The off-season is officially over. I thought I would make a new thread to start off the season. Looking forward to some camp reports starting with Rookie camp today.

5 minutes ago, Mike said:

Really don’t get the Kramdi hate. He’s solid. Always around the ball. Does his job well. You need the reliable guys just as much as you need the flashy guys, they set the flashy guys up to make those big plays.

For me personally it's not hate it's just nervousness in ensuring we are using him appropriately based on his strengths just like any other player.

Just now, GCn20 said:

In a perfect world you don't, but there may be times when a guy needs to tape a finger or something, or gasses out and needs to miss a snap.

oh i agree...and if u have a dlineman rostered as a DI as opposed to a sexy fullback...that world continued to be perfect...or....Nationalize and American...lol...sorry to rehash old festering wounds, but sure hoping we aren't running thru this song and dance again all yr

Delete

Edited May 13, 20241 yr by JuranBoldenRules

2 minutes ago, HardCoreBlue said:

For me personally it's not hate it's just nervousness in ensuring we are using him appropriately based on his strengths just like any other player.

I find it very interesting, because lots of people get caught up in our roster management (myself included) but not many people seemed to notice that Kramdi was very much a rotational guy and was subbed out a lot last year.

They seem to have a pretty good plan for him and his usage and I’m happy to let them keep rolling with it. He didn’t get handed a job last year, he stole it from a trusted veteran American and he only got better as the year went on.

Just now, JuranBoldenRules said:

Yeah hopefully we can win more than 4 games this year.

i could care how many games we win as long as we get in palyoffs...and roster the best players to give us our best roster....all the wins the last 2 yrs mean jackshit when come Grey Cup we lost...because...we didnt put out our best roster available to us

Just now, Mike said:

I find it very interesting, because lots of people get caught up in our roster management (myself included) but not many people seemed to notice that Kramdi was very much a rotational guy and was subbed out a lot last year.

They seem to have a pretty good plan for him and his usage and I’m happy to let them keep rolling with it. He didn’t get handed a job last year, he stole it from a trusted veteran American and he only got better as the year went on.

rather have him subbed in to give another player a breather...I dont want him off roster...just not the defacto starter...as he just isnt the best option...nor is he required to meet ratio...thats all...adegaute...solid doesnt cut it with me...when there is better

new profile picture 

13 minutes ago, Mike said:

Really don’t get the Kramdi hate. He’s solid. Always around the ball. Does his job well. You need the reliable guys just as much as you need the flashy guys, they set the flashy guys up to make those big plays.

His Tackling/closing speed leaves a lot to be desired.

Just now, Mike said:

new profile picture 

explains a lot Kramdi!! hahaha

Just now, Booch said:

explains a lot Kramdi!! hahaha

Hahaha

honestly, with the way we’ve used that spot I’m definitely willing to give Cole a look and see if he pops off the page but Kramdi is nowhere near the biggest problem we have at LB. I’m also pretty confident he’s only going to continue to get better. He did well for what was essentially a very raw player, not coming in with the NCAA pedigree or history and I there’s still a lot left to develop there in my opinion

That being said, I wouldn’t be upset with three new LB starters when week 1 hits 

Just now, Bubba Zanetti said:

His Tackling/closing speed leaves a lot to be desired.

I come from the land of jobs were a compatition each yr...and were earned...not given due to a myriad of reasons...also if you messed up...you were replaced,...sometimes even off the roster.....and if you earned said job...but someone was showing better....they didnt wait for injury to replace you....you were just replaced....we dont do that here consistantly

21 minutes ago, Mike said:

I find it very interesting, because lots of people get caught up in our roster management (myself included) but not many people seemed to notice that Kramdi was very much a rotational guy and was subbed out a lot last year.

They seem to have a pretty good plan for him and his usage and I’m happy to let them keep rolling with it. He didn’t get handed a job last year, he stole it from a trusted veteran American and he only got better as the year went on.

