Insider Talk is a weekly feature on 3DownNation that includes anonymous quotes from people around the CFL — players, coaches, personnel people, executives, agents, etc. — regarding the latest news around the league. It’s a combination of insight, analysis, rumours, and friendly gossip.
This week’s Insider Talk is full of discussion regarding the upcoming 2022 CFL Draft, Edmonton’s quarterbacking situation, the upcoming supplemental draft featuring University of Calgary defensive tackle J-Min Pelley, the draft stock of University of Saskatchewan running back Adam Machart, and the debut of the USFL.
Enjoy this week’s quotes and come back next week for another edition of Insider Talk.
***
Can we talk for a moment about how patently ridiculous it is to have a draft and then a supplemental draft like a week later? It’s great that (former University of Calgary Dinos defensive tackle J-Min) Pelley is turning pro because he’s a good player at a position where there isn’t a lot of depth, but he should be in the main draft with all the other prospects.
***
The thing I most look for in any prospect is physicality. I don’t care how big you are or how fast you run or how high you can jump – if you shy away from contact, I have no interest in you as a player.
***
You were wrong to have Tyson Philpot in the second round of your mock draft. Don’t let the combine fool you. Him and (twin brother and University of Calgary teammate) Jalen are both going in the first round.
***
I have no clue what the hell Edmonton is doing with their quarterback situation. I’d try to figure it out logically but I’m not sure they’re using logic over there at that spot.
***
(University of Saskatchewan running back) Adam Machart is small but I think he can be a backup running back in the CFL. I’d take him as my No. 2. He won’t last long because of his size but he can return kicks and play special teams. He’s a smart, hard-nosed kid.
***
I’ve read a lot this off-season about how apparently our game sucks and our players are bad and we need to go to four downs, but did you see those USFL games this weekend? We have a better game and better players. You know what they had that was better, though? Their TV coverage. Maybe TSN needs to step up their game.
***
Our ballots for the scouting bureau rankings are only 15 names long, so it pretty much guarantees that guys who were on the first two lists will make the third one. As usual, there are guys in the top 20 who won’t be drafted until the later rounds.
***
The best player who didn’t get an invitation to the national combine was (Western linebacker) Zach Lindley. He deserved to be there if you ask me.
