Three Options in the NFL Draft to Replace Calvin Ridley

All things considered, the 2021 season was one to remember for the Atlanta Falcons, most notably the absence of wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Altogether, the Falcons’ 2018 first-round pick played in just five games, citing mental health concerns. In total, Ridley had 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns but he won’t be in the league come the 2022 season.

In essence, the receiver was suspended for the entirety of the 2022 NFL season due to betting on games. Presently, the earliest that Ridley can apply to be reinstated is February 15, 2023. That being said, the Falcons need to address this glaring hole in their receiving corps and the NFL Draft. Given that this year’s WR class has a bit of depth, let’s explore three options to fill the cleats of Ridley.

Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: Ridley 2.0?

To point out, the Falcons have the number eight pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and they’d have their pick of any WR prospect. In any event, general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith might lean towards Wilson because of his excellent route running and the big-play potential.

What’s more, his hands might be the best in this year’s class. From a size point of view, his six-feet, 188-pound frame is similar to Ridley’s six-feet one, 190-pound stature. In his junior season at Ohio State, he was eighth in the nation with 12 touchdown catches.

All in all, Wilson finished fourth in receiving yards (1,058) and receptions (70) in the Big 10 in 2021.
With this in mind, Wilson could easily compete to be the number one WR entering the season for the Falcons and be a viable target for QB Matt Ryan.

Drake London, USC: Cannot Teach Size

In truth, the six-foot five-inch, 210-pound WR helps him get that edge over defenders much smaller than him. Moreover, he can be an equal asset in the run game as he’s one of the better blocking receivers in this draft. Although he may not have the speed like Wilson, London is still good enough to down the field and be a playmaker.

While at USC in his junior season, London had 88 receptions, 1,084 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. He led the Pac-12 in both receptions and receiving yards as he finished fourth in touchdowns in the conference.

In addition, London was the 2021 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. On the whole, the possible addition of London would give Ryan another tall target to throw to. Undeniably, London and the six-foot-six, 246-pound TE Kyle Pitts would give this offense size and the athleticism.

George Pickens, Georgia: Staying In-State

Even though I have the six-foot-three, 200-pound Pickens here, a case could easily be made for Penn State’s Jahan Dotson or Alabama’s John Metchie III. In the final analysis, I went with Pickens because of his value as a likely Day Two selection. The Falcons possess two draft picks in the second round: 43rd and 58th overall.

As an illustration, let’s say they go defense or even quarterback with the eighth overall pick. Under those circumstances, they could find value in Pickens whose stock slipped due to the ACL injury he suffered in a non-contact drill in practice. His excellent route tree knowledge along with the ability to go across the middle of the field is the difference-maker.

To that end, Pickens could be an impact player for this Atlanta offense as they look to move ahead with the services of Ridley for 2022.