revolving door around their seven National starters. Saskatchewan, who'll start three Canadian offensive lineman and two Canadian receivers, brought in safety Keenan MacDougall from Calgary to account for another while their seventh may come in the form of Jerome Messam. However Messam, who doesn't have a capable national runningback behind him, is prone to injuries while Saskatchewan is also short on national back-ups behind Emry at linebacker and MacDougall at safety. They could turn to starting one of their talented Canadian defensive lineman should injuries pile up, but you never want to sit a talented international just because the ratio forces you to make changes. Expect to see plenty of games the 'Riders choose to start three Canadian receivers considering the depth they have there while coach Corey Chamblin is forced to do some juggling with his seven starters. 

Final analysis: Saskatchewan is going to compete in every game, with every team. There could be a couple last-second field goal losses that sting, or maybe some in their favour courtesy of the inconsistent Chris Milo. There's no shortage of talent on the roster, particularly at defensive line, receiver, runningback and quarterback, but still some concern along the offensive line and with their shortage of Canadians. They also brought in two new coordinators in the off-season, meaning the players are still learning their new systems, and they may start slow. I have the 'Riders going 9-9, a single win down from the 2014 total, while still being an exciting team to watch.

5. BC Lions 

2014 record: 9-9 

2015 projected record: 5-13

The hiring of head coach Jeff Tedford was the highlight of BC's off-season. Tedford is a well-travelled, well-respected coach with loads of experience south of the border in the NCAA and NFL, and some with the CFL, where he was a quarterback for six years and also spent three years as an assistant coach for Calgary. Tedford immediately began rebuilding his new club, releasing veterans Eric Taylor, Tim Brown and Stefan Logan while deciding against re-signing veteran cornerback Dante Marsh, receiver Ernest Jackson and quarterback Kevin Glenn. 

 

In return, the Lions didn't bring much in. They picked up national safety Chris Rwawakumba from Edmonton and inked former NFL receiver Austin Collie, who qualifies as a national, to a contract. 

The weight of the franchise rests upon the shoulders of Travis Lulay; particularly his right one. Lulay missed all but three quarters of play last year with an injured shoulder, so it'll be interesting to see whether the league's 2011 M.O.P. will ever be the same player. 

Lulay will have a new offensive coordinator in 2015. Tedford brought in George Cortez from Saskatchewan to run the offence, and I think this was a great hire. Cortez is a Grey Cup champion with a proven scheme. He'll make runningback Andrew Harris the feature of the offence, as he should be, while letting Lulay stretch the field on passing downs. 

There are some glaring weaknesses on this re-building roster. BC's offensive line has been less than stellar, while there's two vacant defensive tackle spots with the exit of Khalif Mitchell and Eric Taylor. There's also a lack of Canadian talent on the team as well. The lack of depth at some positions on the team has to be concerning. 

Final Analysis: A healthy Andrew Harris will go a long way in sparking this offence, but again, it's all about Travis Lulay. If the 31 year old pivot can't stay healthy, the Lions will have to go through the growing pains of grooming a young quarterback. BC's defence, highlighted by a good pass-rush, elite linebacker corps and serviceable secondary will be forced to anchor the team. But it won't be enough to carry them through an improved West Division. The Lions fall to 5-13.

Roster Report Card: Edmonton Eskimos

 

Another off-season has come and gone. The annual draft, mini-camps and roster transactions have all been completed as teams have recently begun training camp. Some teams made clear improvements, while others lost some key players and did not. So how does your team look on paper? Today, I take a look at the Edmonton Eskimos football club. 

* Denotes National Player

# Denotes 2015 Draft pick

Quarterbacks: A

Starter: Mike Reilly

Reserves: Matt Nichols, Jordan Lynch, James Franklin, Justin Goltz

Starter Mike Reilly has proven that he's an elite quarterback in this league, but despite that, I still don't think he's reached his ceiling yet. Reilly's mobility and quick release allow him to be effective behind a shaky offensive line, and with a few extra receivers to throw to in 2015, much is expected of the former Central Washington quarterback and his offence. Nichols, who once competed for the starting job with Reilly before breaking his leg, is not the player Reilly is but is a great insurance policy nonetheless should he get hurt. 

