I am questioning myself about this trade. O'Neill was not spectacular, but he was an efficient receiver. I am guessing that by trading him, that Popp is very confident that Stala can regain his 2005 form (he was injured for much of 2006).
As for the new guy Hucklack, he did have a very good/stellar university career in the CIS. I expect he will be at the very least a good special teams player.
Popp is too smart to make a bad trade. Especially when dealing with Brendan Taman! Don't forget that Popp once got Ricky Bell from Taman for a special teams player (Ryan Folk, I think). I know Bell was in Taman's doghouse at the time, but it was still a great trade for Popp.
hmmm, well i remember last year when Popp made this trade–Kelly Malveaux for a 6th round pick…im not sure who the als drafted but Malveaux sure had a pretty darn good year…and he still has a few more left in the tank…so Popp wasnt so smart there.
Malveaux was becoming a liability to the Als’ defence. He allowed too much room to receivers in coverage. Honestly, he spent more time putting his helmet back on after the whistle than he did celebrating good plays and/or hits.
He’s a better fit in the Bombers’ system, especially with his ability to play a little LB. But his trade was no mistake by Popp. Malveaux was expendable, and the low pick the Als received for him is really indicative of what the team thought of him at that point.