Don’t count on Desmond Ridder falling to Commanders in second round

In a vacuum, Washington Commanders fans can only come out of the first round disappointed with the team’s selection if it doesn’t take one of the top wide receivers or cornerbacks, as well as safety if Kyle Hamilton’s still available.

For a while during the offseason, though, the Commanders gave off “quarterback or bust” vibes. After all, Taylor Heinicke was the only QB under contract before the Carson Wentz trade and one of Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis were widely expected to be available at pick No. 11.

It’s funny how things work out, because Washington looks pretty smart acquiring Wentz when they did. Not only are Pickett and Willis potential top six picks, but there’s a growing belief around the league that four quarterbacks could go in the top 20 picks.

Those other two QBs? Desmond Ridder and Matt Corral.

We know a large population of Commanders fans would have liked to see Washington draft Ridder at pick No. 47, but based on the growing buzz surrounding the Cincinnati product, we wouldn’t count on him falling out of the first round.

According to insider Ian Rapoport, Ridder has pre-draft visits scheduled with Pittsburgh, Carolina and Seattle.

Commanders fans shouldn’t count on Desmond Ridder falling to the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

While the 2022 quarterback class isn’t highly regarded, it’s the most important position in football and teams will always be willing to reach on a prospect. This year, it seems like the Lions (No. 2 overall), Panthers (No. 6), Seahawks (No. 9) Saints (Nos. 17 and 19) and Steelers (No. 20) are all kicking the tires in that regard.

This isn’t a doomsday scenario for Washington, clearly. With Wentz at the helm, there isn’t a pressing need to draft a QB and Heinicke makes for a capable backup. At the same time, however, it wouldn’t hurt to have a long-term succession plan lined up in the event Wentz succumbs to the pressure of playing for his third team in as many seasons.

Ridder would be the ideal successor. Unfortunately, the former Bearcat has soared up draft boards since the Senior Bowl, where he wowed coaches with his interviews. At the Combine, his stock ascended even further when he showcased his potential as a dual-threat QB by clocking a 4.52-second 40-yard dash.

As teams and scouts have gotten into the weeds of Ridder’s college film, he’s now considered as the most NFL-ready prospect of this year’s crop. A four-year starter for Cincinnati, Ridder is raved about for his experience, natural leadership instincts, athletic ability and overall understanding of making pre-snap reads.

Ridder would’ve been a dream get for the Commanders in the second round and fans weren’t wrong for initially thinking he’d fall to No. 47. Of course, anything can happen during the pre-draft process and it seems like no quarterback in the upcoming draft has boosted their stock more than the Cincinnati product.

For Washington, that means another position — perhaps a WR, CB or safety depending on what happens in Round 1 — will get the nod.