Oakland Raiders Should Pursue CFL Tackles Leader Solomon Elimimian

Aug 17, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; BC Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian (56) makes a tackle on Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Mike Bradwell (88) after a catch at Rogers Centre. BC defeated Toronto 33-17. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

CFL players have been in the spotlight over the past week both on the field and in the early stages of the offseason as the Canadian league has been showing its potential to produce underrated NFL talent yet again. In the Super Bowl, former Calgary Stampeders cornerback Brandon Browner won a championship as one of the New England Patriots top defensive backs while underdog story Chris Matthews led the game in receiving yards with the Seattle Seahawks after being named the CFL’s Rookie of the Year before moving back to the States for a practice squad opportunity with the defending champions at the start of the season.

In offseason moves the Indianapolis Colts have been stockpiling with early free agent signings by bringing in coveted wideout Duron Carter from Montreal along with one of the best offensive linemen in the league in the Saskatchewan Roughriders Ben Heenan, hoping to recreate the success they have found with players such as Kenton Keith in the past along with current starting linebacker Jerrell Freeman who both earned roles with the Colts after playing for the Riders in the CFL.

One player who has surprisingly not garnered early offseason interest out of the CFL is middle linebacker Solomon Elimimian of the BC Lions who just last season set the single season tackles record in the Canadian league. Elimimian finished the 2014 CFL season with a staggering 143 tackles, adding five sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception to his MVP season with the Lions, which makes him an interesting offseason name for NFL front offices who want to go outside of the box to bring in one of the best linebackers in professional football last season.

Making 143 tackles last season (the second closest CFL defensive player had 54 less tackles than Elimimian), there is plenty to break down regarding the 28 year old linebacker who deserves a training camp look from an NFL team this summer. Here is a look at the former University of Hawaii standout who could be worth a contract offer from a team needing a veteran middle linebacker in free agency (like the Oakland Raiders).

Next: Elimimian Breakdown: Stardom at Hawaii, Early CFL Success