Arguably Crocs is more instant, it doesn't need piercing but Ryo can also use his long-range. If memory serves correct Croc can only do it at close range?
I don't think so there's a range for Crocodile.

Because unlike Smoothie and Aramaki , he doesn't even suck Vitality out of people.
Aramaki feeds himself or Recovers after sucking
Smoothie Also gets bigger and stronger.
But for Crocodile he simply just Suck moisture out of then draining them almost immediately.
Range has no issue because He isn't transporting anything, being logia his AoE should be as Big as Admirals. Unless his fruit is inferior type of something.