On the final day NFL teams can host prospects, Alabama receiver and potential first-round pick Calvin Ridley is meeting with the New England Patriots.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media shared the news, also mentioning it would be a rare choice by New England to target the position that early. The Patriots haven’t selected a wideout in the first round since 1996, when they picked Terry Glenn at No. 7 overall.
Ridley is widely considered the premier prospect at the position, so there’s a chance he’s no longer available when New England is on the clock. Thanks to the trade sending Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams, the Pats hold the No. 23 pick.
But that transaction, plus the loss of Danny Amendola, are contributing factors to Bill Belichick and Co. doing their research on potential first-round targets at the position.
Ridley caught 224 passes for 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns over three successful years at Alabama.