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Lions Notebook: Mini-Camp Begins, Back in Black…or Not?

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BC Lions mini-camp got under way today at the club’s training facility in Surrey on Thursday signalling the beginning of the end for the long CFL off-season. With the draft just around the corner, the Lions are wrapping up the last of their free agent camps as well, with the last stop in Seattle on Sunday, May 1st.

Let’s get caught up on recent developments in the CFL, and of course the BC Lions in this edition of the Lions Notebook.

Mini-Camp Begins

Comprised of mainly first and second year players, the BC Lions hit the field in Surrey for OTA’s. With the exception of a few veterans, the club wants to use the two day sessions to evaluate what players will advance to main camp and also to have those players up to speed on the schemes the club wants to deploy. The idea is there would be less teaching at training camp and more working on systems.

Neither of the club’s top two QB’s are involved, and the Lions will try and determine the pecking order of the returning Greg McGhee and freshly signed Keith Price, formerly with Saskatchewan. Cam Tucker has written a good piece on that here.

Some of the more recognizable names on the roster are offensive linemen Hunter Steward and T-Dre Player. Steward is looking to rebound from two injuries in two seasons, both to the same foot. His promise as a player is huge, but he has to stay healthy this year. Player has seen time as a starter and as a backup in his first two seasons with the club, and the Lions would love to see him continue to evolve to provide national depth on the offensive line.

Linebacker Bo Lokombo is also in camp and after making great strides last season, he looks to make an even bigger contribution this year on the Lions defense as part of a linebacker group that includes the hard-hitting Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill. Lokombo is joined by free-agent national DB Mike Edem, who is also participating looking to get up to speed with his new club.

Speaking of Elimimian, Buono told reporters that judging by everything he’s seen and has been told, the CFL record holder for tackles in a season has recovered 100% from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered last season, which would be a quick recovery. Let’s hope that’s the case and Solly returns to terrorize CFL offences once again.

wallyThe first day of mini-camp also marked the official return of Wally Buono to field as head coach once again. Buono called it an ‘exciting’ day and Lowell Ullrich has some thoughts here.

On a negative note there is concern that highly touted off-season signing, running back Mikel Leshoure, was a no-show. No further information was provided by the club.

You can download the full mini-camp roster at BCLions.com.

The Draft

Of course, the Lions are also preparing for the 2016 CFL Canadian College Draft on May 10th. The Lions hold the third overall pick and Wally Buono has been quoted as saying it’s the deepest draft in recent memory.

Who the Lions will pick is anyone’s guess, and I certainly don’t have an informed opinion on who they should. But my hope is they lock in on a player who can help them right away, preferably on the offensive line, defensive line or receiver positions.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are said to be considering offers for the number one pick, and Buono has moved up in the draft before. But if the draft is deep and with the Lions sitting with a good pick at three, I expect they will let the cards fall where they may and pick the best player left on their draft board.

Following the first round, the Lions will pick fourth in five of the next six rounds (Winnipeg forfeited their first rounder in the supplemental draft last year when they chose Garrett Waggoner) and don’t have a pick on the fifth round.

Back in Black?

Following a teaser video and some still shots that surfaced this week, it appears that the Lions will indeed returning to black as a prominent colour in their new Adidas uniforms. The official unveiling for all teams will be held at an event in Montreal on May 12th.

CaptureBut is the uniform black? After further analysis of the video the club released there is an orange tinge on the player’s body as he emerges from the shadows. The shoulders and pants are definitely black and the helmet is believed to be as well.

The suspense is real!

General consensus from those that have seen the new threads is that the Lions have a pretty sharp new look. Shawn Lemon of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who has seen all the new jerseys had this to say about the Lions new look.

“B.C. won. B.C. by far has the best uniforms. They’re slick. They’re nice.”

Here is the teaser video the Lions released, so you can make your own assumptions.

Player Safety

Finally, the CFL announced new initiatives in regards to player safety on Thursday. The league has put more emphasis on the effect of concussions, assigning an ‘injury’ spotter for every league game, continuing to take part in new testing and research and will give players the option of seeing an independent doctor with concussion in cases if they are diagnosed with a concussion.

Player safety, especially surrounding concussions is becoming more and more of an issue, not only in football, but all contact sports. It’s nice to see the CFL taking steps to make sure the game is as safe as possible for its players.

CFL Draft: Five players we would like to see pull on the orange and black.

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The CFL Draft is one of the biggest crap shoots in all of sports and it’s also one of the biggest factors in building a winning team. The BC Lions have 8 picks to utilize in the 7 round draft picking 5th in each round, with an extra pick obtained in the deal with Hamilton for S.J. Haidara last week.

What players will be available to the Lions when they pick in the five-spot remains to be seen. Most people putting out mock drafts expect an early run on offensive linemen, which is one of the Lions more pressing needs.

That said, there could be some other nice options available if that happens and Wally Buono continually preaches the method of drafting the best football player available and not drafting for position.

With an extra pick in the draft, the Lions could possibly try to move up in the first round as well and talk on social media Monday suggested that there was plenty of talking going on between CFL General Managers.

