Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 215 pounds
2020 Stats:
- 2,296 passing yards
- 31 total TDs
- 66.2 completion percentage
There was no better story in college football last season than the Cincinnati Bearcats almost sneaking into the College Football Playoff. They were one of the best teams in the nation on both sides of the ball, headed by Desmond Ridder and his Heisman-hopeful season. After returning to school for one last ride, Ridder is looking to be a first-round selection in 2022.
He thrives in a quick-hitting offense as both a dynamic runner and a reliable thrower between the numbers. His legs are effective in an option setting, they can bail him out of collapsed pockets, and they will be a useful tool for him throughout his NFL career. As a passer, Ridder is going to be a very safe but explosive leader if given the chance.
While he does not bring the deep ball or an overly impressive arm, he does a great job of getting the ball out quick and attacking defenses right up the middle. Cincinnati uses a lot of screens and slants to get the offense going forward and Ridder has done an excellent job of managing that system.
It comes down to whether or not Ridder will be in an offense that plays to his strengths rather than asking him to be an elite passer right away. Short and intermediate throws are his bread and butter. He can be successful with RPOs in an offense, but there are certain limitations with his arm at the next level. He has far too many passes wobble out of his hands or die out before they reach the target.
The upcoming season will be huge for Ridder. If he plays well and improves the things that have held him back in the past, he can definitely make his way into the first round.