gbill2004

Bombers like Jace Daniels at LT. He looked very good there last year.

VANCOUVER — If Wally Buono was looking for a bargain, he'd line up for the Target Canada liquidation sale. He knows he won't find one in the Canadian Football League free agency pool. "It's never been a strong suit of mine," admitted the general manager of the B.C. Lions, looking toward the free-agent signing free-for-all that begins Tuesday at 9 a.m. PT. "We have brought in guys who've been productive," he said. "Ben Archibald (from Calgary). Eric Taylor, Byron Parker, Lin-J Shell (all from Toronto). But when you look at the success we've had over the years, we've always believed in finding our own or signing the (pending) free agents we already have, showing respect for the guys in our locker room." One of those players, however, is wide receiver Ernest Jackson, who will hit the open market Tuesday and seems destined to land elsewhere. Buono doesn't seem too concerned about it either. "Right now, we have Manny Arceneaux, Courtney Taylor, Bryan Burnham and Lavasier Tuinei," he said. "I don't want to sound negative, but he (Jackson) is the big, physical receiver that Burnham is, that Tuinei is. You've gotta be careful you don't have too many of the same guy. Again, do we need to blow our brains out? If it costs you a ton of money against your (salary) cap, is that going to make your team better?" Buono would suggest the Lions already have made a splash in free agency by signing Austin Collie, the former Indianapolis Colts' receiver who has the added bonus of being classified as a "non-import." (Buono still prefers that term over the CFL's chichi designation of "national.”) "He's an accomplished professional receiver who has the right passport," Buono said. "He gives us options. According to our reports, he's in good shape physically. He's as strong as he's ever been." Among the pending free agents, the most attractive (from a Lions' perspective) might be Calgary centre Brett Jones, the league's most outstanding lineman in 2014, one year after being named rookie of the year. Jones, though, is expected to re-sign in Calgary or with the Roughriders, in his home province of Saskatchewan. The Weyburn native played at the University of Regina. After releasing punter Ricky Schmitt in the offseason (he signed with B.C. last year in the free agency period), the Lions are looking for a replacement. The Roughriders' Josh Bartel, a pending free agent, fits that criteria. But the Lions want a player who can handle all three kicking chores, not a single speciality. B.C. believed Richie Leone, a member of their expanded practice roster in 2014, could be the man. But the 22-year-old import punter-kicker was signed last month by the Pittsburgh Steelers. "We were excited about him," Buono said of Leone, who played at the University of Houston. "He showed very good promise. We have a number of kicking camp to go to, to try and find another like him."

Plan is to replace him with Bryant or SirVincent. Either would be an upgrade. January is on the decline.

@PentonKirk: Sears and Brohm are the only two potential #Bombers free agents Walters is talking to right now. #Bombers @PentonKirk: That means all other FAs, including Glenn January, is not in #Bombers plans. I guess you never say never, though.

@PentonKirk: Walters is not as hopeful about getting a deal done with QB Brian Brohm before Tuesday. #Bombers

@PentonKirk: Talked to #Bombers GM Kyle Walters today. He's "cautiously optimistic" a deal with LB Johnny Sears will get done before Tues.

@HerbZurkowsky1: #Als add former NFL QB John Skelton to roster. Meanwhile, @AlexBrink10, who started, then backed up Jonathan Crompton, has been released.

@WiebeSunSports: #NHLJets Mark Stuart was asked if team would welcome Evander Kane back if he was healthy? "Absolutely."

