Winnipeg Blue Bomber Thread

[jerrym]

‘Walters & O’Shea on getting the Bombers ready for 2017 season’ on #SoundCloud #np https://t.co/iPaV4IAAdu

— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 24, 2017

[jerrym]

Jake Howorth analyzes the Bombers offseason acquisitions below.

Overall it was a great year for the Blue Bombers. But the problem is that they will no longer be overlooked and underestimated by opponents as they seek to continue building on last season’s success. That building starts with signing the right free agents. They made the right move in re-signing quarterback Nichols.
However, in addition to Nichols, other free agent signings should not go overlooked. Everyone knows the big quarterback names in the CFL, but as arguably the most team-oriented sport of all, football requires much more than just one or two big names. Here are some of the players the Blue Bombers have re-signed or brought in who give them the depth they need to build on last year’s success.
Drake Newis, Defensive Tackle

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defence was one of the main reasons they were able to turn their season around last year. They led the league in interceptions with 30 and their 25 forced fumbles ranked second.
Their one major defensive problem, though, was their inability to pressure the quarterback consistently. They were in the basement in the league with 35 sacks. Canadian defensive end Jamaal Westerman’s sack total dropped from 17 to eight last season, and new signing Drake Newis will take some stress off of Westerman, while beefing up the line.
The mammoth LSU product was quietly one of the most dominant interior linemen with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last year. In his first year as a consistent starter, he recorded 29 tackles, five sacks, and one pass knockdown in 14 games. Most of the Ticats players, such as All-star Simoni Lawrence, openly expressed their love of playing with him, so don’t be surprised if Newis and the defensive line create havoc for opposing pivots.
The 27-year-old spent four seasons in the NFL after being selected in third round, 87thoverall, by the Indianapolis Colts in 2011.
Clarence Denmark and Kenny Stafford, Wide Receivers

Injuries can make or break a season for a franchise. Last year, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were bit by the injury bug at the wide receiver position, which delayed Nichols’ opportunity to build chemistry with his primary weapons, as the only receiver to play more than 14 games for Winnipeg was Canadian Rory Kohlert.
The injuries during the season led the team to bring back an old face who was previously cut. In his return he made the most of the opportunity, which led to him being re-signed this off-season. That player is Clarence Denmark.
The 31-year-old receiver was a missing piece for the Blue Bombers early on in the season, and right when he stepped on the field in Week Seven he made a difference. In his second game back against the Toronto Argonauts, he caught seven balls for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
He finished the season third in receptions (53), second in receiving yards (705) and first in touchdowns (8) on his team. The 2014 West Division All-Star is a very good route runner and has big play potential written all over him.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers also signed International receiver Kenny Stafford. The 6’3″ wideout was released from the Montreal Alouettes at the tail end of last season. What the 26-year-old brings is added depth, height, speed and experience. Many forget that two years ago with the Edmonton Eskimos, he was the third head of the three-headed monster consisting of Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker. He put up 47 grabs for 732 yards and nine scores. That team went on to capture the 103rd Grey Cup.
Last year Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith went down, and the receiving corps was very inexperienced before Denmark was signed. Stafford is a perfect guy to bring to added depth and teach the newer receiver how to adapt to the Canadian game, in addition to making plays.
Dan LeFevour, Quarterback

Heading into the 2017 campaign there is zero competition for the starting quarterback job, as Nichols won it fair and square with his impressive play last year. So now, with no Kevin Glenn or Drew Willy on the depth chart, there is competition for the Bombers back-up job. A name was added to the mix with the depth signing of Dan LeFevour.
The Central Michigan alumni is a prototypical CFL quarterback. He’s athletic, can extend plays on the ground, and has a solid arm. He was signed by the Argos mid-season last year and made a good impression. He threw for 329 yards in a win against the Tiger-Cats in Week 12 to snap a four game skid. The next week against the Blue Bombers, he tossed four majors, piling up 271 yards in the air and 57 yards on the ground in a loss.
The major reason why his development keeps getting delayed is injuries. In 2014, the 29-year-old tore his ACL after being given the starting job in Hamilton. The year after, in his third snap with the Alouettes, he injured his non-throwing shoulder.

http://lastwordonsports.com/2017/02/...ols-add-depth/

[ArgoRavi]

To say that LeFevour has a solid arm is misleading.

