Edmonton Eskimos Get Ready for 2017

BY DARREN POPOWICH @d_pop13

Raided by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016 many believed that the Edmonton Eskimos winning ways from the previous year would be destroyed. Too many changes, a loss of entire coaching staff, a loss of several key players such as Kendial Lawrence, Shamawd Chambers and Otha Foster would lead to disaster. However, the sky did not fall in 2016 with Eskies making the playoffs and winning in the first round. That was in part due to the Esks signing free agents like Kenny Ladler, Brandon Zylstra and Troy Stoudermire. Within the CFL, change is normal. As the Esks approach the opening of free agency for CFL veterans on February 14th the Eskies general manager Ed Hervey and player personnel guru Paul Jones look to fill the needs of the Eskies for another season.

Next Man Up

Most Eskie fans have faith in Hervey and Jones along with top scout Rob Ralph and his team Torey Hunter, Malvin Hunter, Jeff Hoffman, and Mitch Matuska as they continue to impress by finding the next ones. In many cases Hervey has prepared for off season moves by having players waiting in the wings to challenge for starting positions.

Players like line Alex Hoffman-Ellis and Donnie Baggs who were signed last season and will challenge for Deon Lacey’s vacated weak-side linebacker spot. Additionally, there is Vidal Hazelton and Bryant Mitchell who were picked up last season to fill the void of Derel Walker’s transition to the NFL. Hoffman-Ellis and Hazelton are both CFL veterans, while Baggs and Mitchell are relative rookies looking for the next career step. Training camp will determine who gets to start, but the smart money is on Hoffman-Ellis and Hazelton.

The most intriguing preparatory move last season by Hervey was defensive end Michael Buchanan a high ranked Illinois product drafted by the New England Patriots. The 6’ 6” 255 Buchanan possesses ideal length, size, strength and closing speed to be a dominant rush end in the CFL. He is the replacement for the often-injured Marcus Howard and is the reason Wille Jefferson was not resigned upon his return from the NFL. Buchanan will be given every opportunity to succeed as the next one.

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