Who Should I Start? Calvin Ridley or Audric Estime

Wednesday, June 4, 12:05 PM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley is working on his chemistry with rookie first-round quarterback Cam Ward this offseason after failing to find much chemistry with QB Will Levis a year ago. Coaches assigned Ridley and Ward lockers next to each other, and their communication appears to be flowing on and off the field, according to the Nashville Post's John Glennon. "It's easy to relate to him for me. He's fun. He's easy to talk ball with. I just like him a lot," Ridley said. The 30-year-old pass-catcher is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and has topped 60 catches in five of his six NFL seasons. He finished tied for fifth with 19 catches of 20-plus yards in 2024, and Ward excelled on deep passes last year at Miami. It remains to be seen how good Ward will be in his first NFL season, but Ridley should once again have little competition for targets in Tennessee.

Friday, May 30, 5:30 PM

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that running back Audric Estime will garner increased opportunities in his second season with the team. "He's a back that requires enough touches," said Payton. "He's going to get those opportunities." The former fifth-round rookie was undoubtedly lacking in opportunities in 2024 -- placing fourth on the team in carries and rushing yards behind backfield mates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin and quarterback Bo Nix. Estime was a productive player in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with 1,341 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 games. However, Denver's recent selection of RJ Harvey in the second round adds formidable competition in the backfield. Harvey is slotted in first on the team's unofficial depth chart, ahead of Estime for now. The latter projects to be more of a traditional short-yardage back due to his larger stature, but Harvey is also a force between the tackles and profiles as a better pass-catcher despite poor pass-protection skills.