A significant development for the Riders heading into the 2017 CFL season is the official opening of Mosaic Stadium. Three test events have been held at the $278-million facility, but the doors open officially on July 1 when the Riders play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The new stadium is a state-of-the-art gem with cutting-edge amenities for players and fans.

The Riders’ new home also increases the pressure on Chris Jones, who’s in his second season as the club's head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations. The Riders posted a 5-13 record in 2016, which was a transitional year for Jones. He has had an opportunity in 2017 to rebuild the Riders into his type of team and there won’t be room for excuses this time.

The Riders head into the 2017 season with Kevin Glenn — a 38-year-old veteran of 17 CFL seasons — at quarterback. Glenn returned for a third stint with the Green and White after the Riders traded franchise quarterback Darian Durant to the Montreal Alouettes. Glenn is dependable, but he’s hardly a long-term plan at quarterback.

The Riders need Glenn to avoid injury because there isn’t much experience behind him on the depth chart.

STRENGTHS

Saskatchewan is loaded with receivers. Naaman Roosevelt returns after leading the Riders in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,095) in 2016, despite missing the final seven games of the regular season with an injured knee. Veterans Rob Bagg, who is heading into his 10th season, and Caleb Holley and Ricky Collins Jr. join Roosevelt.

The Riders added to their strength with the off-season free-agent signings of wide receiver Duron Carter and slotback Bakari Grant.

Carter is among the CFL’s most electrifying receivers, while Grant brings physical play and leadership. As a group, the Riders’ receivers could be among the league’s best.

WEAKNESSES

Chris Jones promised to leave “no stone unturned’’ while searching for a replacement for Darian Durant, who was traded to the Montreal Alouettes after 11 seasons with the Riders.

Jones then unearthed Kevin Glenn to fill the void. Glenn is serviceable and seems to suit the Riders’ offensive scheme. Whether he can remain healthy as an everyday player remains to be seen.

The Riders are counting on Glenn because backups Brandon Bridge and Marquise Williams both lack in CFL experience. Former NFLer Vince Young, who suffered a torn hamstring during training camp, was released. Young was attempting a comeback at 34.

THE MAIN MAN

Naaman Roosevelt has evolved into an elite receiver since cracking the Riders’ active roster in 2015 after spending the first eight games on the practice roster.

While dressing for 10 games in 2015, Roosevelt had 25 receptions for 488 yards and tied for the team lead with five touchdowns.

In 2016, Roosevelt was on pace for one of the best receiving seasons in Riders history before being sidelined. He still led the Riders in receptions and yardage and was the team’s nominee for most outstanding player.

Roosevelt hasn’t shown any ill effects from off-season surgery and is a star on the Riders’ deep receiving corps.

ADDITIONS

WR Duron Carter, G Peter Dyakowski, S Mike Edem, QB Kevin Glenn, SB Bakari Grant, LB Cameron Judge, RB Kienan LaFrance, RB Cameron Marshall, KR Chad Owens, DT Eddie Steele.

It’s hard to imagine where the team would be if Kevin Glenn had signed with another team.

Fortunately for the Riders, they didn’t have to deal with that scenario and are counting on him to lead them in the new stadium.

DEPARTURES

OL Chris Best, DB Justin Cox, QB Darian Durant, RB Joe McKnight, LB Greg Jones, LB Jeff Knox Jr., LB Otha Foster, DT Corvey Irvin.

Justin Cox was cut after he was charged with assault causing bodily harm in an alleged domestic violence incident. He was found not guilty, but was still not allowed to return to the CFL.

Cox led the Riders with four interceptions in 2016.

RECENT TEAM RECORD

2016 - 5-13 (Missed playoffs)

2015 - 3-15 (Missed playoffs)

2014 - 10-8 (Lost West semifinal)

2013 - 11-7 (Won Grey Cup)

2012 - 8-10 (Lost West semifinal)

PREDICTION

Moving up from the West Division cellar will be a big ask for the Riders.

They have made improvements at receiver and along the offensive and defensive lines. Questions remain in the defensive backfield, running back and at quarterback, with Kevin Glenn behind centre.

The other four teams have younger quarterbacks, giving them an edge in a key position over the Riders.

The Riders will be in trouble if they get off to another slow start because they have a combined 1-18 record over the past two seasons before Labour Day.

Still, the Riders are marginally better than in 2016 when head coach and general manager Chris Jones had only off-season to rebuild the roster. The Riders’ 7-11 record will reflect Jones’ efforts to improve the team.

mmccormick@postmedia.com