Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is one of the most talented signal callers in the NFL, but mediocre supporting casts have let him down throughout his career. The most recent example is the Wild Card game against the New Orleans Saints, where Newton was let down by a receiver group including Brenton Bersin, Kaelin Clay and an injured Devin Funchess. The Panthers cannot afford to waste any more years of Newton’s prime.
Offensive coordinator Norv Turner runs an Air Coryell scheme that emphasizes a lot of intermediate and deep isolation routes, so the Panthers need to add at least one more receiver who can move around the formation and win at any spot on the field with route running and speed. I think Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley can do that for Carolina. Ridley is a polished receiver with a pro-ready skillset, and he can step in and immediately contribute for the Panthers.
Ridley isn’t the biggest or fastest receiver, as he’s 6-foot-1 and will likely run his 40-yard dash in the late 4.4’s or early 4.5’s. Despite not having elite physical traits or athleticism, Ridley has shown the ability to consistently run precise routes and has displayed solid hands and technique when catching the ball. Ridley can run any route from any alignment on the outside or in the slot. In Carolina’s offense, he’d likely be a complementary piece on offense opposite Devin Funchess in two receiver sets, and could be a match-up nightmare in the slot in spread sets.
Ridley doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s still fast enough to threaten defenses over the top, especially when they leave him one-on-one against a cornerback. Alabama sends Ridley on the deep post route, and he’s easily able to beat the cornerback for the touchdown:
NEVER leave a CB on an island with Calvin Ridley. You will lose that match-up almost every single time. Ridley runs a simple fly route and takes it to the house. pic.twitter.com/vexACJTbXy
— Chris Nano (@ChrisNano10) January 11, 2018
One of the most important traits you look for at the wide receiver position is release off the line of scrimmage. Ridley has a great release with limited wasted movement. He knows where he wants to go and does a great job selling the fake against cornerbacks on shorter routes:
Ridley's releases and route running make him a true #1. His ability to create his own separation will translate well to next level. pic.twitter.com/CmXiCSOkkd
— Tyler Hasty (@tylerhasty) January 2, 2018
This is a really impressive release off the line of scrimmage. Notice how Ridley slightly sells the outside route which forces the cornerback to slightly open his hips towards the sideline. Once the cornerback’s hips are flipped, it’s an easy route for Ridley who is able to gain plenty of separation on the quick slant.
When you play with a mobile quarterback like Newton, extending your routes on a scramble drill is very important. Ridley shows the awareness and ability to continue his route and find the soft spot in coverage when his quarterback scrambles:
Another look at Ridley in the slot and helping extend this play. Almost like he was forgotten about as the QB rolled to his right. pic.twitter.com/eRfd01OvjD
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 2, 2018
The Carolina Panthers currently have the No. 24 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Ridley is currently ranked as the 35th best prospect on CBS Sports, and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has him ranked at No. 22. Jeremiah also has the Panthers taking Ridley in his mock draft. If he’s available at 24, I think Ridley would be a no-brainer pick for the Panthers.