Vikings: 3 Kirk Cousins replacements no one is talking about

Desmond Ridder is an intriguing option to replace Kirk Cousins in Minnesota

As mentioned, the majority of the conversation about quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft centers on guys like Corral, Howell, Willis and Pickett. But one name that can get sprinkled in there depending on who you talk to is Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder.

Ridder has been the starter for the Bearcats for four seasons now and has been a massive reason as to why the program has found the sustained success that landed them in the College Football Playoff as the first-ever Group of 5 representative. But this past season, he put forth his most prolific statistical season yet.

En route to the playoff, Ridder threw for 3,190 yards with 30 touchdowns to just eight interceptions while also still showing off his dual-threat ability with 361 rushing yards and six scores (he posted 500+ rushing yards in each of his three previous seasons).

There are still questions about Ridder’s consistency and accuracy as a passer but the truth of the matter is that he’s improved in those areas. With NFL coaching, he’s another player who is similar to Mond in that he can be developed potentially into something special. However, the upside and floor of Ridder might be higher than they are with Mond.