Chicago Bears: Recap of combine workouts for top 5 wide receivers
By Ryan Heckman
Calvin Ridley, Alabama
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 189
Projected Round: First
40-yard dash: 4.43
Vertical: 31″
Broad jump: 9’2”
Here at Da Windy City, we have had our opinions on Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley. While it is widely believed he will be the first receiver off the board, it likely will not be at number eight to the Bears.
First of all, Ridley’s combine wasn’t as impressive as it needed to be for him to jump up into the top 10 conversation. He might be the most NFL-ready guy at his position, but honestly, he doesn’t bring anything special to the equation.
Ridley is a phenomenal route runner. That’s quite honestly his best trait. Does he have solid hands? Sure, he does. But beyond that, he’s average.
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His speed won’t blow you away, although a 4.43 is not a bad time. What’s astonishing to me, though, is that his vertical was so underwhelming. At 31 inches, that’s not the type of guy you want playing on the outside, nor the guy you will target inside the 10.
So, if Ridley isn’t that true, big-bodied, number one type of guy, why should the Bears take him at eighth overall? Really, they shouldn’t. Now, if he somehow falls to the second round (which he won’t) or if the Bears trade down with a team like, say, the Buffalo Bills and he’s still hanging around, then yes absolutely he is worth the pick.
You can always make room for guys who run crisp routes and catch the football, but with the amount of talent projected to be available at the eighth pick, Pace can’t take a guy like Ridley.