[jerrym]

Below is a video Twitter interview with HC Mike O'Shea.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2017/03/02/coach-oshea-q/

[jerrym]

real interest from @sskroughriders and @Wpg_BlueBombers in N DT Eddie Steele. Price and cap issues. #cfl @cfl was set to make $160 k in Edm

— gary lawless (@garylawless) March 1, 2017

[jerrym]

ST Mike Miller has signed with the Bombers.

After being released by the Eskimos earlier this week, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed the veteran national fullback, the team announced Friday.
Miller is a veteran of 104 CFL games, and led the league in special teams tackles in 2016 with 27.
“Mike is a solid all-around football player,” said Blue Bombers General Manager, Kyle Walters. “His work on special teams speaks for itself, but from all accounts, he’s another great addition inside our locker room as well. His experience in this league will be a great asset for our younger players.”
Originally signing with Edmonton as an undrafted free agent, Miller has 116 career special teams tackles, and has missed only four career games since 2011. He has played in eight career playoff games with Edmonton, winning the Grey Cup in 2015 with the Eskimos.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/03/03/bombers...ackler-miller/

[jerrym]

The Bombers got a valuable National when they picked up special teamer Mike Miller.

Yes, less than 72 hours after his release from the Esks, Miller – the Canadian Football League’s special teams tackle leader from a year ago – was scribbling his name on a new deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“It’s perfect. I couldn’t be more excited to be a Blue Bomber,” began Miller in a chat with bluebombers.com from his offseason home in Riverview, N.B.
“It’s funny, if you had asked me in 2011 if I’d still be playing football today I would have said you were crazy.”

“Being undrafted, I wasn’t sure if I’d even make a team. Edmonton gave me that shot and I just do what I need to do. I’m going to do whatever they need. I started out in this league as a defensive back, I got moved to linebacker and then fullback. It’s the more you can do.”
“I’ll carry water bottles if I have to.” ...

“He’s our kind of guy,” said Walters. “He’s what the Winnipeg Football Club is about: he’s a hard-nosed, tough kid that everybody says, ‘You’ve got yourselves a heckuva teammate there.’ He’ll get into that locker room and fit in and run around and smash people.”
Miller likely won’t get touches out of the Bombers backfield, but does provide some depth behind Andrew Harris and Chris Normand. Walters said Normand would be the ‘get-you-out-of-a-game tailback’ if Harris was to be injured – an import like Timothy Flanders, like last year, would be the replacement if Harris was shelved for a longer stretch – and Miller would then step in for Normand at fullback.
“Plus,” added Walters, “he’ll lead the league in special teams tackles just like he does every year.”
“The way we’re building our team, he will come right in and fit in and be an example of what we’re doing here.”

Miller has 104 CFL games under his belt – and eight playoff games, including the 2015 Grey Cup – and 116 career special teams tackles. Just as important, he has missed only four games since breaking into the league in 2011.
It turns out Miller also received a good sales pitch on signing with the Bombers from an old teammate and close friend: quarterback Matt Nichols.
“When I found out I was going to be released Matt got in contact with me,” said Miller. “Our families are close and have stayed close over the last few years. Our wives are best friends. He was trying to lure me to Winnipeg and was giving me information about the team and the locker room. It was all good things; it definitely piqued my interest to go there and I’m super excited.”

http://www.bluebombers.com/2017/03/0...kuva-teammate/

[jerrym]

Way #Bombers roster shaping up, looks like they won't employ a Canadian backup to Andrew Harris. Two FBs. Maybe they'll draft one—not a need

— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) March 3, 2017

[OV Argo]

The Bombers have former Laval RB Chris Normand and he got some tailback work to replace Harris late last season (last reg season game maybe) and IMO he looked very good - a big back with some speed. They could also draft another RB - Augustine or Earlington - and easily go all- NI at RB; Flanders was pretty good for them though IMO - Argos should sign him if he is no longer wanted in the Peg.

[jerrym]

With the addition of Mike Miller and Thomas Miles to Jesse Briggs and Sam Hurl the Bombers have good National depth on special teams and LB.

[jerrym]

Roster moves last two days further solidify theory — the #Bombers want the best special teams in the CFL. They have the personnel to do it.

— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) March 4, 2017

[jerrym]

Kyle Walters discusses Bomber preparations for the draft below including the first overall draft choice - thanks to the Argos.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2017/03/0...-preparations/

[jerrym]

The Bombers have made good use of tryout camps to improve their team also.

