Davis: Is there any roster room for Saskatchewan Roughriders rookies?

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It doesn’t happen too often, but every few years a Trevor Reid, Weston Dressler, John Chick, Reggie Hunt or Jeff Fairholm arrives at Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie camp, immediately turns some heads and flat-out wins a roster spot.

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Reid was the most recent example of a Riders rookie phenom. An offensive lineman from Louisville, Reid had NFL tryouts with the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons before arriving at last year’s rookie camp. Reid continuously improved throughout training camp to become Saskatchewan’s starting left tackle, until suffering a late-season injury that has, at least temporarily, waylaid his plans to play in the NFL.

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Reid had talent and good timing because the Roughriders were looking specifically for a left tackle. He was clearly the best of the candidates. Of course it’s most helpful if there’s an opportunity, a roster spot where the coaches will deploy a newcomer for their upcoming CFL season. Because all coaches prefer veterans.

When the Roughriders open this year’s rookie camp Wednesday at Saskatoon’s Griffiths Stadium there might be some newcomers who learn their playbooks well enough to instantly jump into the roster discussion. But is there room for anybody new?

At quarterback? Nope, no way, not a chance. Rookies rarely become starting quarterbacks. Veteran Trevor Harris is the undisputed starter. Jake Maier, who started 45 games for the Calgary Stampeders before signing as a free agent, is the backup. Unstoppable Tommy Stevens, another free agent from Calgary, handles short-yardage situations. Spots 1-3 are filled. Newcomer to watch: Michael Hiers, who was on Saskatchewan’s practice roster late last season.

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Running back? There may be room for a backup. A.J. Ouellette joined the Riders last season as a high-priced free agent and, because he was injured from Day One, didn’t contribute as expected. Ouellette rebuilt his physique during the offseason and the Roughriders recently dumped temperamental Ryquell Armstead, so they have evidently decided against using the two-back platoon they experimented with last season. Newcomer to watch: Trent Pennix from North Carolina State.

Receiver? CFL teams always have room for receivers. Saskatchewan lost impressive rookie Ajou Ajou to the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, so another Canadian could join Samuel Emilus, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Mitch Picton and Dhel Duncan-Busby. Incumbent American receivers Shawn Bane Jr., KeeSean Johnson and Dohnte Meyers will be challenged. Newcomer to watch: Ja’Marcus Bradley, who played eight NFL games for the Cleveland Browns.

Offensive line? No new starters are needed. The Roughriders have stockpiled experienced O-linemen because last season, due primarily to injuries, 16 different players lined up as centres, guards or tackles. The starters are expected to be Sean McEwen at centre, Logan Ferland and Philippe Gagnon as guards and Trevon Tate and Jermarcus Hardrick as tackles. Some juggling is possible. Newcomer to watch: Second-round draft choice Erik Andersen was invited to an NFL mini-camp; watch for him to arrive.

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Defensive line? Perhaps. The starting front-four unit is in semi-transition, but tackle Micah Johnson and end Malik Carney will retain their spots. Free-agent signee Mike Rose likely starts inside. There are lots of unfamiliar names along the depth chart, which might explain why the Roughriders grabbed Bowling Green’s Ali Saad fourth overall in the 2025 CFL draft. Newcomer to watch: Saad.

Linebackers? No starters needed. Pretty solid group here with middle linebacker Jameer Thurman flanked by C.J. Avery and C.J. Reavis. Newcomer to watch: Aubrey Miller Jr. is sort of a newcomer in the linebacker corps; he was impressive late last season on Saskatchewan’s special teams.

Defensive backfield? Some shuffling here after letting veterans Amari Henderson and Deontai Williams leave as free agents. Defensive player-of-the-year Rolan Milligan Jr. and all-star Marcus Sayles anchor the group, with returnees DaMarcus Fields, Nelson Lokombo and Tevaughn Campbell, a former Rider who spent six seasons in the NFL, expected to complete the starting unit. Newcomer to watch: Lots of eyes will be on Campbell playing cornerback, even though he has been here before.

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Special teams? The Roughriders have a reliable kicker (Brett Lauther) and long snapper (Jorgen Hus), but they need a punter after placing Adam Korsak on the retired list. Three Global players wait in the wings. Newcomer to watch: Aussie Bailey Flint, who played eight games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023 after being picked second overall in the 2022 Global draft.

There really aren’t many job openings on the Roughriders roster. That’s good for the team, bad for newcomers.

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