Rather than try to predict who will be taken ahead of their fifth pick in the first round, let’s take a look at some of the players we would like to see pull on the orange and black tomorrow evening and why.

Sean McEwen – OL – University of Calgary

“Sean is maybe the most talented offensive lineman I had during my tenure at Calgary.” – Former Calgary Dinos and current UBC Head Coach, Blake Nill.

That’s pretty high praise from one of the most successful CIS coaches around. Sean McEwen sounds like the perfect pick for the BC Lions.

sean-mcewenSince the retirement of Angus Reid, the Lions have struggled to get a consistent performance at centre and are said to be considering replacing Matt Norman in that spot for 2015. They re-signed OL Cameron Thorn this off-season and will look at him as an option, but obtaining the services of McEwen could set them up for Jamie Taras or Angus Reid type stability at the position for years.

McEwen is pegged as a “pro-ready” prospect, and if he is there at five, I would be shocked if the Lions didn’t snap him up. But Monday, a wrench was thrown into the mix:

Will that news scare some teams off? It might, but the Lions were in a similar position the year they drafted Norman, who left the team a few games into the season to go and finish his degree. If the Lions really think McEwen is the player they want, I would expect they would welcome a similar arrangement.

The fact that McEwen played with current Lion Kirby Fabien on the Dinos is a bonus too, as the two players would have a strong built-in understanding of each other. Cohesiveness is a huge part of any successful offensive line.

Chris Ackie – DB – Wilfred  Laurier

Chris Ackie  impressed many at the CFL Combine and is described as a player that can play anywhere on the field. Like centre, the Lions have been searching for an answer at safety since Barron Miles retired. J.R. LaRose will not be back in 2015 and the Lions signed Chris Rwakuwamba as a free agent this off-season. Matt McGarva returns from a second knee surgery to try to stake claim to the position as well. Ackie could be the one they’ve been looking for.

Offensive line is an important need, but Ackie’s talent is undeniable, and may be too good for the Lions to pass up if he’s there and the offensive lineman they wanted is gone.

Jacob Ruby – OL – Richmond

At 6-7 and 315 pounds, Jacob Ruby has the size to be a tackle. Canadian starting tackles are gold in the CFL, a position that is often filled by internationals. The Lions depth chart will likely have Jovan Olafioye and Hunter Steward as the bookends when camp starts. Steward fared pretty well in a limited audition last season before he broke his leg. Olafioye is one of the league’s best. But Ruby would provide solid depth behind Steward, and give the Lions the option to move either of them inside if needed.

Sukh Chungh – OL – University of Calgary

sukhchungChungh could be an interesting option for the Lions on a few fronts. One he’s a physical guard who could really help the interior of the offensive line. Two, he’s a BC boy of Indo-Canadian decent, he could be a great role model in many communities across the lower mainland. But Wally Buono cares about the football player first, and if he were to land Chungh it would be a solid pick.

As with McEwen, Chungh played with Fabien in Calgary, but the two are both guards. Could they utilize both of them in the middle of the line? There is some thought the Lions might try to convert him to centre if they were to draft him.

The Lions offensive line has lacked some physicality since Rob Murphy and Jason Jiminez departed and drafting the physically gifted Chungh would address some of that need.

Lamar Durant – WR – SFU

lamardurantThe Lions are pretty deep at Canadian receiver, but they could be tempted to take Lemar Durant who may be the most pro-ready offensive player in the draft. Last season he was hampered by mononucleosis which limited his numbers, and Durant hasn’t played much on special teams during his college career which is where he would likely have to cut his teeth with the Lions.

Still, his talent is undeniable, he’s a home town boy, and he would be a welcome addition to an already deep group of Canadian receivers. There were games when he was a man playing among boys at the CIS level. He possesses good speed and great size, and loves to battle for the football in the air.

Who the Lions end up with is anyones guess, but if they were to land any one of these five players with their first pick, they would be doing alright.

2014 BC Lions CFL Draft Selection Recap

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It was a crazy afternoon with several trades coming down and the Lions were front and centre, trading their 5th overall pick for QB Kevin Glenn. And while the first round was on TSN, the later rounds were carried on TSN.ca and TSN GO. If you were a Bell or Rogers subscriber that is. The league and their “National” broadcast partner need to realize there are football fans outside of eastern Canada.

But enough whining by me, here is a round-up of the BC Lions eight selections in today’s CFL Draft.

Round 1: 5th Overall: BC trades the 5th overall pick to Ottawa for QB Kevin Glenn

glennGlenn is coming to a team that should contend for a Grey Cup and he’s likely to play a role in that effort in a Western division he is very familiar with. The Lions have questions with Travis Lulay and until he resumes full training and shows the shoulder is no longer an issue, they needed some experienced insurance. Even if Lulay returns without problems Glenn will be needed and the team can’t afford a slow start in a tough division, so this addition was a no brainer. The Lions also had to pick in their back pocket for the 2nd round.With two picks in the 2nd round waiting for them.

Earlier in the day it was rumoured that the Lions were trying to move up to the top two picks. After Calgary managed to secure the number one pick from Ottawa and Winnipeg kept their pick the Lions decided to use their 5th overall choice to address their depth at quarterback. In acquiring Kevin Glenn the Lions now have a solid one two punch at the pivot spot.

