Calvin Ridley picked as Falcons’ most likely first-time Pro Bowler

Technically, 2021 will be Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s first year as the team’s No. 1 option. Although, Ridley led the team in catches (90), receiving yards (1,374) and touchdowns (nine) in 2020, as Julio Jones missed seven games with a hamstring injury.

Despite the breakout year for Ridley, though, the former first-round pick out of Alabama has yet to make a Pro Bowl during his three seasons in the league. NFL.com’s Marc Sessler thinks the fourth season will be the charm for Ridley, naming him as the Falcons’ player most likely to earn his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021:

“Only four players racked up more receiving yards a season ago, but Ridley’s Pro Bowl invite was lost in the mail. Few wideouts enter 2021 doused in more upside, with the 26-year-old frolicking around as Atlanta’s clear-cut No. 1 now that Julio Jones is a Titan. Besides, Ridley excelled last season when Jones wasn’t on the field en route to finishing with a league-high eight 100-yard outings. The Pro Bowl is simply a box to be checked for a player who could lead the NFL in receiving yards. Throw in rookie tight end Kyle Pitts alongside Arthur Smith calling plays, and Ridley is set up to fly.”

Ridley won’t have the luxury of playing alongside the NFL’s most physically dominant receiver anymore. And while I expect there to be somewhat of an adjustment period early while the team installs Arthur Smith’s offense, Ridley’s speed, route-running ability and nose for the end zone make him a good bet for his first Pro Bowl in 2021.

If Smith can implement some semblance of a running game, the Falcons’ offense will be set up for Ridley and rookie Kyle Pitts to thrive in the play-action game.