Riders’ roster not stacked yet but is getting there

By adding perennial all-star defensive end Charleston Hughes, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have addressed one of their few deficiencies. That is the assessment of columnist Rob Vanstone, who is impressed with how the 2018 Roughriders are shaping up.

A few hours after notifying inquiring media types that the Duron Carter situation was being monitored, the Saskatchewan Roughriders issued a media release of considerably greater substance.

Late Friday afternoon, the CFL team announced it had acquired Charleston Hughes from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who had just obtained the future Canadian Football Hall of Famer from the Calgary Stampeders.

The deal, while noteworthy, was obscured by the haze that resulted from Friday’s revelation that Carter — a multi-talented receiver — was facing a pair of marijuana possession charges.

But now that the smoke has cleared, the importance of the Hughes news can’t be overlooked.

After being introduced to the Regina media on Wednesday at Mosaic Stadium, the 34-year-old defensive end referred to the Roughriders as a “Grey Cupcontending team.”

He should recognize one when he sees it.

The Stampeders reached double digits in victories in all 10 of Hughes’ seasons with the team. Calgary’s win totals over the past five years: 14, 15, 14, 15, 13. (Yes, 13 victories constitutes a slump.)

Hughes, who just turned 34, has led the CFL in sacks in each of the past two seasons.

Now the Roughriders, boast a pair of pass rushing bookends — Hughes and Willie Jefferson — on the defensive line. With one transaction, the Roughriders addressed one of their few deficiencies.

Even with Jefferson earning all-star honours last season, when he led the league with 37 quarterback pressures, the Roughriders didn’t have a consistent pass rush. Their 27 sacks were the second-worst total in the CFL.

That shouldn’t be surprising, considering that head coach Chris Jones routinely called for three- or four-man pass rushes.

Such a philosophy dictates that the Roughriders must be able to exert pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing. The presence of Hughes should certainly help in that regard.

So, now that the defensive line has been bolstered, how do the Roughriders look overall?

The roster isn’t stacked, but it’s getting there.

Jones has assembled a defence that should again be one of the CFL’s finest. Although cornerback Kacy Rodgers II (New York Jets) and linebacker Jeff Knox

Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) have left for the NFL, a strong nucleus remains in place. That includes the CFL’s reigning interceptions leader (Ed Gainey).

Special teams? No problem. Josh Bartel (punter), Tyler Crapigna (placekicker) and Christion Jones (returner) are first-rate players.

On offence, Saskatchewan is loaded at the skill positions.

Quarterbacks Zach Collaros and Brandon Bridge should have fabulous fun throwing to Carter, Naaman Roosevelt, Bakari Grant, Rob Bagg and friends.

At tailback, the options include Cameron Marshall, Trent Richardson and game-breaker Marcus Thigpen.

The only lingering question pertains to the offensive line.

All too often, Kevin Glenn — the starting quarterback in 19 of the team’s 20 games last season — received inadequate protection.

Entering the free-agency period, the Riders should look to upgrade the offensive line. But even now, there’s one sign that unit will be better.

Because now the Roughriders won’t have to worry about blocking a longtime nemesis — Charleston Hughes.