Running backs: B+

Starters: RB John White, FB Calvin McCarty

Reserves: Shakir Bell, FB Mike Miller*, FB Harold Mutabola*

The quiet assassin, as I say, John White will have a break-out season in 2015. That's to say if his 2014 season didn't already count as one. The 5'8", 186lbs speedster averaged an absurd 6.9 yards per carry over 123 carries for 852 yards throughout his second CFL season. A few more touchdowns will help White's status; he was only able to find the endzone twice last year. Less injuries will have this Utah runner known as one of the league's best 'backs', if he is not already. The Eskimos are thin behind White, but can always move Kendial Lawrence back into the backfield if need be.

Receivers: A- 

Starters: WR Nate Coehoorn*, SB Shamawd Chambers*, SB Kendial Lawrence, SB Adarius Bowman, WR Devon Bailey*

Reserves: Cory Watson*, Wallace Miles, Paris Jackson*, Kenny Stafford, Etauj Allen, Marcus Rucker, Barrett*, #Andrew Johnson*, Bryant Mitchell, Anthony Barrett*, Skye Dawson, Chad Bumphis, Denarius Appling, Derel Walker, Eric Page 

The Esks have quietly assembled a very strong receiving corps in this pass-heavy league. They brought in Wallace Miles, Kenny Stafford and Cory Watson to Alberta's capital this off-season, while young Canadian pass-catchers Devon Bailey and Shamawd Chambers will have another year under their belt. Mike Reilly will have even more options to distribute the ball to after targeting the league's leading receiver in 2014 Adarius Bowman so many times throughout their first year in Stephen McAdoo's offence. A true number two pass-catcher to accompany Bowman is welcomed, though that player is probably already on he roster. 

Offensive Line: C+

Starters: LT Tony Washington, LG Simeon Rottier*, C Alex Krausnick*, Greg Wojt*, RT Thaddeus Coleman 

Reserves: Andrew Jones*, Brian Ramsay*, Tyson Pencer*, #Danny Groulx*, Selvish Capers, David Griffin, #David Beard*, Justin Sorensen*

Here's where the Eskimos really struggle. After not drafting an offensive lineman in the opening two rounds of the CFL draft for 4 years, the Eskimos have very little options available. The lone bright spot of the group is 2014 West Division All-Star guard Simon Rottier, but that's basically it. It doesn't appear Alex Krausnick is a serviceable centre to anchor this line, while the jury is out on aged middle-men Justin Sorenson and Brian Ramsay. Greg Wojt came over from Hamilton to replace Matt O'Donnell as the Tiger-Cats didn't see a place for the oft-injured veteran on their roster, though he could be a mediocre option. Edmonton is especially fragile when it comes to the depth behind their starters. They picked up Tyson Pencer, that says all you need to know. Fortunately, 2015 draft picks Danny Groulx and David Beard are in the system and are working to soon become saviours of this aging group. 

Defensive Line: A

Starters: DE Odell Willis, DT Eddie Steele*, DT Almondo Sewell, DE Marcus Howard

Reserves: Willie Jefferson, Don Oramasionwu*, Cedric McKinley, R.J. Roberts, Gregory Alexandre*, Dawud Lane, Torrey Davis, Elie Ngoyi, Mathieu Boulay*

Without a doubt their strongest position, Edmonton's defensive line is nothing short of frightening to enemies. They have elite players in Odell Willis and Almondo Sewell, great Canadian talent in Eddie Steele and Don Oramasionwu, and a solid secondary pass-rusher in Marcus Howard. Willie Jefferson, Oramasionwu and co. provide good depth should anything happen to the starting four. The Eskimos finished second in the league last year in quarterback sacks with 55, and I expect that number to grow in 2015 in year two of Chris Jones' defence. 

