The Lions’ needs

A look at some of the B.C. Lions’ needs heading into today’s CFL draft

Restock the cupboard: The retirement of Brent Johnson and release of last year’s draft project, Chris Hodgson, has left the Lions completely bereft of Canadian defensive linemen, and with three picks in the top 14 Wally Buono almost guaranteed as a result one will be a pass

rusher. Names to know: Jabar Westerman, Eastern Michigan; Bo Adebayo, western Kentucky; Arnaud Gascon-nadon, Laval.

Line up a ‘backer: There’s been considerable chatter from the Lions about starting non-import James Yurichuk in the linebacking corps this season as the replacement for Solomon Elimimian, so reinforcements will be necessary. Joash Gessee, a 2010 third-round pick, is the only other Canadian available and due to a string of injuries has hardly

played. Name to know: Frederic Plesius, Laval

When in doubt, get a hoggie: With 39 offensive linemen selected in the last three years, no position has yielded more potential Cflers. B.C., however, hasn’t had any of its eight OL picks make an impact dating back to 2006, and C Angus Reid

isn’t going to play forever. Names to

know: Ben Heenan, Saskatchewan; Tyson Pencer, washington State/okanagan Sun; Carson Rockhill, Calgary/ Parksville.

Receive the benefits: B.C. has fared better with receivers lately with Shawn Gore, Akeem Foster and Marco Iannuzzi, one reason perhaps why coach Mike Benevides says he’d like another pass-catcher today. Gore and Foster aren’t signed beyond this year, however, Iannuzzi will be using his Harvard degree sooner than later and Paris Jackson was nearly cut last year. Picking fourth in a draft which has two standout picks and at least four others eyeing the NFL means the Lions will need some luck to obtain a player who will make an immediate impact. Names to know: Shamawd Chambers, Wilfrid Laurier; Ismael Bamba, Sherbrooke.