Calvin Ridley, Alabama: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Alabama’s Calvin Ridley is a long and athletic wide receiver prospect who has the potential to be a top-10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Calvin Ridley has had an extremely productive college career despite dealing with some erratic quarterback play. The quarterback situation at Alabama has helped Ridley hone some important skills that will translate to the next level.

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Body control and the ability to track the ball are the first two that jump off the screen. Ridley is able to adjust to poorly thrown balls and make some acrobatic catches. He is constantly bailing the quarterback out of poorly placed balls.

Ridley’s combination of length and quickness also play a major role in his success. He shows easy speed that allows him to outpace defenders. Alabama loves to get the ball in his hands and allow him to create.

He gets a lot of opportunities on wide receiver screens, reverses and jet sweeps. Ridley is effective in space because of his shiftiness and overall speed.

This is a strong route runner who can create separation. He’s able to make seamless cuts and easily change direction. Ridley shows the ability to find the holes in zone coverage and make proper reads when the quarterback vacates the pocket.

Alabama’s run-heavy offense has helped Ridley become a complete player who helps as a blocker. However, it’s his ability to stretch the field and produce big plays that make him a special prospect.

He strikes me as someone who will out produce his college numbers at the next level. Ridley can easily be the featured target in a high-powered NFL offense. At this point, he is squarely in the mix to be the 1^st receiver selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.