Continuing here the previous look at the Edmonton Eskimos training camp battles, the Esks’ peculiar roster moves need to be be addressed. The Eskimos released their official training camp roster last Sunday and several unexpected transactions were made. There was no Korey Jones, no Michael Carter, no Kacy Rodgers, no Sederrik Cunningham, and most curious of all, fullback Zander Robinson, who signed in February, retired before camp. On Tuesday both 2016 draftee Doug Corby and defensive end turned fullback Mathieu Boulay also retired.
It was not so much the loss of these players, but how and when the news was released that had some Eskimos fans scratching their heads. Other teams have been far more transparent – they seem to understand that off-season player movement news can drive fan interest. But the Edmonton brass continues to be a secretive lot.
Conversely there were many positive surprises at camp opening, but four new signings in particular stood out. The biggest standout is former Clemson Tiger and Carolina Panthers cornerback Garry Peters, who is challenging Pat Watkins at corner and was considered a quality cover corner at the NCAA level.
Former Oakland Raiders special teamer and defensive end Kaelin Burnett and nickel back Terrell Pinson, who is currently listed as a wide-side linebacker, were also signed just prior to camp. Pinson is a former strong safety with 4.5/40 speed could also play what defensive coordinator Mike Benevides refers to as a nickel back position, rather than the sam linebacker position many expect. However, maybe the one with the most potential is former Buffalo Bill and Vanderbilt Commodore Kenny Ladler, who is the new front runner for the nickel back position.
The 2015 offensive scheme was risk-averse, using ball control elements designed to get the ball into the playmakers’ hands quickly. When the offence added more of a vertical element, the Esks jumped from the mid-third to a top-third in offense in the CFL.
Keep in mind, though, that Jason Maas and former Eskimos offensive coordinator Stephen McAdoo fall from the same Scott Milanovich coaching tree, which is really the Tony Dungy / Chuck Noll coaching tree. When it comes to the offence the principles handed down are protect the ball and quarterback, give up no turnovers, and intimidate via power football.
Obviously it has evolved from the ground chuck days of the Steelers with Dungy going to a short passing game instead and Milanovich evolving that concept for the CFL game. The fact that there is continuity between MacAdoo and Maas is a good thing for the Eskies, but one can see Maas evolving last year’s offense in four ways:
- Employing a tempo no huddle offence that uses signalling to communicate, keeping the defensive substitutions to a minimum.
- Increasing quarterback influence and play calling adjustments at the line to counter defensive shifts as was done in Ottawa.
- Using motion to shift formations to counter defensive formation overloads and blitzing again as per Ottawa last year.
- Using big body slot backs similar to tight ends in blocking schemes and as receivers.
In essence this offense will continue to be a CFL style power offence that will look to dictate to the defence, and the Eskimos’ personnel decisions will reflect this.
Eskimos Training Camp Receiving Corps
The key to making the Maas offense work will be size and speed within the receiving corps. Former Oklahoma State Cowboys slotback Adarius Bowman and Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver product Derel Walker are a lock as long as they remain healthy. Bowman has had over thousand yards receiving each of the last two years and Walker was the CFL’s 2015 Most Outstanding Rookie. Both are big-bodied receivers who are deceptively quick and find ways to win the body position battle. Working in tandem usually on the field side of the offence, both are big play receivers who have become favorite targets for Mike Reilly. However, with Maas calling the offensive shots, expect the ball to be spread around more as the routes will be layered and designed to counter punch against the defence.
Former Clemson Tiger and Oakland Raider Jacoby Ford, one of the new Eskimo receivers, will benefit the most from a dispersed targeting approach to the offense. Ford officially ran a 4.28 / 40 time, but had a host of injuries that limited his play at the NFL level. However, at camp he has shown he is healthy again and still fast, consistently getting a step behind the defensive in practice while showing off his hands. Ford has the potential at the rover slotback position to complement Bowman and Walker while stretching the field.
Post-training camp, the Eskies will keep a couple of international backup receivers on the practice roster or injury list. Newcomer Tim Smith, whose yards per reception average of 16.4 at the University of Virginia, is 6’0” 195 lb and has a legit 4.5 / 40 speed. Smith fits the offence as a backup receiver and kick returner.
Another international receiver that is a fit is the intriguing Brandon Zylstra from small Concordia College. Zylstra, at 6’3” 220 lb, has showed well so far at slotback and could be a surprise home run for the Eskimos scouts. Rounding out the international receivers is Louisiana Lafayette’s Darryl Surgent and Northwestern State’s Bryant Mitchell. All three of the international starting receivers could be over a thousand yards receiving if they remain healthy, but the depth seems to be solid if the need arises.
