Is Desmond Ridder a trade-down option for the Carolina Panthers?

Could quarterback prospect Desmond Ridder be a wildcard option for the Carolina Panthers if they decide to trade down from No. 6 overall?

It’s been an exhausting week for the Carolina Panthers, who have had representation at no fewer than four pro days relating to quarterback prospects that might come under consideration during the 2022 NFL Draft. This problem position is seemingly one of the final jigsaw pieces that need solving after a strong period of recruitment in free agency, but if those in power get their next move wrong, then all the team’s previous good work will come to nothing.

Given how limited the options are right now and Carolina’s clear willingness to shut the door on Sam Darnold‘s time under center, then the chance of selecting a signal-caller from the college ranks is very real. This is not deemed to be the strongest class in recent memory, but it would also be a surprise if one or two didn’t turn into successful professionals if they land in the right fit.

Carolina’s whirlwind pro-day visits this week has no doubt given them a better indication of which way they are going to go. However, there is also a very real chance that another quarterback-needy team jumps ahead of them to land their prospect of choice.

That’s not even looking at the Detroit Lions, who is a dark horse candidate to select a quarterback at No. 6 overall. This could completely shake up the top end of the draft and lead a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Seattle Seahawks into a bold shift up the ladder as a result.

Thursday saw the Panthers take a closer look at Desmond Ridder, a prospect that came from virtual obscurity to lead Cincinnati during a phenomenal 2021 campaign that eventually finished with selection to the college football playoffs. This has seen the player’s draft stock soar as a result, but many remain on the fence regarding his chances of ever becoming a productive NFL starter.

Ridder does not lack confidence and is athletic enough to make things happen when a play isn’t developing as anticipated. He has a live arm – although not elite by any stretch – and has the right physical attributes that can potentially be developed into something more.

Carolina Panthers should avoid Desmond Ridder given their situation

Anyone expecting Ridder to come in and be a Week 1 starter is kidding themselves. The quarterback needs to improve the touch on his passes, can make strides with his pre-snap reading of opposing defenses, and there is also some suspect decision-making at times that does concern.

Selecting Ridder at No. 6 is absolutely out of the question. But if the Panthers trade down to get some draft capital back they gave up in the Darnold and C.J. Henderson trades, then it could become a possibility.

The jury is still out on Ridder, in all honesty. Considering the Panthers need someone with the potential to help either right away or soon into the 2022 season, they would be wise to look the other way depending on how the draft plays out.

Stranger things have happened. And it’s not like Carolina’s current regime has a good track record of properly evaluating the position based on previous offseason moves.

However, things feel different this time around. Something that could bring some substantial rewards when competitive action resumes once again.