4 big observations the Panthers can take from Desmond Ridder’s pro day
By Dean Jones
Desmond Ridder’s footwork is improving
It’s always important to keep a sense of perspective regarding pro days. This is a staged environment for prospects to make them look good on campus in front of NFL figures and outside of perhaps Teddy Bridgewater coming out of Louisville, there hasn’t been a player at the quarterback position who hasn’t emerged with any credit.
Pro days are about taking what’s been put on film and seeing what, if any, improvements have been made. In Desmond Ridder’s case, there was a noticeable difference where his footwork was concerned, particularly during the prospect’s short drop-backs throughout the session.
Ridder has more issues that need to be resolved. Despite starting at Cincinnati for four years, the signal-caller does appear to be a little raw in terms of development and anybody taking him should look at the player as a development project more than an instant fix.
The athletic attributes are there for all to see. Ridder’s encouraging footwork and how it’s developed shouldn’t be overlooked and could mean that there is more to come regarding his accuracy and the ability to read opposing defenses pre-snap.
The Carolina Panthers may not have had the presence of Matt Rhule, Scott Fitterer, or Ben McAdoo at the pro day. But one has to point out that they did spend an entire week watching the quarterback at the 2022 Senior Bowl.