Mel Kiper mocks Calvin Ridley to the Chicago Bears

In three years at Alabama, Calvin Ridley racked up 224 receptions, for 2,781 yards (12.4 average), and 19 touchdowns. He’s the consensus top wide receiver in the 2018 NFL Draft, and his combination of speed, athleticism, hands and route running will translate to the professional game.

The Chicago Bears are in desperate need for an upgrade at wide out, but should they take Ridley if he’s available at eight when the Bears go on the clock?

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes they should.

In his first mock of the mock draft season, Kiper has three quarterbacks in the top five, a running back, a corner, a guard, and a favorite target of Bears’ fans, Bradley Chubb, all going before he has the Bears taking Ridley.

Here’s what he has to say about that pick.

Chicago has to add weapons for Mitchell Trubisky, and Ridley is the best receiver in this class by a mile. If the Bears can get a pass-catcher here -- and don’t upgrade in free agency -- Ridley makes the most sense. If he had played in a better passing offense, he could have been a Biletnikoff winner. He’s extremely talented.

And here’s how Kiper had his first round falling.

What are your thoughts on the Bears taking Ridley at 8?