Packers 2018 draft prospect profile: Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley
We spoke to Rick Serritella of NFL Draft Bible to learn more about potential Green Bay Packers draft target, Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Last week, Ridley officially announced he will be leaving Tuscaloosa and taking his talents to the NFL.
The junior decided to forgo his senior season just a few days after Alabama defeated Georgia in the national championship game. Despite having a quiet game, Ridley led the Crimson Tide with four receptions, 32 yards and a touchdown.
Ridley made an immediate impact the minute he arrived on campus. As a freshman, he led Alabama with 89 receptions, 1,045 yards and seven scores.
In each of his three seasons, Ridley led the Crimson Tide in receptions and yards.
He finished his career with 224 catches, 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns. He is second all-time in Alabama history in catches behind Amari Cooper, third in receiving yards right ahead of Julio Jones and tied for second in touchdowns.
The explosive 6-foot-1 wideout is the fifth best receiver in this year’s draft according to CBS Sports, however ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes he is the best player at the position.
I spoke to Rick Serritella of NFL Draft Bible to learn more about Ridley’s NFL potential.
What are Ridley’s strengths?
“This player runs the whole route tree and has proven he can beat you from anywhere on the field (X, Y, Z).
“His precise route running allows him to create great leverage and separation. Ridley is also a threat after the catch and has an extra turbo boost gear, which makes him a tough matchup for any opponent.”
What are Ridley’s weaknesses?
“While he possesses elite footwork, his hand placement needs to be better when coming off the line of scrimmage and blocking. Physical corners tend to jam him up a bit at times.”
How would Ridley fit with the Green Bay Packers?
“With Aaron Rodgers still in him prime and Ridley’s ability to line up anywhere, this would be one of the most lethal combinations in the league.”
NFL comparison?
“Compares to Marvin Harrison and currently projects as the top-rated wideout in this year’s draft class.”
Make sure to read Rick’s entire scouting report on Calvin Ridley.
There is a very good chance the Packers could target a wide receiver in the upcoming draft.
Green Bay recently signed Davante Adams to a four-year, $58 million contract, which may play a role in the future of veterans Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.
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Nelson has been Rodgers’ number one target for years, but he clearly showed his age this past season. Many may argue he only struggled because Rodgers wasn’t under center for a majority of the season.
But, even in Rodgers’ return, Nelson looked slower and the two couldn’t get on the same page.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Nelson could agree to a pay-cut or get released. The same applies for Cobb.
Cobb is expected to make nearly $10 million next season and will turn 28 this offseason. If he is willing to restructure his deal, the Packers may be more willing to bring him back compared to Nelson because of age and injury history.
A wide receiver like Ridley would immediately fill the void left if Nelson or Cobb are no longer with the Packers next season. His crisp route running ability would be a dream come true for Rodgers.
Depending on how active the Packers are in free agency could determine if Green Bay decides to draft a wideout.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Ridley will likely be off the board when Green Bay is on the clock, but a stud prospect paired with Adams would be a lethal combination for Rodgers.