The Chicago Bears draft Riley Ridley? That was a reaction for many fans. At a pick most expected to see a defensive player, GM Ryan Pace once again went with the best player available. The Georgia standout wide receiver had a 2nd to 3rd round grade according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com and drew comparisons to former Packers receiver James Jones.
It's becoming clear that this draft is being geared towards one goal. Doing everything in their power to make Mitch Trubisky a success. David Montgomery boosts the running game and now Ridley will add even more depth and firepower to the passing game. It's hard not to like this approach by the Bears after years of offensive neglect.
"Physical possession receiver who wins with attention to detail in his routes, plus body control and sure hands. Ridley isn't the fastest receiver on the block, but there is enough under the engine to race cornerbacks down the field if he's challenged on an island. His separation windows may always be a little tighter, but his timing and ability to turn contested catches in his favor should make him a better pro than college player with an upside of WR2."
Chicago Bears draft Riley Ridley was about best player available
Nobody can say Ridley dominated at Georgia. His last season there saw him go for 559 yards and nine touchdowns. However, if one looks closer they'd see this isn't his fault. The Bulldogs are not a throwing team and it's clear Ridley was open a lot despite the ball not coming his way too often.
He isn't overly fast but he has a suddenness to his movement with sharp route running skill. He can get off the jam in press and shake loose of corners once he gets that critical first step. He may not produce a ton of splash plays, but Ridley may end up becoming the guy that Trubisky looks for on 3rd down when the Bears need a conversion.
He has good size at 6'1 and plays with strength. Maybe wide receiver wasn't the biggest need for Chicago at that spot, but it's clear that he was one of the best players on the board. Pace has always stated this was his goal. It's good that he stuck to it.
Besides, don't forget the Bears do have some questions at wide receiver. Anthony Miller is coming off shoulder surgery and behind him Allen Robinson, and Taylor Gabriel there are question marks. Javon Wims is unproven and Cordarrelle Patterson is primarily a returner. This is a great depth pick that can become much more.
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