2018 NFL Draft: Wide Receivers
Very weak class of wide receivers. I don’t think any of these prospects belong in the first round.
Calvin Ridley-WR-Alabama-6’0”-189-1st-86
He was a contributor for the Tide in each of his three seasons with the team after graduating high school at 20 years old. Closer to 20 and a half actually. Ridley got a lot of hype, especially coming on the heels of Amari Cooper, but he never really lived up to it. Calvin only passed 1000 yards once, in his freshman season, despite being the focal point of the passing game. A lot of that has to do with Jalen Hurts limitations as a passer but a first round receiver should assert himself, particularly when you have the tools Ridley has. His strongest trait is speed, which looks great on the field but the stop watch only measured a 4.43 in the 40. Ridley also doesn’t have plus height, bulk, or leaping ability with only a 31 inch vertical. So the negatives are: lack of production, average height, weight/durability concerns, low YAC ability, and lack of explosiveness. His positives are: above average speed, blocking experience, and strong cutting ability. I’m having a hard time differentiating him from Dede Westbrook. Dede had production, Ridley has the build to play more snaps. He’s a number 2 receiver, that means second round.
Anthony Miller-WR-Memphis-5’11”-190-2nd Day-82
Saw him play once last fall and he was unstoppable. Uber competitive receiver that believes in hard work. Although he didn’t run at the combine due to an injury suffered in the bowl game, he clocked a 4.5 in the 40 at his pro day and plays about that speed. The 39” vertical confirms his athleticism. Fantastic production over the last two years averaging 95 catches for 1400 yards and 16 TD’s. He’s a bit tight in the hips and doesn’t have breakaway speed or gamebreaking YAC ability. But I believe in this former walk-on with inside outside flexibility and that bumps him into the 2nd for me.
Christian Kirk-WR-Texas A&M-5’10”-200-1st/2nd-77
I like his sturdy build and YAC ability. Those go well together. Kirk was a productive player for the Aggies but by no means off the charts maxing out at 1,009 yards which he accomplished as a freshman. I don’t see any special traits in terms of separation or physicality but I do like his compete level. Probably a third round player who has Golden Tate upside. Did his best work from the slot. He adds punt return ability too.
Jaylen Samuels-Utility-N.C. State-5’11”-223-2nd Day-75
He did a little bit of everything for the Wolfpack. Though nominally listed as a tight end, Samuels got carries, ran screen plays, and was a primary target in the passing game. No one really knows where he’ll line up or be listed at the next level, but he’s a football player that can make plays from the slot or backfield. Running a 4.54 in the 40 with a 34.5” vert and a sub 7 second 3 cone prove he has the athleticism for the next level. He’s not great at any one thing but you can put him on the field and threaten the run and pass game with Jaylen lined up anywhere. Plus he’s a team leader with special teams versatility. I want to see how he’s utilized. Ty Montgomery is a solid comparison.