Bombers brass ready to prune list for training camp

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This article was published 26/04/2019 (2330 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Winnipeg Blue Bombers wrapped up their three-day mini-camp spent under a blazing Florida sun with some definite ideas about who they want to bring to Winnipeg for the scheduled start of the CFL club’s training camp on May 19.

The 40 free agents who finished workouts at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., Thursday will be reduced by about half.

Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said he anticipated six or seven wide receivers, six or seven defensive backs, one or two linebackers, one running back and one or two quarterbacks from the mini-camp would eventually make the trek north, but the final list remains in flux. All mini-camp workouts were without pads, so no linemen were present.

One receiver who made a favourable impression was Rasheed Bailey, a 6-2, 200-pounder from Delaware Valley State who has camp experience with five NFL teams over the previous four seasons.

“A big, strong, fast guy,” Walters said of Bailey via telephone Friday. “He made a very good first impression, but a lot of the receivers did, unfortunately. It was an interesting evaluation from a defensive standpoint because a lot of these kids were just playing corner and now you’re getting thrown out there as a halfback, and you’ve got guys running 10 yards full speed (with the benefit of the waggle) and they looked a little shell-shocked for a couple of days.

“So, a lot of receivers picked up on that waggle that (offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice) was teaching — how to set up a DB — and looked really strong and (Bailey) was one of them. But there’s no doubt his height, weight and speed were impressive. He made a lot of big plays.”

Since players under contract and free agents were not permitted to be on the field together at pre-season spring mini-camps, the CFL gave teams a 56-hour window in which contracted players were released, yet remain protected, in order to compete against their uncontracted brethren.

It will be up to Walters and his brain trust of head coach Mike O’Shea, LaPolice, defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall, assistant GM/director of U.S. scouting Danny McManus, assistant GM/director of player personnel Ted Goveia and director of college scouting Ryan Rigmaiden to decide who will be signed and/or invited to main training camp.

“It’s been quite a day today, getting all the logistics and paperwork sorted out,” said Walters. “… There were no issues with the guys we signed (previously). It was just guys on the neg list that were hesitant to sign. A couple of guys just wanted to wait and couple of them, their agents are NFL guys and with the NFL draft going on, they’re very preoccupied with that — understandably.”

Another wide receiver with NFL credentials, former Dallas Cowboy Lucky Whitehead, could also be part of the mix in Winnipeg.

“We’re working on it,” Walters said. “He made an impression, but we’re still in the final evaluations, but he’s certainly quick and the NFL return ability, you saw the quickness and explosiveness from him, for sure. But there were a few guys like that.”

Walters said the defensive backs had a tough time adjusting to CFL rules.

“When they lined up at corner, they all looked pretty good,” Walters said. “When they lined up at halfback, they all looked pretty bad. It was the guys willing to take the halfback reps, fight the battles (who impressed). There were a couple of DBs who made solid impressions.”

As part of the evaluation process, Walters is looking for ways to fine-tune the club’s return game.

“We’re trying to get the roster situated to where we can commit a (designated international spot) to a returner, which I think our roster has been missing,” Walters said. “… Whether he helps out on offence or defence is of secondary benefit. We’re trying to figure out a way to make sure the roster has that DI committed to the returner.

“We had Charles Nelson who showed last year he’s going to be able to compete for that spot, and I saw two or three guys in Florida that have the ability to compete as big-time returners as well.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14