Chicago Bears: Grading every 2019 NFL Draft pick
Wide Receiver. Georgia. Riley Ridley. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 4. 814
As I mentioned, this pick was a surprise. They have a solid group with Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller, and Cordarrelle Patterson. They also picked up Marvin Hall through free agency and have Javon Wims. Now they’re even stronger with Riley Ridley.
Ridley is the brother of Atlanta Falcons receiver and former Alabama Crimson Tide star Calvin Ridley. The 6-1, 200 pounder is a physical receiver. He doesn’t have elite speed but is an elite route runner. He can create space with that route running and his toughness. Additionally, he has great hands to snatch the ball at its highest point.
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He doesn’t stick his hands out too soon and usually beats the defender for that ball. His balance is incredible as well and after fighting for the ball he can still stay up and in bounds and get more yards. Even when not getting the ball, Ridley helps the offense. His physicality translates to his blocking. He is a willing blocker and can blow some defenders out.
It looks as if Ridley’s gamble to come out early paid off for the Bears. Had he stayed another year we could’ve talked about him being a first or second round prospect. He has 69 catches for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns but he had to share the ball with a lot of receivers on the Bulldogs roster. Even without elite speed, he still averaged 14.7 yards per catch.
This choice adds another weapon for quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Riley compares to Miller in his toughness and ability to make great catches. Throw in Tarik Cohen, Mike Davis and David Montgomery who can catch out of the backfield and tight ends Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen (when healthy), this has the chance to become one of the most intimidating offenses in the NFL. That, along with the most intimidating defense in the NFL, brings smiles to the Chicago Bears coaches and fans alike.
Grade: A-; While he wasn’t a need, he makes the Bears’ receiving corps unreal in 2019.