Chicago Bears 2021 Draft Scout Report: Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder

The Chicago Bears 2021 draft plans haven't changed in any discernable way through the first seven games of the season. Most of their problems remain on the offensive side of the ball. Specifically regarding the offensive line and, yes, the quarterback position. Both Mitch Trubisky and Tyler Bray are free agents next year. Nick Foles hasn't done anything to show he deserves the job beyond 2020. It feels like this team almost has to consider drafting a quarterback early in April. That means they'll do plenty of homework on every possible option. Among those, they'll have to consider is Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati. This isn't a hallmark name compared to others in the class but the kid has garnered a bit of a following in draft circles. Now Cincinnati has never been a hotbed for QB talent. The last one drafted from there was back in 2010. Is this kid could enough to change their reputation? Let's find out.

Chicago Bears 2021 draft look at Desmond Ridder

Strengths:

• Size won't be a topic of conversation. Between 6'3 and 6'4. Should be able to have no trouble seeing the field.
• Arm strength is a plus. Ball comes off his hand with good velocity and he can attack down the field whenever desired.
• Accuracy and ball placement are consistently solid. Tends to put the ball in spots where only his receivers can get it.
• Legs are part of his arsenal. He can take off and run for big gains if presented with opportunities. 

Ridder is the prototype of the modern NFL quarterback teams look for. Tall with a strong arm but just as important? The ability to gash defenses with his legs. Rest assured if a team gives him a window to run, he's going to take and has the kind of speed that can turn a six-yard gain into a 40-yard gain at the drop of a hat. If he can be taught to pass first and use his mobility as less of a crutch? He'll be dangerous.

• Can change his throwing motion to fit the situation. Arm angle doesn't affect the accuracy of the passes.
• The release isn't too slow. Ball comes out quickly enough without any wasted motion. Up and out.
• Fearless both as a runner and thrower. Not afraid to take hits and willing to turn the ball loose when he's in a groove.

Weaknesses:

• Not a full field reader. If his first option is covered, he'll start moving around rather than move to his next option from the pocket.
• Decision-making needs work. Can tend to put the ball in harm's way too often, leading to some ugly interceptions.
• Works exclusively from the shotgun in a spread system at Cincinnati. He'll need time to adjust to playing under center.
• Doesn't always handle pressure well. Either takes a sack or unloads the ball into coverage. Throwing it away is a challenge for him.
• Footwork is going to need refining. Tends to get lazy with it from time to time, leading to off-target throws.
• Despite starting since he was a freshman, there hasn't been a noteworthy improvement in his production.

Pro comparison: Blaine Gabbert

Gabbert was such a tantalizing prospect in 2011. He had everything from the size to mobility and arm strength. All he needed was time to learn his position at a more advanced level. Sadly that never happened. His mobility showed up a lot over the years and he could deliver some nice passes. However, his internal clock never sped up and he could never get over his spotty decision-making. Thus he became a career backup.

Projection: 5th round pick

Ridder is a project in the best sense of that word. He has all the physical tools a team needs to work with from size to mobility and arm strength. What he needs is a crash course on how to play his position at the NFL level. That means learning to read defenses, adjust protections, process the field and so on. All things he just doesn't do right now. That is why he'll likely go on Day 3. Should the Chicago Bears 2021 draft board consider him? Truth be told, he doesn't feel like somebody who would interest this coaching staff.