Calvin Ridley News

Taken with the 26th overall pick last year, Ridley had a promising rookie season with 10 scores (T-6th), 8.9 YPT and four catches of 40-plus yards on only 92 targets. Ordinarily, that kind of debut would portend big things in Year 2. But six of Ridley’s TDs came in Weeks 2-4 – he had only four scores from Week 5 until the end of the year. Moreover, Ridley’s focus was suspect at times as he dropped nine passes, nearly 10 percent of his total looks. Finally, the once red-zone-challenged Julio Jones went on a TD-scoring tear in the second half, and Jones isn’t going anywhere as the team’s target hog and first look near the goal line. At 6-1, 190, Ridley has average size and good speed (4.43 40). He’s a polished route runner and versatile enough to line up outside or in the slot. And while Jones’ presence limits his target and production ceiling, there’s a nice floor with a stable QB situation, modest contributions from the TE in the passing game and only 30-year-old Mohamed Sanu competing for the non-Jones portion of the wideout opportunities.

Taken with the 26th overall pick, Ridley finds himself in a nearly ideal landing spot. The Falcons have a high-end QB in his prime and a playmaking void opposite an aging Julio Jones at receiver. Mohamed Sanu is a decent possession option, but he’s slow and had only one 40-yard catch over the last two years. Enter Ridley, a polished route runner and accomplished college receiver who runs a 4.43 40 and has enough quickness to line up in the slot. At 6-1, 190, Ridley isn’t especially stout, and he’s already 23, so his ceiling might not be as high as some of the younger players in his class. But he should see targets out of the gate and has a good chance to be the team’s No. 2 option before long.