Calvin Ridley Scouting Report

Written by Christian Lysek

Alabama WR Calvin Ridley Scouting Report:

Photo from Cedric Mason, Touchdown Alabama Magazine

Calvin Ridley burst onto the College Football seen as a true freshman in 2015, racking up over 1000 receiving yards on a National Title team. After that, however, his production plateaued, failing to build on the enormous hype. Despite this, Calvin Ridley might be the best wide receiver in this class and is a near-lock for the first round. Here’s why:

Measurables: 6’1/2’’, 189 lbs, 31-5/8’’ arms, 9-1/8’’ hands

Year (Age): Three Year Junior (23)

Career stats by year: 

						Receiving				Rushing				Scrimmage
Year	School	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD
*2015	Alabama	SEC	FR	WR	15	89	1045	11.7	7	1	2	2.0	0	90	1047	11.6	7
*2016	Alabama	SEC	SO	WR	15	72	769	10.7	7	5	21	4.2	1	77	790	10.3	8
*2017	Alabama	SEC	JR	WR	14	63	967	15.3	5	2	17	8.5	0	65	984	15.1	5
Career	Alabama					224	2781	12.4	19	8	40	5.0	1	232	2821	12.2	20

Drop Rate: 7.2%

Pro Day: 

40-yard Dash: 4.43 seconds

Vertical Jump: 31 inches

Broad Jump: 110 inches

3-cone Drill: 6.88 seconds

20-yard Shuttle: 4.41 seconds

Bench Press: 15 reps

Tape Evaluation:

Strengths: Calvin Ridley makes playing wide receiver look effortless. He is a silky-smooth route runner. He makes sharp cuts at the top of his routes and is deceptive in his intentions, which helps him create separation. Not that he even needs it, because Ridley is blazing fast on film, frequently beating corners deep. If he didn’t have a running back for a passer, Ridley would statistically be the best receiver in the country. When the ball is in the air, Ridley does a great job adjusting to poorly thrown passes and securing the catch. Once the ball is in his hands, Ridley is can stop on a dime to evade defenders and gain yards after the catch. For his size, Ridley is also a good blocker due to the run heavy offense he is in.

Weaknesses: Ridley doesn’t have the build or skill set of a traditional WR1. He has a skinny frame for how old he is, and it limits his effectiveness against stronger outside corners or big nickels. Ridley also doesn’t play well above the rim, as he doesn’t come down with many contested catches he has to jump for. Ridley will be 24 when the season starts, which isn’t terrible, but suggests his slight frame may be maxed out.

Pro Comparison: Emmanuel Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders has always been on the WR2/WR1 border, but there is no question he has been a high quality player in the NFL. Whether it be in the slot or on the outside, Sanders produces thanks to his speed, route running, and hands. I see Ridley being used in a similar role as Sanders, and I think  he will have a similar level of impact in the pros

Three Teams that Fit: If he falls to them, the Panthers need to take a long, hard look at Calvin Ridley. He would bring speed, good route running, and reliable hands to a team that lacks all of the above. The Coboys did sign Allen Hurns, but he hasn’t accomplished much over the past two seasons, nd Ridley could end up being a much better player in the long run. The Ravens need wide receivers like plants need water, so bringing in Calvin Ridley along with Michael Crabtree will go a long way to help this receiving corps.

Where he should go: 1^st Round

Where he (probably) will go: 1^st Round

Conclusion:

Calvin Ridley is a versatile weapon that can win in the slot and outside the numbers. He is a day one impact player and should be one of the first receivers taken off the draft board.

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Combine Results courtesy of MockDraftable.com, Drop Percentage courtesy of Pro Football Focus, Career Statistics courtesy of sports-reference.com/cfb, Date of Birth courtesy of Scout Hub