Keon Hatcher released, re-signed

[B.C.FAN]

Who is the speedster receiver for the Lions, or do they even have one?

Berryhill is a sub-4.5-second speedster with good hands. He can also return kicks.

[Hambone]

Who is the speedster receiver for the Lions, or do they even have one?

Wonder what Hollins has planned?

Hollins could do a Hatcher and circle back to BC. As for speedster Berryhill is his equal about half a whisker faster at 4.46 to Hollins 4.49.

Of BC's signed prospects Stacy Chukwumezie (Northern Arizona) was clocked at 4.47 on his pro day. Ed Lee (Rhode Island) who was in camp last year was clocked at 4.50.

[don corleone]

I think there is still room for both Eberhardt and Berryhill although not sure they are on the field at the same time. Eberhardt is 6' 1" while Berryhill is 5' 9". Berryhill could end up being the return man.

The only receiver I see left on the list that might be as fast is Kyran Moore who is coming off an injury. Of the others I still like Reggie White. Steven Dunbar and Dom Rhymes are 1000 yd guys.

[squishy35]

Who is the speedster receiver for the Lions, or do they even have one?

Wonder what Hollins has planned?

I wonder if he ends up in the 'Peg or maybe Saskatchwan?

[Hambone]

I think there is still room for both Eberhardt and Berryhill although not sure they are on the field at the same time. Eberhardt is 6' 1" while Berryhill is 5' 9". Berryhill could end up being the return man.

The only receiver I see left on the list that might be as fast is Kyran Moore who is coming off an injury. Of the others I still like Reggie White. Steven Dunbar and Dom Rhymes are 1000 yd guys.

Berryhill would seem to be the top replacement for Hollins. That would still leave them with a mostly intact group same as last year with McInnis, Hatcher and Cottoy in the slots and Eberhardt and Berryhill on the outside.

Moore missed all of last year. Staying healthy has been a struggle for him. He played all 18 in 2023 but missed 14 of 32 over the previous 2 years.

You probably wrote this before Rhymes came off the board.

[don corleone]

Berryhill would seem to be the top replacement for Hollins. That would still leave them with a mostly intact group same as last year with McInnis, Hatcher and Cottoy in the slots and Eberhardt and Berryhill on the outside.

Moore missed all of last year. Staying healthy has been a struggle for him. He played all 18 in 2023 but missed 14 of 32 over the previous 2 years.

You probably wrote this before Rhymes came off the board.

For a guy that nobody gets excited about Dom Rhymes doesn't stay unemployed for very long after being released. Calgary is a good fit knowing he has a good QB in VA. I think I called him the poor mans Geno Lewis a couple of days ago so it fits.

[OV:54-40]

Berryhill would seem to be the top replacement for Hollins. That would still leave them with a mostly intact group same as last year with McInnis, Hatcher and Cottoy in the slots and Eberhardt and Berryhill on the outside.

Moore missed all of last year. Staying healthy has been a struggle for him. He played all 18 in 2023 but missed 14 of 32 over the previous 2 years.

You probably wrote this before Rhymes came off the board.

For a guy that nobody gets excited about Dom Rhymes doesn't stay unemployed for very long after being released. Calgary is a good fit knowing he has a good QB in VA. I think I called him the poor mans Geno Lewis a couple of days ago so it fits.

The Stamps recently signed Tevin Jones - very impressive IMO receiver talent who has done some things for both the Riders and EE last season; older guy now who was in the NFL a number of years before the CFL; big target, fast deep threat (i believe led the league in yds/catch average last year, plus outstanding catch to target ratio); if he works out, with Beggelton, Philpot and Rhymes mayvbe = pretty good basic 4 pack for VA to work with ?

[don corleone]

Haven't heard any numbers on Geno Lewis but seeing Kenny Lawler being reported at $275,000. I wonder if some of it is Ted Goveia trying to justify the contract they paid him last year. None the less it should be a dynamic offense in Hamilton this year.

With most teams set at receiver now it looks like Steven Dunbar is one left without a spot to play that could be a good fit for the Lions. He got beat down last year coming off the big deal he signed in Edmonton so maybe something in the $150,000 works. I think he would be a nice addition and good depth if one of the others gets dinged. Hatcher equivalent might be a fair comparison.

