Should the Atlanta Falcons draft quarterback Desmond Ridder?

While the appears the Atlanta Falcons are focused on scouting Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett early in the draft there could be value at the position early in the second round. While it is seemingly impossible to predict the value at the quarterback position in this draft it wouldn’t be shocking to see Desmond Ridder or Sam Howell slip to the second round of the draft. Howell showed regression last season and his draft stock is hurting because of it.

Desmond Ridder on the other hand has major boom or bust potential leaving a lot of teams wary of the former Cincinnati quarterback. While they shouldn’t reach for Ridder in the first round he would be a great draft pick if he were still on the board when Atlanta’s number is called in the second round.

Ridder is 6’4 and has a B+ arm paired with an underrated speed and athleticism that allows him to make plays with his feet. While he isn’t Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen he certainly has enough mobility to make the plays that Matt Ryan often couldn’t on the ground.

His ability to make NFL-level throws stands out watching Cincnatti last season though there are concerns that they were often on the first or second read. Due to the level of competition that Ridder faced his first or second option was almost always open. This leaves concerns as to how he will read the field at the next level when finding the open man won’t be nearly as easy.

Overall Ridder is an intriguing prospect that would fit Arthur Smith’s offense if the quarterback makes it to day two of the draft. Atlanta should remain unwilling, however, to spend their first-round pick on a quarterback with a lot of question marks. Missing on a quarterback in the second or third round is forgivable. Using the 8th overall pick in the draft for a player that doesn’t work out is a bad omen for the front office and coaching staff regardless of the position. Ridder is a fit for Atlanta only in that scenario otherwise the team shouldn’t reach for Ridder despite their issues at the position.