Calvin Ridley

Ridley is currently the 20th receiver off the board in drafts. Despite releasing an amazing story about his journey in the NFL, courtesy of Sports Illustrated, it's hard to see him have a lot of success this season. Although I hope I am wrong with that statement, the 2018 26th overall pick has not played an NFL game since Week Seven of 2021. Now on a new team, he projects to be the top target for Trevor Lawrence. There is a world this offense is electric and Ridley is amazing, however, at his ADP I'd rather take a shot on receivers like Mike Williams, Chris Godwin, and Brandon Aiyuk, all of which are going well after him.

The last time we saw Calvin Ridley, he was still among the best receivers in the league. In 2021, Ridley was seventh in target share (27.4%), fourth in air yard share (40.0%), and fifth in route win rate. Ridley and Ryan just couldn't find their old chemistry, as Ryan's skills were profoundly diminished. Ridley was subjected to backup quarterback-level target quality that ranked 63rd. His catchable target rate was only 71.2% (73rd). While it's worth pondering what version of Ridley we'll see returning from hiatus, don't for a second think he was playing poorly in 2021 despite the fantasy results not being there. With Trevor Lawrence taking a huge step forward in 2022, Ridley will be a WR2 next season with WR1 upside.

3/7: Officially reinstated, which minimizes the risk. Congested situation but he could easily be the Alpha here in an explosive, ascending offense


Last time we saw Ridley for a full season, he was a Top-5 WR & looked like the next great young stud WR. Trevor Lawrence has looked phenomenal during the 2022 second half, and if Zay Jones / Christian Kirk can put up these kind of numbers... Ridley could go BONKERS in 2023.

He hasn't played since November of '21, but he will be a very-fresh legged 28 years old in '23. He will likely be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season. You likely won't be able to buy-low from someone that has been rostering him the past two seasons.