Over the last 2 years, our Free Agent workouts have produced seven starting players including the 2014 Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year candidate, DB Maurice Leggett, and 2015 Rookie of the Year candidate, LB Khalil Bass. Both players started their CFL careers through Winnipeg Blue Bombers Free Agent workouts. Another nine players have been steady contributors to the roster as back-ups and special team players.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2017-free-agent-camps/

[OV Argo]

With the addition of Mike Miller and Thomas Miles to Jesse Briggs and Sam Hurl the Bombers have good National depth on special teams and LB.

The Bummers also have former CIS all-stars and/or draft picks - John Rush, Shayne Gauthier and Frank Renaud - on their roster as linebackers; can't possibly carry all those guys. Meanwhile, the Argos have Newton as an NI depth LB / special teamer ? At least 2 or 3 of those Bomber NI LBs will have to be let go after TC.

[jerrym]

Winnipeg has signed former Roughrider International DT Corvey Irvin.

The 31-year-old Georgia native started all 18 games for the Riders in 2016, posting five sacks and 27 tackles.
Irvin's first CFL season was with Montreal in 2015, when he recorded three sacks and 11 tackles in 13 games.
He played 24 games over five seasons in the NFL before that, after Carolina drafted him in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft.

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/03/1...fensive-tackle

[jerrym]

GM Kyle Wlaters discusses the upcoming combines and draft below.

Q: How does having the first-overall selection change your approach to the draft?
Walters: “It’s nice to know we can do whatever we want. Often the first-overall pick comes with the question, ‘Is the kid going to show up?’ That’s always the struggle in our league. But at least with the first pick we know we don’t have to rely or wait on anyone else’s thought process. We can get whatever guy we want.”

Q: What does having two picks in the first round do to your draft plans?
Walters: “It allows you to have a little bit of strategy. We haven’t gone through this with a one and a six (first and sixth-overall picks). Obviously, it’s a good thing and I predict as we get closer teams will want to start talking trades, particularly with the new regimes in Montreal and Toronto and those teams not having first-round draft picks. B.C. has got two first-rounders (picks) as well. There are talks every year, it’s just a matter of whether it comes together or not. We’ll sit and listen. That stuff won’t likely come until draft night.”

Q: Does having two first-round picks mean you might be more tempted to take a ‘futures’ player, i.e. a guy who may be drafted in the NFL or gets an invitation to an NFL camp?
Walters: “We wouldn’t plan on taking a futures. But Andy Mulumba (drafted second overall by the Bombers in 2013 but signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers and in the NFL since) was an interesting one. The thought was he wasn’t going to stick in the NFL for that long. (The Packers) have a rash of injuries at his position and he sticks around… that’s all it takes. That makes things hard to predict. You can do all your research… that’s the tough part of our draft. Not only are you evaluating whether they are good enough to play in our league, you are also then evaluating whether they are going to come, what their interest is, and when are you going to see them. You see it all the time where you draft a kid and he never plays a down for you.”

Q: Have you got it in your mind who the club will take with the first-overall pick yet?
Walters: “No. We’ve done a lot of legwork, but we’ve got a lot more to go. We’ll get the coaches involved after the combines and evaluation camps to come in and look at the Top 5 at each position. They’ll come in and give their two cents on the top guys.”

Q: Have you got your mind made up on what position you might draft at No. 1, then?
Walters: “No, again. Not even close. We’re in the position with our roster where we’re pretty solid from a Canadian standpoint. We’re not at the point where we are saying ‘We have to draft at this position because we need this player to play.’ It’s, ‘let’s find the best football player.’ Obviously, like every team, we need some depth across the board. You always need O-line depth, receiver depth, we’ve got three Canadian running backs. On the D-line we’ve got a lot of (Canadian) guys, but not a lot of proven guys. We’ve got a good core of special teams guys and are a little thin at the back end (secondary). But I like all of our top-end guys.”

Q: The Bomber staff now heads into the final two combines this coming week. How much stock do you put into the testing and the drills at the combine vs. what you’ve seen on film?
Walters: “A lot. This is not like the NFL where you’ve got a regional scout going to every SEC game played in a whole season for four years or something like that. It’s not like that in CFL. You’re on the road and you get out and see the kids when you can, but the reality is the combines in our league are far more important than in the NFL. It’s tons of work. It starts throughout the CIS season when you’re at games and making notes. Since December I’ve been plugging away at this. It takes a helluva lot of time watching three-four games each of 120 players or so. It’s about digging up as much information as you can; the scouts are digging up information. You have the month of April to take a deep breath, dig up medical records of the kids you like. Then you gauge the NFL interest before making our final draft rankings. We’ll talk weekly about final grades and master grades and things like that. All of this is part of that.”

