Fantasy Football: Top 5 rookie breakout candidates

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a reception for a touchdown in the first quarter of the AllState Sugar Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Calvin Ridley, WR, Falcons

Many wide receivers would love to play opposite of Julio Jones, not because they want to play on the same team, but it means they will have less focus on them in coverage.

Much like D.J. Moore (see above), Ridley will benefit from a high powered offense that works intermediate and deep routes. But unlike Moore, Ridley plays much more with route running and elusiveness in his game.

With 967 yards and five touchdowns on 63 passes last season, his reputation as a hard worker will make him fit nicely into that offense. Ridley has the speed and know-how to get behind defensive backs which will make him a tempting flex option in his rookie season.

Ridley also has the benefit of playing alongside Jones and Mohamed Sanu, with defenses forced to respect the run thanks to Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman. It’s not hard to understand why Ridley is going to see a ton of man-to-man looks, giving him a chance to be something special right away.

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