The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to open rookie camp on Wednesday in Saskatoon, with main camp beginning Sunday, as the team prepares to defend their Grey Cup title. After analyzing the offense on Monday, this article focuses on the defensive unit, which features a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers competing for roster spots.
Defensive Line
Players: Mike Rose*, Caleb Sanders*, Ali Saad, James Vaughters*, Aaron Patrick*, Kendy Charles*, Chico Bennett*, Sylvain Yondjouen^, Davin Vann*, Justin Weaver*, Tymetrius French*, Devin Adams*, Sundiata Andersson*, Kevin Orange*, Jaylen Pate*, Desmond Evans*, Marcus Haynes*, Thor Griffith*, Lake Korte-Moore, Benoit Marion, Liam Hoskins, Nathan Pickering*
Projected Starters: Rose and Sanders (defensive tackles), Vaughters and TBD (defensive ends)
With Micah Johnson retiring to become the defensive line coach, there is an opening at tackle alongside the 33-year-old Rose. Sanders, 25, has been disruptive when called upon over the past three seasons and appears set to become a starter. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Saad, Saskatchewan's first-round draft pick in 2025, is also capable of starting, especially if the Roughriders need ratio help.
With Malik Carney, Shane Ray and Habakkuk Baldonado no longer with the team, two defensive end spots are up for grabs. The 32-year-old Vaughters, who signed in free agency after playing in Winnipeg last year, is expected to hold one end spot. The other will be an open competition in camp.
Patrick (29), Charles (24), and Bennett (24) are leading candidates after spending time with the club last season, but several rookies could make an impression with a strong camp. Yondjouen (27) spent time on the practice roster last season, while Weaver (26), Anderson (25), Haynes (28), Evans (23), Pickering (25), and Vann (24) are all coming to the CFL after NFL stints. Orange (25) is coming straight from college after signing a futures deal last September.
In the interior, Adams (27) is an option to rotate at defensive tackle after two seasons in Winnipeg, while Pate (24) will look to impress in his first camp. Marion (30) and Korte-Moore (26) will continue as valuable special teamers and depth options, while Hoskins (24) hopes to crack the roster in his second camp.
Linebackers
Players: Jameer Thurman*, Antoine Brooks*, Josh Woods*, Aubrey Miller*, Vi Jones*, Demouy Kennedy*, Tyron Vrede^, David Gbenda*, Nick Wiebe, Melique Straker, Osasere Odemwingie
The linebacker corps returns key contributors like Thurman and Brooks, who were instrumental in last year's championship run. Woods and Miller provide depth, while Vrede and others will compete for special teams roles. The unit is expected to be a strength of the defense, with a blend of experience and athleticism.
As camp progresses, the competition for starting roles and roster spots will intensify. The Roughriders' defensive depth will be tested as they aim to repeat as Grey Cup champions.
