Calvin Ridley (WR, ATL) - Fantasy Football Draft Analysis

September 1, 2018

NFL rookie Calvin Ridley is a potential 2018 fantasy football wide receiver draft value. If his role expands he could be a sleeper WR for fantasy owners.

BALLER MOVE: Target ~115

CURRENT ADP: ~125

ANALYSIS: Going into the 2018 draft, Calvin Ridley was widely considered the top wide receiver prospect. So, the Atlanta Falcons nabbed him with the No. 26 overall pick to pair opposite star Julio Jones. Ridley had a fantastic collegiate career at Alabama. Despite only playing three seasons, he is second on the Crimson Tide's all-time list in receptions (224) and touchdowns (19) while placing third in receiving yards (2,781). Ridley also had eight 100-yard games which is the third most in program history.

Ridley is currently listed behind veteran Mohammed Sanu on the Falcons depth chart - but it's conceivable that the 6'1", 190-pound speedster can replace Sanu in the starting lineup this season at some point. Therefore, it may be worth taking a late-round flier on him.

While Ridley is clearly the Falcons No. 3 receiver, he is not expected to see a ton of throws come his way in the beginning of the season. However, Taylor Gabriel -- the team's third receiver last season -- was targeted 51 times in 16 games last year. Jones and Sanu are expected to see the majority of targets, along with tight end Austin Hooper. Running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman could also see an increase of work in the passing game.

Ridley's performance was up and down during the preseason. In three exhibition games, he finished with five catches for 59 yards (the majority of those yards came on his 36-yard score). But the upside is there in case his role expands or there is a WR injury. Ridley is an uber-talented and versatile athlete who should make an immediate impact in the Falcons return game, and could see an expanded role in the receiving corps. For now, he makes for a later-round flier with upside to round out your bench.