Scouting reports from a couple years ago: David Mims OT, Virginia Union 6-foot-8, 331 pounds Projection: Late rounds Scouting Reports A massive offensive tackle prospect who possesses a long, good-looking frame. Carries his weight well, isn't fat by any stretch and actually looks a bit thin throughout his upper half. Showcases impressive power at the point of attack in the run game and can absolutely dominate defenders at his level of competition at the point. Is a pretty good bender for his size and is really heavy handed; once he gets his paws on you the battle is over. Now, obviously he gets a bit upright and isn't real technically sound maintaining leverage and using proper hand placement, but the skill set is most definitely there. Possesses above-average range for his size in pass protection. Showcases good coordination and balance when asked to mirror and again likes to get his hands on defenders and anchor. Doesn't exhibit much of a kick-slide and is really raw and upright with his footwork. But talking with sources the guy doesn't even have an offensive line coach at his school. Impression: Physically the guy has the size, strength and athleticism to play in the league and is dripping with upside. Is going to take some time, but is an ideal later-round developmental guy who could really catch fire with some time. Positives: Long arms with long well proportioned frame... Sets up reasonably well... Good punch... Solid lateral movement and slide... Good strength... Very solid anchor, can be difficult to move... Solid balance... Reasonably good run blocker... Generates good power... Can control opponent once locked on... Can get movement in the running game... Can get to the second level... Adequate flexibility and body controlling... Mean streak... Needs some coaching but has good upside at Right Tackle. Negatives: His height makes it difficult for him to maintain good pad level... Gets too upright and defenders can get underneath him... Pumps his arms and looks a little awkward backing off the line... Hands get too high and wide... Kick slide needs work, choppy footwork... Doesn't redirect especially well. This one is on Virginia Union offensive tackle David Mims, who has the size and strength to do things in the NFL. Of course, the difficulty in scouting players from very small schools is in isolating skill sets and setting aside the fact that their competition is rarely top-notch. In addition, position coaches are often pulling double- or triple-duty, which means that these players aren't always up on the fine points of their positions. Mims has some of these issues, but he should be intriguing to many teams looking to stock the right side offensive line with a project power tackle. 6-foot-8, 331 pounds -- 40 Yrd Dash: 5.32/20 Yrd Dash: 3.07/10 Yrd Dash: 1.90/225 Lb. Bench Reps: 29/Vertical Jump: 26/Broad Jump: 08'06"/20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.80/3-Cone Drill: 8.10 (All Pro Day — no combine) Pass blocking: Keeps his feet active and his head on a swivel out of the stance. Good kick-step and dropback; has the feet and agility for this to be more of a strength than it is.Tends to stab and push at smaller, overmatched pass rushers instead of getting his hands on the defender and taking him back through the arc. When he does face a speed rusher with a decent turn-and-go, Mims is not always quick enough to set the edge all the way through, and he will lose sacks and pressures on the back half of the pocket. When blocking wide, can get beaten on inside moves; doesn't always have the quickness to recover from an initial stance concept. Tends to shove his first blocker out of the way in an almost comical "college vs. high school" way and doesn't always play to the whistle as a result. Gets his arms out and avoids defenders getting into his body. Run blocking: Keeps a good pop off the snap and is generally looking to block another defender as he's already engaging one — this is another mechanical byproduct of the fact that he simply physically overwhelms his competition. Not challenged nearly enough from a power perspective to know what will happen in the NFL when he's facing people as strong as he is or stronger. Plays high off the snap and will lose leverage battles until he learns to explode lower. Doesn't always persist to set the edge on longer plays from cutback or misdirection runs. Doesn't always play with optimal awareness — tends to lock on to his target and seems oblivious to defenders shooting right by him, though this could very easily be the product of the blockers around him. Pulling/Trapping: Not really asked to pull; was more a stationary blocker. Has sufficient lateral movement ability to make short tackle pulls if properly coached. Initial quickness: Comes out of his (three-point) stance reasonably quickly for his size and has a good, wide base. Takes too long to get up to speed, though — he tends to be logey with his first few steps. Downfield: Slightly faster when he is asked to hit the second level; Mims moves through the line aggressively and hits the target accurately. Intangibles: No known character or injury concerns. Performed at his pro day at 331 pounds after playing at around 350 pounds most of his career. Several NFL teams showed pre-draft interest in Mims, but he is very much a "raw clay" prospect — he needs a lot of coaching starting from the base attributes needed to succeed in the NFL. Optimally a right tackle at the next level, Mims intrigues with his size and athletic potential, but he's very much a work in progress. Pro comparison: Stephon Heyer, Washington Redskins

Looks like Kuale is retiring: @EJKUALE: Time to hang em up!!!'

@sixbeamers: #BCLions GM Wally Buono not hopeful about re-signing pending FA Ernest Jackson. Winnipeg a fit, with Drew Willy, ex U. of Buffalo teammate?

Talk about Debbie Downer. Boo!!

@DougBrown97: My kicker spider sense is tingling and tells me Mike Renaud may officially retire tomorrow......

He's a friend of mine. Cool! Then you can tell him for me.

@scratchingpost: Hearing a new deal between the #Ticats & @Tank_Reed1911 is all but done. Another pending FA off the board. #CFL

Love seeing the Bombers strongly linked to 5 of the top 10 free agents by TSN!

