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San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 NFL Draft prospects to watch at wide receiver

By Logan Stanley

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 21: Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs runs the ball after reception as Chris Murphy #30 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reaches for the tackle at Nippert Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 21: Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs runs the ball after reception as Chris Murphy #30 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reaches for the tackle at Nippert Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a catch for a seven yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a catch for a seven yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Calvin Ridley, Alabama

For many scouts, Alabama’s Calvin Ridley is the year’s top wide receiver prospect. Ridley’s route-running is regarded as top-tier, as you can see in the clips provided.

The junior finished his career with 224 receptions for 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns. Those certainly are not eye-catching numbers, but Alabama’s run-heavy offense tends to limit wide receivers in terms of production.

Route-running is a skill that is difficult to come by, and it plays a huge part in determining a wide receiver’s success. Of course size and speed are important, but if you cannot get open, none of that matters.

With Ridley’s routes, which are noticeably crisp, you can see the separation created with his quick feet. That is a threat to blow off the top of defenses, which would allow for the 49ers to be able to diversify their offense.

Ridley will be 24 years old when he suits up as a rookie, which could be viewed both positively and negatively. No matter what though, the chances of Ridley being the first receiver selected are high.

He is currently ranked as Matt Miller‘s No. 1 wide receiver. The first round is the only realistic slot to get Ridley, so it depends on just how highly head coach Kyle Shanahan values the need for a true top wide receiver.