The CFL on TSN will release its annual Top 50 Players on Tuesday. TSN.ca previews what the list could look like, today with potential newcomers to the rankings, and some that could make a return after being left off last year.

Newcomers

James Wilder, RB, Toronto Argonauts

Wilder is a virtual lock to make this year’s Top 50 Players after bursting onto the scene with 872 rushing yards, 533 receiving yards, and five touchdowns for the Argonauts to earn Most Outstanding Rookie honours last year.

The question is how high the 26-year-old Grey Cup champion will be ranked as he sets his sights on 2,000 combined offensive yards – 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving – in his sophomore campaign this year.

Willie Jefferson, DT, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Jefferson had a breakout season in his second year with the Roughriders in 2017, finishing with career-highs in tackles (45), and sacks (8). He earned CFL All-Star honours for his efforts.

It was the second straight season Jefferson made an impact in Saskatchewan after recording three sacks in five games in an NFL-interrupted 2016 season, and the 27-year-old could get acknowledged with a spot on the Top 50 this time around.

Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Primarily a backup his first four years with the Tiger-Cats, Masoli took over starting duties midway through last year in Hamilton and did enough to warrant Top 50 Players consideration.

In the last 10 games of the regular season, Masoli led the Ticats to a 6-4 record with a 65 per cent completion rate, 3,032 passing yards, and 15 touchdowns to four interception. It was enough to earn the 29-year-old the full-time gig for 2018 and could get him on the Top 50 Players as well.

Diontae Spencer, WR/KR, Ottawa Redblacks

Spencer showed promise in his two seasons with the Argonauts before putting it all together in his first season with the Redblacks last year.

The 26-year-old was an impact player on offence, finishing with 71 receptions for 922 yards and six touchdowns, and special teams, finishing with 1,536 combined return yards.

Sean McEwen, C, Toronto Argonauts

McEwen also appears on the list of Canadians that could make the Top 50 Players list after following up his rookie campaign, where he was named the Argos’ nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie, by earning CFL All-Star honours last year.

Fellow CFL All-Star Matt O’Donnell, an offensive guard with the Edmonton Eskimos, could also be in contention for inclusion on the list.

Ed Gainey, HB, Saskatchewan Roughriders

After five seasons in the league playing with three different teams, Gainey had a breakout campaign with the Roughriders last year, leading the league with 10 interceptions.

The 27-year-old’s efforts was enough to earn him CFL All-Star honours and he’s one of a few DBs that could be first-time entries on the Top 50 Players alongside fellow All-Stars Ciante Evans, Chris Randle and Richard Leonard.

Marcus Ball, LB, Toronto Argonauts

We had to go way back in the archives to make sure Ball, who returned last year from a three-year CFL hiatus, didn’t make the Top 50 players in his first stint with the Argos from 2012-13.

After earning East Division All-Star honours at the all-important slot linebacker position, and helping the Argos win the Grey Cup last season, this could finally be Ball’s year to make Top 50.

Fellow linebacker Larry Dean, of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is also in contention for a spot after also earning an East Division All-Star nod.

Darvin Adams, WR, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Adams would have had a good shot at making last year’s Top 50 Players had a broken collarbone not cost him 10 games in his breakout 2016 campaign with the Blue Bombers.

He returned to put in a solid 2017 however, finishing with 76 receptions for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. Those numbers were good enough for the 28-year-old to be named a West Division All-Star.

Returnees

SJ Green, WR, Toronto Argonauts – Green was a regular on the Top 50 Players during his time with the Montreal Alouettes before suffering a knee injury that knocked him off last year’s list. His 2017 with the Argos might have been the best season of his career.

Adam Bighill, LB, Winnipeg Blue Bombers – Bighill returned to the CFL after a year in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, boosting the Blue Bombers defence. He finished No. 2 in 2016, his last year of eligibility for the Top 50.

Derel Walker, WR, Edmonton Eskimos – Like Bighill, Walker wasn’t included in last year’s list after signing with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He returned to the Eskimos midway through last season, recording 48 receptions for 634 yards and two touchdowns in just eight games.

Brad Sinopoli, WR, Ottawa Redblacks – Sinopoli was 49th in 2016 before not making last year’s Top 50. He could be back this year after another solid season that culminated with him earning the East Division nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian.

Brendon LaBatte, OG, Saskatchewan Roughriders – A neck injury two seasons ago likely cost the steady veteran his spot in last year’s Top 50 Players, but LaBatte returned to full health last year and was named a CFL All-Star.

Chris Van Zeyl, OT, Toronto Argonauts – The ratio-busting national right tackle has been included in the Top 50 Players list in years prior, and his second CFL All-Star nod could earn him a return trip after a year off last year.

Brandon Banks, WR, Hamilton Tiger-Cats – Banks was included in prior Top 50 Players rankings predominately for his impact as a kick returner. But after gaining 959 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in the last 10 games of the season last year, he could make the list for his work as a pass catcher.