2022 NFL Draft: Offensive line dominates top five in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
By Kyle Edmond
30. Atlanta Falcons (via GB thru KC and ARI): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Desmond Ridder. 30. player. 44. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. Cincinnati
This could get confusing because this pick changed hands a lot in this mock. The Kansas City Chiefs sent it to the Arizona Cardinals for pick 23. The Arizona Cardinals then sent it to the Green Bay Packers for pick 28. Now, the Green Bay Packers are sending it to the Atlanta Falcons in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
With the path figured out, the actual pick. Earlier I said that the Falcons shouldn’t use a top 10 pick on a quarterback who could sit for two seasons behind Matt Ryan. However, using the 30th pick on that is much different. Just ask the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love.
Matt Ryan is still the starter in Atlanta, this pick doesn’t change that. What it does is lay out a plan for the future while also adding a wrinkle to the current game plan. Desmond Ridder is a dual threat quarterback and could see a special package for him while learning from Ryan and improving for the next couple years.
This is what the 49ers did with Trey Lance this season and those package plays added a new layer for defenses to prepare for. It also provided Lance the opportunity to read defenses and see NFL game action.
Ridder isn’t ready to start yet, but he has the potential and tools to become a solid starter down the road. Sitting behind a veteran like Ryan for a couple years would help that progression. By moving up, Atlanta gets the coveted fifth year option for Ridder and a plan for the future.