NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft: Number 26 overall, WR Calvin Ridley
Julio Jones on one side with Calvin Ridley on the other? That was a terrifying thought for all defensive coordinators. Jones was already widely considered the best wide receiver in the league and Ridley had the sort of talent that would make him next in line to carry that torch.
Nevertheless, Ridley had to earn his stripes. He only started five games during his rookie year but still managed to rack up 821 yards and 10 touchdowns. It was much of the same in year two as his numbers looked almost identical. In year three, Ridley officially stepped out of the shadows of Jones. With the multiple-time Pro Bowler getting stung by the injury bug, Ridley stepped up in a huge way. He set a career-high in receiving yards with 1,374 and total receptions with 90.
At this point, it doesn’t matter how great Ridley is on the field, Jones will always get the bulk of the attention which will ultimately lead to a monster fourth year. If we focus on just the here and now, how can you not be excited about what Ridley has been able to accomplish in three years? He may not have the Pro Bowls and All-Pro nods under his belt but Falcon fans have to be grinning from ear to ear.
Grade: A-