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2022 NFL Scouting Combine: Desmond Ridder makes his case

By Randy Gurzi

Mar 3, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (QB13) goes through a drill during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (QB13) goes through a drill during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Desmond Ridder had a great senior season with Cincinnati and then really stood out in the drills at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine

In 2022, there’s not a lot of hype about the incoming class of quarterbacks, which is a strange feeling since there’s usually at least one stud ready to go No. 1 overall. However, this season there are a lot of guys that scouts aren’t 100 percent sure about, but those signal-callers were able to hit the field at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday and try to convince some team they could be their franchise player.

While most of the talk centered around the size of Kenny Pickett’s hands, there were other takeaways as well, including Desmond Ridder showing off his athleticism. The Cincinnati quarterback threw the ball well but it was his 36-inch vertical and 4.49 time in the 40-yard dash that really stood out.

Ridder’s time was actually better than any current active quarterback — although guys such as Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson didn’t run. Still, it was rather impressive to see him when compared to other mobile quarterbacks.

Ridder was one of the stars of the 2021 NCAA season as he led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoffs. He finished his final season with 3,334 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions.

As for his running, Ridder had 2,180 yards and 28 touchdowns in four seasons. He’s proven he can stand in the pocket and deliver the ball but when he needs to take off and run, he can be dangerous.

Will Ridder’s 2022 NFL Scouting Combine performance put him in Round 1?

Many mocks currently have Ridder falling into the second round. However, his solid performance in the Combine might be enough to persuade someone to take a flier.

One possibility is in the Steel City where the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to replace Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh met with Ridder and owns the 20th overall pick.

Whether the Steelers — or any other team — takes him in Round 1 has yet to be seen, but Ridder made his case on Thursday.

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