2018 CFL draft

[OV Argo]

OVA, who would you take with our pick?

Probably go with one of the O-linemen - several NCAA starters, plus some CIS all-stars to choose from. Big position group where Canadians get to play = always need depth or an up-and-comer who could maybe start soon - big, deep crop there this year IMO.

Or - one of the safety projects - Onyeka (Laurier) or Bennett (GGs)

[KCargosfan]

Probably go with one of the O-linemen - several NCAA starters, plus some CIS all-stars to choose from. Big position group where Canadians get to play = always need depth or an up-and-comer who could maybe start soon - big, deep crop there this year IMO.

Or - one of the safety projects - Onyeka (Laurier) or Bennett (GGs)

Are Onyeka or Bennett likely to be available when we pick in round 2?

[doubleblue]

We have a ways to go for the draft with the combine first, where players go up and down in the eyes of the GM's. I have always been against taking a WR, RB or safety in the first round until their name is Jesse Lumsden etc. Then if they are that good they will go to the NFL anyway.
The offense line is where most team will use 3 or 4 Canadians which is half the ratio, so IMO you should keep trying to get the best players available there.
Barker screwed up again IMO taking Brian Jones instead of OG/OT Jason Lauzon-Seguin who was rated at that pick, and by some as the best O-Lineman in that draft. That has proven correct as he is a two year starter and one of the main stays of the Ottawa front line. WR/SB Jones was a good CIS player and may yet be a useful but not a game changer. Dozens of better imports available for that position and Canadians in later rounds or free agents. (Noel, Williams & Ralph)
Quad Spooner, a big tough Guard who just needs some seasoning before starting, was there for the taking last year. Popp does the same thing take a guy who IMO will never start in the League.
IMO some teams just don't scout the CIS well enough.
Barker got lucky taking Jamal Campbell in a later round, he has a chance of eventually starting. But wouldn't Lauzon-Seguin look good at RG now, with Spooner and Campbell backups on the OLine instead of Watman, Sackey and Kolankowski. Kolankowski may turn into a good backup center who can start but again he was a 7th round pick or something.
So after getting carried away and saying all that I think Popp should take the best Offensive Lineman available at #9. Worry about the other positions in the later rounds.

[OV Argo]

Are Onyeka or Bennett likely to be available when we pick in round 2?

I sort of doubt it; but maybe; guess it depends on Combine results; Onyeka ran a very poor 40 time for a corner at the CIS East-West Combine last spring; he will be viewed as a safety project by the CFL i bet; Bennett OTOH had a very good set of testing #s, and has played D-backfield, OLB and returned kicks for the GGs.


Have to disagree with doubleblue above re Brian Jones - he may have not panned out yet in the CFL, but he hasn't really played much; IMO he possibly could be a real impact player as a big target slotback - like Sinopoli for Ottawa - Jones is bigger & faster; and this type of receiver can have more impact than an average O-lineman; and there aren't any import receivers that style around in the CFL now - more like a smaller tight end from US ball.

[jerrym]

I sort of doubt it; but maybe; guess it depends on Combine results; Onyeka ran a very poor 40 time for a corner at the CIS East-West Combine last spring; he will be viewed as a safety project by the CFL i bet; Bennett OTOH had a very good set of testing #s, and has played D-backfield, OLB and returned kicks for the GGs.


Have to disagree with doubleblue above re Brian Jones - he may have not panned out yet in the CFL, but he hasn't really played much; IMO he possibly could be a real impact player as a big target slotback - like Sinopoli for Ottawa - Jones is bigger & faster; and this type of receiver can have more impact than an average O-lineman; and there aren't any import receivers that style around in the CFL now - more like a smaller tight end from US ball.

I agree that Jones has not had the sufficient chances to show whether he could be an impact player.

[AngeloV]

I agree that Jones has not had the sufficient chances to show whether he could be an impact player.

It's not easy to get a chance when you miss training camp in each of your first 2 years in the league. It can be argued that at least he has been around to collect a pay cheque over that time. Most players with no pro experience that miss training camp are cut outright.

[R.J]

It's not easy to get a chance when you miss training camp in each of your first 2 years in the league. It can be argued that at least he has been around to collect a pay cheque over that time. Most players with no pro experience that miss training camp are cut outright.

Advantage to having the right passport and being a draft pick.

[OV Argo]

Advantage to having the right passport and being a draft pick.

Unlike the Khalil Paden's or Boardhands Grant's of the CFL - mediocre import receivers who get multiple chances at actual playing time due to passport.

[Wobbler]

It's not easy to get a chance when you miss training camp in each of your first 2 years in the league.

Did he really miss both camps? Regardless, injury issues plus the change of management have certainly hurt him. Hopefully he'll be healthy this Spring and we can find out what he can do for us.

[OV Argo]

Did he really miss both camps? Regardless, injury issues plus the change of management have certainly hurt him. Hopefully he'll be healthy this Spring and we can find out what he can do for us.

Jones is a slotback/inside receiver type; Coombs was playing slot and doing very well. Do you really believe this Argo offence is going to entertain playing 2 NIs as starting slots? - little hope there IMO, but you never know i guess. Jones might have to carve out a role as a back-up receiver and good special teamer - and teams need those. The Argos could maybe go with 2 NI receivers in their 5 pack (i doubt that though) - Coombs at slot and another (Williams, Ralph or Noel) at wide-side WR - where Jones is not really a fit.

Jones might have been a good fit on a team like the Als - that is hurting at receiver in general and have no real established Canadian receiver; he might have been able to take over from thick Nik Lewis as a big target, physical receiver for their offence. Doubt Mavis, er, Kavis Reed has ever heard of Brian Jones though.

[cfl-cis fan]

I agree that Jones has not had the sufficient chances to show whether he could be an impact player.

I think Jones gets that chance this year as he is on his last year of his contract I believe. They do need to see what he can do, however they could have done that when Coombs was out but they did not!!

[OV Argo]

I think Jones gets that chance this year as he is on his last year of his contract I believe. They do need to see what he can do, however they could have done that when Coombs was out but they did not!!

The Trestman passing offence might have little use for a big target, physical, old style slotback. And again - outside of Ottawa with Sinopoli, most CFL offences now do not deploy that style receiver (though i guess thick (but short) Nik Lewis was kinda that in his later CFL days); and it has to be pointed out that Sinopoli - a big target, sure-handed slotback who is not fast, has produced 3 straight thousand yard receiving seasons; CFL preference is smaller, quicker guys it seems; and there is a definite preference for imports in a CFL 5 pack now. 2 strikes against Jones.