Edmonton Eskimos (5-12-1 in 2007 --- 4th in West Division)
Last updated May 31
Notable Signings and Acquisitions
Coaching: Rick Worman (OC)
Offence: Jason Maas (QB), Brock Ralph (WR), John Comiskey (OL)
Defence: Jordan Younger (CB), Fred Perry (DE), Dario Romero (DE)
Special Teams: Noel Prefontaine (P/K)
Notable Releases and Deletions
Coaching: Jacques Chapdelaine (OC)
Offence: Trevor Gaylor (WR), Tyler Ebell (RB), Kevin Lefsrud (OL)
Defence: A.J. Gass (LB), Omarr Morgan (DB)
Special Teams: Sean Fleming (K/P), Tony Tompkins (KR), Mike Bradley (RB)
| General Manager |
|---|
| Danny Maciocia |
| Head Coach |
|---|
| Danny Maciocia |
| 2008 Draft Picks |
|---|
| Greg Wojt - OL |
| Tim St. Pierre - LB |
| Justin Cooper - DL |
| Sammy Okpro - DB |
| Jonathan Hood - DB |
| Dante Luciani - WR |
| Key Addition | Key Loss |
|---|
| Defensive end Fred Perry can change the complexion of a game with one play. His pass-rushing ability should improve the entire defence. |
A.J. Gass was a heart and soul guy in Edmonton. His retirement will leave a bigger hole in the locker room than the field. |
Matt Dunigan's QB Analysis:
Good news for Eskimo fans, Ricky Ray has bounced back from his shoulder separation last season. He looked like he was as accurate as ever when I was visiting the Edmonton training camp. His partner in crime from a few years back, Jason Maas, is once again in an Eskimo uniform. Maas and second year man Stefan LeFors are in a heated battle for the No. 2 spot. Needless to say the Eskimos are loaded once again with talented QBs. Trying to crack that line-up is a young QB by the name of Tyler Donovan - good luck!
Duane Forde's Rookie To Watch: The Eskimos receiving corps, once an area of strength, became one of the club's biggest concerns in '07. Trevor Gaylor's release and the trade of T.J. Acree have created a huge opportunity for the many new pass catchers in camp. One who seemed sure to get a long look was Fred Gibson (Georgia). At 6'5", Gibson offered an element of size that the Esks receivers haven't had in years. Well, Gibson was an early cut by Edmonton, which perhaps leaves some other former NFLers with a shot - Clarence Moore (Northern Arizona) and Kelly Campbell (Georgia Tech) are both still in camp. Moore is another big target, while Campbell has speed.
Chris Schultz's Overview:
The conversation this year is the same as last year: Why and how did the Edmonton Eskimos miss the playoffs? With some CFL organizations, it may not be a big deal. Hey, it happens. Not everyone can make the playoffs. But for Edmonton, it has been crushing. This is a football organization of pride and expectation and not making the playoffs for two years in a row has hurt the pride and increased the expectation of an outstanding season in 2008. More...
| Area of Strength | Needs Improvement |
|---|
| When you have a healthy Ricky Ray behind centre, the passing game is not a problem and he will have more weapons in his arsenal this season. |
As strong as the passing game should be, the running game needs to improve to allow Ray more options on second down. |
| Playoff-Bound? | Or Homeward Bound |
|---|
| If Ricky Ray's shoulder is 100% and Fred Perry and Jordan Younger can wreak havoc on defence, it could be enough to turn things around. |
With the strength of the West, the Eskimos will be hard-pressed to get into the top three. A crossover berth will be tough as well. |
| 2007 Offence | PTS | TDS | YDS/GM | PASS/GM | RUSH/GM |
|---|
| Total | 362 | 35 | 350 | 280 | 100 |
| Rank | 6 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 8 |
| 2007 Defence | PTS | TDS | YDS/GM | PASS/GM | RUSH/GM |
|---|
| Total | 443 | 46 | 359 | 255 | 120 |
| Rank | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 7 |