Here's Why the Falcons Drafted Desmond Ridder Over Malik Willis

The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2022 NFL Draft with an obvious need at quarterback, and they walked out with a new potential franchise QB in the third round. It just wasn't the one everyone expected, as Atlanta passed on Malik Willis to select Desmond Ridder.

Most Falcons fans have embraced the Ridder pick, though questions remain regarding Willis' plummet down draft boards. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler has provided some clarity on the situation.

Fowler's "sense" on the Falcons' decision is Willis "lacked the signature moments" in college to win over GM Terry Fontenot. Despite Willis' talent, Ridder "showcased a more complete body of work."

"I get the sense that Atlanta felt Malik Willis, despite immense talent, lacked the signature moments while at Liberty to sway such a decision, whereas Desmond Ridder -- the team's pick at No. 74 -- showcased a more complete body of work."

- Jeremy Fowler

This read on the situation offers a bit more insight into why Atlanta went in this direction. It's hard to argue with Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith's mindset if they did want more of a known quantity like Ridder.

Falcons fans have seemingly already embraced Ridder as the next potential QB1, so it's clear most agree with the front office's thought process.

Hopefully Atlanta's brass is able to look back fondly on the Ridder pick a few years down the line.

Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.