Bears scoop up Riley Ridley in Round 4
The Chicago Bears selected wide receiver Riley Ridley out of Georgia in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 126th overall.
Ridley is the brother of Atlanta Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley. He gives the Bears another weapon for third-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, and the 21-year-old could compete for playing time as a rookie.
Ridley posted 43 receptions for 559 yards and nine touchdowns at Georgia last season.
Prospect profile
School: Georgia
Height: 6-1
Weight: 199 lbs
Strengths
- Advanced route-runner with subtle nuances that help him separate
- Very good ball skills - makes many contested catches look easy
- Excellent balance/body control on sideline targets
- Good hands
- Tough, competitive player who runs aggressively after the catch
- Very good feel for soft spots in zone coverage
- Dangerous when given free release off line of scrimmage
Weaknesses
- Lacks long speed and isn't a deep threat
- Feet are often slow which limits burst/acceleration
- Struggles with release at times versus press coverage
- Poor collegiate production - 559 yards in 2018 was career high
Bottom line
Ridley is one of the top route-runners in his class, which could lead to early NFL contributions. His body control and soft hands will likely make the former Bulldog a hot commodity on the draft's second day. Ridley doesn't come without limitations. He profiles as a solid possession receiver due to his lack of athleticism, breakaway speed, and elusiveness after the catch. He has every chance to be a mighty good secondary option, though.