ARLINGTON- Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley is the top receiver in the 2018 NFL Draft. He is the clear-cut number one as he the most polished receiver and not by a little margin. Ridley is a not only a playmaker but also a game changer. How does he give a NFL offense the edge over all defenses.
After assessing the game film, Ridley comes across as another speed receiver. Everyone heard about speed receivers in this draft as there are so many but Ridley is the best of them. He is a smooth route runner with polished, quick foot work. The ability to stop on a dime then turn up field and turn short passes into touchdowns is an elite skill that Ridley possesses. Some receivers in this draft show the same ability but it just seems that Ridley is more fluent in his routes than the others. He shows great finesse with perfectly timed spin moves, juke moves and cuts. It will be interesting to see if Ridley is a better receiver than Pierre Garcon.
Ridley can beat defenders with short, medium and deep passes. He makes offensive play calling easy and worry free since he cam catch any pass thrown his way. If a quarterback throws a five yard pass, watch him get 15 yards out of it. If he gets a pass 20 yards downfield in the middle, watch him turn into a 40 yard gain. If he gets a 30 to 40 yard pass, let’s just say the defenders better tackle him quickly or wave good-bye because he will get a touchdown with relative ease. Speed, acceleration, route running, quick feet and great finesse are Ridley’s attributes. He isn’t the bulky receiver that will truck defenders so he needs to win with his stellar elusiveness. Despite not having a whole lot of strength, Ridley’s attributes and football instincts make him the go to receiver, especially in two-minute situations that can be the difference between winning and losing. Ridley is 6 feet tall and189 pounds. He is very dependable and will get the job done.