The Hamilton Tiger-Cats currently have one of the top defensive secondaries in the CFL, but that is not stopping them from working hard to maintain that unit and continue to add depth. Most recently, Hamilton re-signed boundary-side halfback Destin Talbert to secure one of the best cover halfbacks in the CFL. So far this offseason, the Tiger-Cats have made the offensive line and defensive secondary a priority before free agency starts in February.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Tiger-Cats have signed yet another defensive back who has the potential to be a significant contributor to their defensive efforts. The latest defensive back to sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats is former NFL 6th-round draft pick Gregory Junior.
While Destin Talbert is the ideal athlete to make a significant boundary defensive halfback, Gregory Junior is the ideal to fulfill a role as a field-side defensive halfback. At 6’0″, 190 pounds has a great frame to be a field-side halfback in the CFL, along with great agility and speed in the open field. Athletically, Junior fits the mold to be a field-side halfback that will spend more time in Zone coverage rather than Man coverage.
The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Gregory Junior in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL draft. Junior spent two seasons with the Jaguars in 2022 and 2023. During his time in Jacksonville, Junior played in 10 games, recording 11 solo tackles and 6 assists.
Junior played college football at NCAA DII Ouachita Baptist University, where he was a consistent playmaker. Although the jump in athleticism from DII football to the NFL is significant, Junior was exposed. During his transition from college to the NFL, Junior struggled with his technique and situational awareness, struggling with using his hands and false steps when playing against vertical routes.
In addition, Junior struggled with injury issues while playing for the Jaguars. While Junior has the measurable skills to be a great defensive back, he needs meaningful reps and coaching to refine his skills further. Also, joining the CFL is an ideal situation for a player like Junior, because he can be effective playing a specific role rather than needing to be a complete defensive back.
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