Cincinnati Bearcats star Desmond Ridder isn't lacking confidence ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, and his self-assurance appears to be improving his draft stock. Ridder is currently tabbed as a late first-round pick, but reports suggest that teams are quite high on the Cincinnati star, and he could see himself shoot up the board in the weeks leading up to the draft. He certainly has no questions about his own abilities as a future NFL quarterback and offered a bold take to teams keeping a close eye on him, via SportsCenter.

Ridder isn't only hoping to be drafted by a team in need of a quarterback. The Cincinnati QB plans to take over as a starter during his rookie season, even if that means beating out a veteran in order to earn the gig. There were some questions about Ridder's accuracy after his tenure with the Bearcats, but he's confident that he has put any doubts to rest throughout the pre-draft process.

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The 22-year-old threw 30 touchdowns and 8 interceptions during his senior season at Cincinnati. He's currently projected to be the third quarterback off the board by most mock drafts, coming in shortly after Malik Willis from Liberty and Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett.

It remains to be seen whether or not teams feel Ridder is ready to take over as a starting quarterback in his rookie season, but to hear the 22-year-old is eager and confident to compete for the gig is certainly an encouraging sign for teams who have him on their NFL Draft radar.