Calvin Ridley was a three-year starter and a two time national champion with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Chicago Bears are in dire need of playmakers at the receiver position. Should the Bears draft Ridley should he fall to the 8th overall pick?
Calvin Ridley played in 44 games with the Alabama Crimson Tide, his career numbers are as follows 224 receptions, 2,781 yards, and 19 touchdowns. He isn’t as explosive as Julio Jones, or Amari Cooper, but he is the highest rated receiver in this years draft class. The NFL combine on March 3rd will be a very important part of deciding where Calvin Ridley is drafted. Will Ryan Pace decide to pick another WR in the top ten of the NFL draft?
Measurables
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 23
School: Alabama
Strengths
Calvin Ridley is a great route runner and seems to have a knack for getting the perfect release. If cornerbacks give him a free release he beats them on most routes.
Ridley’s quickness and elusiveness show on the field and on tape. He can take drag routes or screens for touchdowns after a move or two.
Weaknesses
Calvin Ridley lacks the physical size of the typical NFL wide receiver as he is only 190 pounds. This can be overlooked if his 40-yard dash and shuttle times are top of the class.
Ridley’s hands have been spotty, dropping balls when a defender is in his peripherals, or contact is imminent. Ridley has pretty good reliable hands, except for catching in traffic which is a concern.
Ridley has the bad habit of running east and west excessively, instead of north and south. As many college players do, they can simply outrun their competition. This is not the case in the NFL, everybody can run with you.