Ourlads' Profile:
2022 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about DESMOND RIDDER:
Cincinnati, 6033 211 4.49. Four-year starter, Louisville, KY. Was the 2020 and 2021 AAC Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Is a long strider who is athletic and shows the ability to escape the pocket and make throws on the run. An accurate deep ball passer, who at times struggled with accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Able to display a pattern of growth in major aspects of quarterback play, he has the arm strength to make all throws, and shows understanding and ability to throw different throws at different tempos. A very compact and quick throwing motion that wastes very little movement, but at times seems to hesitate at the top of his motion. More accurate with a clean unflustered throwing platform, struggles with accuracy when under pressure. Displays a tendency to roll out of the pocket rather than navigate the pocket, choosing to rely on athleticism as opposed to pocket awareness. Loses velocity and struggles with accuracy on throws when throwing on the run. Scrambles more to run than to pass, but attacks seams in defenses with his feet. Tends to have a decent base, but is inconsistent with lower body mechanics, far too often relying on athleticism than lower body mechanics. Moves to space in the pocket at times but will make throws when not in line with his target. Has impressive intangibles and leadership skills and athleticism to challenge defenses. Seems to struggle with decision making, especially under duress, and at times even seems to second guess himself at the top of his release. Less of an anticipation passer than others in his draft class, however he flashes great reads at times, while also seemingly pre-determining man throws in pre-snap. Shows a dedication to improving his craft, which will be a benefit as he has room for growth to be a franchise type of draft pick at quarterback.
2021 stats: 251/387, 3334 yds, 64.9%, 30 TD, 8 INT, 355 yds rushing, 6 TD, 158.7 QB rating. Ball velocity 52 mph. OSR:2/9. Second/third round. (A-32 3/4, H-10, VJ-36, SS-4.31).