4 routes the Steelers must consider at quarterback in the draft this year

Option 3: Trade back for Desmond Ridder

One of the biggest risers in recent weeks among draft prospects has been Cincinnati’s, Desmond Ridder. Ridder is the winningest quarterback in this year’s draft class, as he has a 44-6 record in college, a stat that many teams like, and hope will translate to the NFL level.

Unlike many of the other quarterbacks in this class, Ridder does not possess any elite traits, however, he is above average or good in nearly every area, kind of similar to Pickett. However, while Pickett has some similarities with those traits, the Steelers would have to give up additional assets just to get Pickett, meanwhile, Ridder is likely to be available at pick 20, and could even be a player that the Steelers could trade back and get at a later first-round slot.

Dan Orlovsky of ESPN raved about Ridder’s poise and pre-snap ability to read a defense on NFL Live and brought up some interesting points. While many teams have been falling in love with the physical tools of Willis or Corral, Ridder has not only been a winner at the college level, but he has shown that he is very cerebral, and is very adept at the mental parts of playing the quarterback position. Add in his mobility, and Orlovsky’s pro-comparison of Alex Smith could make him an enticing option for some pro teams.

I don’t believe that Ridder has the highest upside of any quarterback in this class, but he definitely has the moxie and talent to be a starting quarterback at the NFL level. If he truly has impressed the Steelers in his interviews, and they are able to trade back and add some more draft capital, Ridder could be a tremendous option for the Steelers. The trade back would allow the Steelers to fill some more of their needs, while they still would be getting their quarterback of the future.