You don’t have to be a high draft pick to provide top-end value.
Several examples to that effect can be found by perusing the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ roster.
The receiving corps, for example, includes starters who were selected in Rounds 4 (Kian Schaffer-Baker, in 2020), 5 (Mitch Picton, 2017) and 7 (Ajou Ajou, 2024).
“We all carry that underdog mentality,” Schaffer-Baker said after Monday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “That’s just a chip we’ve all got on our shoulders.
“It’s something we’re going to come in and prove every single day. No matter where we went in the draft, we’re all still here playing today, so that’s all that matters.”
Four years have elapsed since Schaffer-Baker was claimed 30th overall out of the University of Guelph. Despite the passage of time, he still uses the events of draft day as motivation.
“Every day,” he stated. “All 29 people who were picked ahead of me, I still think about that every day. Every single team that passed up on me, that’s my fuel and fire every single day.”
Draft-day value can also be found on the defence, which includes lineman Charbel Dabire (fifth round, 2019), linebacker A.J. Allen (fourth round, 2020) and defensive back Jayden Dalke (sixth round, 2022).
Dabire registered two sacks, one of which forced a key turnover, in the Roughriders’ most-recent game — a 36-20 victory over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 23.
“That kind of proves the point that the Canadian talent is going up across the league,” Head Coach Corey Mace said.
“Charbel went to a smaller school in the States (Wagner College) and Dalk stayed here in Canada (at the University of Alberta). It doesn’t necessarily have to be the guy who went to a big Power Five school or something like that.
“There’s certain skill sets from team to team that coaches want to see. These guys have done a great job in trying to identify the things that we want to become. They’ve solidified themselves to put that green and white on.
“I think it does correlate across all positions. In the early stages that I can remember, it was always Canadian O-linemen. Now you’re seeing it at skill positions.
“At linebacker, Melique Straker wasn’t a high draft pick and he’s out there making plays.”
Straker, a fourth-rounder in 2024, registered two special teams tackles within the first 17 minutes of his CFL debut.
He was selected on April 30 by Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O’Day, who works closely with Assistant GM Kyle Carson, the coaching staff and the video/analytics personnel leading up to and throughout draft day.
“It’s incredible due diligence by our scouting department, for sure,” Mace said, “and even our video department, helping with that by getting early eyes on these guys.
“They do such a good job. Our draft process here is so clean, so smooth, with what they provide us as coaches that’s already pre-done for us to get our evaluations on.
“You go back to Chris Getzlaf. Maybe it’s just this place — an eye for talent at the (receiving) position.”
The Roughriders’ championship team of 2013 fielded a receiving corps that included Getzlaf (who was drafted in the fifth round by Hamilton in 2007 and traded to Saskatchewan the same year) and the undrafted Rob Bagg.
“We’ve really got depth at every position — quarterback, line, receiver …,” Schaffer-Baker said. “Even with the Canadians alone at receiver, we’ve got the best group.
“Canadian Air Force, Part 2, coming soon.”
INJURY UPDATE
Four Roughriders players did not practise on Monday.
Quarterback Trevor Harris (knee) is to be placed on the six-game injured list by the time the Roughriders face the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday (7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
Receiver Shawn Bane Jr. was not on the practice field for the second day in a row while dealing with a personal matter.
Linebacker Adam Auclair (shoulder) and running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon (head) were also non-participants in Monday’s workout.
Defensive back Marcus Sayles (head) was a full participant on Monday after being classified as limited one day earlier.
NUMBERS GAME
• The Roughriders lead the CFL in average points per game (32.7). Their average points allowed (23.7) is third-best in the nine-team league.
• Saskatchewan has allowed only 32.7 rushing yards per game. Toronto (40.0) is second in that category. Both teams have allowed only 2.9 yards per running play.
• The Roughriders’ turnover ratio (plus-5) is second-best, behind the Montreal Alouettes (plus-8). Toronto (plus-3) is the only other team on the plus side.
• The Saskatchewan and Montreal defences are tied for the league lead in interceptions (five) and fumbles recovered (four). The Alouettes (4-0) and Roughriders (3-0) are the CFL’s only undefeated teams.
• Roughriders middle linebacker Jameer Thurman leads the loop in fumble recoveries (two) and defensive takeaways (three).
• Saskatchewan linebacker C.J. Avery and Calgary Stampeders defensive back Demerio Houston are the co-leaders in interceptions (two).
• Roughriders defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. and Hamilton safety Stavros Katsantonis are tied for top spot in pass knockdowns (four).
• Milligan Jr. is also a co-leader in special teams tackles (eight). That total has been matched by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Michael Ayers.