Linebackers: A-

Starters: OLB Dexter McCoil, MLB JC Sherritt, OLB Otha Foster

Reserves: Deon Lacey, Keith Reynolds, Jestin Love, Shane Horton, Nathan Kanya, Korey Jones, Blair #Smith*, #Adam Konar*, Corbin Sharun

Outside linebacker Dexter McCoil is the only sure thing here. The young 24 year old has a knack for consistently finding the football. He also has a knack for finding the endzone. The 2014 CFL most outstanding rookie took three trips to the endzone in 2014 while also racking up 67 tackles, 4 sacks and 6 interceptions. Lining up beside him, JC Sherritt was formerly the league's best linebacker until injuries presented a large bump in the road of the 27 year olds career. The Esks are hoping Sherritts detour around that bump relays him back to being one of the top linebackers in the game as his back-up/ part-time successor, Rennie Curran, is a free agent. Otha Foster has spent time at strong side linebacker in the past but as of now, it looks like he's making the switch from cornerback. Starting 16 games in 2014, Foster proved he can tackle well, registering 46 takedowns during his first year in Edmonton. The Esks have solid depth in guys such as Deon Lacey and Shane Horton to serve as insurance policies, though Esks Nation is hoping the services of their reinforcements won't be needed in the starting lineup as Sherritt and McCoil stay healthy. 

Defensive Backs: A-

Starters: CB Pat Watkins, HB Marcell Young, HB Aaron Grymes, CB Alonzo Lawrence, S Ryan Hinds*

Reserves: Scott Williams, John Ojo, Mike Debuisson*, Cauchy Muamba*, Raye Hartmann*, Deion Belue, 

When you're short side cornerback doesn't register a single interception in 18 starts while being named a league All-Star, it's clear he's a shutdown guy. That's Patrick Watkins for the Eskimos, a giant 6'5" corner and consecutive three time CFL All-Star in as many years. At halfback, Aaron Grymes returns after also starting 18 games in 2014, registering 3 interceptions. A four year veteran and multiple year Eskimo, Marcell Young has started every game he's played in the Green and Gold. The most intriguing move the Eskimos have made regarding their secondary is moving Alonzo Lawrence to Otha Foster's wide side corner spot. The 6'0, 218lbs defensive back spent most of 2014 at strong side linebacker, starting 11 games. Though the team is fortunate to retain much of last years group, the Esks will be looking for Ryan Hinds to replace Chris Rwawakumba at safety after letting him sign with BC in free agency. Edmonton is building something special with Chris Jones, and continuity with his defensive backs goes a long way with the process.

Special Teams: B

Starters: K/P Grant Shaw 

Reserves: Zackary Medeiros 

Although he missed 9 games, Grant Shaw averaged a career best and made 85 percent of his field goal attempts as well as his third best career punting average of 44 yards per punt. Though Edmonton may benefit from having a full-time kicker, Shaw has improved that aspect of his game while his punting has been solid. Expect electric offensive-weapon Kendial Lawrence to handle the return duties. Deon Lacey will continue to be an ace on special teams as he'll enter the year as a back-up linebacker. 

Final Analysis: 

As expected on Chris Jones' team, the Eskimos boast a stout defence. Their secondary and defensive line are among the league's very best while their linebacking corps is no slouch either. On offence, the offensive line is still a work in progress, but it won't be their Achilles heal in 2015. Mike Reilly's legs along with John White's elusiveness and Stephen McAdoo's scheme will find ways to be successful regardless of how sketchy the protection may be. 

Depth in their secondary as well as at running back and offensive line could bring up issues late in the season. The development of 1st round draft pick guard Danny Groulx would help out immensely should he be ready for game action early in the season. 

This Eskimos team is going to very exciting to watch in 2015. An exciting offence mixed with a hard-hitting, quarterback-sacking, turnover-crazy defence has the makings of an entertaining, and successful CFL club. 

Roster Report Card: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

 

 

Another off-season has come and gone. The annual draft, mini-camps and roster transactions have all been completed as teams look to begin training camp. Some teams made clear improvements, while others lost some key players and did not. So how does your team look on paper? Today, I take a look at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football club.

* denotes National player

# denotes 2015 draft pick

Quarterbacks: A-

Starter: Drew Willy 

Reserves: Brian Brohm, Robert Marve, Josh Portis, Jordan Yantz*

Oh, how times have changed. Not only do the Bombers now have a legitimate starting quarterback in Drew Willy, but they now also have great depth behind him. In his first season as a starting quarterback, Willy played solid football and showed great potential in the first half of the season before the team- and his body- broke down. Behind Willy, Brian Brohm and Robert Marve will hold the down the back-up positions for the second year in a row. Brohm, a second round draft pick in the 2009 NFL draft, is a solid back-up, while Marve, who may just have the strongest arm in the CFL, has a sky-high ceiling of potential. This is the best group of quarterbacks the Bombers have had in a long, long time. 

