Comments on: CFL Point/Counterpoint: Did the Riders compromise talent by picking home-grown players?

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:02:50 +0000

@Perry Given the Riders losses during the off-season, I expected them to focus more on the defense in the draft.

By: Cary

Cary — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:17:25 +0000

It's because the Riders have such great Canadian talent in the receiving core that they need to draft Canadians at that position. Our defense has lost many talented Americans each one of the last four off-seasons, and each year a new talent steps up. I hope Shomari can start on the D-Line some day, but to find someone later in the draft who could replace Chick or Baggs this year? Impossible. But to have a Canadian receiver to replace Claremont when he retires, or to step in for an injury later in the season is priceless. Canadian starters need to be backed up by Canadians, or an injury could possibly affect the ratio, and you end up juggling players at another position in your lineup.

By: Perry Reed

Perry Reed — Thu, 06 May 2010 11:10:53 +0000

who did Chris think the Riders should have drafted?

By: leeinq

leeinq — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:21:08 +0000

Considering that plane flights home and for bringing the wife in counts towards the SMS, being local can be a consideration when faced with a choice between two guys that have otherwise similar level of skills.

Plus local guys likely have had a chance to be seen by the coaching staff. This gives them a chance to look at skills and character, which can be a real issue when making a choice.

By: Jonathan Hamelin

Jonathan Hamelin — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:41:38 +0000

Rombo,

I didn't mention the natural advantages, becasue that's not my point. Sure those things help, but those alone aren't enought to pick a player. THe point is, the Riders picked these home-grown players because

A) They were the best options out there.

B) There recent success with home-grown players.

Thanks for the comment.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 05 May 2010 08:38:42 +0000

Ronbo – You make several good points, but did the Riders really need another WR?

By: Ronbo the Riderfan

Ronbo the Riderfan — Wed, 05 May 2010 07:49:13 +0000

Jonathan forgot to mention the natural advantages a homegrown player has: he already knows the market, he (presumably) grew up loving the team, he lives in Sask all year around so is available for special events without a plane ticket, he won't want to go to another team for more money,(that's all I can think of right now). I think these add up to enough to compensate for a slightly better player but not enough to compensate for drafting a reciever when they need linebackers or for passing on a really good player.

I note that they drafted the best available at a position they were suffering in.