Mel Kiper Jr. thinks Alabama WR Calvin Ridley is a ‘guaranteed first-round pick’
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Alabama WR Calvin Ridley hasn’t had his best season as a junior this year, recording 55 catches for 896 yards and three touchdowns.
He’s still a game-changing receiver, but the Alabama offense hasn’t been very good at throwing the ball this season.
However, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is still high on Ridley’s draft stock, should he decide to turn pro. In fact, in this ESPN.com article, Kiper says Ridley is a lock to be a first-round pick:
Alabama’s Calvin Ridley is the clear No. 1 guy, and he’s the only receiver I see as a guaranteed first-round pick right now. He’s No. 12 on my Big Board.
With a first-round draft grade, it’ll be hard for Ridley to pass up the chance to turn pro. That will hurt the Alabama offense next year, but it does appear there are a few young receivers ready to step up.
Ridley still has some time to weigh his decision, though, as the Crimson Tide are preparing to make another run at a national title. What happens next remains to be seen, but Ridley has some intriguing options.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