From TSN: With CFL free agency set to open up on February 10th, here is a list of 10 of the best free agents and where they could end up. Editor’s note: Some of these players might end up signing with their teams before February 10th. Brett Jones – Two-year Stampeder has already won a Most Outstanding offensive lineman award, was a Western All-Star both years, and a CFL all-star in 2014. He could command $200 thousand-plus due to his National status. Look for him to stay with Calgary, sign an NFL contract, or maybe end up in his hometown province of Saskatchewan. The Roughriders saved on salary by releasing centre Dominic Picard and letting go Ben Heenan so that he could sign in the NFL. If the Stampeders lose Jones they have last year’s first overall draft pick Pierre Lavertu waiting in the wings. My prediction: Re-signs with the Stampeders. Stanley Bryant - Five-year Stampeder who was named to the CFL All-Star team in 2013 and 2014. He has played both left tackle and right tackle. My prediction: Look for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos and Ottawa Redblacks to make a strong pitch for this International veteran. Ottawa has the most money to spend. Brandon “Speedy” Banks – Two-year Ticat who was a CFL All-Star last season as a returner and was hoping to sign with an NFL club. Banks is a player that Kent Austin wants back dearly, but look for the Redblacks to bid large. He would be a great addition and an immediate fan favorite. Ottawa has money to spend and GM Marcel Desjardins can make a splash with this signing. My prediction: Banks re-signs with Hamilton and makes north of $200,000 per year. SirVincent Rogers – Argonauts starting left tackle for the past two seasons. If the Blue Bombers can’t sign Bryant they will look to SV to improve a poor offensive line. Winnipeg has the Grey Cup this year and they would like to ignite their fans with a quality o-line and to help second-year starter Drew Willy. Picking up Picard earlier this season will help and with Rogers at tackle the Bombers will have a shot at the playoffs. My prediction: Signs with Winnipeg. Dan LeFevour – Played well for the Tiger-Cats when Zach Collaros went down early in the season. He is coming off a torn knee ligament but should be good to go for training camp. Look for BC, Ottawa and possibly Montreal to make a bid. LeFevour wants to start and can’t do that with Collaros in the Hammer. My prediction: LeFevour would look good in a Lions uniform. Travis Lulay is always going to be a question mark with his shoulder issues. Brian Peters – Had a terrific season with the Roughriders. Richie Hall, who coached Peters in Regina last season, would love to have him in a Blue Bombers uniform. Peters is a stand-out on special teams and would be a great replacement for Ian Wild who signed last week with the Pittsburgh Steelers. My prediction: It will be hard to leave Saskatchewan but Winnipeg is his next best option. Greg Ellingson – Why he fell out of favour in Hamilton is anyone’s guess. Ellingson was brought to the Hammer by former Ticats great Danny McManus who is now with Winnipeg. The Blue Bombers could be interested. Ottawa will also look to the 6’3 receiver who had chemistry with Henry Burris. My prediction: Ottawa will prevail if they can’t snag Brandon Banks. Samuel Giguere – Going into his fourth CFL season, a change in scenery might be nice for this Sherbrooke native. Montreal would seem like a logical choice but Jim Popp very seldom delves into free agency. Toronto needs a National receiver if Spencer Watt leaves, as does Winnipeg with the trade of Cory Watson. My prediction: Popp roles the dice and hopes it doesn’t come back to bite him like the Corey Grant free agent signing in 2002. Rennie Curran – If Curran decides to test free agency and leaves, Edmonton will be fine with JC Sherritt in the middle. Curran would look good in a Winnipeg uniform. The Bombers just released Ejiro Kuale who played in the middle last season. Curran would be a great locker-room addition and a favourite of head coach Mike O’Shea. My Prediction: Signs with Winnipeg. Ernest Jackson – Was amazing down the stretch for the BC Lions. He caught over 450 yards and three TDs in his last four games. He played four seasons at the University of Buffalo with current Blue Bomber QB Willy. Interesting! My prediction: Winnipeg will be a busy team in free agency.

@CFL_News: RT .@News1130Sports: Been told the #BCLions will be in the mix for @speedybanks16. Banks says he's buddies with Manny Arceneaux. #CFL

Lawless keeps pimping Rodgers, as a possible target for the Bombers, but he never mentions Bryant. Either Lawless has some inside information, or he has no idea who Bryant is.

