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The 2022 NFL Draft is right around the corner and the Tennessee Titans have multiple options at their disposal. There aren't any glaring weaknesses on the roster, but some areas that fans would like addressed are tight end, wide receiver, and offensive line. However, the front office has shown a ton of interest in this year's quarterback class. We dive into three reasons why the Titans must trade up for Desmond Ridder in the NFL Draft.
Quarterback isn't necessarily a need, as Ryan Tannehill will be the starting option next season. Even so, Tannehill will be 34 years old and his current contract is coming to an end soon. Now would be a brilliant time for the Titans to find his replacement. Especially this offseason with how many developmental quarterbacks are available in the draft.
There are numerous reasons why the Titans should consider selecting Desmond Ridder. For starters, he'll have the opportunity to sit and learn for a year before taking over as the starting quarterback. Additionally, Tennessee can put themselves in a great spot financially in the 2023 offseason. Most importantly, Ridder fits the offensive scheme perfectly.
With that said, here are three reasons why the Titans need to trade up for Desmond Ridder in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Titans Trade For Desmond Ridder In 2022 NFL Draft
3. He can sit and learn behind Ryan Tannehill for 1 year
Tennessee would be an ideal landing spot for Desmond Ridder. Many believe he needs a year to sit and learn to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. The Titans have a stellar roster, so once Ridder is ready, he'll be taking over a team that is already a playoff contender. So, while the team stays competitive in 2022, the coaching staff will be preparing their rookie quarterback to take over and continue that success.
If Ridder pans out and ends up being a solid quarterback, then the Titans' Super Bowl window greatly expands. This of course is the ideal situation, as Desmond Ridder would have to prove himself as a starter before being handed the reigns. Regardless, selecting a quarterback in the first round works in Tennessee's favor greatly.
2. A rookie QB gives Tennessee massive financial gains in the 2023 offseason
The NFL salary cap can get a bit confusing, but Desmond Ridder's presence would be massive for Tennessee in 2023. Ridder would be playing on a rookie deal, which is relatively cheap for any ball club. Additionally, the Titans can walk away from Ryan Tannehill, opening up a ton of cap space simultaneously. The financial aspect alone might be the reason the front office selects a quarterback in the first place, as this team would have a massive advantage for free agency next year.
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We just watched the Los Angeles Chargers load their roster this offseason. That was all thanks to Justin Herbert being on a rookie deal for now. The Titans can make similar moves in 2023 with a rookie quarterback under center. That means, by the time Desmond Ridder takes over as the starting quarterback, Tennessee could have an even better roster than they already have now. So, in short, the franchise will be competitive in 2022, but a rookie quarterback sets them up to potentially be better in 2023.
1. Desmond Ridder fits the Titans' offensive scheme perfectly
At the end of the day, Desmond Ridder fits the Titans' offensive scheme. His playstyle is similar to Ryan Tannehill and it's a system Ridder can work with. Tennessee typically runs short to intermediate routes when throwing the ball. That's set up nicely by the stellar run game. This is the exact type of philosophy Ridder played in college during his time in Cincinnati.
Tennessee gives Desmond Ridder the best chance to succeed. Simultaneously, Ridder gives the Titans their best chance at winning more games in 2023 and beyond. They're a solid match for each other, which is why the front office must consider trading up to acquire the prospect quarterback.
