Riders sign all 2012 draft picks

The announcement today by the Riders that all four 2012 draft picks have been signed and will be at rookie camp has been welcome news. I have to admit I was starting to think that this wasn't going to happen. Although Ben Hennan was quoted as saying that he thought it was going to get done, as each day brought us one day closer to camp it was easy to believe that at least one of the picks wouldn't be signed.

But its done and not a day too soon.

This is quite the accomplishment when you look at the difficulties other teams have had in signing their picks. As an example, Edmonton is unable to sign both of their first round picks this year; as Austin Pasztor  and Shamawd Chambers have chosen to pursue their options in the NFL. There have been stories in the Calgary Herald that some teams are having issues with at least one agent. And each year, more CIS players are looking south for a chance in the NFL.

Perhaps the biggest surprise with this announcement is Ismaël Bamba. TSN had issued a report earlier this month that all indications were that he would return to Sherbrooke. His draft position fell quite a bit from pre-draft projections and maybe that made him lean to a return to college. This guy had lots of potential at North Dakota before he returned and there a is a good chance he could make the team this year.

Who will back up Durant?

Like most Rider fans I am watching the backup quarterback situation with considerable interest. With Levi Brown, Colt Brennan, J.T. O'Sullivan and Drew Willy signed and ready to go, there is strong competition to be Darian Durant's backup. 

If anyone remembers last season (one that I would like to forget) having a solid number two to step in when needed is a must in the CFL. Quarterbacks in the CFL, or any league, can and will get hurt through the course of the season. Although the Rider's season was pretty much over when Durant got hurt, it spoke volumes that at times the coaching staff kept a hurt Durant in the game, instead of going with Dinwiddie or Bergquist.

So it was no surprize that both backups last season were released.

Personnaly I like Colt Brennan and Levi Brown. They look like true passers that have a quick release. That's a skill that the CFL demands of its quarterbacks. No one can doubt J.T. O'Sullivan's experience. Can't say that Drew Willy has the pedigree that the others do, but there is no doubt the Riders have seen something in him they like...otherwise he wouldn't have made it this far.

My prediction is that it will come down to Brennan or Brown as the number 2, with one of them running the scout team at practises. Perhaps they will keep Willy around on the practise roster just in case. 

Let's hope the Riders don't have to use any of them.