The Lions used the three draft picks obtained from the Pottinger trade to select running back Jamall Lee, linebacker James Yurichuk and slot back Matt Carter.
Concerns
Can the Lions hope to replace defensive end Cameron Wake and his 23-sack performance with the often-injured Nautyn McKay-Loescher?
Wake was a key force on BC’s defensive last season, and his aggression struck fear in the hearts of opposing offenses.
BC’s linebacking corps also has huge question marks after losing Johnson, Floyd, and Pottinger. The team did add Anton Mackenzie, but what other options do they have?
Mackenzie and Javier Glatt appear to be the only proven options available. Glatt is a good linebacker, but he has never really been a great one.
On offense, the Lions running game may be a weak point for them with Logan's departure.
The lack of a running game will put more pressure on Lions quarterback Buck Pierce, who lacks solid receivers to throw to besides Paris Jackson and Geroy Simon.
When it comes right down to it, there are a lot of question marks in BC with few answers.
Summary
Few can argue that Wally Buono has been a successful coach, and that the Lions always have a chance with him at the helm.
And the team still has talent. Jackson looks to be a rising star in the league and Simon is always reliable. On defense, the team still has a stellar secondary and all-star defensive tackle Aaron Hunt.
But with all the offseason losses, one has to wonder if BC will slide down the standings this season.
Whether the Lions have success could come down to a few things:
Will they find a solid running back? Can Buck Pierce be a consistent starter? And will the defense take a huge step back after losing Cameron Wake?
Another thing to keep in mind is the weak East division. Last season the Eskimos crossed over to the East and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Lions do the same this season.
But don’t expect BC to finish high in the West because, though Wally Buono may not want to admit it, the Lions are in a rebuilding year this season.
My Prediction: Between six and eight wins, a fourth-place finish in the West and a possible crossover playoff berth in the East.
Outstanding Player of the Year: Paris Jackson
Defensive Player of the Year: Anton Mackenzie
Canadian of the Year: Brent Johnson
Lineman of the Year: Aaron Hunt
Special Teams Player of the Year: Ian Smart
Rookie of the Year: James Yurichuk
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report in the coming weeks for the West team previews.
Past Previews: East
2 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete