Chicago Bears trade for Calvin Ridley in this 2022 Mock Draft
By Ryan Heckman
In Round 2, the Chicago Bears make a splash and acquire Calvin Ridley
In the second round, the Bears make a bold move. Instead of potentially drafting a wide receiver with pick 39, they trade it to the Atlanta Falcons, along with a 2023 third-rounder, in exchange for wideout Calvin Ridley and a fourth-round pick.
Last year, Ridley left the Falcons in order to focus on his mental health. Stepping away from the game may have signaled a future divorce between Ridley and the Falcons, though, as Steve Wyche told a couple of Falcons’ sources.
Asked if Calvin Ridley’s future with the Falcons is in jeopardy @wyche89 tells @MikeBellATL & @putemupcdukes “I’d think so. The fact that he and the team have been so quiet and he hasn’t surfaced, it appears like both sides could be looking for a fresh start.” #dirtybirds
— DukesandBell929 (@DukesandBell929) January 4, 2022
If the Falcons do intend to trade Ridley, then his value must be measured accordingly. The last notable receiver to be traded was DeAndre Hopkins when he was moved essentially for a second-round pick. Now, the Texans were not smart there, to say the least. When looking at a talent like Ridley, he’s worth a couple of picks. But, the Bears also get a fourth-rounder in exchange.
Right now, the mystery surrounding Clavin Ridley is still high. We aren’t sure he will return to football just yet, therefore it’s a huge risk. But, if he does, then this trade is well worth it. Ridley is one of the league’s best route runners and gets open with ease. He’d give Fields a legitimate number one body in the receiving room, and Poles would look like a genius in his first year in control.
In four seasons (49 games) with the Falcons, Calvin Ridley has caught 248 passes for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns. His rookie campaign saw him explode onto the season with 10 scores, and his best year overall came in 2020 when he finished with 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.