Golden Fifty: The CFL Top 50 for 2022
Each year TSN reveals a list of their top 50 CFL players going into the new season. As with any list of this nature it is highly subjective and immediately scrutinised and open to debate.
Perhaps least surprising on this list is the fact that four of the top five players listed are from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. After all, they are the two time defending champions. Having won the Grey Cup in 2019 and 2021. With the lost season falling in between.
In fact though the Calgary Stampeders have the most people listed. As they accounted for one fifth of the golden fifty with 10 players listed. Winnipeg had 9, as did the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. All nine teams are listed, all the way down to the Ottawa REDBLACKS with 2 players on the list.
Players are listed by their current teams rather than who they may have been playing for in 2021. Hence for example Kenny Lawler is listed under the Edmonton Elks.
A look at the top 10
Let’s take a look at the players who are listed as the top 10 plyers in the CFL right now. The players that you can take as ones to watch out for in the coming season.
1. Zach Collaros, QB, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL Most Outstanding Player, 2021, CFL All-Star, 2021, Hamilton Tiger-Cats Most Outstanding Player, 2014, 2015.
2. Willie Jefferson, DL, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player, 2019, CFL All-Star, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. Most Outstanding Player, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 2019; Saskatchewan Roughriders, 2018.
3. William Stanback, RB, Montreal Alouettes
CFL East Division Most Outstanding Player 2021. Canadian Football League All Star 2019, 2021. CFL rushing yards leader 2021.
4. Adam Bighill, LB, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player, 2015, 2018, 2021. CFL All-Star, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021. Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Player, 2018. Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Defensive Player, 2018, 2021.
5. Stanley Bryant, OL, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, 2017, 2018, 2021. CFL All-Star 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. Calgary Stampeders Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, 2011, 2013.
6. Kenny Lawler, WR, Edmonton Elks
CFL All-Star 2021. CFL West Divison All Star 2021.
7. Jackson Jeffcoat, DL, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL All Star 2021. West Division All Star 2021.
8. Bryan Burnham, WR, BC Lions
CFL All Star 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. CFL West Divison All Star 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021.
9. Lucky Whitehead, WR, BC Lions
CFL All Star 2021. CFL West Division All Star 2021. BC Lions MOP 2021.
10. Eugene Lewis, WR, Montreal Alouettes
CFL East Division All Star 2019.
What the top end of the Golden fifty tells us
So what do we take away from this? Seeing 5 current and one ex Blue Bomber, (Lawler), on the top 10 list highlights the depth of talent available to the two time champions. No wonder most seasoned CFL watchers going in thing the roat to the title runs through Winnipeg and their experienced, talented stars once more.
As far as Montreal and BC are concerned, it tells us they have some explosive offensive weapons to hand. Because of that they may get serious consideration from CFL fantasy game players.
What the list does not tell us of course is who will be the big names this year. The real golden value players will only really be known by season’s end.
Plenty of people will argue with these rankings. Job done for the league if people are discussing these things. But now it is time to focus on the upcoming season. It is time to watch the games unfold.
A full CFL season – who isn’t ready for that. Let’s enjoy the ride!
Banner Image: #5 on the Golden fifty list, and the highest rated O lineman, Stanley Bryant. Image from cfl.ca