Ridley’s rookie season stacks up to the great Marvin Harrison’s first season

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) against the Saints on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (By Bob Andres/ajc.com); Former Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison (By Michael Conroy/Associated Press)

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) against the Saints on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (By Bob Andres/ajc.com); Former Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison (By Michael Conroy/Associated Press)

Falcons rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was the 26th player selected overall in the 2018 draft,  turned in a strong first season.

His stature and build reminded me of Marvin Harrison, who was selected 19th overall in the 1996 draft out of Syracuse,  all season long. Ridley is listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. Harrison was 6-foot and 181 pounds.

Their rookie stats are similar.

Harrison's rookie season: 118 targets, 64 catches, 836 receiving yards, 13.1 yards per catch and eight touchdowns.

Ridley's rookie season: 92 targets, 64 catches, 821 receiving yards, 12.8 yards per catch and a team-record 10 touchdowns for a rookie.

Harrison went on to play 12 more seasons.

He finished with 1,102 catches, eight Pro Bowls and six All-Pro selections. He went in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 2016.

How high is Ridley’s ceiling?

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