NFL Draft 2018: Top 10 available wide receivers

DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: SMU Mustangs wide receiver Courtland Sutton (#16) turns up field after making a catch during the college football game between the SMU Mustangs and the UConn Huskies on September 30, 2017 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 18: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs this reception in for a touchdown against the Mercer Bears at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama

NFL comparison – Tim Brown

Projected draft position – Round 1

Ridley seems as if he was essentially born to play the receiver position with his body type and style of play. His route-running is advanced and is easily some of the best the draft has seen in years. He runs with controlled, long strides and smooth natural acceleration which builds up into game-changing speed. He is great at selling the fly route in setup for more intermediate routes.

Ridley uses a multitude of jab steps, head fakes and double moves to leave defensive backs on their toes and unable to pinpoint his route placement. He has tremendous natural pass-catching ability and plucks the ball from the air without breaking stride in his running.

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After the catch he is also very dangerous as he can make defenders miss while barely breaking his running stride. The biggest knock on Ridley’s game isn’t necessarily part of his game at all, he doesn’t possess the size or body type that you want in a star No. 1 receiver and can be taken off his game if the right physical elite corner gets in his face in press coverage.

The former Alabama standout is highly dynamic with a skill set that can make him extremely versatile in many facets of the game. When his number is called on upcoming Sundays, look for something special to follow.

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