Darrell Davis:Saskatchewan Roughriders need another Canadian Air Force

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With at least one new receiver likely being added in the upcoming CFL Draft, the Saskatchewan Roughriders appear ready to deploy an updated version of the Canadian Air Force.

That was the unofficial moniker for the trio of Canadian receivers — Andy Fantuz, Rob Bagg and Chris Getzlaf — who missed some of the conquests but were otherwise key parts of the CFL team’s string of four Grey Cup appearances and two victories between 2007 and 2013.

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Having Hall of Fame-bound receiver Weston Dressler certainly helped the team’s passing attack during that era. Dressler added unmatched speed to Bagg’s toughness, Getzlaf’s dependability and Fantuz’s innate ability to get open for crucial receptions. Although Dressler was from a U.S. border state (North Dakota), he was often considered an honourary Canuck and bona fide member of the Canadian Air Force.

The Roughriders are in a similar situation these days, with a group of Canadian receivers who have become top-notch targets for an array of Saskatchewan quarterbacks.

A full season working with veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, who missed most of 2023 because of knee surgery, could truly highlight the Roughriders’ homegrown receiving corps and perhaps remind long-time fans of the earlier version of the Canadian Air Force.

The current group of Samuel Emilus, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Brayden Lenius and Mitch Picton are legitimate CFL receivers, regardless of their nationality, and each of those Canadians could find a spot on every rival team’s roster. Having them gathered on one offensive depth chart puts the Roughriders in an envious position, giving them an option to start an import elsewhere if they handle this properly and start three nationals in their four-man receiving corps alongside American Shawn Bane Jr. The Riders could also deploy a fourth Canadian in their five-receiver set.

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Despite new roster rules that sometimes allow American players to replace Canadian starters during a game, it’s still important for CFL teams to have national backups for their front-liners.

Tuesday’s draft can provide depth, with a bevy of receivers who already look ready to join CFL rosters. According to J.C. Abbott of 3DownNation, the top receiving prospects are Kevin Mital (Laval), Nick Mardner (Auburn), Kevens Clercius (Connecticut) and Dhel Duncan-Busby (Bemidji State), plus there’s the unpredictable talent of Ajou Ajou (Garden City Community College).

Emilus, a first-round draft choice in 2022, had a breakout campaign in 2023, catching 70 passes for 1,097 yards and six touchdowns. With a few highlight-reel catches and playing primarily wideout, Emilus has quickly become the group’s rising star.

Offseason hip surgery forced Schaffer-Baker, a fourth-round pick in 2020, to miss the first half of last season. Big things are still expected after Schaffer-Baker caught 68 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, when the Riders also started using him as a running back. In nine games last season he caught 38 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns.

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A second-round selection in the 2019 draft, Lenius has been limited by frequent injuries and an NFL tryout to 35 CFL games — only eight during the past two seasons — but he has totalled 35 receptions for 659 yards and five touchdowns.

Picton, a local product picked in the fifth round of 2017, made his pro debut in 2019 and has since become valued for his versatility. Former head coach Craig Dickenson used to say Picton was too valuable to be a starter, even though he has frequently been called upon to start, and the statement actually makes sense because Picton can be inserted almost anywhere. In part-time roles he has caught 60 passes for 667 yards and four touchdowns.

The Roughriders have impressively drafted each of their top Canadian receivers, often eschewing opportunities to select much-needed offensive linemen, but it’s tough to argue with their choices and it wouldn’t be surprising if they continue along the same flight path.

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