CFL Combine

Starts tomorrow, with some of the testing / measureables; and wraps up on Sunday with on-field drills.

Wondering who the Argos will be looking closely at here ? I realize they aren't going to tip their hand for draft day, but maybe some Argo brass will have some comments? - and interviews with certain players might indicate something?

Still hoping they look first and foremost at D-line, safety and receiver (or maybe a top RB to go with Adeboboye for Canadian talent there). Please no to drafting further O-Line "depth" or more LB/ special teamers or back-up H-backs or long-snappers in this draft. And why not look at one of the QBs for at this point an obvious area of need ? (note - they passed on drafting Nathan Rourke in 2020 - or even Dinos star QB Adam Sinagra that year after he had been on the CFL Scouting Bureau's top 20 list, but surprise/surprise got totally snubbed in the CFL draft (how did late round pick receiver Sam Baker do instead?); coulda drafted Tre Ford too; and last year brought in lower level US college ball QBs only, when they could have signed the likes of Mac outstanding passer Andreas Dueck for TC competition).

Considering that the o-line as currently constituted fills 42 per cent of the minimum required NAT starters, and it's supposedly a strong year for o-line talent, adding to our "depth" there seems like a foregone conclusion.

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Originally Posted by paulwoods13

Considering that the o-line as currently constituted fills 42 per cent of the minimum required NAT starters, and it's supposedly a strong year for o-line talent, adding to our "depth" there seems like a foregone conclusion.

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A bunch of this year's O-line crop are likely going to draw some to serious NFL interest; therefore, risky to use a top draft pick on any of these guys cause they are unlikely to show up for TC and the team has other pressing needs (IMO) for Canadian talent;; if the remainder of O-linemen not going to the NFL are way better prospects than Dylan Gifffen or MacKellar or Anthony Vandal, for example, than sure maybe take one; but none of those non-NFL flight risk O-line this draft do have better college ball resumes than the above mentioned.

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Originally Posted by OV Argo

A bunch of this year's O-line crop are likely going to draw some to serious NFL interest; therefore, risky to use a top draft pick on any of these guys cause they are unlikely to show up for TC and the team has other pressing needs (IMO) for Canadian talent;; if the remainder of O-linemen not going to the NFL are way better prospects than Dylan Gifffen or MacKellar or Anthony Vandal, for example, than sure maybe take one; but none of those non-NFL flight risk O-line this draft do have better college ball resumes than the above mentioned.

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Argos have seven or eight picks -- there will almost certainly be an o-lineman or two among them. Maybe not (or maybe) early, but at some point the pipeline will be expanded.

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Originally Posted by paulwoods13

Argos have seven or eight picks -- there will almost certainly be an o-lineman or two among them. Maybe not (or maybe) early, but at some point the pipeline will be expanded.

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I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them draft 2 or 3 O-linemen, plus maybe a couple of more LBs; and a back-up H-back or long-snapper.

MLB Joel DeBlanko ,who is already a pro, would be a good pick as a replacement for Muamba at #5 if still available. Also a REC out of Bemiji State would help ease the departure of Gittens.

After looking at Combine testing #s - some players I'd like to see the Argos possibly grab:

DE - T. Hergott (U Sports sack master, backed with solid testing #s and pro plus DE size)
DT - D Okpoko (NCAA ball resume; weak bench # for D-line, but some other good test #s)

RB - M. Peterson (Alberta where he had eye popping RB production last season, plus ran a decent 40 time for a 200 plus RB)
- M. Herzog (outstanding production in US college ball backed with a superb set of testing #s at Combine)

Safety prospects - D. Bell (multiple AUS all-star at D-half and leading tackler in U Sports ball last season; big size DB and some explosive test #s, but slowish 40 time might see him converted to OLB in the CFL?); C. Beaulieu (Laval - all-star D-half with good safety size and some very good test #s)

Receiver: Kevin Mital (Hec winner with Laval; 6-1, 230 range size = like a thick TE build, but ran a 4.5 range 40 with some other very good test #s); D. Duncan-Busby (good production in US college ball, big receiver size, backed by a very solid set of testing #s)

There were a couple of players who impressed in the testing and might look good in an Argo uniform:

.Labrosse DB is fast and explosive. His 4.51 tied for fastest 40. He was 1st in the Broad and 2nd in the Vertical. He was All Canadian in 2022 but couldn't play in 2023 for academic reasons (that would never happen in the States) He could develop into an outstanding FS and has the size and length to even compete at SAM. If he produces in the rest of the combine as he has so far, he is likely to be a 1st round selection.

