Major NFL Film Analyst: Desmond Ridder 'Should be a First-Round Draft Pick'

Ridder still considered the fifth-best quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft.

CINCINNATI — The Athletic's Ted Ngyuen is one of the most respected film evaluators in the industry, and he sees a lot to like in former Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder.

Nguyen wrote an in-depth film breakdown of Ridder for the site this week that dives into a few different plays throughout his final season at Cincinnati.

"Desmond Ridder checks a lot of the quarterback prototype boxes: four-year starter, played in a winning program, productive, tall (6-4), strong arm, accurate and athletic," Nguyen wrote. "However, he doesn’t blow you away with a single trait — he’s a very good well-rounded prospect. This class is more divisive than most classes, but Ridder should be a first-round draft pick and should be able to play right away.

"He played in a run-first, spread system, but Cincinnati utilized more dropback concepts that translate to the pros than you’ll see with most college programs. Ridder looked very comfortable executing them. He’s a quick processor with strong footwork and smooth throwing mechanics. He changed protections, identified coverages, reacted to post-snap safety rotations, and showed the ability to calmly go through multiple progressions. He hardly looks to scramble, but he has the athletic ability to get away from pressure and create with his feet. The team that drafts him will have a competent quarterback with athletic upside."

Ridder is the consensus 35th-ranked prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is going in the first round of 29.6% of mock drafts. Check out the entire breakdown here, featuring plays from Cincinnati's games against Notre Dame, East Carolina, Alabama, and Indiana.

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