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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five wide receivers

By Maxwell Ogden

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 19: D.J. Moore runs against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Maryland 28-7. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 19: D.J. Moore runs against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Maryland 28-7. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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The Alabama Crimson Tide utilize a run-heavy offense that often masks the true quality of their wide receivers. Thus, when discussing 2018 NFL Draft prospect Calvin Ridley, one must be mindful of how the system he played in influenced his basic statistics.

While others may have numbers that blow Ridley’s out of the water, he’s the No. 1 wide receiver prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Ridley isn’t the biggest or fastest wide receiver, but he may be the cleanest in this draft class. He has long and smooth strides, more than adequate speed for his size, and an uncanny ability to create separation from defensive backs.

Ridley is the best route runner in this class, which helps make up for the shocking lack of explosive leaping ability that was once lauded on his scouting report.

Ridley’s game is predicated on a combination of footwork, speed, and football IQ. He’s a step ahead of opposing defenses in every sense of the word, as he excels at getting to his spots and creating misdirection along the way.

Dropped passes and their direct correlation to lackluster hand size present bust potential with Ridley, but I can’t deny how compelling a prospect he is.

Must Read: Ranking the top five running backs in the 2018 NFL Draft

Calvin Ridley has garnered comparisons to Amari Cooper, which may be the most appropriate likening for his 2018 NFL Draft status.

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