Defensive Line is the deepest position in this free agent class and I simply couldn’t limit it to only 5. Therefore here are the Top 10 Free Agent DLs.
Top 10 DL
10. Freddie Bishop III Best Bet: Resigned -Calgary
Calgary needs to keep their defence intact to remain competitive in the West. They will resign their top pass rusher to do just that.
9. Keith Shologan Best Bet: Winnipeg Blue Bomber
The RedBlacks won’t be able to hang onto Keith Shologan. Winnipeg had one of the league’s best pass rushers last year but the rest of their D-line was dismal. They will make some big plays in free agency to improve that area and at the age of 30 will be an attractive National starter with a reasonable price tag.
8. Brian Bulcke Best Bet: Toronto Argonauts
Injuries stole the last two season from Brian Bulcke but we cannot forget that he was not only one of the best Canadians in the league in 2013 but also one of the best defensive players. He doesn’t have many miles on him and if he can kick the injury bug he can be a top tier defensive lineman. Hamilton will be spending lots of money elsewhere and I see him moving down the road to Toronto to replace another departing DT.
7. Bryan Hall Best Bet: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Bryan Hall will suffer from the success of his compatriot Ted Laurent and Hamilton will not resign him. Winnipeg would be a good landing spot for him and his knack for opening up space for teammates would be highly valuable.
6. Euclid Cummings Best Bet: Resigned- Toronto
Cummings has had some NFL interest but I think that Toronto will make a big push to resign him. Some other Argo’s will depart and Cummings will be a key piece that Toronto needs to retain.
5. Tristan Okpalaugo Best Bet: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Okpalaugo is a dangerous edge rusher and placing him across from Jamaal Westerman would revolutionize the Winnipeg defence.
4. Justin Hickman Best Bet: Ottawa RedBlacks
Hickman has been pushed out of Hamilton with the signing of John Chick but I predict a soft landing in Ottawa. The loss of Shawn Lemon and potentially Justin Capicciotti leaves them thin at the DE position and Hickman can be a very effective number one in a D-line rotation.
3. Ted Laurent Best Bet: Resigned- Hamilton
Ted Laurent is really the best player in this free agent class but their is no way, in my mind, that Hamilton lets him walk. They will pay through the nose but Laurent is worth it.
2. Cleyon Laing Best Bet: Edmonton Eskimos
Laing is a future Most Outstanding Canadian in my opinion and quite honestly I think there is a 50% chance he resigns in Toronto. However Laing is from Edmonton and Hervey needs to make one big splash to prove that the Grey Cup Champions can be competitive without Chris Jones. Laing would re-solidify their top tier defence and is an improvement on Eddie Steele in the rotation.
1. Justin Capicciotti Best Bet: BC Lions
Justin Capicciotti was 3rd in sacks next year and its been postulated that Ottawa won’t be able to resign him. BC’s glory days always came with good defences and Capicciotti is an SFU product, so a return to Vancouver makes a lot of sense for this budding star.
Canadian Football Blog 