NFL.com: Arizona Cardinals take Calvin Ridley in latest mock draft
Apr 17, 2018, 10:22 AM
Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Having wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald back on the field for a 15th season is a big boost for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018.
However, with Fitzgerald set to turn 35 before the season, it is time for Arizona to start looking at its future.
According to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, the future is Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
In his most recent mock draft, Jeremiah has the Cardinals selecting Ridley with the No. 15 overall pick.
If the Cardinals don’t trade up for a quarterback, they need to land a playmaker at wideout or in the secondary with this pick. Ridley is the top guy at his position.
On top of an aging Fitzgerald, Arizona lost wideouts John Brown and Jaron Brown in free agency and will go into the NFL Draft thin at the receiver position.
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Beyond Fitzgerald, the Cardinals’ depth chart includes returning wide receivers J.J. Nelson and Chad Williams, free agent acquisition Brice Butler and waiver pickup Cobi Hamilton, though Williams, Butler and Hamilton have never produced more than 317 yards in a season.
Ridley, listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, is an enticing option given his electric speed, crisp route running and ability to create separation.
In three years with the Crimson Tide, Ridley hauled in 224 catches for 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns.
