SportsCage and TSN analyst Glen Suitor believes Saskatchewan Roughriders' general manager Jeremy O'Day has assembled an elite offensive line.
"I really like what he's done with his starting group with Sean McEwen at centre," Suitor explained to the SportsCage. "If you look at [Philippe] Gagnon, [Jermarcus] Hardrick, [Trevon] Tate, and [Logan] Ferland across the board, that can be as good of an offensive line as any in the league. That can be an all-star group."
Last year, the Riders had some injuries along the offensive line.
"That is the issue, last year they got hit with injuries in the same position and they had to move a guy from defence over," Suitor said. "Micah Johnson did a really nice job, but they don't want to get caught again."
Johnson had to be inserted twice as the Green and White's emergency offensive lineman during the 2024 season. The first time was against the Edmonton Elks in Week 9 and the second time was against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Week 13.
Suitor stated it's necessary for teams across the CFL to consider offensive linemen when picking players in the 2025 CFL Draft on Tuesday, April 29.
"This is where every team needs to prioritize, especially when it comes to the draft. That's why the Canadian Draft isn't necessarily that sexy," Suitor said. “I don't mean this as a slight against offensive linemen, but we're not drafting quarterbacks and star receivers in the first two rounds. We're drafting offensive linemen in the first round because that's where you need to be solid.”
Suitor compared offensive linemen from the United States to those from Canada.
"So down there, bigger across the board, more of a push-type of look. Up here, a little more, I wouldn't say a little more athletic, but quicker feet," Suitor explained. "Size isn't quite as important on the offensive line here as it is down there because there's more of a run game down there."
Suitor is curious to hear from new CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston.
"First time he'll be actually public. He's got to settle in, but I hope we hear about collaborating in the boardroom, competing in the field. I hope we hear about how he plans to bring everyone together," Suitor said. "I hope he talks about growing the game in our country. I hope he talks about bringing and stealing ideas from every owner. Yes, the markets are different, but you can assimilate someone's idea into your market."
