Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Sports Events Guide CFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2016 CFL Draft. Today, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the focus. The Bombers have eight picks including the ninth and tenth overall pick in the second round.
The Blue Bombers made a major splash in the CFL Free Agent pond this winter, but after not qualifying for the playoffs since 2011, this year is “make or break” for Bomber Land. The start of the 2016 season really is May 10th, as good Canadian content will be the difference between making the playoffs and plummeting to last place.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2016 CFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
The Blue Bomber Off-Season
Winnipeg added some key players and spent some big money to add players like Canadian Andrew Harris, and non-import receivers Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith. Others such as Keith Shologan and Euclid Cummings were brought in to right the ship after a disastrous 5-13 season last year.
Offensive Line
Winnipeg has made some moves these past few seasons to shore up their Canadian talent on the offensive line, and Grey Cup winning teams almost always have an all Canadian o-line so this is a big need for the Bombers. This year’s draft features a wealth of Canadian linemen and Winnipeg should be able to target at least one top prospect with one of their second round picks, unless they decide to move up. With players like Michael Couture, Dillion Guy, or Laval’s Philippe Gagnon potentially available, the Bombers could add some quality depth to their up-and-coming offensive line.
Defensive Back
The Bombers only have two quality Canadian players in the secondary and its possible neither of them will be starters. Matt Bucknor and Teague Sherman might get moved to playing strictly special teams after the club added Macho Harris, moved Maurice Leggett to SAM linebacker, and put Chris Randle on the boundary halfback position after Demond Washington departed for Hamilton. Winnipeg might just take the best player available in the draft, but finding a player who can fill the void and play a key role on special teams is often overlooked. And you can never have too much depth.
Running Back
This isn’t necessarily a need, but the Blue and Gold could go after a running back to as an understudy for CFL All-Star Andrew Harris, who has had some injuries issues in the past. If Mercer Timmis somehow falls to the Bombers with one of their picks, he’d be a good addition to build some depth behind Harris. Timmis was a potential top five pick, but after a poor showing at the combine, he could slip to the second and maybe even the third round. Canadian skill position players are always good to stock up on.
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