December 9, 2013

Mock Protected List: BC Lions

CFL.ca

Jim Morris | CFL.ca

Quarterback – Travis Lulay: A no-brainer. With Lulay healthy the Lions are a contender. Threw for 2,841 yards and 19 touchdowns.
UNPROTECTED QBs: Thomas DeMarco, Buck Pierce.

Imports

Nick Moore – Slotback: The rangy slotback led the Lions with 73 catches for 1,105 yards. At six-foot-two he has size and speed.

Adam Bighill – Linebacker: The CFL all-star became the heart of the Lions defence last season. He led the team with 92 tackles, nine sacks and four forced fumbles. Also had one interception.

Jovan Olafioye – Offensive Lineman: Olafioye anchor the Lions offensive line. Has a great combination of size with speed.

Khreem Smith – Defensive End: At six-foot-three and 270 pounds Smith made life difficult for opposing offensive lines. His seven quarterback sacks was second on the team behind Bighill.

Emmanuel Arceneaux – Receiver:  Marked his return to the CFL by being second among Lion receivers with 51 catches for 885 yards. His strength makes him hard to bring down after making a catch.

Solomon Elimimian – LB: Combined with Bighill to give the Lions a vicious one-two punch. Collected 73 tackles and three sacks. Has the ability to cover a lot of ground.

Cord Parks – Cornerback: At 27, Parks brings some youth to the Lions secondary. He led the team with six interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Ryan Phillips – Defensive Back: The nine-year veteran can still get the job done. He was named an all-star after making 36 defensive tackles, two interceptions and five pass knockdowns.

Stefan Logan – Running Back: Joined the Lions late in the season and helped revive the running game. He’s also a threat on special teams.

Joshua Bell – Cornerback: Another young gun in the secondary. He had 45 tackles and an interception.

Non-imports

Andrew Harris – Running Back: Harris didn’t enjoy the success he had in 2012 but still rushed for 998 yards. He can catch passes coming out the backfield and supply quarterback protection.

Matt Norman – Centre: Replaced Angus Reid, who was lost for the season with a back injury. Lions O-line will be a work in progress so will need some consistency.

Kirby Fabien – Offensive Lineman: His rookie season ended early with a knee injury. Has the potential to become an All-Star.

Jabar Westerman – Defensive End: Had 13 tackles, two sacks and one interception in his second season. He could help fill the hole if Keron Williams leaves.

S. J. Haidara – Receiver: The Lions’ second pick in the 2013 Draft was used mostly on special teams. Has the potential to move up into B.C. receiving corps.

Steve Myddelton – OL: The Lions offensive line had its fair share of problems in 2013. At six-foot-three and 305 pounds he injects some size and youth.