Why Davante Adams Believes Jaguars’ Calvin Ridley Is a Top-5 WR

The former Atlanta Falcons wideout brings proven ability as a top option in an NFL offense.

Game recognizes game.

Appearing on the I Am Athlete Podcast hosted by former NFL Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, superstar wide receiver Davante Adams was asked the question of who he would consider to be the top five players at his position. Newest Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley clocked in at No. 4.

“I’m gonna make some people mad with this one,” Adams said. “Calvin Ridley. I mean you can say whatever you want about last year, that has nothing to do with football and it was silly anyway. He’s going to be back this year and I think that he’s going to have a really really good year. And at receiver, as you know, we don’t control everything. We control our tape. Watch the boy’s tape.”

The 30-year-old made clear that Ridley’s proficiency as a route runner is a huge reason why he ranked as high as he did on his list.

Ridley’s stats back up his claim to be recognized as a top receiver in the National Football League. The 28-year-old’s best season came in 2020, recording 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs. Minus his shortened 2021 season, Ridley has recorded no fewer than 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns per year.

For his career, the star wideout has amassed 248 total receptions on 380 targets for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns with a catch rate of 65.3%.

💯 respect

— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) May 21, 2023

“When I put that in [the Players Tribune article], I know what I can do. What I meant by that, is this: I am a 1,400-yard type of player," Ridley said earlier this offseason. 

"Football is not just – football is serious. You don’t just play 17 games straight and think you’re going to be in every one of them and playing healthy in all of them. What I’m saying is that I am a 1,400-yard receiver with a broken foot. That’s what I’m saying. I know that I can make the plays and I know that I’m one of the better receivers in this league, that’s what I’m saying.”