With The First Pick
Fansided

Calvin Ridley, Alabama: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) warms up prior to the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) warms up prior to the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

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.

More from With the First Pick

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 1st receiver selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Home/NFL Draft News