Houston Texans: Week 5 QB radar update

2. Desmond Ridder

There is a lot to like when it comes to the prospect of Desmond Ridder, including his physical gifts to the obvious knowledge of the game that Ridder has. The arm talent with Ridder is unquestioned whether it be letting loose downfield or putting some air on passes while dropping them in buckets.

Ridder took the Cincinnati Bearcats to Notre Dame and absolutely put on a show. Ridder was calm, cool and collected the entire game. Cincinnati was the best team on the field on Saturday, and that confidence and poise come directly from their quarterback.

Ridder finished with a stat line of 19-for-32 while throwing for 297 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Ridder also rushed the football 10 times for 26 yards. Those numbers don’t scream first round draft pick but it’s the level of competition Ridder did it against. Coming into the game Notre Dame was ranked No. 9 in the country and for the majority of the game Ridder had his way with them.

Performances like this while continuing to keep the Bearcats undefeated will push Ridder more and more into the national spotlight, and Houston Texans scouts have to have seen what he’s capable of. Look for Ridder to move up mock draft boards following this performance as he solidifies himself as a top college quarterback.

If the right team takes Ridder with the ability to groom him in their system there is no doubt he can become a solid NFL starting quarterback.

Pro comparison: Colin Kaepernick is the player that makes the most sense. Strongarm and ability to run. Like Kaepernick, Ridder struggles with accuracy and overthrowing his receivers.