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2022 NFL Draft: What We Learned About Desmond Ridder vs. Alabama

By Jacob Schyvinck

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass in the first quarter the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.Cotton Bowl Cincinnati Bearcats Alabama Crimson Tide Ac 386
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass in the first quarter the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.Cotton Bowl Cincinnati Bearcats Alabama Crimson Tide Ac 386 /
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With a great chance to elevate his 2022 NFL Draft stock on the big stage, how did Desmond Ridder fare against Alabama?

There was plenty riding on this game between Alabama and Cincinnati, but an underlying importance regarding the 2022 NFL Draft was there for Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder. With a strong game on the biggest stage, Ridder could prove that he belonged in the top echelon of quarterback prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be on Friday. Ridder completed 17 of 32 passing for 144 yards and was held to a goose egg in the touchdown column. Cincinnati kept things pretty close to the vest early in the game, and Ridder operated mostly in the quick game, finding receivers on screens, slants, and out patterns.

Often times, it takes Ridder some time to gain rhythm, as he misses some early easy throws and puts too much on the ball with touch throws, the adrenaline of playing still settling down. Ridder makes big time throws down the field and outside the numbers with his strong arm, and always has a couple throws that “wow” analysts and fans every game.

When Cincinnati took some shots in the second, you saw more of that with Ridder, and what makes him so intriguing in this class. His athleticism and ability to create as a rusher is impressive as well.

However, Ridder has things to work on that were highlighted in this game as they have been all season. He locks on quick to his first read, and is often a little slow with his process from decision to release. This allowed Alabama’s defensive linemen to key in on that process, and deflect several passes in the game. Ridder’s recognition and anticipation still need work as well, as a key third down throw early in the second half could’ve been converted had he anticipated the separation.

Of course, there’s an element of competition level that needs to be considered. Alabama dominated the trenches and is clearly a more talented team, and his supporting case didn’t help him very much (Alec Pierce dropped TD on the first drive).

One game won’t change things in terms of the 2022 NFL Draft. But, it should be noted that these issues aren’t new for Desmond Ridder. They have been there all season, and while the tools are intriguing to work with, there’s still a ton to iron out with his game as he translates to the NFL.

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