Why Washington should draft Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder has been one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects over the last two years. He’s been on the NFL’s radar and continuously has his name thrown into the mix as potentially a guy that could develop into becoming a franchise quarterback.

When it comes to flashing off the screen, Desmond Ridder is the king of flashing his ability to become what we all think is possible. He’s put together some solid stretches of football where he looks like the best quarterback in the nation. His final four regular-season games at the collegiate level showed him at his peak form.

He threw for 270+ yards in each of those games with a total of nine touchdowns through the air, 11 big-time throws to just two turnover-worthy plays, and an average passing grade from Pro Football Focus of 86.07 throughout that stretch.

He’s been as consistent as they come at the collegiate level, continuing the trajectory of improvement with every season he played as a Bearcat. In every year, head coach Luke Fickell put more and more on the plate of Desmond and as the stakes got higher, Ridder’s play elevated.

He’s been someone that continuously improves and has worked at his craft every season, and the results prove that. While he isn’t the greatest quarterback prospect to ever live, he gives you a lot to work with as a play-caller and he has proven that no matter the situation he can thrive under whatever comes his way.

To add to that last thought, we will look at his numbers while under pressure and against the blitz this season.

Blitzed at a near 32% rate during his senior season, Desmond Ridder torched opposing teams when they sent the heat. He threw for 877 yards and 16 touchdowns against the blitz in 2021, while when he was pressured, with or without the blitz, the results stayed consistent.

While his decision-making needs work, he’s not gun-shy and sometimes has too quick of a trigger while relying on his sheer arm talent to make up for what the defense is or isn’t giving him.

His release, arm strength, and quick decision making especially under pressure excites some in the scouting process. It should excite Washington’s front office, as Ridder has not only the tools but the experience in crucial situations like being under pressure, where he’s thrived and been able to identify what’s coming and make defenses pay.