Cincy on the Prowl
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Atlanta Falcons draft Desmond Ridder with the 74th pick

By Charles Post

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats throws a pass in the first quarter against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium on October 08, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats throws a pass in the first quarter against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium on October 08, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Desmond Ridder was the second-highest quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft when the Atlanta Falcons took him with the 74th overall pick in the third round on Friday night. Following a historic career with the Bearcats, Ridder will look to become the Falcons starting signal caller in the next couple years.

The 6’4 quarterback started every game since the beginning of his freshman season and helped turn the Cincinnati program into a consistent national contender. He totaled 3,334 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions to go with a 64.9% completion rate during the Bearcats’ historic run to the College Football Playoff in 2021.

Ridder also became the third winningest quarterback in college football history with a dominant 43-6 record. Only Kellen Moore (50) and Colt McCoy (45) had more wins under center. The former 3-star prospect broke the school-record with 87 passing touchdowns as a senior, surpassing current offensive coordinator Gino Guidugli.

Most experts expected Ridder to be the third quarterback drafted before Atlanta took a chance on him with Malik Willis still on the board. Kenny Pickett was the first QB drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th pick. Ridder will now get an opportunity to prove he’s part of the Falcons future alongside first round picks Kyle Pitts and Drake London.

After trading former MVP Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts in March, Atlanta made it clear they were hoping to draft a quarterback for the first time since 2013. It certainly won’t be easy for Ridder to take the starting job from veteran Marcus Mariota but their similar play style could create a smooth transition at some point.

The Bearcats broke a program-record with nine former players selected in the draft this week. In addition to Ridder, Ahmad Gardner, Alec Pierce, Bryan Cook, Myjai Sanders, Coby Bryant, Jerome Ford, Darrian Beavers and Curtis Brooks were also drafted and will have a shot to compete for a roster spot in training camp.