Brubacher DE has size at 6'6'' and 246 lbs and is extremely athletic. His 4.69 40 was faster than some WRs an DBs. His Vertical was 38" which is outstanding for his size and was 3rd best for all the players. He did not start playing football until he was in university so is still very raw but he could be an excellent back up to Smith at DE. He has an unlimited ceiling

Since the Argos have no second round choices but do have 24th, 25th and 27th, I hope they go for "future" players. Two players who would have been candidates to go in the 1st round but are out till mid season are Dava DL and Wiebe LB. In spite of being unavailable till mid season Dava was still ranking #18 in the top 20 prospects. Wiebe was all Canadian last year and rated by most as the best LB in U Sport last year. The Argos have good depth and are in a position to be able to wait until these players can finally suit up.

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Originally Posted by Shatto

There were a couple of players who impressed in the testing and might look good in an Argo uniform:

.Labrosse DB is fast and explosive. His 4.51 tied for fastest 40. He was 1st in the Broad and 2nd in the Vertical. He was All Canadian in 2022 but couldn't play in 2023 for academic reasons (that would never happen in the States) He could develop into an outstanding FS and has the size and length to even compete at SAM. If he produces in the rest of the combine as he has so far, he is likely to be a 1st round selection

Brubacher DE has size at 6'6'' and 246 lbs and is extremely athletic. His 4.69 40 was faster than some WRs an DBs. His Vertical was 38" which is outstanding for his size and was 3rd best for all the players. He did not start playing football until he was in university so is still very raw but he could be an excellent back up to Smith at DE. He has an unlimited ceiling

Since the Argos have no second round choices but do have 24th, 25th and 27th, I hope they go for "future" players. Two players who would have been candidates to go in the 1st round but are out till mid season are Dava DL and Wiebe LB. In spite of being unavailable till mid season Dava was still ranking #18 in the top 20 prospects. Wiebe was all Canadian last year and rated by most as the best LB in U Sport last year. The Argos have good depth and are in a position to be able to wait until these players can finally suit up.

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Not sure who the Argos will be looking at early but those 24, 25 & 27 choices are still position to get some good prospects or perhaps some real under-rated diamonds.

I believe the likes of DB Beaulieu (Laval), RB Peterson (Alberta), or receiver Simmons (McGill) could still be on the board then.

Xs And Argos draft preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtVnF1t_wHc

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Originally Posted by argolio

Xs And Argos draft preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtVnF1t_wHc

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I like Ben Grant, very knowledgeable guy who thinks the Argonauts should look at LB with their first round pick.

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Originally Posted by Argo57

I like Ben Grant, very knowledgeable guy who thinks the Argonauts should look at LB with their first round pick.

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The Argos already have: Jack Cassar (lots of Argo experience now / big MLB type); recent veteran additions Brian Harelimana (had some starts for the Als) & Fraser Sopik (former President's Trophy winner as top D player at Western); recent draft picks Kwamou, Onyemenam & B. Murphy; plus FA addition Tunde Adeleke (could get a look at S-OLB) - as Canadian LBs.

Not sure how they need more, unless they think they are drafting a future Henoc Muamba type star starter (which maybe Dublanko this draft might project as); or maybe they think a bunch of the above guys are not that good ???

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Originally Posted by OV Argo

The Argos already have: Jack Cassar (lots of Argo experience now / big MLB type); recent veteran additions Brian Harelimana (had some starts for the Als) & Fraser Sopik (former President's Trophy winner as top D player at Western); recent draft picks Kwamou, Onyemenam & B. Murphy; plus FA addition Tunde Adeleke (could get a look at S-OLB) - as Canadian LBs.

Not sure how they need more, unless they think they are drafting a future Henoc Muamba type star starter (which maybe Dublanko this draft might project as); or maybe they think a bunch of the above guys are not that good ???

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Dublanko was the LB mentioned who could step in and possibly start between McManis and Jones.
He may not be available when they pick.

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Originally Posted by Argo57

Dublanko was the LB mentioned who could step in and possibly start between McManis and Jones.
He may not be available when they pick.

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Ok, but Dublanko is not going to start between McManis & Jones, cause who is going to play S-OLB (unless McManis could play there) ?

