Falcons continue to stockpile offensive firepower with Calvin Ridley

The Atlanta Falcons selected wide receiver Calvin Ridley out of Alabama with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Ridley joins one of the NFL's most potent offenses and will play alongside one of the league's best wide receivers in fellow Alabama alum Julio Jones.

The wide receiver helped Alabama win two national championships during his three-year career and has plenty of experience against the best defenses in college football.

Although some may be worried that his production failed to match a prodigious freshman year, Ridley's route-running ability and underrated speed and acceleration should make him a welcome asset to the Falcons.

Calvin Ridley Bio

Position: WR
School: Alabama
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 189 lbs

Strengths

• Polished route runner who burns anyone who gives him too much space off the line. Plays at faster speed than he tests.
• Fluidly gets in and out of breaks while maintaining speed. Uses lateral quickness to burn defensive backs on double moves and in space after the catch.
• Understands how to find space in between zones and force difficult angles on deep passes. Often gets cornerback and safety out of position before making catch.
• Natural hands catcher. Rarely uses body to secure passes.

Weaknesses

• Smaller size than teams would prefer in top receiver. Tends to get bullied by larger, stronger defensive backs. Struggles to fight through tackles after the catch.
• Has trouble with drops (20 over three seasons), especially when he hears footsteps from heavy-hitting safeties. Questionable if he can be productive going over the middle in NFL.

Athletic testing