6 draft prospects the Carolina Panthers have met with so far in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers have met with Desmond Ridder
Although not considered to be among the top-three prospects entering the NFL this year, Desmond Ridder is generating some buzz following an outstanding college career at Cincinnati that eventually finished in 2021 with a ground-breaking place in the college football playoffs. There are some definite flaws in the signal-caller’s game that need work, but the Carolina Panthers reportedly met with the prospect during the NFL Scouting Combine and sent three key front office personnel to his pro day for good measure.
Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer did not attend, but it’s worth pointing out that there was a full week to watch Ridder at the Senior Bowl that the general manager did take in with the head coach missing in action.
Ridder is a prototypical size for an NFL quarterback and moves well in the pocket or in open space. His arm wouldn’t be classed as elite by any stretch, but it is sufficient enough to distribute well all over the field.
There will need to be some improvements regarding touch on Ridder’s passes and his decision-making is sometimes suspect. Something that will get found out quickly against elite NFL defenders.
Ridder is a solid leader that represents a boom-or-bust move for anyone taking a chance late in the first round or early on Day 2. Carolina needs help immediately, so this could end up being one to cross off the list.