Desmond Ridder States Case to be First Quarterback Selected in 2022 NFL Draft

The greatest player in Bearcats football history discussed his traits with PFF's Doug Kyed.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Mar 21, 2022 12:03 PM EDT

CINCINNATI — Former Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder already has experience beating current NFL QBs on the field—and he believes his overall experience should set him apart as the top QB in this class.

Ridder discussed that mentality in an interview with PFF's Doug Kyed.

“I think the first thing that sets me apart is my experience,” Ridder said in the interview. “I know Kenny's (Pickett) got a lot of experience, but for me, I went where I redshirted my freshman year, and then I played the next four seasons only sitting one game. So, I played right at like 50 games in my career, so not only game experience, but just being in those game situations and almost seeing everything. You can't see everything that football has got to offer in 50 games, but you see a lot. For me, I think that experience is gonna show once you get to the next level, once you get to the league and OTAs.

“Then, I think my preparation. My preparation is head above heels I think than my other peers, and I think that will transition really well into the offseason and then going up right before those preseason games.

“I think the last thing really is my athletic ability, and my athletic ability to sustain over a long period of time, as well. I think that's one thing that sets me apart is that I'm able to go out here and play the game I do, but play it safely and efficiently.”

Ridder also discussed the experience of beating NFL QBs like Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen in a charity flag football event.

“They probably messed up putting the rookie in there and having to do all those guys like that,” Ridder told PFF about the triumph. “It was nothing. I’m a winner. When I was asked to do it, I’m not about to do something and not try to win it.”

The greatest player in Cincinnati history doesn't lack confidence, and why would he after finishing his career with an undefeated record at Nippert Stadium. Although, evaluators aren't as confident about his chances to go off the board first among QBs.

Ridder is now the consensus fourth-best QB in this class, but his first-round mock rate is ticking up. Teams are now selecting Ridder in the opening round of 29.9% of major mock drafts, up from 29.6% a month ago. He is most closely tied to the Steelers at No. 20 and Lions at No. 32.

Those are the only two teams selecting him in the past 15 major mock drafts, with the Steelers landing him in nine of those mocks. Ridder is throwing at the UC Pro Day on Thursday—but will not try to improve on his workout times.

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