Runningbacks: C+

Starter: Paris Cotton

Reserves: Bradley Randle, Cam Marshall, Carlos Anderson, Da'Rell Scott 

The Bombers will need to establish the run game this season to find success. Paris Cotton will enter camp as the incumbent starter after performing well late in the season, making Bomber fans wonder why he didn't start sooner after watching Nic Grigsby struggle to be effective for several weeks. It'll be interesting to see which 'back earns the back-up spot behind Cotton. Shifty runner Bradley Randle seems to have the advantage, although bruising 'back Cam Marshall from Arizona State would actually compliment Cotton's stature and identical running style to that of Randle. This is a very inexperienced position on the Bombers with a very small sample size to evaluate. 

Receivers: B-

Starters: Nick Moore, Clarence Denmark, Darvin Adams, Lavasier Tuinei, Rory Kohlert*

Reserves: Julian Feoli-Gudino*, Toney Clemons, Addison Richards#*, Ja-Mes Logan, Kris Bastien*, Ezra Millington*, Jhomo Gordon, Jordan Reaves* 

If it weren't for having two bona-fide elite receivers in Nick Moore and Clarence Denmark, the overall grade of this position would be much worse. Winnipeg's two 1000 yard receivers will be leaned on heavily, as there's not much talent behind them. Quarterback Drew Willy will need tall receivers Darvin Adams and Lavasier Tuinei to step up and excel in their increased roles after signing in Manitoba's capital from Toronto and British Columbia, respectively. I'm not impressed with any of the international rookie free agent signings Winnipeg picked up this winter, so evidently, I'm not anticipating any of these rookies to break out or do very much this season. Don't be surprised if both Nick Moore and Clarence Denmark surpass or flirt with the 1000-yard plateau (should they stay healthy) for the second time in their careers. This is a thin receiving corps that needs Aaron Kelly re-signed. 

Offensive line: A

Starters: Stanley Bryant, Chris Greaves*, Dominic Picard*, Mathias Goossen*, Marc Dile

Reserves: Sukh Chungh, Patrick Neufeld*, Jace Daniels, Devin Tyler, Quinn Everett*, David Mims, Corey Lewis, Thomas Griffiths*

After having Drew Willy drop back behind arguably the worst offensive line in 2014, the Bombers now boast an elite (and expensive) group of hogs. Dominic Picard, a seasoned veteran who's considered one of the best centres in the league, will replace Steve Morley in the middle while back-to-back All-Star left tackle Stanley Bryant came over from Calgary to also join the Blue and Gold. Chris Greaves is a solid national starting guard while Patrick Neufeld will battle Winnipeg's 2014 and 2015 first round picks Mathias Goossen and Sukh Chungh for the starting duties at right guard. The Bombers suddenly have both solid starters and fantastic depth along the offensive line just one off-season after allowing a league-high 71 sacks in 2014.

Defensive line: B

Starters: DE Greg Peach, DT Bryant Turner Jr., DT Zach Anderson, DE Jamaal Westerman*

Reserves: Jake Thomas*, Derrell Johnson, Deantre Harlan, Kashawn Fraser, Thaddeus Gibson, Ivan Brown*, Louie Richardson*, Marvin Booker, Nate Collins

The signing of NFL veteran Jamaal Westerman completely changed my perspective on this defensive line. Winnipeg now has an elite pass-rusher in Westerman to accompany solid starter Greg Peach on the edge. Zach Anderson and Bryant Turner Jr aren't the biggest interior defensive lineman in the league, but like Peach, they're two solid starters who have each had a very good season recently. The Bombers also boast good depth, particularly newly signed CFL rookie Derrell Johnson. Johnson has good size for a defensive end at 255lbs and also had an impressive college career at East Carolina. Canadian depth behind Jamaal Westerman is also a non-issue, as Winnipeg signed veteran national Ivan Brown from Toronto in free agency to join Louie Richardson at defensive end. The Bombers also have the option to start Jake Thomas at defensive tackle. Winnipeg has quietly assembled a very strong defensive line to compete in the West Division. 

