Analyst Praises Desmond Ridder, Believes He's the No. 1 Quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft

"There’s a gap between him and the other QBs."

Author:
James Rapien
Dec 11, 2021 9:59 AM EST

CINCINNATI — Bearcats star Desmond Ridder is the most accomplished quarterback in school history.

He's 44-5 as a starter and has guided the University of Cincinnati to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. He never lost a home game at Nippert Stadium in four seasons.

The list of Ridder's accomplishments certainly doesn't end there, but his time as the Bearcats quarterback is coming to an end. With a maximum of two games left in Ridder's college career and the NFL Draft just over four months away, analysts have started preparing for the spring.

Nate Tice of The Athletic has Ridder at the top of his quarterback big board.

"I’ve had Desmond Ridder as my QB1 for the 2022 NFL Draft on our Big Board for Bleacher/Report. Watched another crop of games yesterday and it’s only solidified how I feel about him. He’s a legit 1st round QB prospect and think there’s a gap between him and the other QBs," Tice tweeted. "A common criticism of Ridder has been accuracy which to be honest… didn’t really show up on 2021 film. He can have a spray or two a game but they look worse cause he can legit rope throws in."

Ridder could've declared for the NFL Draft last offseason, but the decision to stay at Cincinnati looks like it paid off. There's no way he would've gotten first round buzz last year with Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Mac Jones in the running.

The 2022 quarterback class is different and it gives Ridder a legit chance to be the first one selected.

Guiding Cincinnati to a National Championship would certainly help his cause.

"He’s a plus athlete that wants to operate from the pocket. The fact he doesn’t have to use it is a positive because his footwork and eyes are so consistently good. He can read out legit dropback concepts and his pocket movement is a strength. It’s impressive," Tice tweeted. "Ridder doesn’t have those flashy plays that are going to make people call him 'the next Mahomes' after they watch YouTube highlights because he’s operating from the pocket so often. He can throw guys open and the off-platform throws are there when he has to make them."

Ridder has thrown for more touchdowns (87) than any other quarterback in Bearcats' history. He's learned and developed during his time in Cincinnati and has NFL level talent.

He'll be an interesting evaluation for NFL teams, but it seems like he'll get first round consideration in the 2022 draft.

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