By Jack Bedell,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hammond, LA – This Feb.16, the first real event of the 2009 season kicks off – free agency.
So far this off-season, there have been a few hot-stove tidbits to keep fans involved, like Bryan Chiu, Ben Cahoon, and Scott Flory re-upping and Jerome Haywood coming back on board, but the real action starts in next couple of weeks.
Just like last season, the Alouettes have the majority of their roster sealed and safe heading into free agency, and with the exception of Anthony Calvillo taking time to evaluate his future, the roster looks locked and loaded for 2009.
As solid as the Als’ roster is, however, free agency offers a great opportunity to make the team even stronger in a hurry. And while there’s no guarantee that the free agents currently available would make that much of an impact on the Als’ success, or that they could even fit in with the team’s chemistry and schemes, it gives us fans the chance to dream.
Heading into the free agent frenzy, my shopping list of the top 10 available players would look something like this:
Can’t Miss
1) Maurice Lloyd (SSK), LB – a tackling machine who can fit in any system;
2) Anton McKenzie (SSK), LB – a high-motor linebacker with attitude;
3) Willie Pile (TOR), DB – a big hit waiting to happen;
4) Brandon Guillory (EDM), DL – lives in the offensive backfield;
5) Dwaine Carpenter (CGY), DB – very versatile player in the secondary, covers well and has great range in zone.
Worth a Look
1) D.J. Flick (SSK), WR – as dependable a third receiver as you’ll find in the league;
2) Jason Jimenez (BC), OL – big, nasty lineman, worth the flags he’ll draw;
3) Scott Gordon (SSK), DB – always around the ball in the secondary, carries a hammer with him at all times;
4) Jamall Johnson (BC), LB – the unsung hero of the Lions’ defence, a real beast;
Makes you wonder what kind of meal the Alouettes could cook with some of these groceries…
