5 NFL Draft prospects Steelers who could consider to replace Roethlisberger

Steelers could consider Ridder

There are many mixed opinions about Desmond Ridder and the type of player he could be in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bearcats were thoroughly impressive this season as they were able to upset some of the best teams in the nation. However, it wasn’t necessarily Ridder’s ability to take over the ball game that helped them to these victories; rather, a remarkable defense.

Still, for as impressive as his team was against great competition this year, Ridder is a player the Steelers could consider early in the NFL Draft. While he doesn’t have any defining traits, he’s what I refer to as  ‘threshold’ guy — meaning he checks the boxes with nearly everything you look for at the quarterback position but doesn’t really go above and beyond.

Ridder is taller than the other top quarterbacks in this class, and it’s worth mentioning that the Steelers historically avoid drafting quarterbacks in the first two days who are under 6’4.” In addition, he has an adequate arm, plus mobility, and can control the tempo of the game.

In my opinion, Ridder doesn’t have higher upside than the other top quarterbacks in this class, but he has a relatively high floor and could be a starting quarterback in this league.

We will know pretty early in the offseason, what the Steelers plan to do at the quarterback position. If no big moves are made to get their guy, expect all five of these players to be on Pittsburgh’s radar in the 2022 NFL Draft.