Atlanta Falcons draft Calvin Ridley: Instant grade and analysis

Here’s our look at wide receiver Calvin Ridley, including our grade of his selection with the 26th overall by the Atlanta Falcons.

Ridley wasn’t expected to land with the Falcons, but he joins an explosive receiving corps that includes Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Here’s out report on what Atlanta fans should expect from their newest addition.

Strengths

If you can be a star wide receiver at the University of Alabama, you have a damn good shot of repeating that in the professional ranks. While the Crimson Tide are a juggernaut, they have Jalen Hurts throwing the ball, something that would normally tamp down a receiver’s numbers.

When you watch film on Ridley, he’s smooth. The routes, his breaks, his hands, all of it appears effortless. The youngster has good body control and can get past the safeties, showcasing terrific burst on a multitude of routes.

Weaknesses

Ridley’s biggest issue might be his frame. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he has the speed to separate but might not have the body to handle the pounding he’ll take across the middle. Look fo the strength and conditioning coach to spend plenty of time with him.

Additionally, Ridley is 23 years old, so there isn’t as much potential in him as say Christian Kirk, D.J. Moore or Courtland Sutton. It’s not the end of the world, but it has to be factored in when talking about how much upside a prospect has.

Grade

Grade: B

Ridley is going to be a very good player, but the Falcons had plenty of other needs and players that would have fit them. Maurice Hurst could have been terrific here, same for Taven Bryan. That said, Ridley is tough to knock due to his career at Alabama and considerable upside.