Receivers catch up to the competition at mini-camp

Mutterings, musings and meanderings from Wednesday’s final day of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ minicamp at IMG Academy:

What a difference a day made for the receivers. On Tuesday, the defensive backs had the advantage as the receivers adjusted to the CFL rules. Wednesday, the receivers looked more comfortable with the waggle and other nuances of the game.

Receiver Jordan Williams-Lambert, a product of Ball State, enjoyed a strong session and appears to be a solid route runner. Damon Powell also stood out with his speed and elusiveness. Whether either player makes it to Saskatoon for the main camp remains to be determined, but they helped their causes Wednesday.

The improved play by the receivers didn’t slow down linebackers Kalen Jackson and Tyrell Robinson. They both had interceptions during Wednesday’s skeleton session and showed good breaks on the ball while recording the picks.

The Riders could have an opening at middle linebacker, but it doesn’t look like the prospects from this mini-camp are suitable for the position. Jackson and Robinson are more of the coverage type of linebackers and appear better suited to playing outside.

Second-year offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek made the 2½-hour drive from his off-season home in Orlando to observe the Riders’ mini-camp.

Bladek, selected in the second round of the 2017 draft, chatted with Dalton Houghton. Houghton is looking to make the conversion from being a defensive lineman at Minot State to an offensive lineman with the Riders.

Bladek’s chances of being a starter this year may have received a boost with Tuesday’s release of veteran guard Peter Dyakowski. Bladek performed admirably as the sixth offensive lineman, including time at right guard, during the 2017 season.

Travis Bond, who was signed during the off-season, is also in the mix at right guard. Based on the past performances of the two guards, it should be a spirited battle in training camp.

Speaking of training camp, 12 to 15 mini-campers could receive invitations to the Riders’ main camp, which kicks off May 20 in Saskatoon.

All three running backs at the mini-camp — I’Tavius Mathers, Christian Ellison and Wes Brown — looked strong in drills and may make it to Saskatoon. They were particularly effective while running short routes and making catches after the quarterbacks checked down.

There isn’t much rest for the Riders’ football operations staff. They dispersed to their homes across North America after the mini-camp and are to gather again in Regina on Monday for the team’s final preparations for the May 3 draft.

After past mini-camps, the Riders have adjusted their draft board based on some of the performances in Florida. Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, said that wouldn’t be the case this year.

The Riders are strong at most positions and will largely be searching for depth through the draft. It’s a nice position to be in.

The four quarterbacks at minicamp — Zach Collaros, Brandon Bridge, Marquise Williams and David Watford — finished strong Wednesday.

Collaros sparkled on Day 1 and didn’t miss a step on the final day.