Bring in the rookies!
Picking up right where they left off will be a difficult task for the 2012 BC Lions.
After overcoming an improbable season, starting 0-5 and culminating with hoisting the Grey Cup, this year’s installment of the BC Lions should hope to be less roller-coaster like but they are poised to make another solid run.
Wally Buono may not be calling the shots on the field, after vacating the position of head coach, but as GM, his next shot is retooling the Leo’s through the draft.
After signing QB Travis Lulay to an extension, and bringing in a litany of veteran defensive backs, Buono still has some holes to fill.
Look for the BC Lions to build on the Defensive side of the ball especially at linebacker.
The loss of Solomon Elimimian to the NFL has left quite a void in the middle of the defense. Even with Khalif Mitchell returning, the defensive line position took a hit when Brent Johnson retired this off-season.
Wally Buono calling the shots in the front office on draft day.
Offensively, the Lions have all key pieces in place but they should look to draft a true center to replace Angus Reid. The Dean Valli experiment two years ago didn’t work and both Valli and Jon Hamiester-Ries are solid guards and should remain there.
The tackle position seems secure enough with Ben Archibald and Jovan Olafoye returning in addition with some off-season signings.
While the Lions seem strong in the offensive backfield, consider this; Lulay isn’t a lock to remain in the CFL forever and RB’s Jamal Lee and Jamal Robertson have both retired. Lee was early in his career.
Now might be the time to bring in a solid backup to replace the departed QB Jarious Jackson.
The current back-ups Mike Reilly and Corey Leonard have a combined 1 completed pass in the CFL (by Reilly). With Lee and Robertson gone there is only two RB’s left on the roster, and Lee was an excellent special teamer.
On that special teams note, does Buono look to draft a kicker?
The 2012 CFL Draft will take place on Thursday, May 3, 2012 live at 3:00 PM ET on TSN. The BC Lions have five picks.
I’ll be watching the draft live, and will report back with more next week.
Cheers – The Bartender
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About Phil Slater
