Ratio round-up: Ticats, Redblacks, Als

The Ratio Round-Up is a three-part series looking at the way in which each of the CFL’s nine teams will approach the ratio in 2017. Click here for part one of the series (Lions, Esks, Stamps) and here for part two (Riders, Bombers, Argos).

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Ticats approached the ratio with uniformity a season ago, starting national players in the same seven spots barring injury.

2016 Ratio Structure

Hamilton will look to make one ratio change in 2017 following the departure of Andy Fantuz. Fantuz, who may yet rejoin the Ticats after becoming a free agent last month, will be rehabbing a torn ACL well into the regular season.

2017 Ratio Projection

Hamilton’s best option to maintain seven starting nationals is by playing two in the secondary, something the club did frequently prior to the knee injury that forced Craig Butler to miss the entire 2016 campaign. Courtney Stephen is a serviceable strong-side cornerback and starting alongside Emanuel Davis or Abdul Kanneh should aid in his adjustment from safety to corner.

The Ticats’ greatest strength with the ratio is the club’s flexibility. Hamilton started four players along the offensive line at times last season when rookie Brandon Revenberg kicked out to right tackle, while Ted Laurent and Michael Atkinson teamed up to create an all-Canadian interior defensive line for a stretch as well. Justin Capicciotti, acquired from the Riders late last season, is also a legitimate starting pass rusher should the club be forced to sit John Chick or Adrian Tracy.

Look for the Ticats to target an offensive lineman or defensive back in May’s CFL draft.

Ottawa Redblacks

The Redblacks were the CFL’s only club to consistently start eight Canadians all last season. Starting eight nationals — one more than the required seven — is a major advantage for CFL clubs as it allows them to replace a Canadian starter with an American should an injury occur in-game.

2016 Ratio Structure

J’Michael Deane departed for Toronto via free agency, opening the door for 2015 first overall selection Alex Mateas to enter the starting line-up at left guard.

2017 Ratio Projection

Featuring solid starters across the board, Ottawa’s national talent is arguably the CFL’s best. Brad Sinopoli is probably the CFL’s best Canadian receiver, while Connor Williams’ ability to play any of the four positions along the defensive line is a huge asset. Jason Lauzon-Seguin also provides nice versatility in his ability to play both guard and tackle.

The Redblacks lack depth along the offensive line, but being able to replace a Canadian starter with an American lessens the immediate need for hog help. The addition of Adam Berger in free agency was a sneaky-good move, giving the club an experienced back-up national safety.

Montreal Alouettes

The Alouettes were one of two CFL teams to feature an all-Canadian offensive line a season ago, a long-standing tradition of Montreal football.

2016 Ratio Structure

Montreal’s new general manager, long-time CFL assistant/head coach Kavis Reed, quickly did away with the Alouettes’ all-Canadian offensive line. Reed has quickly put his stamp on Montreal’s roster, revamping his Canadian content to a greater extent than any other CFL club this off-season.

2017 Ratio Projection

Montreal is expected to compensate for the decision to start just three Canadian offensive linemen by playing two nationals along the defensive line. Jabar Westerman, Keith Shologan, and Don Oramasionwu were added in free agency, two of whom should start. Expect Shologan to start at nose tackle with Westerman at defensive end. Westerman had the least-productive season with the Lions at defensive end in 2015, but playing in Noel Thorpe’s 3-4 defensive scheme should suit his 6’2, 280 pound frame.

Starting Westerman and Shologan along the defensive line would mean a change of scenery for John Bowman or Gabriel Knapton. Some NFL pass rushers — including Dwight Freeney, John Abraham, and Robert Mathis — have extended their careers by becoming outside linebackers in 3-4 schemes. Could Bowman, now 34, do the same?

The Als also lost veteran safety Marc-Olivier Broulliette to Saskatchewan in free agency, replacing him with international Ryan Phillips. Expect Montreal to make up the difference by starting a Canadian in their linebacking corps, replacing international Winston Venable who signed with Toronto. Special teams dynamo Nicolas Boulay and Frederic Plesius — acquired via trade with Hamilton — should duel for the starting job in training camp.