NOTE: This list in no way reflects the thoughts or opinons of Toronto Argonauts General Manager Jim Barker or the Toronto Argonauts Football Club.
Don Landry | CFL.ca
Quarterback – Ricky Ray: Well, he’s Ricky Ray. The notion that Ottawa wouldn’t pick him because he’s too pricy is crazy. A franchise player, hall of famer… good lord, why am I still writing? You protect Ricky Ray. That is all.
Imports
Marcus Ball – Linebacker: The Argos defensive player of the year in his rookie season in 2012, he’s a monster at the linebacker position. You can blitz him, you can put him in the box to stop runs and you can send him out in pass coverage. Talents like this don’t come along very often. He’s Willie Pless, only meaner.
Jason Barnes – Slotback: Ray has a nice thing going with him, back to their days in Edmonton. You can go through a stretch during a game when he’s not involved and then, boom! Barnes down the seam for a big gainer.
Jalil Carter – Defensive Back: In the revolving door of import defensive backs that was the Argos’ secondary in 2013, Carter avoided the doghouse and appeared in 17 games. A steady performer who perhaps most showed his value in the 2012 playoffs. After seeing no action for the last half of the season, Carter was pressed into action for the Eastern Final and Grey Cup Game and was terrific.
John Chiles – Wide Receiver: What a revelation his first season in the CFL was. A tremendous field-stretcher with his great speed. Tremendous hands. He’s Derrell Mitchell with more speed and crisper routes. He just gets open. Constantly.
Shane Horton – Linebacker: The rookie linebacker is fast and versatile. Terrific as an edge rusher, he also has a knack of being in the middle of things when a ball is loose. As well, he has a special teams motor that’s always revving.
Chad Kackert – Running Back: The 2012 Grey Cup Game MVP can do it all. Rush, catch and run, and most importantly, he’s become a superb pass blocker. His injury problems might mean Ottawa would take a pass, but why gamble?
Alonzo Lawrence – Defensive Back: The first year Argo showed he can separate the ball from the carrier in 2013. In his very first game, he forced one fumble and recovered two. Good recovery speed and he hits with juuust a little bit of force.
Aaron Maybin – Defensive Lineman: Surprise you with this one? Added late, late in the season, Maybin looked kind of ordinary in his first game, which came just after he was signed. Then, with a couple more weeks preparation, he was superb against Hamilton in the Eastern Final, with 5 tackles and a sack. I’m betting Ottawa GM Marcel Desjardins noticed.
Khalif Mitchell – Defensive Tackle: We’d heard of ‘good’ Khalif and ‘bad’ Khalif when he arrived from British Columbia last Spring. All the Argos saw was the good version. A CFL all-star. A guy who’s an interior nightmare for opposition offensive linemen.
Chad Owens – Slotback: While his return yardage numbers declined in 2013, the Flyin’ Hawaiian soared as a receiver, with 94 catches and 979 yards, in just thirteen games. 115 catches and 1200 yards is a given in 2014.
Non-imports
Andre Durie – Slotback: By far and away, the CFL’s leader in yards-after-catch last year. The Argos’ most outstanding Canadian in 2013, he’d have had his first thousand yard season if he wasn’t rested in the final regular season game. Can turn a game’s momentum around with one juke.
Jermaine Gabriel – Defensive Back: The Argos nabbed him 17th overall in the 2013 draft and general Manager Jim Barker told me “you’ll see, you’ll be impressed.” And how. 22 special teams tackles and a healthy dose of play at safety, he already looks comfortable out there. And he’s only 23 years old.
Tyler Holmes – Offensive Lineman: The Argos waited more than two years to get their first round pick from 2011 in uniform. A blue chip prospect, he started in the Eastern Final. Should be a mainstay on the line for years to come.
Jeff Keeping – Offensive Lineman: A football executive once told me “you can win with a ham and egger at centre.” I don’t think that’s true. Keeping, who didn’t even become a centre until two years ago, has made himself the league’s best, earning an all-star nod in 2013. O-lines need captains and he’s a good one.
Jason Pottinger – Linebacker: You can’t replace this guy’s heart and soul. He’ll play through anything and do anything you ask. Without complaining. And he’ll do it very, very well. A tireless special teams player, he could easily be a starting linebacker in the CFL.
Spencer Watt – Wide Receiver: Good hands, good routes. Can play in traffic and is an excellent blocker when the ball goes to somebody else. Great discipline on special teams. Versatile and speedy enough to be a deep threat, too.