“We tried to make some trades to try to move up in the draft that didn’t occur,” said GM Wally Buono. “And then we made an evaluation of the fifth pick in comparison to a veteran quarterback who could help us win. When it was all said and done, we decided the best for this football club at this time is to get Kevin Glenn.”

Round 2: 12th Overall (Via Edmonton): Tchissakid Player (Offensive Guard, Northwestern State)

At 6’6, 300 lbs, Player has the size and was the only NCAA Division 1 player in the entire draft class. Born in Winnipeg but raised in Texas, Player was a three-year starter at Northwestern State. His ranking might have been higher if not for a hamstring injury that kept him from auditioning at the CFL Combine.


As Lowell Ullrich pointed out, Lions play by play man Rick Ball has got some practicing to do with the name:

Round 2: 14th Overall: Pascal Lochard (Running Back, Laval)

Lochard comes to the Lions after an RSEQ All-conference selection in 2013. In 33 college games he posted 301 carries for 1749yds and 17 touchdowns. He also chipped in 24 receptions for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. He stands 6’0, 215 pounds and is described as a shift back who makes people miss. He has strong special teams skills as well.

Round 3: 27th Overall (Via Saskatchewan): Casey Chin (Linebacker, SFU)

Casey Chin is a local product who played his high school football with the New Westminster Hyacks before completing a college career at SFU. Chin was ranked 12th in the final Central Scouting Bureau rankings so getting the talented local player was a bonus for the Lions with the 27th pick.

A linebacker in college, Chin may originally find himself on the Lions roster as a special teams contributor and a possible long snapper. A valuable position for a non-import on any CFL roster.

Chin had a stong showing at the CFL Combine, Chin had 25 bench press reps, putting him in a tie for ninth overall and second among linebackers. He posted a 35.5″ vertical jump, placing him second among linebackers and sixth overall. On day two, Chin finished the 40-yard dash in 4.716 seconds which placed him third among linebackers. He finished first among his group in the shuttle and 3-cone segments of the combine.

In nine games with SFU last season, chin posted 119 tackles (which led the GNAC for the third straight year), with 68 solo efforts. He added three sacks, three interceptions and a fumble recovery as well.

Round 4: 32nd Overall: David Menard (Defensive Line, Montreal)

David Menard adds some Canadian depth to the defensive line. He was ranked 13th in the final Scouting Bureau rankings. He posted a Combine best 33 reps on the bench press.

Ridley Scouting says:

A stout, gap plugging strongman clad in the Carabins uniform. David had 33 reps on the bench at the Combine. He was the RSEQ Rookie of the Year in 2010, All-RSEQ honers along with being named All-Canadian. Since then he has been All-RSEQ 2 more times & in his SR season averaged a QB sack a game. Recovered 5 career fumbles.

Round 5: 41st Overall: Alexander Fox (Receiver, Bishops)

The 5’8 180 pound fox comes to the Lions as the leading receiver in the CIS in both yards and receiving touchdowns in 2013, including 5 games over 100 yards and a 256 yard game against McGill.

Ridley Scouting says:

He is the most productive receiver in the draft class with over 2500 yards. Also returned punts, except his SR year when he was a force on offense.

Round 6: 50th Overall: Dylan Roper (Defensive Line, SFU)

When you saw this name you might have had a light go on in your head if you’re a long time Lions fan. Dylan Roper is the nephew of former Leos offensive lineman Gerald Roper.

Roper measures up at 6’2″ and 222 pounds and is another local kid from North Vancouver who went to high school at the football factory of Carson Graham where he was a two-time North Shore all-star, two-time BCHSFA Western Conference all-star, BCHSFA Provincial all-star, and the 2010 Senior Bowl Defensive MVP.

In 2013 for SFU he posted 37 tackles, 6 sacks and forced a fumble, while adding a fumble recovery. Ridley Scouting describes him as an undersized but tough defensive end. He earned an invite to the CFL Combine after a strong showing at the Edmonton Regional.

Round 7: 59th Overall: Guillaume Bourassa (Running Back, Laval)

The Lions added a second running back from Laval with the pick of 5’11, 200 pound Guillaume Bourassa. Bourassa also returned kicks for Laval and capped his four-year career with his third Vanier Cup ring in four years. As shown on his YouTube recruiting video, he can also contribute as a receiver out of the back field and on special teams.

The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast – Episode 26

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In Episode 26 Brian and Mojo recap the latest news from the Lions Den. They talk with Kent Ridley of Ridley scouting about the upcoming draft and his draft guide and check in with Derek Meyers of Global TV in Regina for an update on the Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders.
***Show Note*** We had some technical difficulties with the Ridley Scouting interview and didn’t get as much time as we wanted with Kent. We hope to have him back after the draft to give us his take on how teams did.

To stay up to date with our podcasts, blogs and other Lions news, follow us on Twitter @BCLionsDen Please leave us a comment on the site and let us know how we’re doing. You can also leave us a ranking and a review on iTunes, we would really appreciate it! Listen:

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