We need some depth behind Westerman and Menard.B.C. went into free agency with Rwabukamba as their primary target, figuring he or Calgary free agent Keenan MacDougall could replace J.R. LaRose, who was never offered a new contract and whose misplayed pursuit angles drew the ire of some of his teammates and even more fans.
The Lions had tried to replace LaRose last year by making a pitch for Craig Butler, who signed in Hamilton, and were forced to stick with him when Matt McGarva went down in training camp for the second straight year with an ACL tear.
But McGarva is rehabbing nicely and the Lions also have Keynan Parker to try at the position. And if all of that doesn’t work there’s every chance import Torri Williams lines up in the middle on opening day. B.C. is comfortable with its starting Canadian ratio alignment, using six non-imports on offence and the tandem of Jabar Westerman and David Menard on the defensive line, and can experiment between an extra defender or receiver in camp as needed.
Early impressions: I expect that talent-wise, we will be fine. Quarterback health, experience and development will play large. New staff with loads of experience and success. Got some hopes.
