The Others: Prospects who were in final consideration for Riders with No. 1 pick

While Josiah St. John’s absence from Saskatchewan continues, it’s worth exploring which other prospects the Riders legitimately considered taking with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2016 CFL draft.

Three players were in the discussion for Chris Jones and the green and white football personnel staff. Of course St. John was one, joining offensive lineman Charles Vaillancourt and linebacker Alex Singleton, per sources.

The Laval product was grabbed by B.C. with the fifth pick and inked a deal similar to what the player taken in the same slot, defensive lineman Ese Mrabure-Ajufo, received in 2015.

Calgary jumped at the chance to select Singleton, who gained Canadian status while in the NFL last year, at six. Stampeders’ evaluators believe the Montana State grad is the “real deal” after seeing what he’s shown in camp.

As the time passes with St. John not in Riderville – the six-foot-six, 309 pounder said he’s willing to hold out until the regular season starts and then asked for a trade – it’s worth wondering whether Saskatchewan wishes they would’ve rather drafted Vaillancourt or Singleton, and presumptively had either player signed, sealed and delivered when training camp began.