Prospect Bio

Playing at Louisville powerhouse St. Xavier High School, Desmond Ridder was ranked as a top-50 quarterback in the class of 2017. Ridder led St. X to the KHSAA finals in 2016, rushing 131 times for 915 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior. He also threw ten touchdowns, four interceptions, and 951 yards on 160 attempts.

When stepping on campus at the University of Cincinnati, Ridder earned the starting job as a redshirt freshman. Across his four years as the Bearcats starter, Ridder led the team to a 44-6 mark. Ridder also led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoffs, becoming the first Group of Five school to do so. Ridder set school records in passing touchdowns (87), rushing touchdowns (28), and rushing yards by a quarterback (2,180). His 10,239 passing yards and 1,304 pass attempts both rank second, trailing only Gino Guidugli (2001-2004).

College Stats

Desmond Ridder College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference.com

Positives

+ Well poised

+ Works through progressions

+ Can be utilized in RPOs

+ Good release

+ Capable of altering arm angles for an attempt

+ Keeps eyes downfield

+ Mobile

+ Strong, live arm

+ Leader

Negatives

– Ball placement accuracy can be improved

– Inconsistent decision making

– Mechanics can be improved

– 8.2 yards per attempt (51st-percentile, PlayerProfiler)

Highlight Reel

Best Comparable Player: Ryan Tannehill

NFL Draft Projection: 2nd round

Bottom Line:

Ridder has led Cincinnati to places no Group of Five school has ever seen. Some believe Ridder is the most NFL ready amongst his class. He has the size, arm strength, mobility, leadership and prior success to make the transition to the next level. Physically, Ridder checks off most boxes. He does have areas of improvement, however. Being more precise with his accuracy would be a start. Becoming more mechanically consistent could help with his precision. While Ridder doesn’t offer the high upside like others in the class, he does offer a higher floor than others. Ridder’s lower upside, but higher floor likely lands him as a day two pick. While second round quarterbacks tend to not pan out in the NFL, Desmond Ridder has the capability of earning a starter role in the league or serve as a formidable backup as a dynasty rookie.

Post Draft Analysis:

Desmond Ridder was the second quarterback off the board after falling to the third round to the Falcons. He will compete with free agent signee Marcus Mariota for the starting job. Whether it’s in 2022 or some time down the line, Ridder will get a chance to get on the field and show he can be the long-term option for Atlanta. Whenever that happens, he’ll be an interesting fantasy option with quality weapons in Kyle Pitts and Drake London on top of his ability to pick up yards with his legs.

Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF

Yards Per-Formance Prospect Grade