FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Calvin Ridley’s movements look flawless, from extending both arms to snatch a pass over the middle to sticking his foot in the ground to change direction in front of a defender.
There’s little wasted motion, something Ridley attributes to natural ability. At the same time, the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round draft pick would be the first to say he’s far from a finished product.
“I just want to be more fluid, more efficient, just more consistent in the routes and getting open more,” Ridley said.
Flip on film from Ridley’s days at Alabama, and you’ll see a receiver often running wide open down the field, a sign he has already won the battle at the line of scrimmage. Although Ridley possesses 4.43 speed, his precise route-running is what separated him from the rest. Executives and coaches alike have marveled at how his route-running skills should translate to immediate NFL success. READ MORE>
