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NFL Draft: Studs, Duds, and Sleepers-Wide Receivers

By Thomas Welte

AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Hakeem Butler #18 of the Iowa State Cyclones drives the ball past defensive back Justis Nelson #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders for a touchdown in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Hakeem Butler #18 of the Iowa State Cyclones drives the ball past defensive back Justis Nelson #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders for a touchdown in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – NOVEMBER 10: Riley Ridley #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with a catch against the Auburn Tigers on November 10, 2018 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – NOVEMBER 10: Riley Ridley #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with a catch against the Auburn Tigers on November 10, 2018 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Dud: Riley Ridley, Georgia

The younger brother of the Atlanta Falcons Calvin Ridley, Riley has been a productive weapon for the Georgia Bulldogs. Riley is listed at 6’2 and 200 pounds but plays like someone much smaller than that on film. Riley really struggles against press man and can be moved off his spot by more physical corners. Despite seeing time in 27 games as a Georgia Bulldog, Ridley stands just shy of 1,000 yards for his career and has hauled in 13 touchdowns.

The 2019 NFL Draft has some names at wide receiver, but Riley Ridley may stand out because of the success of his older brother. Riley is talented, but should not be seen as the number one option in an offense. His struggles against press coverage and physical corners may limit him to exclusively a slot player. There are serious questions about Ridley’s ability to create separation off the line of scrimmage.

Riley has plenty of ability, but the risk is that he will be seen as more than he is and drafted higher than he should be because of his name and his brothers success. There are some who projected Riley Ridley as a 1st round selection, but Ridley has a lot of development before he can contribute to an NFL offense on a consistent basis.

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