Roughriders Mailbag: Addressing Key Questions as CFL Draft Approaches
Welcome to another edition of the Roughriders Mailbag, where we dive into reader-submitted questions about the Saskatchewan Roughriders as the team prepares for crucial upcoming events. With the 2026 CFL draft scheduled for Tuesday, followed by the Global draft the next day, the Roughriders have significant opportunities to bolster their Canadian depth before training camp commences.
Critical Timeline for Green and White
The Roughriders will make their selections in both drafts before heading to Saskatoon for rookie camp opening on May 6, with main camp following on May 10. As the defending Grey Cup champions prepare for their first regular season game on June 13, several roster questions need resolution to maintain their championship form throughout the 2026 campaign.
Who Steps Up to Replace Ajou Ajou at Receiver?
The Roughriders face a significant void in their receiving corps following the release of Ajou Ajou, who was cut earlier this month for violating the club's code of conduct. Ajou had started in the Grey Cup and was projected as the third starting Canadian receiver alongside Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker.
With Tommy Nield and Mitch Picton no longer with the team, the most logical replacement appears to be Dhel Duncan-Busby, Saskatchewan's third-round pick in 2024. The 26-year-old receiver has previous starting experience with the Roughriders, accumulating 45 receptions for 543 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons.
Roughriders general manager Jeremy O'Day recently told reporters, "I think Dhel deserves an opportunity to play. He's thought highly of by his teammates so I think that's naturally what we would look at in the roster would be to give Dhel a shot."
Additional candidates for increased playing time include D'SSean Mimbs, Saskatchewan's sixth-round pick in 2024 who spent much of last season on the practice roster, and Daniel Wiebe, a 2025 draft pick from the University of Saskatchewan who could make his case during training camp.
What Are Saskatchewan's Draft Needs?
As defending champions, the Roughriders hold the last pick in the first round (ninth overall) and select again at 18th overall, with six additional picks throughout the eight-round draft. While Saskatchewan's current roster doesn't reveal massive voids, the team needs to strategically restock their Canadian depth.
Prior to Ajou's release, receiver wouldn't have been considered a major draft need. However, with only five Canadian receivers under contract and three projected starters, selecting a pass catcher within the first three rounds has become a wise strategic move.
Beyond receiver, Saskatchewan should consider drafting a long snapper to develop behind 39-year-old CFL veteran Aaron Crawford, who was brought in to replace Jorgen Hus. Identifying a younger long snapper who can assume the role in future seasons represents prudent long-term planning for the organization.
Training Camp Battles Looming
As the Roughriders approach their Saskatoon training camps, several position battles will determine the final roster composition. The receiver position remains particularly fluid, with multiple candidates vying for the third starting Canadian spot and depth roles behind established starters.
The team's draft selections will directly impact these competitions, with rookies having immediate opportunities to contribute to the defending champions. Management will closely evaluate how new acquisitions integrate with returning players as they build a roster capable of repeating as Grey Cup champions.
With the CFL draft representing the first major step in their offseason preparations, the Roughriders face crucial decisions that will shape their 2026 campaign. The combination of strategic drafting, development of existing talent, and competitive training camp battles will determine whether Saskatchewan can successfully defend their championship title.
