How talented is Atlanta Falcons Calvin Ridley in the eyes of head coach Dann Quinn? Well, enough for him to consider the Alabama Crimson Tide program product for a role on the special teams as a kick returner.
Speaking about Ridley, Quinn raised the idea that the team could consider Ridley for a kick-return job in the regular season, per James Parks of 247 Sports.
“He’s definitely going to a have significant role on offense,” Quinn said of Ridley. “But his role also is to create explosive plays and if that’s either way, we would certainly consider that.”
Aside from playing with the first team last Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs at home, Ridley also saw action with the special teams, returning two kicks for a total of 52 yards. He also dazzled downfield by producing 49 receiving yards and a touchdown catch on three receptions.
Ridley playing different roles for the Falcons has been a recurring theme this offseason. Atlanta was letting the wide receiver play out of his position as early as May during the team's rookie camp.
Considering that Atlanta ranked last in 2017 in terms of average starting field position, it’s understandable for the team to look for ways to improve that area of their game. In addition to that, Andre Roberts, who was the Falcons’ top kick returner last season, is now with the New York Jets, leaving a hole that needed to be filled on Atlanta’s special teams unit.
Ridley was selected by the Falcons as the 26th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
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