Desmond Ridder

Ridder started the final four games of 2022 but didn’t turn many heads -- it took until the last game before he threw a TD pass and his 6.2 YPA was 41st of 47 QBs with at least 100 attempts. In his defense, Ridder had little talent at his disposal. Tight end Kyle Pitts was lost for the season weeks earlier, and other than impressive rookie wideout Drake London, the best option was Olamide Zaccheaus. Ridder committed only two turnovers (both lost fumbles), but in addition to the feeble passing stats he averaged only 4.0 carries for 16.0 yards per game without any TDs, making him unreliable for a rushing fantasy boost. The Falcons added insurance in Taylor Heinicke, but they're saying it’s Ridder’s job to lose. Pitts is expected to return healthy, but after him and London they settled for the middling duo of Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller to replace Zaccheaus (now with Philadelphia). Moreover, the Falcons drafted RB Bijan Robinson eighth overall this year, teaming him with Tyler Allgeier in an Arthur Smith-directed offense that was second in run percentage last season (55.3).

A four-year college starter and a third-round pick in this year’s draft, Ridder is expected to compete with Marcus Mariota for the starting job. Mariota is the favorite, thanks to his experience and knowledge of the offense, having previously played for coach Arthur Smith in Tennessee. Ridder looks more like a work in progress. His arm is only average, and his ball placement and accuracy need work. With 4.52 speed, Ridder is plenty mobile to keep plays alive, but he isn't especially elusive and had modest rushing stats last year at Cincinnati. If he does win the job, Ridder won’t have much to work with. Tight end Kyle Pitts is the only proven threat, and the team’s No. 1 wide receiver is a rookie (albeit a first-round pick in Drake London). What’s more, the offensive line may start the same five guys that allowed the second-highest QB pressure rate in the league last year. Ridder won't have it easy if he plays as a rookie.