Linebackers: B

Starters: SLB Don Unamba, MLB Sammy Brown, WLB Sam Hurl*

Reserves: Denicos Allen, Garrett Waggoner*, Jesse Briggs*, Greg Newman*, Demetrius Wright, Khalil Bass, Rodney Lamar, Kenny Rate

While six of the seven international linebackers listed are CFL rookies, I'm a big fan of the players the Bombers have brought in to compete. Middle linebacker Sammy Brown (6'2", 240lbs) has a few years of NFL experience and led the entire NCAA with 30 tackles for a loss in his senior season with Houston to go along with 93 tackles in 14 games. Denicos Allen also had an impressive collegiate career, earning All-American nods as a senior with Michigan State in 2013 where he totalled 98 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. It doesn't stop there; I'm most impressed the Canadian 'backers on the depth chart here in Winnipeg. Sam Hurl came over from Saskatchewan to start at weak side linebacker and behind him, the Bombers have 2014 second round pick Jesse Briggs and another solid back-up in Greg Newman. Garrett Waggoner was also selected yesterday in the supplemental draft, where the Bombers gave up their 2016 first round pick to select the former Dartmouth University safety/ linebacker. Waggoner likely would have been the first defensive player taken off the board in the 2015 draft had he been ruled a national player earlier. Although this group has not played a down yet together, it's clear that this linebacker corps is an upgrade over the terrible group last year. The Bombers earned a "B" grade for the lack of experience and continuity. 

Secondary: A-

Starters: Chris Randle (CB), Demond Washington (HB), Bruce Johnson (HB), Matt Bucknor* (CB), Maurice Leggett (S)

Reserves: Johnny Adams, Teague Sherman*, Troy Stoudemire, Derek Jones*, Gabe Lynn, Winston Wright, Dan West*, Brandan Morgan#, Shea Pierre*, Justin Warden#, Ryan Mouton, Ryan Steed

The Bombers' secondary was easily the best- and most talented- group on the struggling Blue Bomber defence in 2014. GM Kyle Walters was able to re-sign Demond Washington and national cornerback Matt Bucknor to contract extensions, while also adding rookie Johnny Adams from Michigan State University to provide even more depth. The Bombers have great Canadian depth in their passing defence as well. Behind Matt Bucknor, the Bombers have 2014 and 2015 second round picks Derek Jones and Brandon Morgan, while Teague Sherman, who had arguably the best season of any Canadian strong-side linebacker, will join Dan West in backing-up international safety Maurice Leggett.

Special Teams: A

Kicker: Lirim Hajrullahu*, Anthony Santella*

Punter: Lirim Hajrullahu*, Anthony Santella*

Returners: Troy Stoudemire, Demond Washington, Maurice Leggett

Perhaps the Bombers' biggest surprise in Mike O'Shea's rookie season as head coach was the emergence of undrafted rookie Canadian kicker/punter Lirim Hajrullahu. Hajrullahu was named the Western Division's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player while performing both kicking and punting duties for the Blue and Gold. The return game seems to be in good hands with defensive back Troy Stoudemire carrying the load. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher possess' great speed and is powerful North-south runner. He averaged 12.9 yards per punt return and had a 65 yard touchdown against Saskatchewan. 

Final Analysis:

When Kyle Walters was named General Manager late in the 2013 season, his predecessor Joe Mack left him with a terrible roster that had very little Canadian talent. Fast forward seventeen months, and Walters has assembled a team with well above average Canadian depth in just two CFL drafts. Some notable additions that Walters have added just through free agency or via trade are Jamaal Westerman, Dominic Picard, Sam Hurl, Matt Bucknor, Julian Feoli-Gudino, Lirim Hajrullahu, Ivan Brown, Louie Richardson and Kris Bastian. 

Walters and co. have also done a great job finding talent down south, largely thanks to CEO Wade Miller allowing the Bombers to invest in scouting and spend to the salary cap limit. Just in the 2013-2014 off-season alone, the Bombers found break-out players Nic Grigsby, Maurice Leggett, Bruce Johnson and Paris Cotton through try-outs and free agent camps. 

The Bombers now boast a very talented roster. They addressed their needs at linebacker and along both the offensive and defensive lines. They also have great depth at those positions, something they evidently lacked in 2014. As a Bomber fan, you shouldn't be satisfied with simply making the playoffs; actually winning a game in November is something this team needs to do.