2025 CFL Draft Thread

[AngeloV]

Funny then that the Bombers just had room to sign an American receiver from lower levels of US college ball (DIV III ???)

There was nothing to stop Walters from bringing back those 2 draft pick from last year Canadian O-linemen if he thought they were decent prospects; he is complaining that they would be counters; cause he much prefers to have as many Americans in TC as he can and as few Canadians getting to compete. Why not just admit that - that you're a trained seal GOB. Just cut a couple of the average joe Americans you have recruited and there's room for those 2 Canadian O-linemen. . He may be right that it's too bad for those Canadian players cause otherwise they had a further chance to "develop", but he's part of the problem. Elbows down, GOB.

It's obvious to me that Walters and O'Shea are anti Canadian. You need to have a talk with them and tell them what's what.

[AngeloV]

For sure. Didn't J.I. Albrecht used to bring in 120 players or some insane amount for training camp back in the 1970s? Those days are long gone.

Camp was 2 months long with 4 or 6 exhibition games back then too.

[shatto]

I expect GMs will find a way around this tweak in the rules. Maybe sign prospect to a futures contract and not be in present training camp--or some variation of that.

[AngeloV]

I expect GMs will find a way around this tweak in the rules. Maybe sign prospect to a futures contract and not be in present training camp--or some variation of that.

I agree. There are always loopholes to exploit.

[RichK]

It is beyond ridiculous that we need to find loopholes so that top Canadian prospects have a chance to compete for jobs in the Canadian Football League. And why are these restrictions in place? So that clubs can save a couple thousand dollars on TC costs? Beyond ridiculous.

[OV Argo]

Recall the 2016 CFL draft, and I think Jim Barker was involved for the Argos - they were pounding the table, high-fiving and laughing cause they thought they had made such a steal of a great pick in the 2nd round with O-lineman DJ Sackey who was maybe not that highly rated, so they thought they were pulling this brilliant move on other CFL teams - did not pan-out as the guy only played a handful of games for the Argos the next few seasons. The first rounder that draft was big receiver Brian Jones - who did no pan out so well either in a not much of a CFL career. Jones was a highly touted prospect though - productive, big receiver and AUS MVP.

Examples of both a top rated prospect AND one of those supposed diamond / great find type picks - not panning out. That's the way she goes (sometimes - as Bubbles said to Ray). However, the number of those - who knew / guy did little in college ball - draft picks ever panning out as impact CFL players is miniscule, at best.

As I said earlier, Blackburn was an under the radar guy who may become a starter in his second year.

Noticed a couple of other teams' cuts on the CFL transactions: EE released former 2nd round pick Jake Taylor - big DB with LB experience at Alberta - had a superb set of testing #s at his CFL Combine; 3 years of CFL roster /learning experience with the EE. And BC cut former draft pick Charlie Ringland - like Blackburn, a former CanWest all-star D-half; another very athletic tester at CFL Combine (where he got injured that forced him to miss a season).

Wonder if the Argos would look at bringing in either of these guys for a look at the safety job? And if not, why not ?

RedBlacks sign Ringland

[OV Argo]

It is beyond ridiculous that we need to find loopholes so that top Canadian prospects have a chance to compete for jobs in the Canadian Football League. And why are these restrictions in place? So that clubs can save a couple thousand dollars on TC costs? Beyond ridiculous.

It is a more literal reading of the rule that used to allow draft picks (non-counters in their first CFL TC) to be non-counters again when they return to the CFL club that drafted them, after having gone back for a 5th year of U Sports ball.

Again, these players are not restricted or not allowed back at TC, they just have to be counted as part of the 85 man limit for TCs. And typical GOBs will have as many Americans as they can in TC and as few Canadians, so it's just another excuse to continue to favor their preferred Americans - no ratios for TCs.

[OV Argo]

There are rules about how many players can be brought to camp, and a new interpretation of the "non-counter" rule means guys drafted in a previous year who went back to school now have to be counted among the 85. It's likely why guys like Onyeka are being let go.

Gee, what a shocker, in the "radical" league.

The issue was collectively bargained, apparently, so if you want to be pissed off, save half of your anger for the players. Limiting the number of individuals in training camp -- currently 85 plus "non-counters," I believe -- has been in place for decades. If someone gets released before camp, any team can pick that player up -- IF they have an open spot among the 85 they are allowed. You might fantasize about inviting a dozen QBs to camp for a "real open competition," but that's not how it works.

Ticats signed a new American QB today = they now have 6 QBs on the roster for TC.

[AngeloV]

It is beyond ridiculous that we need to find loopholes so that top Canadian prospects have a chance to compete for jobs in the Canadian Football League. And why are these restrictions in place? So that clubs can save a couple thousand dollars on TC costs? Beyond ridiculous.

But isn't giving them special preference to not count against the roster already a loophole?

[RichK]

It is beyond ridiculous that we need to find loopholes so that top Canadian prospects have a chance to compete for jobs in the Canadian Football League. And why are these restrictions in place? So that clubs can save a couple thousand dollars on TC costs? Beyond ridiculous.

But isn't giving them special preference to not count against the roster already a loophole?

Shouldn’t the league do whatever it takes to ensure that all the top Canadian prospects have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot? Shouldn’t we be expecting if not demanding that from a CANADIAN football league?