On the boundary side the Eskimos will look to start two big bodied nationals who can block and chip in receiving yards. Chris Getzlaf looks to continue his career, but at 33 years old he is a short-term option at best. Eskimo fans can look to the Paris Jackson experiment in 2014 to understand the value Getzlaf brings as a mentor and an insurance policy. Cory Watson, who is bigger at 6’3” 211 lb and a year younger than Getzlaf, is playing the role of 6th receiver, but will most likely platoon with Getzlaf to address the age and injury concerns for both players.
At the national wide out position the biggest question is whether Nate Coehoorn will hold on to his starting position, or give way to 6’5” 202 lb – and 2014 6th overall pick – Devon Bailey. Devon Bailey will push to become the starter in a make-or-break 2016, after having two seasons to learn and grow.
Camp O-Line, Fullbacks and Quarterbacks
Both the quarterback and offensive line are set for 2016, with most of the battles for backup and special teams roles. However, the question still remains whether Simeon Rottier come back from injury once again to re-establish himself at left guard, or will the 2015 starting left guard Chris Greaves win the battle.
D’Anthony Batiste has solidified the right tackle position since coming to the Eskies in 2014, but at 34 years old he will be pushed by 6’6” 320 lb former Miami Hurricane and Hamilton Tiger-Cats free agent Joel Figueroa, who is only 26 years of age. Figueroa is a tall position blocker who uses well-timed hands and size to maul defensive linemen. Give the edge to Rottier and Batiste, but don’t be surprised if one or both give way to their challengers.
To help protect the quarterback, Mass also uses fullbacks as tight ends. Both 5’10” 215 lb Calvin McCarty and 6’0” 210 lb Mike Miller have the ability to block and catch out of the backfield. Watching McCarty make one of the best plays in 2015 with a one-handed catch proves he has the hands to play the role of tight end. Expect McCarty to retain the starter’s role.
At quarterback there is no doubt this is Mike Reilly’s team and he will continue to get first team reps. James Franklin remains second, and the camp battle is between Jordan Lynch and former Ottawa Redblack free agent Thomas Demarco. While Lynch has become a fan favorite for some in Edmonton, his arm strength and accuracy is not at the same level of the other quarterbacks. Expect Demarco to win the job.
Eskimos Training Camp Running Backs
The running back group is deep, but health issues and contrasting styles will play on training camp decisions. This set of shifty speed backs will also be asked to receive out of the backfield as well as pass block in addition to running the ball. The back that can protect the quarterback the best will win out and in 2014 that was John White, so give him the edge. In 2014, 5’8” 186 lb John White had 123 carries for 852 yards rushing, but more importantly won praise for his blocking while chipping in 27 receptions for 182 yards. However, in the preseason of 2015 an Achilles injury the ended White’s second CFL season.
Last season, 5’6” 185 lb slashing running back Shakir Bell, Walter Payton Award runner-up to Stampeder Bo Levi Mitchell in 2011, had 633 yards on 113 carries and 264 yards on 34 receptions. Bell suffered a serious of injuries that included an ankle injury that eventually held him out during the western final and grey cup.
Add in the mix former USC alumni, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs Joe McKnight who as a kick returner for the Jets in 2011 was voted to the All-NFL team by the Pro Football Writers and Sporting News as a returner. However, McKnight suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon injury in while with the Chiefs in 2014 and has spent the last two seasons rehabbing. In the early stages of camp McKnight has looked elusive, quick and healthy.
With all three backs having potential health issues the wild card is Purdue‘s 5’11” 203 lb Akeem Shavers who has 4.4 / 40 speed and scored a touchdown on a reception in the grey cup. Shavers had 370 yards receiving and 871 yards rushing in 13 games in 2012 with Purdue. His speed, size and workmanlike attitude has him moving up the depth chart.
Two national backs round out the group include undrafted national running back 5’11” 200 lb Greg Morris and 5th overall 2014 CFL draftee fullback Aaron Milton. Milton at age 23 and at 6’3” 215 lb has the youth and size to go to the next level, but unfortunately has had a challenge staying healthy enough to realize his potential. Morris was named Outstanding Offensive Back, BCFC All-Star, and CJFL All-Canadian in 2012.
The Esks can’t keep them all, and health will play a role in the decision as who to keep, but the inside track has to go to White and Shavers at running back, with McKnight as the primary kick returner and emergency backup.
Eskimos Training Camp Special Teamers
Throughout his career Grant Shaw has the better punting average than Sean Whyte, but Whyte had the longer leg for field goals and made all extra point opportunities while Shaw struggled with extra points. There is no clear cut challenger in this battle and most likely the Esks start the season with both starting in split roles with Shaw as the punter and Whyte as the place kicker. This takes away a special teams roster spot, but the Esks do not have any alternatives at this time.
There’s the roundup for the Edmonton Eskimos. Who do you think will be on the team when the season kicks off? Let us know in the comments!
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