Which is a fine role for him. He may take a step forward and become a more consistent piece and if he does that is great. Though we seem to be paying him as if he was that now, our 2nd highest db. 140/154 for nichols and 125/139 for kramdi is shocking. 86k base with a 25k signing bonus is no joke. It's odd, because we are generally pretty stingy with DBs. If Kramdi rotates with Ford (which I think is what every one expects, at an unknown ratio of snaps) we are probably looking at a minimum of 225k between the two. 

DB is strange up here. Kind of like RB, but players get to cash in and stick around long after their peak. Half of the top paid DBs seem like guys who are past it and getting paid on previous accolades or got by more with reputation than quality of play. 

I'd much rather Kramdi see rotation than either Hallett at this point. 

47 minutes ago, Mike said:

Hahaha

honestly, with the way we’ve used that spot I’m definitely willing to give Cole a look and see if he pops off the page but Kramdi is nowhere near the biggest problem we have at LB. I’m also pretty confident he’s only going to continue to get better. He did well for what was essentially a very raw player, not coming in with the NCAA pedigree or history and I there’s still a lot left to develop there in my opinion

That being said, I wouldn’t be upset with three new LB starters when week 1 hits 

Quebec is crazy competitive though.  I watch a ton of FCS and D2.  Even in a good conference like Missouri Valley the lower half of that league is full of guys who wouldn't make Laval or Montreal.  Canada West is not a great development league for the CFL anymore.  UBC is strong, no one else really is anymore.  Ontario is somewhere in between.  The guys coming out of Laval or Montreal, even Sherbrooke, Concordia and McGill are ready to go.

Kramdi's biggest issue was injuries since he's been here.

1 hour ago, Mike said:

Hahaha

honestly, with the way we’ve used that spot I’m definitely willing to give Cole a look and see if he pops off the page but Kramdi is nowhere near the biggest problem we have at LB. I’m also pretty confident he’s only going to continue to get better. He did well for what was essentially a very raw player, not coming in with the NCAA pedigree or history and I there’s still a lot left to develop there in my opinion

That being said, I wouldn’t be upset with three new LB starters when week 1 hits 

Could be Kramdi is one of the smarter players on and off the field and O'Shea recognizes that combined with his grittiness and work ethic being similar to the skills that sustained his own playing career.  May also be why he sticks with BA year after year instead of replacing him with a flashier, healthier player.

Kramdi is not anywhere near the worst problem on the roster. Sure maybe they could get someone better there... but he wasn't a liability.

1 hour ago, JuranBoldenRules said:

Yeah they really should be using Bighill or Jefferson in that Designated Nationalized American role.  Then you could effectively rotate with either another American LB or Rush end.  With our current roster composition Jefferson probably makes the most sense.  But if one of the American WIL/MAC types jumps of the page it makes sense for Bighill too.

 

Sure would be nice to have Bighill's future replacement in the building this year getting involved and taking reps. so the progression at MLB is clearly spelled out.  Maybe Biggie would accept a lesser role and help convince O'Shea to use the new American/Natl. rules more effectively as well.  Ease him towards the door before he signs another contract with unrealistic expectations of playing another 3 years.  Same thing for Bryant, get ready just about time to move on.

9 minutes ago, Fatty Liver said:

Sure would be nice to have Bighill's future replacement in the building this year getting involved and taking reps. so the progression at MLB is clearly spelled out.  Maybe Biggie would accept a lesser role and help convince O'Shea to use the new American/Natl. rules more effectively as well.  Ease him towards the door before he signs another contract with unrealistic expectations of playing another 3 years.  Same thing for Bryant, get ready just about time to move on.

The pedigree of the American middle type guys they brought in this year is pretty high.  Gemmel, Petrishen, Moses.

Wilson is getting up there too.  Hopefully rebounds 2nd year off achilles.

How many years of being a CFL fan and engaging on this forum does it usually take until I too start believing I know more than professional coaches and talent scouts? 😂😂😂 You guys get my goat! Can't wait for the new season!

8 minutes ago, Pepper_Brooks said:

How many years of being a CFL fan and engaging on this forum does it usually take until I too start believing I know more than professional coaches and talent scouts? 😂😂😂 You guys get my goat! Can't wait for the new season!

how many years on Earth do I need before I talk like a robot? 

1 minute ago, Mike said:

how many years on Earth do I need before I talk like a robot? 