Also see Keelan White from North Van highly rated in the upcoming draft. Not sure how good he is or if he has NFL aspirations but maybe a nice second round pick if still available. If he works out like Mital or Mardner from last year it would be a good pick.

I'd also be kicking tires on Gary Johnson who I think is an excellent rotational linebacker and special teamer. Probably worth more than he will end up getting paid.

[Hambone]

Haven't heard any numbers on Geno Lewis but seeing Kenny Lawler being reported at $275,000. I wonder if some of it is Ted Goveia trying to justify the contract they paid him last year. None the less it should be a dynamic offense in Hamilton this year.

With most teams set at receiver now it looks like Steven Dunbar is one left without a spot to play that could be a good fit for the Lions. He got beat down last year coming off the big deal he signed in Edmonton so maybe something in the $150,000 works. I think he would be a nice addition and good depth if one of the others gets dinged. Hatcher equivalent might be a fair comparison.

Also see Keelan White from North Van highly rated in the upcoming draft. Not sure how good he is or if he has NFL aspirations but maybe a nice second round pick if still available. If he works out like Mital or Mardner from last year it would be a good pick.

I'd also be kicking tires on Gary Johnson who I think is an excellent rotational linebacker and special teamer. Probably worth more than he will end up getting paid.

Dunbar might be finding himself in a spot in the game of free agency musical chairs where when the big money music stops he has no chair. There's always somebody who misses out on the bigger money and falls into the second tier. That can be OK though for teams who might still have some left in their piggy bank. Sometimes the best money spent in free agency comes with those players who miss out on the bigger bucks. Good value can be found after the first big wave.

Regarding White I think he'll be gone before BC gets a shot at him unless they can cook their SMS books to a crisp and avoid losing their own first rounder. Last year's draft class had some receiving depth to it with 5 receivers going in the first 23 picks. Mardner, Mital, Duncan-Busby & Clercius were all ranked in the top 20 prospects at 7, 10, 18 & 20 respectively. That was before players ranked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 & 11 wound up either drafted by the NFL or signed UDFA deals. That effectively pushed them into spots 2, 4, 11 & 13. They would be taken 2nd, 5th, 13th and 23rd in the CFL. Currently White at #5 and Ethan Jordan at #16 are the only receivers listed in the top 20. I don't think this year's draft has the same level of Canadian prospects who will get serious NFL interest, certainly not to the extent of 2024. For sure #1 Rourke and #3 Ayomanor will be drafted. #2 Shand being a bubble guy who might go very late in the draft but at minimum will be scooped up early as a UDFA. That would push White up to #2 and Jordan to #14 in terms of CFL draft prospects. With a thin pool of higher end WR prospects I think White will be gone before BC's first pick being #8 overall with the pick gained from Calgary. If he's still available maybe they could look at Jordan at #8 or #11.

Not seeing a fit for Johnson. BC's LB group is shaping up to be Woods at MAC, Hladik at WIL with Eley providing rotational depth. Carrying 2 depth American LBs makes no sense. Neither does carrying 1 strictly for special teams use. If they need a 2nd depth American LB it should be a young guy willing to be on the PR while biding his time as Eley started out last year or Woods prior to him etc. BC has never seemed to have a problem finding good young American linebackers. BC will no doubt need to use American backup or DA spots on the 46 for Eley, 1 or 2 DL, a KR, probably a DB, maybe a receiver.

[don corleone]

Good post Hambone. I appreciate the insight on White and will have to wait to see how the draft plays out. Trouble is narrowing the pick down to one player when the time comes.

Saw $226,000 for Geno so a big hit from last year but still good money. Lawler's agent did a good job to get the extra $50,000 and no word of a signing bonus to reduce tax paid. Times are getting tough everywhere. Won't say Justin McInnis did not have another offer to pay him but his agent did a good job as well.

As for linebackers Woods has yet to play since his injury and it never hurts to add good players. With Rugamba moving on it leaves an opening for now.

[Hambone]

I'd think Woods should be good to go for camp. Small blessing is he hurt it at the end of June giving him 10 months for recovery and rehab. I never heard how bad it was, if it was just ACL or much worse like Streveler tearing 3 of 4 ligaments.

