Riders Making Profound Changes

In a week that was marked by the sight of former Rider Weston Dressler wearing #16 and the sick blue of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Rider fans have been asking if there is going to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Some may argue the light is an approaching train, but as the US College Senior Bowl gets underway this weekend, there was an interesting story that may have a profound effect on how the Saskatchewan Roughriders operate.

The story is the Riders have approximately 30 scouts and 10 coaches down to the Senior Bowl to scout players, make contacts and have a scouting symposium before whittling the number of scouts down to 20. The Riders have already made an impression with the numbers wearing green at this event, where the top graduating players in US college ball get together to show off their skills against their peers.

One of the criticisms of the Riders was their refusal to spend money or invest in a scouting system worthy of the name. The Riders relied and perhaps still do, on an extensive video library of players, but now the focus has changed to actually seeing these players in action and seeing how they operate.

The Riders will need cheap talent to come in and fill spots until the Riders can get their act together regarding current roster players or potential free agents. If Chris Jones is looking at a specific type of player, then being able to see them live is a big step forward when recruiting for the pro ranks.

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The news of the expanded scouting system is a welcome step forward. The Riders are now in the business of finding players and then coaching them up. While the loss of John Chick and Weston Dressler were troubling to Rider fans, the team is building a structure to find the next Chick and Dressler, and perhaps more importantly to find the next middle linebacker.

The Riders signed Rob Bagg and it appears Chris Getlaf is en route to the United States to consult with a specialist about his foot problems. The Riders focus will be on trying to build up their Canadian talent base and Bagg, who has been extended through 2018, is expected to provide leadership and catches from his likely starting position of wide receiver, although if Getzlaf doesn’t return, inside receiver seems likely.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders also announced the signing of international quarterback BJ Coleman and international offensive lineman Quinterrius Eatmon with the team. As per club policy, details of the contracts were not released.

Coleman (6’3 – 231) spent two seasons with the Green Bay Packers after being selected by the team in seventh round (243rd overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Tennessee native spent his rookie campaign on the Packers practice roster after attending training camp and playing four preseason games. He returned to the team for 2013, seeing action in three preseason games.

Last season, Coleman played with the Arena Football League’s Arizona Rattlers where he was named AFL Player of the Week following a week seven performance.

Eatmon (6’6 – 310) joins the Riders after attending training camp with Oakland Raiders last season, playing two preseason games. The Prichard, Alabama native originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in May, 2015.

 Before going pro, Eatmon spent four seasons at South Florida playing 47 career collegiate games.

As you can see, the Riders are looking at getting bigger. The signing of Coleman does leave many wondering about the back-up quarterback situation in Saskatchewan where Brett Smith is the incumbent back up. Keith Price did see some action from the number three spot, but his trips back to the west coast has many wondering if Price is not going to sign since he will be a free agent.

I am beginning to think Price will not be back, and some days I wonder about Smith as well, but then with an expanded staff, it will be interesting to see how and who the Riders go about looking for the staff.

Incidentally, free agency is Feb. 9.