Seahawks QB option no. 2: Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
One of the winningest QBs in college football history with his 44 career wins (third-most by a QB), Ridder has a lot of the intangible traits Pete Carroll prioritized when selecting Russ back in 2012. At 6-foot-4 and 215-pounds, Ridder has a slender build and is slippery enough to be considered a dual-threat QB as well.
In four seasons as a starter, rushed for over 350 yards in each season, including a career-high 650 in 2019. He also totaled 28 rushing TDs, with his best total coming in 2020 with 12 rushing scores. His legs were on full display with his 4.49 time in the 40-yard dash at this year’s combine.
LET'S GO @desmondridder!
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2022
4.49 is unofficial, but it could be the fastest 40 of any active QB. 🔥
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/oFsljfzcZe
While lifting the Bearcats, Ridder did have some ups and downs with accuracy issues. But the beauty of him going to a run-heavy system is that things will be far less about carving defenses up in the pocket; the ‘Hawks will need him to be precise and timely on his throws in this West Coast scheme.
https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1496470319909027840?s=20&t=CtBkpe21XJR47Uk92AUzIQ
#Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder —
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 21, 2022
Throws with pace & touch. Can read it out quickly from the pocket. Detailed footwork. Fits in a schemed NFL pass game — with play action elements. @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/04F5ZXXl5H
I think the skills fit here with Seattle, but Ridder’s intangibles really stand out to me. He’s a legit grown-up; at just 22, he and his girlfriend (Claire Cornett) have a nearly one-year-old child, Leighton. He’s also a confident guy who has the skills to back it up. Just listen to what he said this week on the Rich Eisen show, as the show’s namesake asked what a team could expect from him:
"“I think, first and foremost, a Super Bowl,” he said. “One, because I’m a winner, and two, because I’m a competitor. I’m gonna do anything it takes to win. And their offense is gonna get a hardworking, loyal guy. One who’s going to love whatever city he goes to, makes sure to leave my name there as a mark for the good. And just like I said, a competitor, a go-getter, a winner.” Desmond Ridder (via Rich Eisen Show)"
That screams Carroll and GM John Schneider. Even with his production and skill set, Ridder may slip to the second round, which Seattle could target him with the 40th pick it acquired from Denver.