Redraft: Target Calvin Ridley early in fantasy drafts

Most of the time in redraft leagues, it is all about finding the diamond in the rough. Or at least analyzing when and where to select a player that you think is worth jumping the ADP at that time. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley will be one of those players for fantasy owners this season.

He has already shown that he can be a WR1, and he’s having a tremendous training camp so far.

Ridley’s current ADP is sitting at 43.3 overall, per Sleeper. This seems extremely low for a receiver that has recorded at least seven touchdowns in three out of four seasons played.

Prior to 2022, when he faced a year-long suspension for gambling, Ridley missed 11 games in 2021. However, he has still posted 248 receptions and 3,342 yards with 28 touchdown catches in 49 career games.

Pairing him with wideout Christian Kirk will give the Jaguars two solid options on the outside as well. Kirk had a solid first year with the Jaguars, hauling in 84 receptions to go with 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. Teams will have to choose who to double team out of the duo — if anyone — and their should be plenty of target-share for both receivers to put up big numbers in 2023

Be Aggressive

When it comes to Calvin Ridley in redraft leagues, drafting him prior to the 43.3 overall ADP is a must. Fantasy Pros has him ranked at No. 36 for ADP as the WR18. This position still seems too low if you are trying to win your league. Picking him even as high as the mid-to-late third round would be ideal.

There are multiple reasons why a third-round target for Ridley is not out of the question: he has high upside; he is a low-risk, high-reward receiver; and he is playing with a new team coming off of a suspension that cost him plenty of time. While it might not seem like being on a new team this season is an advantage, just look at the numbers Kirk put up in his first season with the team in 2022.

All of these reasons make Ridley poised for a spectacular season.

New Team, New Ridley

Calvin Ridley played with quarterback Matt Ryan towards the end of his career (he still hasn’t officially retired yet), but now pairs with young quarterback Trevor Lawrence. If training camp has been any indication, these two might be a match made in heaven.

Admittedly, training camp production does not mean in-season production, but considering Ridley is with a new team after a year off, it should mean a lot. He is already building a rapport with Lawrence, and fantasy owners need to take notice.

Add in the fact that he is paired with Kirk and the team has Travis Etienne in the backfield, and there are plenty of weapons on this Jaguars team.

Will Ridley help fantasy owners win their leagues? He will, but will he be on your roster or your opponent’s roster in 2023?