2022 NFL Draft: 5 Senior Bowl Players the Detroit Lions Could Draft

5. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

It’s likely the Detroit Lions, like the rest of the NFL and draft world, were impressed with what Malik Willis did throughout Senior Bowl week. From flashing the arm strength, to impressing within structure in team drills, and playing well in the rain, Willis had a good week overall. Still, it’s likely he’s out of range for the Lions unless they take him at number two overall or package their picks in the 30s plus another first to move up far enough.

There are still possibilities if the Lions do indeed want to draft a quarterback. One of those options is Cincinnati Bearcats signal-caller Desmond Ridder. The Lions didn’t get to coach Ridder, but they saw him in the game. If tools are what they’re looking for, without giving up capital, Ridder is the way to go.

The flashes are there with Ridder. He has a few throws every game that make you believe, and he has the athleticism and moxie to boot. The “it factor” really isn’t something to work off of, but Ridder definitely has the confidence to be a leader in the huddle and the locker room.

There are things to clean up, from the footwork, which leads to missing layup throws, and how he handles pressure. Overall, though, he has one of the highest ceilings in the 2022 NFL Draft class and might be worth it with all the capital Detroit has. He could learn behind Goff.