4 big observations the Panthers can take from Desmond Ridder’s pro day
By Dean Jones
What big observations can the Carolina Panthers take from Desmond Ridder’s eye-catching pro day at Cincinnati ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft?
The quarterback roadshow continued for the Carolina Panthers when some influential figures within the organization took a trip to Cincinnati to check our Desmond Ridder. This is the final engagement of a very busy week for the organization, which could lead to a potential franchise prospect at the position at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
There is no doubt the Panthers need a better plan under center. Sam Darnold’s trade from the New York Jets went south pretty quickly once Christian McCaffrey was forced to miss time, so the sooner this ongoing issue gets resolved, the better their chances of genuine progress will be.
Ridder isn’t expected to be one of the first quarterbacks taken. But if the Panthers opt to trade down in pursuit of acquiring additional draft capital, then he comes into play and they were reportedly impressed by the signal-caller during their time together at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Without further ado, here are four big observations Carolina can take from Ridder’s pro-day showcase.
Big Observation No. 1
Desmond Ridder has some nice poise
There was a record-breaking turnout for Cincinnati’s pro day, which wasn’t entirely unexpected when one considers the incredible campaign put together by the Bearcats in 2021 en route to the college football playoffs.
Desmond Ridder was a huge part of this, demonstrating playmaking production and leadership in equal measure. This was accomplished through poise, which was on full display in front of leading NFL talent evaluators on Thursday.
The prospect does have some faults that need to be eradicated. But he’ll bring composure on and off the field while these kinks get worked out.