Top Draft Prospect Set to Meet Bears at Combine, And He's Very Happy

Wide receiver is without question one of the top two needs for the Chicago Bears this 2018 off-season. The other is edge rusher. So it makes perfect sense they'd prioritize those two positions in their evaluation process at the scouting combine. This represents the latest chance for GM Ryan Pace, head coach Matt Nagy, and the rest of the team brass to meet with several top prospects face-to-face. Few seemed more excited about that idea than Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley. Most fans are well aware of him by this point. Despite being trapped in a run-first offense and saddled by poor quarterback play, he still managed to produce impressive results on the field. For two straight years, he was the only legitimate passing threat the Crimson Tide had. For two straight years, they were in the national championship game. He finished his college career with 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns. Considering how limited the passing game was over that span, the numbers are deceptively impressive. So it's no wonder the Bears would have interest in meeting him.

What many don't know is that Ridley may be even more eager to meet them.

Calvin Ridley sounds dead set on finding a way to join Bears

Last year it was revealed that he was a Bears fan. He said as much on Twitter and was tickled when his former teammate, Eddie Jackson, was drafted by them in the fourth round last spring. When asked about his thoughts on the team, Ridley didn't hold back his admiration and also his desire to join in on the fun.

In terms of scheme fit, Ridley would be right at home under Matt Nagy. His strengths include speed, quickness, agility and sharp route running. All are big requirements in a West Coast system. His experience should also help him acclimate quickly. So why is he not the favorite to go #8 overall when Chicago picks? Well aside from being thinner than ideal, the big issue is age. Ridley is already 23-years old and he'll be 24 in December. Teams generally want to get the maximum return possible on a first round pick in the draft. So age plays a big role. A prospect who is 24 his first year maybe 28 by the time his rookie contract expires. Unless they're a big success right away, this decreases the long-term effectiveness of the pick. Unless the Bears were to trade out of the top 10 and pick him later in the round, it doesn't feel like this is a leap they'll be prepared to make. That is unless Ridley blows them away in meetings like this one.