Former Falcons QB Desmond Ridder Competing for Spot With Broncos at Rookie Minicamp
Desmond Ridder, once the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, is now looking to earn a role with the Denver Broncos. The 2022 third-round draft pick has bounced around the league and is currently participating in the Broncos’ rookie minicamp as a tryout player. Despite already having some NFL experience, Ridder finds himself vying for a backup position on a roster that includes 2024 first-round pick Bo Nix, who has already been named the starting quarterback, and Jarrett Stidham, the presumed QB2.
While Ridder may not be competing for the starting job, his previous experience as a starter in Atlanta could work in his favor. During his NFL career, Ridder has shown flashes of promise but has also struggled with consistency, especially in his decision-making. Across 25 games, he has thrown for 4,002 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Additionally, Ridder has contributed on the ground, rushing 78 times for 293 yards and scoring five rushing touchdowns.
The Broncos’ minicamp features a large group of players, including seven drafted rookies, 15 undrafted free agents, and nearly 30 rookie tryout participants. Among those attending is Blake Stenstrom, another quarterback looking to make a name for himself. With Nix and Stidham already occupying the top two quarterback slots, Ridder is primarily competing for the QB3 role. Given that Stidham is under contract with significant guaranteed money, Ridder’s only realistic path to a roster spot is as the team’s third quarterback.
To stand out, Ridder will need to demonstrate improved accuracy and smarter decision-making. These were areas of concern during his time in Atlanta and ultimately led to him losing the starting job. However, his past starting experience, leadership traits, and mobility give him a unique edge among the tryout quarterbacks.
The opportunity in Denver is an important one for Ridder, especially considering how valuable veteran depth at quarterback can be during the long NFL season. If he performs well throughout the minicamp and addresses some of the flaws in his game, Ridder could find himself earning a more permanent spot on the Broncos’ depth chart. His performance over the next few practices will be closely watched by Denver’s coaching staff, who are still shaping the final 90-man offseason roster.
Looking ahead, Ridder’s ability to adapt quickly to the Broncos’ offensive system and show command during drills will be essential. The coaching staff is likely assessing not only his physical abilities but also his understanding of the playbook and his presence as a potential locker-room leader.
In summary, Desmond Ridder is trying to revive his NFL career by proving his value to the Denver Broncos during rookie minicamp. While his road to making the team won’t be easy, a strong showing could give him the chance to stick around as a reliable backup, provided he can overcome the inconsistencies that have hampered his career so far.
Leave a Reply