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Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Jason Willis’s Top-7 Quarterback Rankings

By Jason Willis

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 20: Possible Raiders prospect Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to pass in the first quarter against the SMU Mustangs at Nippert Stadium on November 20, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 20: Possible Raiders prospect Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to pass in the first quarter against the SMU Mustangs at Nippert Stadium on November 20, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Jason Willis’s Top-7 Quarterback Rankings

Grade: Fourth Round

Many will have Desmond Ridder as their QB1 but, personally, I just don’t see it. A four-year starter for the Cincinnati Bearcats, he led them to the College Football Playoffs in 2021. He himself also enjoyed a banner season with 3,334 yards passing and 30 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

For his efforts, he was named the AAC Offensive Player of the Year in both 2020 and 2021. Physically, he hits every benchmark you would like to see in terms of height and weight.

The biggest reason I don’t believe in Ridder as a prospect is his sporadic ball placement and overall inaccuracy. Often missing high or long, he routinely makes things difficult for his receivers, especially down the field.

Combine this with his lack of true arm strength and Ridder will struggle to consistently make NFL throws.

Alas, Ridder was heavily involved in the Cincinnati run game and is a good athlete for the position. Not a burner by any means but he will definitely surprise defenses. He also does a great job of pocket awareness and routinely finds escape routes when under duress. Quite clean mechanically all around as well.

While Ridder does a lot of things well, it is not enough to outweigh the limitations that show up with his arm. Likely to be taken within the first two rounds, I would not feel comfortable selecting him there. He earns a high day three grade.

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