I'd bet heavily that Dublanko is gone by the time the Argos pick at #5 anyhow. The Argos already have 2 experienced MLB types in Jones & Cassar (but i bet they would take Dublanko anyways at # 5).

Meanwhile, the Argo only have one Canadian tailback type in Adeboboye (impressive young back - maybe ready for more work) - so what happens if he gets knocked out with injury? There are 3 impressive RB types this draft IMO (Peterson, Herzog & Ike) - like to see one of them drafted and likely one will still be available by the time the Argos have those 3 middle (20 something) picks?

Back to the first rounder - the best D-lineman makes most sense IMO. But sense and the CFL draft do not always mix.

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Originally Posted by OV Argo

Ok, but Dublanko is not going to start between McManis & Jones, cause who is going to play S-OLB (unless McManis could play there) ?

I'd bet heavily that Dublanko is gone by the time the Argos pick at #5 anyhow. The Argos already have 2 experienced MLB types in Jones & Cassar (but i bet they would take Dublanko anyways at # 5).

Meanwhile, the Argo only have one Canadian tailback type in Adeboboye (impressive young back - maybe ready for more work) - so what happens if he gets knocked out with injury? There are 3 impressive RB types this draft IMO (Peterson, Herzog & Ike) - like to see one of them drafted and likely one will still be available by the time the Argos have those 3 middle (20 something) picks?

Back to the first rounder - the best D-lineman makes most sense IMO. But sense and the CFL draft do not always mix.

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Grant makes a tangible argument for the Argos to select a LB, I trust the Argos brain trust will make a good selection with this pick considering their recent draft success.

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Originally Posted by Argo57

I like Ben Grant, very knowledgeable guy who thinks the Argonauts should look at LB with their first round pick.

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Interesting stuff - thanks for the link - they cover lots of ground for the Argos draft options.

Also interestin' was the mention late of QBs - and Grant was quick to dismiss the QBs up this draft (5 combined were at the 2 Combines); but I guess he is quite Ok with the Argo QBs brought in for TC competition last draft - a couple of guys from lower levels of US college ball (and another one added for this TC)?

This year's crop may not exactly scream potential CFL starter or even a #2 - but ... Zergiotis was a starter for 2 Div I teams; Reeb was a 3 time Conference all-star in lower level US college ball; Anthony Robichaud is a big, fairly mobile QB who led a weak Sherbrooke team with some decent QB stats and had a big game in the U Sports East-West Bowl last year; and Casey Bauman is a 6-7 QB who was a starter in lower level US college ball: so all of these guys don't even rate for an Argo team in big need for TC QB competition ??? - they all easily have as good or superior resumes / skills as the back-up QBs the Argos currently have. No mention of WTF happened to Michael O'Connor in the CFL? What about former Mac starter Andreas Dueck (superb career completion % in U Sports ball, and a great game at that East-West Bowl - that Pinball was seen attending); how bout former Hec & Vanier winner Adam Sinagra (totally snubbed in the CFL draft after making the CFL Scouting Bureau top 20 list); or former Saint Mary's starter Kaleb Scott - mobile run threat QB who also had lower level US college ball experience on his resume, who was still playing QB in the German pro league last year ??? Not remotely worth any Argo TC shot ?

Kinda sad to see same old CFL GOB myopic attitudes towards Canadian QBs getting adopted or mouthed, IMO. Is what it is though.

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Originally Posted by Argo57

Grant makes a tangible argument for the Argos to select a LB, I trust the Argos brain trust will make a good selection with this pick considering their recent draft success.

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Ok; just making some draft / Argo roster observations. We could just defer here to what Ben says though.

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Originally Posted by OV Argo

Ok; just making some draft / Argo roster observations. We could just defer here to what Ben says though.

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I have no issue deferring to the likes of Ben Grant and Marshall Ferguson as I don’t really follow college football very closely.

I pretty much don't follow college sports at all, but based on our success of scouting, drafting and retaining in these recent years, you'd think that we're in a terrific place to take whichever our "best prospect available" is at each slot. It places trading to move slots on the table as well.

Very much looking forward to a Mike Hogan Recap of our draft War Room.

Still intrigued as to who / what position they will look at with first pick (#5) ?

I'm hoping for a D-Lineman, or maybe one of the top 2 receivers (Mital & Mardner) are still there by then.

Then like to see a safety prospect, plus a receiver, and maybe a D-line with the middle 20 some picks.