New England Patriots: QB per first 4 rounds of 2021 NFL Draft to target

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New England Patriots target Desmond Ridder. East Carolina Pirates At Cincinnati Bearcats /

Round 3: Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

A quarterback with tools off the charts, but has lacked consistency.

Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder has NFL potential, without a doubt. He has a massive arm, does not struggle to work out of structure, and has the mobility to kill a defense. Ridder has started to stack games, and at the right time, to potentially give himself a rise in the 2021 NFL Draft. At this point he still remains around the range of a mid-to-late day-two pick this April.

Last year, Ridder only completed 55 percent of his passes for 2,164 yards; he threw for 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. When watching his film, it was apparent he struggled to progress through his reads or even attempt passes over the middle. This year, however, he has taken a step forward.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network has seen the positives in Ridder’s game. He writes the following in his scouting report on the Bearcats’ gunslinger:

More from With the First Pick

"“Dual-threat quarterback with a live arm and plenty of athleticism. Does well to keep his eyes down the field when facing pressure. Fully capable of altering his arm slots and getting the ball out quick. Often used in zone-read and QB power runs where his size, vision and ability to break tackles shine. Sound thrower on the run and he finds a fair amount of success extending plays and playing backyard football.”"

Through eight games in 2020, Ridder has tossed for 1,821 yards already, completing 66 percent of his passes for 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has ran for another 526 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Bearcats as well this season as he has increased his draft stock.

Can he keep climbing? Right now he will likely be a top-100 pick, but can he work his way even higher? Regardless, the New England Patriots should have their ears perked on Ridder.

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