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Breaking down Alouettes roster decisions

On Saturday, the Alouettes sort of finalized their roster for the 2023 season. Of course, they still have to get their game day roster down to 45, but the main pieces of the team have been determined.

Which rookies will make a major impact in 2023? Why did the front office choose to build the practice roster the way that they did? Do they have enough depth?

The Alouettes will open the season this Saturday at Percival Molson Stadium. Canadian band Our Lady Peace will perform at halftime! Tickets start at just $27!

These are all legitimate questions that we’ll tackle in this story.

Which rookies are most likely to become stars in 2023?

The position that underwent the most amount of change last winter was the wide receivers. The three American receivers who started on opening day last season won’t be in the lineup this Saturday against the Ottawa Redblacks.

It’s only normal that we start here when looking for CFL rookies that can make a major impact on the roster. So, who will quarterback Cody Fajardo be looking to to make plays through the air?

Former Ohio State receiver Austin Mack was one of the standouts of training camp. He didn’t have the most productive day in last Friday night’s win over the Ticats, but he was one of the more consistent threats in training camp.

Keshunn Abram is another rookie that could open some eyes this season. The former New York Jets wideout was running with the starting offence last Friday night, so there’s a good chance that he’ll get an opportunity to make plays.

On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Israel Antwine made quite the impression on the Montreal crowd against Hamilton, as he recorded a pair of quarterback sacks. The 6-foot-3, 309-pounder has shown a willingness to take on double-teams, and he’s been difficult to move. Antwine should figure into the rotation at defensive tackle with Almondo Sewell and Mustafa Johnson.

Defensive back J.R. Reed arrived in training camp only two days before the preseason game in Ottawa, and he still managed to suit up. The former Georgia Bulldog has good size and strength for a defensive back. He could line up at multiple positions in Noel Thorpe’s defence.

Linebacker Bryce Notree brought energy onto the field throughout training camp. The 24-year-old has good instincts for a linebacker. He’ll patiently be waiting behind Avery Williams and Tyrice Beverette, but he’s talented enough to make an immediate contribution on special teams.

Practice roster:

A CFL practice roster is always fluid. Just because a player finds himself on the PR now, doesn’t mean he’ll be there in a week or two. He could be moved to the active roster, or he could be released, too. It’s always changing.

The practice roster must have two Canadian players on it and up to three Global players. The other eight slots can be filled by any American player.

Here’s how the PR looks heading into Week 1:

Tysen-Otis Copeland – DB: Copeland was drafted by the Alouettes in the fourth round of the 2022 CFL Draft. After failing to make the team last year, he came back this year and put together a solid training camp.

Shedler Fervius – WR: The second Canadian on the Als PR was their fifth-round pick in 2023. The St Mary’s product didn’t play football last year, so he’ll use his time on the practice squad to develop his game. The Als will use two Canadian receivers in their starting lineup, so there is a path for him to play in 2023.

Quartney Davis & Tyler Snead – WR: Both Davis and Snead made big plays in training camp. They’re young and could contribute on offence should injuries strike. They also both took reps at returner during camp.

James Letcher Jr. – KR: Letcher Jr. was dynamic in the preseason win over Ottawa. The 23-year-old will wait behind Chandler Worthy, but learning behind a veteran of that caliber will be good for his development.

Jamar McGloster – OT: McGloster finished the season on the Alouettes’ PR in 2022, and he’s back in 2023. He’ll serve as the backup to starters Nick Callender and Landon Rice. McGloster moves very well for a big man.

Kivon Bennett – DE: Bennett was all over the field during the second half of last Friday’s game against the Ticats. The son of former NFL great Cornelius Bennett has good burst off the edge, and he could get into the rotation at defensive end should an injury strike.

Jabari Ellis – DT: Ellis played in a couple of games down the stretch last year. He scored a touchdown on a blocked punt in the regular-season finale against the Argonauts in Toronto last October. He’ll be the next man up behind Sewell, Johnson and Antwine.

Kabion Ento & Kordell Rodgers: Both players had impressive moments throughout the preseason. Ento was one of the stars of the scrimmage, as he made two interceptions on the opening Saturday of camp. Rodgers, who missed the first exhibition game against Ottawa, was outstanding against Hamilton. He made an interception in the game and showed that he could stick to opposing receivers without being called for pass interference.

Rhys Byrns, Jose Maltos & Kevin Kaya: These are the three Global players general manager Danny Maciocia decided to keep. Byrns was Montreal’s second-round pick in the 2023 Global Draft. He’s an Australian punter that kicked the ball well in camp. Maltos, who is more of a field goal kicker, had a perfect night in Ottawa last week, as he went 5-for-5 on his attempts. Kaya is now in his third season with the Als. The former University of Montreal Carabins played in five games last season.