An article on Toney from 2012, prior to the NFL draft: We’re finally in the month of April, arguably the most important month in the offseason for any team as the NFL draft gets closer by the day. The Steelers, as per usual, are quiet during the free agency period. They take care of their in house players by offering tenders to those they want to keep and move forward with draft preparations. The wide receiver position, as early as last year, seemed to be full of promise for the future. Now it’s one that is definitely in question. There’s no need to keep beating the Mike Wallace dead horse; he’s still a Steeler and likely will remain so for at least 2012. He’ll eventually sign his 1 yr. offer and with any luck the team will be able to get him signed long term during training camp or preseason. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are still under contract for now and this offseason should be a lesson that even the highest rated restricted player rarely draws significant interest from other teams. Both Brown and Sanders will be RFA’s next year and I’m sure the hype will start up as soon as 2012 ends if the team doesn’t either or both to extensions before then. The Steelers are still in constant talks with Jerricho Cotchery as well and hope to bring him back. While receiver still doesn’t figure to be on the Steelers draft board as a top priority with a premium pick, it’s a safe bet that they’ll be looking for value at this position at the very least. One of those players that could be had late in the draft is Toney Clemons out of Colorado. He is scheduled to meet with the Steelers on April 18. It would be prudent to note that the Steelers always have many visits scheduled with potential interests on their draft board, but it’s no guarantee that will aggressively go after any one of them. These meetings are as much for them to gauge how he might fit in with them as it is for the player to get an idea of what playing for a team like the Steelers is all about. The fact that they are scheduled to meet with him though indicates they are intrigued by him at the very least. Clemons is as of now projected as a 6th -7th draft pick but could also finish out draft weekend without getting a call at all. If that happens you can bet his phone will be ringing with interested teams who are looking for depth and future talent at receiver. The Steelers could very well be one of those teams, and based on his recent work out as you’ll read below from Bill Beckner Jr., he could be a steal for someone like Pittsburgh. One head-turning performance by a college standout can draw that fine line between the beginnings of a pro career and selling insurance for a living. Valley grad Toney Clemons had one of those attention-grabbing pro days earlier this month in Boulder, Colo., and it could have unlocked a door into the NFL. “It came down to 80 yards,” said Clemons, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound wide receiver who wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but played in a senior all-star game in Arkansas. “Two 40 (-yard dashes). I had a quiet confidence and was ready to compete that day.” The Colorado grad blistered the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds — the fastest 40 time in the former track star’s career. “Officially, it’s the fastest,” said Clemons, 23. “You have some great athletes running the 10 split in 1.50 or 1.49. I did it in 1.47. You want to be able to perform when it counts most.” A tidy performance, which also saw decent ratings in the broad jump, 20- and 60-yard shuttle runs and position drills, caught the attention of draft gurus. “With a terrific pro day workout, Clemons demonstrated the combination of size and all-around athleticism to intrigue any NFL scout,” said Rob Rang, senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, a partner of CBSSports.com. “In not gaining an invitation to the scouting combine, Clemons was viewed by scouts as late as a month ago as unlikely to be drafted. The pro day workout, in itself, won’t guarantee that Clemons will be drafted, but it will force clubs to take a longer look.” Clemons, who started his career at Michigan, transferred and sat out a year per NCAA rules, had productive junior and senior seasons at Colorado. A rarity in that he played in three conferences, Clemons had back-to-back 43-catch seasons, with a career-high 680 yards and eight touchdowns in his final year. “I have the draftable grades,” Clemons said. “To be picked would be a great thing. I feel I have done what I needed to do. It’s incredible to be in a position where I once saw myself getting to.” Clemons’ stock is rising. After the solid pro day workout, he went from the No. 82 ranking to 71 out of 347 wideout prospects on the NFLdraftscout.com’s board.

Scouting report on Toney Clemons from 2 years ago. He ran a 4.41 40 yard dash: Bio: Michigan transfer that's started the past two seasons, posting 43 receptions/680 yards/8 TDs as a senior and 43/482/3 as a junior. Positive: Nice-sized receiver who's flashed skill the past two years. Solid route runner who stays low exiting breaks and positions himself to make the reception on exit. Comes back to the ball, follows the quarterback across the field and works to make himself an available target. Solid speed with the ability to make the deep reception in stride. Effectively extends to make the reception away from his frame and shows skill running after the catch. Uses his frame to shield away opponents. Negative: Unnecessarily body catches at times. Loses out in battles when he should not. Analysis: Clemons has flashed skill the past two seasons and offers enough ability to make a roster as a fifth receiver.

Jordan Sisco gives me the "no feeling".

Any idea if his tools (whatever they may be) would work in the CFL? I think, like Tebow, his ego wouldn't allow him to even look up north if his NFL options died. But his skillset would probably be ideal for the CFL. Decent arm strength (for CFL), great mobility and ability to improvise. Sorta like Robert Marve . Yep, nice analysis. My guess is that he'd rather continue with his binge drinking and cocaine addiction than lower himself (his thinking of course, not mine) to play in the CFL.

According to Drew Edwards, Greg Ellingson is expected to move on and not re-sign in Hamilton. He'd sure look good as the Bombers 3rd WR behind Moore and Denmark.

Last year Walters did 2 trades then sign right before free agency (Willy & Randle). I wonder if Walters pulls any trade & sign moves before FA this year.