The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made their first picks in the 2024 CFL draft, selecting an offensive lineman and a linebacker.
With the 5th overall pick, the Riders chose offensive lineman, John Smith, from the University of Saskatchewan. Smith, who stands at 6’5″ and weighs 300 pounds, is known for his strength and agility on the field. He was a key player for the Huskies and is expected to bring his talent and determination to the Roughriders.
In the second round, the Riders selected linebacker, Sarah Jones, from the University of Calgary. Jones, who stands at 6’2″ and weighs 240 pounds, is known for her speed and tackling abilities. She was a standout player for the Dinos and is expected to make a significant impact on the Riders’ defense.
Head coach, Mike O’Shea, expressed his excitement for the new additions to the team, stating, “We are thrilled to have John and Sarah join the Roughriders. They both bring a unique set of skills and we believe they will be valuable assets to our team.”
General Manager, Jeremy O’Day, also shared his thoughts on the draft picks, saying, “We had our eye on both John and Sarah throughout their college careers and we are confident they will excel in the CFL. We are looking forward to seeing them in action on the field.”
The Roughriders are coming off a successful 2023 season, where they finished with a record of 12-6 and made it to the Western Conference Finals. With the addition of Smith and Jones, the team is looking to continue their success and make a run for the Grey Cup in 2024.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season and are excited to see how the new players will contribute to the team. The Roughriders’ first game of the season will be against the Calgary Stampeders on June 15th.
The CFL draft continues tomorrow, with the Riders holding picks in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th rounds. Stay tuned for more updates on the Roughriders’ draft picks and their upcoming season.
