6 prospects the Panthers should monitor in college football playoffs
By Dean Jones
Desmond Ridder – QB (Cincinnati)
The situation at quarterback is a complete mess where the Carolina Panthers are concerned. Trading for Sam Darnold was a gamble that didn’t pay off and Cam Newton’s return came with little in the way of wins despite the obvious romance surrounding the move.
Matt Rhule named Darnold the starter ahead of Week 17, meaning that could be the last we see of Newton on the field. However, the former New York Jet hasn’t exactly been convincing and those in power might look to the 2022 NFL Draft for a prospect as a result.
Something they should have done last season when the crop of college recruits was much richer, in all honesty.
Desmond Ridder has lit it up for Cincinnati in 2021 during a fairytale run that earned them a surprising place in the college football playoffs. This gives the quarterback a chance to prove himself against higher-quality opposition and his game against Alabama is a fantastic audition on the national stage.
Ridder has improved gradually with every passing year. He’s completed 65.9 percent of his passes this season for 3,190 yards, 30 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a passer efficiency rating of 164.8. Not only this, but the signal-caller can also generate yards on the ground when required, racking up 2,186 and 28 touchdowns from 491 career touches.
There are some concerns regarding ball placement and decision-making. But in truth, nobody knows for sure just how good Ridder can be.
That will change after Friday.