Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati: Scouting Report

Height: 6’3’’

Weight: 207

Overall

Desmond Ridder is an athletic quarterback in Cincinnati’s RPO heavy offense. In his 4 college seasons, he played in 50 games, starting all of them. He is a great athlete which blends well with his size and frame. He won a lot of games in his collegiate career and played a large role in them.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Ridder was used primarily in the shotgun in an offense that used strictly RPOs and play action. He has good footwork after the snap and has the ability to escape the pocket when need be. At times, he will scan the entire field to read the defense but often he would focus on his primary target or only one side of the play. He has very good arm strength and make any throw needed at the next level, but his accuracy is very inconsistent. He will constantly overthrow and throw behind his receivers. He also will make a few very costly decisions in games where he will force a throw off his back foot or into double coverage. He struggles to connect with receivers when under pressure and on the run as well. He shows flashes of making remarkable throws with his great intangibles, but he is far too inconsistent on film.

Run Game

In the run game, Ridder was used on many quarterback runs and option plays. Even with his large size he is very athletic and has the speed to get to the second level of the defense for big gains. He is not very agile and does not accelerate well but when he gets a few strides in, he can reach very good top speeds. With his skill-set he should be used as a dual threat quarterback in the NFL for him to reach his full potential.

Last Word

Ridder projects best in a dynamic, run heavy offense where can rely on play action and quarterback runs to make plays. He has huge upside with his intangibles, but he needs to vastly improve before he can be a consistent starter. He is a “win with” quarterback who will need a lot of improvements in the pass game before he can be a “win because of” quarterback.

One Liner: Desmond Ridder has huge upside with his size, arm strength, and athleticism but his inconsistencies with accuracy and play while under pressure need to be improved before he starts in the NFL.

Grade: 6.3 (Circumstantial Starter)

Games Watched: 2021 – Alabama, Tulane, Navy, Indiana

Team Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions