NFL Rumors: Why Falcons Passed on Malik Willis for Desmond Ridder During 2022 Draft

According to Jeremy Fowler, the Liberty star lacked the signature moments in college which led the Atlanta Falcons to target Ridder instead.

Atlanta thought the Cincinnati signal-caller had a more complete body of work.

According to the report, Ridder's confidence and polish in the process helped.

After the Falcons traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts, many expected them to target a quarterback in the 2022 draft.

The potential is obvious.

He ran for 1,822 yards and 27 scores and threw for 5,107 yards and 47 touchdown in two years at Liberty. At the next level, he has the raw tools to thrive.

It's a long-term project and a riskier bet than others in the draft class.

Ridder was a four-year starter at Cincinnati and threw for 10,239 yards and 87 touchdown.

The assessment of the two by the Falcons was in line with that of Bleacher Report.

Ridder was the top quarterback and the 17th player overall on the final big board. Tice likened Ridder to two-time Pro Bowlers Tyrod Taylor and Dalvin Cook, with Willis putting in the same breath as both of them.

In a down year for quarterbacks, one could argue the Falcons should have taken the biggest swing. The upside of Willis far outweighs the downside of a third-round pick.

Atlanta still found a prospect who could be Ryan's heir apparent.