3 high-profile quarterbacks Steelers should avoid in the 2022 NFL Draft

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

I know some would argue the opposite here — that Desmond Ridder needs to be considered among the first quarterbacks selected after what he was able to do in 2021. It’s true that Ridder led his team to the best record and most successful season the Cincinnati Bearcats have ever had. It’s also true that he has improved in terms of his statistical production each season.

However, Ridder is lacking something I just can’t put my finger on; an ‘it’ factor, if you will. Some quarterbacks have it, and others don’t. Instead of being able to carry his team to victory, Ridder just has the feel of a quarterback who can run an offense with some talent around him but won’t necessarily elevate the play of anyone else.

My comparison all along has been a more athletic Jared Goff. Ridder is your typical ‘good at everything, great at nothing’ quarterback candidate. Because he is lacking any special traits, I think his upside is going to be limited at the next level.

Ridder meets the thresholds for size, athleticism, and arm talent, but he was on an uber-talented Cincinnati team this year and very much had the feel of a game manager. He completed just 20+ passes in 4 of 14 games this season. I view Desmond Ridder as a low-end starter in the NFL and one the Steelers would probably be wise to avoid in the first round.

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to find their next franchise quarterback soon, but I’m not sold on these three passers. Kevin Colbert would be wise to go a different direction in the first round of the draft or wait until 2023 to get their franchise quarterback.