The Calgary Stampeders will enter the 2017 CFL season looking for redemption. The Stampeders still have the most talented roster in the West division so they will be difficult to stop. The CFL Draft represents one last chance for the clubs in the West to upgrade their overall talent, although some draft picks will make more immediate impacts than others. Here is a look at the biggest draft needs for the CFL West division teams.
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is loaded with one of the most talented teams in the CFL. With skill and depth at nearly every position, they can afford to think long-term at the draft. Their biggest needs might be on the defensive line, where they can afford to upgrade. The Stampeders could use a pass rushing end that can get after opposing quarterbacks and disrupt their passing game.
They could also look at cornerback. Someone like Robert Woodson has been linked to the Stampeders. He could fit in well as a free safety.
The Stamps are in good shape as they have both the seventh and eight overall picks in the first round.
Edmonton Eskimons
Edmonton has some star talent at wide receiver but might look to address its depth at the position in the draft. The Eskimos want to do everything they can to surround veteran quarterback Mike Rielly with weapons. Edmonton scored 549 points last year but still finished fourth in the West division, so they will be looking for defensive upgrades as well. Only Saskatchewan gave up more points in the West a year ago. The Eskimos will be looking to upgrade their defensive line. Like Calgary, Edmonton could use an edge rusher that can get after opposing quarterbacks in the early rounds.
B.C. Lions
The Lions own one of the most exciting young offenses in the CFL. They scored 545 points last season, which was the second-most in the league only behind Calgary.
They will need to upgrade their offensive line at the draft in order to maximize their potential. BC can use help at both tackle and guard. One player that has been tied to the Lions has been Bethune-Cookman’s Dariusz Bladek, who is expected to go early in the draft.
Meanwhile, the Lions could use some help at linebacker as well. This year’s draft is pretty deep in terms of linebacker talent, so BC could choose to wait until the third round or later to address that need.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Blue Bombers allowed just 454 points last year, which matched the Lions for the second-best mark in the CFL. The problem was Winnipeg couldn’t score. The Blue Bombers re-signed Matt Nichols at quarterback, but it wouldn’t surprise anybody if they looked for his eventual replacement at the draft. Winnipeg’s running game is fine, but they definitely need more weapons on offense that can extend the field vertically. The Blue Bombers definitely need to address their backup quarterback situation at the draft. However, finding talented wide receivers will be another pressing need. Winnipeg has the first-overall pick in this year’s draft so it will be very interesting to see what they do at No. 1. Idaho offensive lineman Mason Woods seems to be the consensus top pick so he might be the closest thing to a lock at first-overall.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan is coming off a miserable 5-13 season. The Riders brought in former NFL quarterback Vince Young with the hope that he can provide a spark to their offense. However, Young is clearly not the long-term answer so the Riders need a strong 2017 Draft. Saskatchewan could use upgrades across the board. Drafting a quarterback of the future will help, as would adding a capable running back. The Riders could also use upgrades on both their offensive and defensive lines. It will be tempting to focus on the offense with the second-overall pick. However, there are some good linebacker and defensive secondary prospects that will be available at No. 2 so it will be interesting to see what Chris Jones decides to do.
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