2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns land Baker Mayfield
By Conor Dorney
Washington answered the question of “what happens to Kirk Cousins” by trading a king’s ransom for Alex Smith, so expect the club to look to an offensive weapon like Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley with the 13th-overall pick in the first round.
Like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ridley arrived in Tuscaloosa as a five-star recruit and found himself making an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide. Though he only posted one 1,000-yard receiving season in his time at Alabama, Ridley’s big-play ability will likely translate to multiple 1,000-yard seasons once he reaches the NFL.
Ridley is one of the most polished route-runners in the class and also possesses outstanding speed. He’s a true home run threat and likely would have posted much better numbers had it not been for Alabama’s relatively conservative offense and inconsistent quarterback play. He is outstanding after the catch and despite a smaller frame, is durable and consistent as a run blocker. He’ll need to be more consistent in getting off of physical press coverage, but his footwork and agility off the line of scrimmage can help to make up for the lack of physicality.
Washington found themselves with an Alabama player in the first round of 2017 and if Ridley is still available with this pick, could very well go the same route with their first selection of 2018.