[OV:54-40]

Haven't heard any numbers on Geno Lewis but seeing Kenny Lawler being reported at $275,000. I wonder if some of it is Ted Goveia trying to justify the contract they paid him last year. None the less it should be a dynamic offense in Hamilton this year.

With most teams set at receiver now it looks like Steven Dunbar is one left without a spot to play that could be a good fit for the Lions. He got beat down last year coming off the big deal he signed in Edmonton so maybe something in the $150,000 works. I think he would be a nice addition and good depth if one of the others gets dinged. Hatcher equivalent might be a fair comparison.

Also see Keelan White from North Van highly rated in the upcoming draft. Not sure how good he is or if he has NFL aspirations but maybe a nice second round pick if still available. If he works out like Mital or Mardner from last year it would be a good pick.

I'd also be kicking tires on Gary Johnson who I think is an excellent rotational linebacker and special teamer. Probably worth more than he will end up getting paid.

Keelan White seems like a real good CFL receiver prospect; and I doubt he draws serious NFL interest (but could hold out hope for a FA or mini camp look); he is not attending the CFL Combine, and why would he since a weak showing or test #s could only have him fall in draft rankings - a great Combine is not going to help much = he should remain the top ranked receiver; could see him going top 5 or so, but he could also be available to the Lions with their 2nd pick - if teams load up on the deeper than usual crop of D players this draft, plus go with the usual early interest in O-linemen.


Never know with the CFL draft - top ranked guys can fall way down on draft day; and some unhearlded types rise up usually. Lions could find a solid LB to replace Varga, by mid rounds - the 2 Montreal Carabins ' LBs - Farinaccio & Miessan - who both won D player of the year in U Sports ball - could be available

[Hambone]

Keelan White seems like a real good CFL receiver prospect; and I doubt he draws serious NFL interest (but could hold out hope for a FA or mini camp look); he is not attending the CFL Combine, and why would he since a weak showing or test #s could only have him fall in draft rankings - a great Combine is not going to help much = he should remain the top ranked receiver; could see him going top 5 or so, but he could also be available to the Lions with their 2nd pick - if teams load up on the deeper than usual crop of D players this draft, plus go with the usual early interest in O-linemen.


Never know with the CFL draft - top ranked guys can fall way down on draft day; and some unhearlded types rise up usually. Lions could find a solid LB to replace Varga, by mid rounds - the 2 Montreal Carabins ' LBs - Farinaccio & Miessan - who both won D player of the year in U Sports ball - could be available

If White, or any other good prospect, only gets a rookie mini-camp it should be treated like there was no NFL interest at all for CFL teams interested in drafting him. Teams can't live in fear of a mini-camp invitee getting.a contract. If they did they'd have to downgrade the draft value of a dozen prospects.

The NFL interest that should impact CFL thinking is if the player gets drafted or signed as a UDFA. Drafted = save him for a late flyer pick because you're not seeing him for a couple of years at earliest. UDFA = drafter beware. If you're lucky you might see the player after final NFL cuts, maybe next year or might not see him for a few years.

The good thing now is the CFL Draft follows the NFL Draft by more than 72 hours. By the time Calgary is on the clock for the 1st overall pick they will know the NFL status of all Canadian prospects be it they were drafted, signed as UDFAs or just got a rookie mini-camp invite.

As for BC landing White I believe one of two things has to happen:

1) BC's inevitable violation of the SMS doesn't meet the $100K threshold that causes them to forfeit their 1st rounder, 3rd overall. I just don't foresee that happening which leaves BC's first slot being #8.
2) he falls down the board because either nobody drafting in the 7 slots ahead of BC have receiver as a priority or have other positions and players ranked higher on their boards.

[don corleone]

Never know with the CFL draft - top ranked guys can fall way down on draft day; and some unhearlded types rise up usually. Lions could find a solid LB to replace Varga, by mid rounds - the 2 Montreal Carabins ' LBs - Farinaccio & Miessan - who both won D player of the year in U Sports ball - could be available

The draft order may not be set in stone just yet as teams will look to move up or down depending how things go. I can see Calgary moving from #1 for a player or pick. Taylor Elgersma probably works as well as Kurtis Rourke for them. Not saying they are going to draft a QB.