Q: What do you learn, or what do you want to find out from the individual one-on-one meetings you have with prospects at the combine?
Walters: “It’s all part of the big picture and that’s a piece in the puzzle. You watch their film and have a debate based on their film work. You talk to coaches at that end, you see them at pro days or at combines and you add that in. And then you have the interview process. It’s all part of the decision you make as to their final grade.We want to interview, obviously, the guys we are interested in or don’t know a lot about. We know the CIS guys, but not as much the players from Henderson State (defensive back Dondre Wright) or Fordham (defensive lineman Justin Vaughn), or Idaho (offensive lineman Mason Woods). You want to see if the kid loves football. (Head coach) Mike (O’Shea) and I are the same way on that. We want to know, does this kid have a passion for playing football? You go over their academic situation… are they going back to school? We ask, ‘If you get drafted would you stay on the practice roster or not?’ You get that taken care of and then you ask what they know about Winnipeg or about living away from home. You only get 15 minutes so with each of them and so you want to find out quickly if he loves the game or if he’s a ‘Meh, I could take it or leave it.’ We want the guys who love, who breathe, who sleep and eat football, who want to play football whether it’s in Vancouver, Montreal or any place in between. I remember Sukh (Chungh’s) interview. We knew he was a tough kid. And then when we put some film on, his eyes lit up. It was – BOOM! – he loved talking football. For us that’s the most important thing. We don’t need to go too deep into the psychological thing.”

Q: What are the most important tests for you at the combines, or are they all relatively the same?
Walters: “When I go to these things I just sit at the long-jump pit because no one else is there. I just like to look at the kids, say hello and put a name to a face. Everyone’s watching the 40s or the bench press, but you get all the scores and results provided to you. I’ll see every kid pass through that station. I’m not overly concerned about the test results. There’s still got to be a base of athleticism. The tough ones are when you really love a kid and he works hard, but he’s a little undersized. It’s like a DB who is 5-10 and runs a 4.9. You may like him but he’s a long, long, long shot strictly based on his physical attributes, not with anything you see on film. We all have our strengths for something like the combine. (Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel) Ted (Goveia), for example, is more about the quantifiable data and the scouting end. That’s his voice. Ted and (National Scout) Craig (Smith) are the scouting minds and they help keep us in check. The one-on-ones are revealing from a competition standpoint. But the defensive backs vs. receivers battles are biased toward one position group (receivers). Most of all, we want to see who’s tough and willing to compete. A lot of that stuff comes down to this: in the scouting report you may write ‘I like him as a football player; let’s see how he looks in person. If the testing results are adequate and you really like how the kid competes on the field then you factor that in. “You’re also going to see guys who don’t look good on film, maybe they look lazy or don’t execute well but man do they look the part in person.”

http://www.bluebombers.com/2017/03/1...-kyle-walters/

[jerrym]

Below is a John and Tim Hodge podcast discussing Winnipeg's free agents gains and losses and how the team lineup is shaping up.

http://3downnation.com/2017/03/14/bl...st-episode-44/

[jerrym]

Interrnational DB Kevin Fogg discusses his rookie season and his offseason in this video interview.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/03/17/off-sea...rd-kevin-fogg/

[jerrym]

Three current Bombers, Chungh, Loftier and Couture, discuss what happened during their National Combines below.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2017/03/2...g-the-combine/

[jerrym]

Matt Nichols discusses his off=season and his drive to succeed in the following article.

After having his best year in the CFL and signing a shiny new contract, Matt Nichols just wants to ride the momentum. ...
“I’ve worked harder in this off-season than I have in the past,” Nichols said. “You don’t like to admit that, because you feel like you’ve been working your hardest at all times. But especially this year, having as much film on myself as I have, to be able to go back and watch, and figure out what I need to get better at to improve my game, has been helpful. I’ve been watching the other guys around the league and seeing how they handle second downs and red zone scenarios and those types of things. Trying to get a better feel for that. I feel like I had a career-year last year and the game started to really slow down for me,” said Nichols, who completed 327 passes for 3,666 yards and 18 touchdowns, while throwing only nine interceptions, in 2016. “That playoff game (against B.C.) was one of the best games I ever played in my life. I just felt like I had a great handle on everything.”
Nichols has been studying one of his quarterbacking peers in particular — most outstanding player Bo Levi Mitchell of the Calgary Stampeders.
“Bo Levi Mitchell is a guy I watch a lot and I’m just trying to see what he does a little bit different from everyone else that makes him successful and trying to implement some of those things into my game.”

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/03/2...after-big-year