In 2012, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson with the 75th overall pick in one of the NFL’s all-time great draft steals. Ten years later, the Atlanta Falcons drafted Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder with the 74th overall pick, and the team is hoping for similar results.
However, very few players have Wilson’s combination of arm talent, leadership and poise under pressure, and before we go anointing Ridder as the next great draft steal, the rookie must first beat out veteran Marcus Mariota for the starting job.
So, what are realistic expectations for Ridder in Year 1? Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling broke it all down in a new piece examining rookie expectations for this year’s QB class.