2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

The Baltimore Ravens desperately need to improve what’s become a receiving corps that has more value than on-field worth. Mike Wallace was Baltimore’s No. 1 receiver in 2017, pulling in 52 passes for 740 yards and four touchdowns.

If nothing else, Calvin Ridley can help address the Ravens’ most glaring void: A reliable red zone target for Joe Flacco and his $24,750,000 cap hit.

Ridley has long strides, explosive game speed, and the ability to separate from corners and safeties alike. He didn’t measure as well as most expected him to at the Scouting Combine, but he’s a better player than he is tester—and that’s what matters here.

Whether it’s a matter of moving the chains or breaking the game open with a play over the top, Ridley has the athleticism and hands to make that happen.

For Baltimore, adding a player who can do more than make a long reception would be progress. More importantly: Adding a player who knows how to find openings in a defense in the red zone would create the potential for vastly improved execution in a below-average passing game.

Baltimore has been searching for a deep ball target for quite some time, and with Ridley on the roster, it would have a player who isn’t limited to being a one-trick pony.