Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam: Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam: Getty Images /

Atlanta Falcons – The talented Mr. Ridley

The Falcons are a perennial playoff contender, and they’ll be in the thick of things again this year as long as their key players are healthy. But some reinforcements are needed to take a big step, and perhaps close the deal if they reach the Super Bowl (in their own stadium, as it were) for the second time in three years come February.

At first glance the league’s eighth-ranked offense last year (364.8 yards per game) wouldn’t seem to need much help. But the Falcons were a disappointing middle of the pack scoring offense in 2017, and when Ridley was available at No. 26 overall in April’s draft it was an opportunity that simply couldn’t be turned down.

Ridley is, at minimum, an upgrade over Taylor Gabriel as Atlanta’s No. 3 wide receiver. He also has a chance to push Mohamed Sanu down the pecking order for targets opposite Julio Jones.

Ridley was the most-NFL ready wide receiver in this year’s draft class, and he may line up all over the field while also being used as a kickoff and punt return man. He’s in a position to succeed immediately in a significant role no matter what, and thus be a difference-making player for the Falcons.

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