Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports CFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2016 CFL Draft. Today, the Calgary Stampeders are the focus. The Stamps have seven picks including the sixth overall pick in the first round.
As the 2016 CFL season approaches, how does the Calgary Stampeder roster look? Where are the holes they need to fill after an off-season filled with trades and departures on the field and on the sidelines? Here are the Stampeders 2016 CFL Draft top three needs.
The Stampeder Off-Season
The Calgary Stampeders had some notable losses to the team during the off-season and predictably, played it very safe during the free agency in February. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell lost his top two heavy-hitting receivers, Eric Rogers and Jeff Fuller to the NFL. Running back Jon Cornish also saddened fans and teammates by retiring from football. On the defensive side, Freddie Bishop III, also pursuing the NFL, and veterans Juwan Simpson and Keon Raymond are all gone.
The 2016 season also marks a new era for the Stamps as former head coach John Hufnagel stepped down as head coach, with Dave Dickenson taking over. Hufnagel will stay on as general manager. With other operational changes, combined with player departures, McMahon Stadium is looking somewhat like a revolving door.
Calgary Stampeders 2016 CFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Receivers
After the departure of Rogers and Fuller, Calgary needs to strengthen its receiving line. The Stamps did pick up Bakari Grant from the Ti-Cats during free agency, which will undoubtedly help them, but a lot of Calgary’s offensive success has been the ability for Mitchell to have his pick of receivers to throw to. Mitchell is a pocket passer, and their offence has thrived on rotating different receivers. Without that versatility, Calgary’s offence will struggle.
Running Back
Late last season, Calgary signed Jerome Messam as running back, sparking rumours of Cornish’s departure. So when Cornish announced his retirement, Stamps fans breathed a sigh of relief that Messam, who’s explosiveness and speed matched that of Cornish, was in Calgary and resigned before the free-agency deadline. Later in the off-season, Calgary released back-up running back, Matt Walter. So what happens if Messam gets injured? Calgary is without a running back. Sure, Messam may stay healthy all season, but Calgary has historically relied on their “next man up” mentality. The Stampeders can’t take chances; they need a back-up.
Defence
With Simpson, who was a strong leader for the defensive team, and Raymond, who had the ability to grab a game-changing interception at crucial moments, both gone, Calgary needs some defensive mending. The Stamps still have strong defensive players remaining, such as Deron Mayo and sack-master, Charleston Hughes, but there’s a huge gap, especially in the secondary. We all know that teams with strong defences tend to succeed in the CFL, so without filling Simpson and Raymond’s spots with strong, healthy players with CFL experience, Calgary will find themselves lower in the West standings than they are used to.
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