2021 Teams Season Previews

I usually don't do much of this but I have some time today,  a bit of motivation too.  I love starting with bottom teams from the past as I think ther should be some improvement.  I think these improved teams should be +EV and strong ROI contenders.  I am motivated by certain teams and less motived by teams that are not on my list.  If I dont complete these for all the teams that is why.

ARGOS:  Lots of changes for the good, overall out look strong improvement.  ATS Fast start should be very possible because their lines should be good.  Slow start is also on my mind because of so many changes.  My take they upgraded their roster and if that translates on the field they should be an +EV ATS team.

Here is the part 2 seasons worth of drafts.  I did not list players names you can Wikipedia them if you like.  I listed positions as it explain much more of a focus and methodology to a teams draft style.  Things I like for is focus on what they are trying to do on the field and style of play.

According to what I see here for Toronto they have improves their Offensive line and Defense.  To me it looks like they are trying to run the ball and also they did add a few WR's.  

Toronto

2020
1.2) WR
1.9) OL
2.11)LB
2.20)DL
3.28)OL
5.42)RB
6.48)WR
8.66)DL

2021
1.7) OL
2.12)OL
3.25)DL
4.30)WR
4.33)LB
5.43)RB
6.47)DB
6.52)DB

There was also A global draft.  I am not really sure what's the difference but they made some key trades I will include.  

2021 Global draft and trades: I copied these words from the CFL.ca website.

2021 GLOBAL DRAFT

1.3) DB

2.16)K

3) They added these in round 3 :  TRADE Rogers, 29, is coming off a spectacular 2019 season that saw the receiver haul in 85 receptions for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns on route to being named a CFL West All-Star. The California native has spent his entire four-year CFL career in Calgary (2014-2015, 2018-2019) where he has gone on to win two Grey Cups, while adding a CFL All-Star nod to his resume in 2015, after catching 87 passes and leading the league in both receiving yards and touchdowns with 1,448 and 10 respectively. Over the course of his 45-game regular season career Rogers has brought in 217 passes for 3,176 yards and 27 majors. The 6’4, 215-pound pass catcher spent 2016 with the San Francisco 49ers after breaking into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013 with the Dallas Cowboys.

Law, 32, is a five-year CFL veteran, all in Calgary, and had his second career double-digit sack campaign in 2019 after registering 10 QB takedowns to go along with 41 defensive tackles and two forced fumbles in 16 games. The 6’2, 250-pound native of Alabama had his best sack season in 2013 when he got to the quarterback 14 times, good for third best in the CFL. The 2018 Grey Cup champion has amassed 109 defensive tackles, 32 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his 48 game CFL career. The product of Southern Mississippi played 17 games over two seasons (2014-2015) with the San Diego Chargers and tallied 21 tackles and one sack.

Daniel, 29, played eight games for the Stamps in 2019 and made 21 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles and intercepted three passes in his rookie CFL season. The 6’1, 205-pound DB spent time with the Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers and Washington Football Team from 2015 to 2016. Shortly after being released by Washington, the U.S. Virgin Islands native was signed by Baltimore where he would play in two games for the Ravens between 2016 and 2018. Daniel played two seasons (2013-2014) at Brigham Young University where over the course of 25 games he recorded 110 tackles, three interceptions, one sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 23 pass breakups.

4)
Coleman, 28, has played in all eight games for the Lions this season posting 13 defensive tackles, two sacks and one interception. The Cleveland native signed with Hamilton in 2017 but after a trade to B.C., Coleman had a breakout year in 2018, recording 57 defensive tackles, eight sacks and two interceptions in 18 games on route to be named a CFL All-Star. Previous to his three years in the CFL, the product of Arizona State played two years for the Dallas Cowboys (2014, 2015) playing in four games and tallying three tackles. Coleman then spent time with Chicago, Tampa Bay and the New York Giants in 2016.

6) The Toronto Argonauts have acquired the rights to national offensive lineman Cody Speller, along with the 52nd overall selection in the 2021 CFL Draft, from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it was announced on Wednesday.

In exchange, the Bombers received the Argos sixth-round (48th overall) 2021 CFL Draft pick.

Speller, 26, played 13 regular-season games for the Bombers in 2019, starting eight at left guard and all three playoff games including the Grey Cup at centre. The 6’4, 298-pound lineman joined the Bombers in 2018 and helped RB Andrew Harris lead the CFL in rushing in both 2018 and 2019. The Grey Cup champion and Caistor Centre, Ontario native spent five years at McMaster University and was selected to participate in the 2016 CIS East-West Bowl.

In the last 2 drafts they have clearly focused on OL   LB DB and DL in early rounds. In trades the words by the CFL.ca staff clearly state the upgrades and $$$ spent to get this team out of the gutter.  If this does happen, and I expect it to happen this should be an early surge +EV ATS cover team.  

In 2019 Toronto was one of the worst defensive teams, its not all on the defense though.  If you dont control the ball on offense that leaves the defense under pressure and on the field more.  Toronto needs to keep the ball control the clock and maintain a + time of possession and finally limit turnovers.

They have also added a few pieces I like. Bishop Sankey RB that was with the NFL Titans, and Daniel Braverman that was the Number 2 WR for the high flying Western Michigan Broncos team a few seasons ago.  He was the slot and 2nd performer behind the Jets Corey Davis.  He was drafted and cut by the Bears and never given a chance in their preseason.  I guess we will find out how these guys provide them output.  I personally think if nothing else its add upgraded talent off the bench able to sub in guys and not lose much as far and big plays or keeping the offense on the field.

On paper to me its full steam ahead for the Argos

The bad news is:

QB.  According to their website:

Arbuckle

Bethel-Thompson

Pimpkin

Tiano 

Who knows who is going to start or play well enough to keep the starting Job.  I didnt see anything on the CFL website, but I didnt look hard yet.  If I see anything in the future that stands out I might update this page.  To be honest from last season I dont recall how bad these QB's were but as team it was just all bad news for the Argos.  With a stronger O'line and run game I hope the passing game is just good enough and doesnt make too many errors.  To be honest I predict improvement in the passing game but no miracles either.

Thanks Spottie....only eight more to go!

@Indigo999

 well if it just me you and the regulars I think this is enough.  It was a bit of a test but thanks 

No QB decided yet in Argo land

BC might be the most improved team 

Hamilton and BC might be my best plays. This of course before I see a line.

Ottawa probably gets destroyed in week 1