I'm guessing it takes about 8 years on RF. After that it probably seems like a great idea to use ai to post on here. 

2 hours ago, Mike said:

I find it very interesting, because lots of people get caught up in our roster management (myself included) but not many people seemed to notice that Kramdi was very much a rotational guy and was subbed out a lot last year.

They seem to have a pretty good plan for him and his usage and I’m happy to let them keep rolling with it. He didn’t get handed a job last year, he stole it from a trusted veteran American and he only got better as the year went on.

I agree. Kramdi gets crapped on, and I'm not sure why. I thought he was pretty decent once he settled in.

2 hours ago, Booch said:

I come from the land of jobs were a compatition each yr...and were earned...not given due to a myriad of reasons...also if you messed up...you were replaced,...sometimes even off the roster.....and if you earned said job...but someone was showing better....they didnt wait for injury to replace you....you were just replaced....we dont do that here consistantly

I agree with that as well. However, Kramdi did take the job from an underperforming Darby, so they were willing to make that change. I would hope if Cole looks better than Kramdi they would do the same. I think Kramdi could be a very useful rep taker in our secondary when needed. I don't even mind him competing at S really, better back up plan than Hallett imo.

Edited May 13, 20241 yr by GCn20

2 hours ago, Booch said:

I come from the land of jobs were a compatition each yr...and were earned...not given due to a myriad of reasons...also if you messed up...you were replaced,...sometimes even off the roster.....and if you earned said job...but someone was showing better....they didnt wait for injury to replace you....you were just replaced....we dont do that here consistantly

The land where the backup QB is the coach/GM's son in law and most of the personnel staff are related. 😆

Just now, JuranBoldenRules said:

The land where the backup QB is the coach/GM's son in law and most of the personnel staff are related. 😆

👀

Just now, JuranBoldenRules said:

The land where the backup QB is the coach/GM's son in law and most of the personnel staff are related. 😆

not that land lol....but your warm

Kramdl as mentioned before is a decent sam , my concern is hes being paid to be more than that.Especially since we dont have a strong need for a starting cdn. 

 

Rough list of canadians who could/have been starters for us on our roster right now.

Kola, neuf, dobson/eli, demski, brady, woli, thomas, lawson, kramdi.

If I rank them, I'd have: Brady, Demski, Woli(with in his role), Lawson, Neuf, Dobson/Eli, Kola, Kramdi, Thomas.

A few notes. With woli you could get a better wr. But I do not think you could get a guy who plays his role better, or who is a better wr that can play the same role. Similarly Demski and Brady are at the top of their positions league wide. Lawson I think is on the verge of and could this year be the best NI DT in the league. Neuf has been a stalwart on the line for seemingly 100 years. Eli should've already been starting imo, dobson needs to start to improve at this point. Kola is an up jumped 6th ol with out upside. Kramdi is a guy with plenty of up side who could easily leapfrog kola, and could jump dobson if liam doesn't start much this year. Thomas, is burnt toast. 

 Eli, I think could start on a few teams right away, and would. Lawson I think would start on more. NI depth at a cover db spot makes it tougher to start an NI. And I don't think Kramdi fits the role most teams go with. 

Parker would've hands down been a better sam than kramdi last year imo. Though comparing imp to ni isn't fair or apples to apples. I think ford is a better cover guy than kramdi. But kramdi has a knack for making plays in the box. Kramdi missed as many or more big plays than he made last year. Which is a testament to his ability to read and react, as well as to have the athleticism to get in position to make a big play. But is also a knock on his consistent ability to make the play or make the right play. As far as the last NI starter with an at worst comparable guy to platoon with, that is a damn good position to be in. 

He's 27 this season, with 3 years under his belt. He's gotten better each year, and should do the same this year. If he does take that step forward, he's going to leave us in an excellent position. If he doesn't, he's still a good roster guy in his prime with Ford just a year younger than him. Personally, I'd rather start an ni sam than an ni S. I don't think he, or much of any one else should have a spot guaranteed. More guys probably have one than I'd like. But I think if Ford blows his doors off in camp that Ford will start and Kramdi will back up.