2022 Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Prospect: Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati
The DLF NFL rookie profile series continues with an analysis of 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Desmond Ridder, QB from Cincinnati. DLF will continue to provide in-depth rookie profiles and informative rookie analysis through the NFL Draft. Stay tuned, and stay ahead of your league.
The 2022 quarterback class has taken a lot of flack about not having an elite option. But, as Liberty’s Malik Willis and Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett gained steam throughout the season, one QB in the ‘22 draft didn’t lose a regular-season game and made the College Football Playoff.
Enter Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder. Ridder quietly put together two straight undefeated regular seasons and not only impressed with his leadership, but also his athleticism as a rusher and scrambler in the pocket. But, will he be a first-round NFL Draft pick? If not, will he be a successful fantasy asset?
The Stats
Statistics from Sports Reference.
Ridder came into college as a three-star prospect who was thin with raw athletic ability. As a four-year starter for the Bearcats, he showed improvement each season as a passer. The first two years were average at best, when he often relied on his legs over pure statistical passing. It was in his junior year that he really took off.
Just by the sheer amount of rushing attempt dropoff, it is easy to see Ridder used more as a passer his last two seasons as he improved with his accuracy and release point for more zip on the ball. That is a huge difference – along with his added efficiency rushing the football. Though Ridder had plenty of designed runs, most of his early career rushes came from tucking the ball on passing plays.
Of course, 2020 was an odd year with Cincinnati’s out of conference schedule canceled. The best competition Ridder played was against Georgia in the Peach Bowl where he had a respectable game with good decision making and efficiency.
His dual-threat ability came to a head this past season. Teams were more aware of his rushing ability and kept a spy on Ridder plenty which opened up the passing game. He had exceptional statistical games, beating Notre Dame and top-20 ranked Houston. The path was paved for Ridder to make it to the NFL.
The Film
Watching Ridder’s film can be maddening at times and he is one player I go back to again and again to ensure appropriate evaluation.
The first two years of Ridder film do not show an NFL QB. His footwork is a mess and balls lack the requisite zip required for the pros. Many incompletions are the fault of there simply not being enough juice on the ball. Ridder’s athleticism and rushing ability is great, but he looked like just another college QB.
Then, as a junior, there is a noticeable difference. Ridder had bulked up, got stronger physically and his passes had a tighter spiral and flew out of his hand with much more velocity. It wasn’t high end arm strength, but it was enough. The fundamentals were still an issue, but the Bearcats kept winning.
This past season showed even more progress from Ridder, as he was going up against top college defenses and improving his decision-making.
Against Notre Dame, Ridder shows good touch and works through his progressions to find open receivers. He doesn’t try to do too much, but has some solid plays to keep advancing the ball. His zip looks NFL-caliber, and he navigates pressure well throughout the game, keeping his eyes down field.
The problems with Ridder’s film are also apparent through that game. His footwork is suspect with the drive off his back foot being inconsistent. With 3:16 left in the first quarter, Ridder “hops” to his spot and lets loose down the field without proper drive through his backfoot. It leads to an underthrown pass that should have been a TD with the right placement.
Throughout the season, Ridder struggled with his accuracy due to his mechanics. It is a concern, but hopefully one that sitting in the NFL will fix.
There is a mixed bag for Ridder, tthus the difficult evaluation of his skillset based on film.
For fantasy purposes, Ridder’s rushing upside might be even more important. He has good instincts rushing the ball and can run away from defenders. See this 2020 run against SMU
That is the fantasy upside he brings to the table
Finally, watch this play from the Peach Bowl where Ridder buys time and completes a TD pass against the vaunted Georgia defense.
The Measurables
Ridder is the most athletic QB to test during this draft and it is a huge part of his profile, especially for fantasy owners. Here is his final RAS score via Kent Lee Platte.
Ridder’s elite speed and explosion make him a dangerous threat on the ground. Either with designed ones or running when the play breaks down, expect him to pick up chunks of rushing yardage and add an extra six to eight points a game for fantasy owners.
To put his speed in perspective, Ridder’s 40-yard dash, 20-yard split, 10-yard split, vertical, and broad numbers are better than current NFL QBs Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson. Ridder is faster than all those QBs who give fantasy owners a rushing edge.
Dynasty Value
In 1QB leagues, Ridder is going in the third round of rookie drafts and could be a potential steal similar to Justin Herbert two years ago. With fantasy rushing upside, there is a lot to like.
In superflex leagues, he is still criminally undervalued.
The DLF Rookie SF Rankings have him as the 1.12 pick, behind multiple WRs. With the rushing and first round upside, Ridder should be much higher. He could become a fantasy QB1 in the right situation and carry your team to a title.
Conclusion
Ridder has work to do to be a great NFL QB, but his skillset matches up with what we need in fantasy football. He is a good leader who is tough and has decent passing skills while possessing great rushing ability to pick up extra yards and TDs.
If Ridder does get drafted to, for example, Atlanta or Pittsburgh and sits for a year, don’t hesitate to buy him going into year two. As long as he is the starter, he will be a startable fantasy QB. If his footwork and accuracy come together, the upside is even more than that – to be one of the best fantasy QBs in the NFL.
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Dynasty Rookies In The Top 100 - April 14, 2024
- Post-Combine Superflex Rookie Rankings: Round Three - March 8, 2024
- Post-Combine Superflex Rookie Rankings: Round Two - March 7, 2024
