Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has signed import linebacker Derrick Pope.
Pope, a 6-0, 232-pound native of Galveston, Texas was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. After four seasons (2004-07) in Miami, where he recorded 147 tackles, two quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in 55 games, Pope signed with the Minnesota Vikings before the 2008 season. He attended training camp and was released by the Vikings on August 25, 2008.
Before turning pro, Pope spent two seasons at Alabama, earning an All-SEC selection in 2003."
The fact that he played in 55 NFL games says something about his skill. He also didn't just ride the bench since he compiled over 140 tackles in just 4 years.
The Spec said this morning that Otis is expected to play Thursday, hopefully that is true and he is ok. Pope was a good player with the Dolphins as I recall. Maybe just a case of signing a good ballplayer before he shopped around the league. Could make for interesting 3/4 defences as needed and the ratio works.
Although our DL is improving if we ever sign Mace (and he can live up to the hype) we could play a 3-4 with a Canadian nose tackle, improve our roster flexability and give us more options should we lose a DL to injury.
Actually he replaced Zach Thomas in the middle when he went on the injury list in 2007. Probably better to use the NFL term of "inside linebacker" rather than middlelinebacker though in this case. He might have started in a dozen or so game with the DoIphins. I recall him on special teams and situation plays more that a starter.
I think Ike Brown is on his way out if anyone has to go, I would pick him over any other player.. He surprised me when he made the team, from watching him in training camp and the pre-season game I had thought he was out of position a lot, and flat out just not making plays.
I'm happy to see Obie is still improving our team on a regular basis..