Calvin Ridley stepped into the Jaguars offense last year as one of three receivers who was expected to get a large number of targets. He quickly became Lawrence’s favorite target in the red zone but then joined the Titans in free agency. What does this year look like for Ridley?
2024 Fantasy Football Profile: Calvin Ridley
2023 in Review
Ridley led Jaguars receivers last year in a handful of categories: receptions, yards and touchdowns. The only player who had more receptions than Ridley was Evan Engram. Despite being the best wide receiver in Jacksonville, it was still a disappointing year for him.
He caught just 56% of his total targets, meaning a lot was left on the table for him in a Jaguars offense that needed him to carry the load. Consistency issues also plagued Ridley as he only recorded consecutive games with 50+ yards just once (Weeks 11 and 12). For context, he had five of his first seven games last season saw him record 40 yards or less.
Good luck trying to cover #Titans WR Calvin Ridley 1-on-1 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/G8wvuznshR
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) July 30, 2024
2024 Projection
Ridley signed a four-year deal with Tennessee back in March to work on the opposite side of DeAndre Hopkins. While Hopkins is certainly not the player he once was, he’s still a deep threat on the outside. However, the best seasons of Ridley’s career came when he was in Atlanta playing as the second fiddle to Julio Jones.
History may not repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme. Ridley struggled in Atlanta and even Jacksonville to an extent as the main target but thrives in a role where another receiver can distract opposing defenses. He gets the chance to go back to an environment like that now with the Titans… except there’s two problems.
Normally, you would think an injury to Hopkins would help boost Ridley’s numbers. While he may see a slight uptick in receptions, he will be the main threat in the offense now if Hopkins misses any regular season action. Ridley may be the top receiver for a few games if Hopkins’ 4-6 week timeframe goes the full distance or gets extended.
The other issue is a downgrade in quarterback play. Going from Trevor Lawrence to Will Levis is like trading in a Porsche for a Subaru, and it sets up Ridley for an even worse season.
Calvin Ridley Fantasy Football ADP
FantasyPros currently lists Ridley’s ADP at 78 with a range of him going as early as 32 and as late as 102. Taking Ridley in the third or fourth round is a big stretch, but getting him at 102 is also a bargain. His ADP of 78 sits right where it should be despite his situation.
If you believe Will Levis will be better in his second year, Ridley is a guy who could be a solid flex option. His days of being a WR1 or even a WR2 seem like they’re in the past. His ADP will go slightly higher if Hopkins doesn’t make any progress as the season gets closer. He’s a player that seems enticing, but he has greater odds of being a disappointment.
Main Photo Courtesy of Denny Simmons – The Tennesseean
