Saskatchewan Roughriders hope Sinorice Moss produces wins along with other NFL ties

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders are attempting to find the next Weston Dressler without recruiting someone of his description.

Dressler made a seamless transition from the college ranks to the CFL in 2008, earning rookie-of-the-year laurels after catching 56 passes for 1,123 yards — an average of 20.1 yards per reception.

Fast forward to 2012. Having made it a priority to increase team speed, the Roughriders’ wish list includes an impact receiver — someone who can emulate Dressler by scorching opposing secondaries. But this time, the team is concentrating on signing players with NFL credentials, as opposed to hopefuls who have yet to play beyond the university level.

The list of off-season signees includes two pass-catchers who were second-round NFL draft choices. Dwayne Jarrett was chosen 45th overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2007. The following year, the New York Giants claimed Sinorice Moss with the 44th pick.

Like Moss, Justin Harper was selected in the 2008 draft. He went in the seventh round to the Baltimore Ravens. Harper and Taj Smith — who has seen active NFL duty with the Indianapolis Colts — join Jarrett and Moss on Saskatchewan’s training-camp roster for 2012.

In the case of each player, the Roughriders are hoping that the resume translates into results. Although the pedigrees are intriguing, a cautionary note is advisable. As former Roughriders GM Roy Shivers used to say about recruits with NFL ties: “These guys are up here for a reason.’’

At some point, for some reason, they have been found wanting by the NFL. That does not disqualify someone from making an imprint north of the border. Hugh Campbell, Rhett Dawson, Matt Dominguez, Chris DeFrance, Curtis Marsh and Don Narcisse are among the pass-catchers who have excelled for the Green and White after being waived through the NFL.

That list may very well be expanded as the 2012 season unfolds.

Jarrett, who was ninth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2006, was a two-time all-American at USC before joining the Panthers. In four NFL seasons, he caught 35 passes for 428 yards and one touchdown. Moss posted similar numbers — 39 catches for 421 yards, with three touchdowns — as a member of the Giants. Smith (who dressed for five games) and Harper (two games) have also worn an NFL uniform.

The same can be said of Dallas Baker, who was obtained from the Montreal Alouettes midway through the 2011 season. Baker earned a Super Bowl ring after dressing for eight regular-season games with the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers.

There is something to be said for any player who appears on an NFL active roster, regardless of the duration. If you stockpile players of that calibre, the odds of finding a bona fide starter or two become favourable.

Keep in mind that the Roughriders do not need all of the aforementioned newcomers to pan out. Three of the five starting spots are already spoken for, thanks to Dressler, Chris Getzlaf and Rob Bagg. Efrem Hill, who caught 66 passes for the Roughriders in 2011, will also make a strong bid to retain his starting spot. Hence, the receivers who remain are likely vying for one or two roster spots.

Jarrett, Harper and Baker are all 6-foot-3 or taller, and are therefore inviting targets. Smith, at 6-foot-1, exhibited his elusiveness and route-running ability at a recent mini-camp. The 5-foot-8 Moss turned more heads than anyone, given his blinding speed.

But the question remains: Are those players’ skill sets transferable to the CFL game?

There is something to be said for an advanced comprehension of Canadian professional football. Non-import slotback Andy Fantuz was largely ignored by the Chicago Bears during a tryout in 2011, yet the erstwhile Roughrider — now a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats — is one of the CFL’s premier receivers.

Despite a lack of NFL validation, Fantuz is ideally suited to the Canadian game. The rules are second nature to him. The waggle — the ability of players to be in motion as the ball is snapped — also works to his advantage.

Although the likes of Jarrett and Moss are not as accustomed to the nuances of the CFL, they should provide the Roughriders with a running start once training camp begins.


(leaderpost.com)