CFL football is back, and pre-season games start this week. The competition is only just beginning, though. Today, we’ll focus on the Ottawa Redblacks and their wide receiver/slotback depth chart heading into training camp.
Ottawa Redblacks Receiving Depth Chart
The Big Four
The first four spots on the depth chart are very easy to name: Chris Williams, Greg Ellingson, Ernest Jackson, and hometown boy Brad Sinopoli. Last season, all four were a major factor in the Ottawa Redblacks’ run all the way to the Grey Cup. All four had over 1000 yards receiving and all had big plays to help win games – none bigger than Greg Ellingson’s 2 and 25 catch.
The fifth spot is the hard one. Do the Ottawa Redblacks dress an American or a Canadian? There is legitimate competition for both and Ottawa should be pleased with the depth.
Canadian Contenders
For the Canadians it is three headed race that includes last year’s second round pick Jake Harty. Harty has looked very well in training camp at receiver, he played mostly on special teams last year as a concussion in the pre-season limited him.
Alex Pierzchalski is the next contender for the Canadian spot. He was drafted two years ago by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the second round but was cut last year and picked up by the Redblacks. He had a limited role but lived with Ellingson in the off-season and did tireless workouts to get better and has looked better in training camp.
Finally, the last Canadian is Scott MacDonell. He’s entering his third year is looking to do more on the offence as he has had limited action in his time in Ottawa.
American Aspirants
Khalil Paden has been with the Redblacks for parts of two seasons, injured for most of that time. He will be hoping to become a guy Ottawa looks to.
Jamill Smith, a fan favourite in Ottawa, was brought back last season after being cut. Most figure Smith will be a kick returner, but in training camp Smith impressed many with his receiver skills.
Juron Criner and John Harris both are different as Criner has played in the NFL and Harris dominated at the college level. Both were added this off-season to help out the receiving corps.
The big question for Rick Campbell and Marcel Desjardins is whether to go American or Canadian at the fifth receiver spot. But it might depend heavily on decisions made elsewhere on the roster, because Ottawa has good options, and tons of depth.
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