FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – When Falcons' first-round pick Calvin Ridley hits the field for rookie minicamp in a few weeks, wide receiver won't be the only position he'll be asked to play.
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Falcons coach Dan Quinn said they'll let Ridley, the 26th overall pick, will get a chance to catch some balls in the return portion of practice. So the thought of Ridley as the Falcons' returner isn't out of question, but Quinn wants to see how the rest of the draft weekend plays out.
"Right now, I'm going to look," Quinn said. "He definitely could but let's wait and see who else we add first and then I'll make a decision. He's so explosive, I want to give him all the options. He has the ball skills to easily do it. He's one of the most versatile players."
Ridley didn't return kicks or punts at all during his time at Alabama, but that doesn't mean he can't grow into the role based on his skillset. Right now, the Falcons have an open spot at returner with the departure of Andre Roberts during free agency. Roberts signed with the New York Jets.
Justin Hardy, Reggie Davis and Marvin Hall have all gotten opportunities at returner at some point during the past year. This will be a position battle to watch once training camp begins.
