The Atlanta Falcons used their 2018 first-round pick on Alabama WR Calvin Ridley. After two seasons of splitting time as the team’s second and third receiver, Ridley enters the 2020 season as Matt Ryan’s undisputed No. 2 option behind Julio Jones.
Many are predicting a breakout year for Ridley, especially with Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper out of the picture. NFL.com is the latest outlet to project big things for the third-year wideout.
In Dan Hanzus’ feature predicting the 2020 MVP for each NFC team, Ridley was chosen for the Falcons. Check out his reasoning in the excerpt below:
This feels like the year Ridley “makes the leap” from quality starter to breakout star. The 2018 first-round pick has been a consistent source of production in his first two seasons, totaling 17 touchdowns and close to 1,700 yards while lining up across from Julio Jones. At 31, Jones will continue to command double-teams — and Atlanta’s lack of a proven third wideout (hi, Russell Gage) or the presence of tight end Austin Hooper (off to Cleveland in free agency) means a healthy Ridley should easily surpass 100 targets for the first time. Jones hasn’t had a running mate with this talent level since Roddy White, a member of the Falcons’ Ring of Honor.
Ridley has played in 29 games, racking up 127 catches, 1,687 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns since 2018. With Mohamed Sanu and Hooper out of the picture this season, Atlanta’s third-year WR is poised for a productive year.
