Raiders Add Ridder: Will He Start?
The Las Vegas Raiders have added another quarterback to their roster, this time drafting AJ Ridder in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. This move has many fans asking: Will Ridder be the starter?
While the Raiders' QB situation remains murky, Ridder's arrival adds an interesting wrinkle to the equation. Here's a breakdown of the situation and what it might mean for the future of the Raiders' offense:
The Current Situation:
- Jimmy Garoppolo is currently the projected starter. The veteran signal-caller signed with the Raiders this offseason and brings experience and stability to the position.
- Brian Hoyer serves as the backup. He's a journeyman QB who has been in the league for over a decade.
- Chase Garbers is a young quarterback who is fighting for a roster spot. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
The Case for Ridder Starting:
- Potential: Ridder is a talented prospect with a strong arm and good mobility. He showed flashes of brilliance during his time at Cincinnati.
- Competition: His presence will push Garoppolo and Hoyer for the starting job, potentially forcing them to elevate their game.
- Long-term Vision: The Raiders may view Ridder as the future at quarterback and want to give him a chance to develop early on.
The Case Against Ridder Starting:
- Experience: Ridder is a rookie and will need time to adjust to the NFL. He's likely to face a steep learning curve, particularly in a complex offense.
- Competition: Garoppolo is a proven starter in the league. The Raiders may feel it's better to let him lead the team while Ridder learns from the sidelines.
- Playing Time: With a limited number of snaps available for a rookie, Ridder's development may be stunted if he doesn't get significant playing time.
The Likely Scenario:
It's highly unlikely that Ridder will start right away. The Raiders likely want to give Garoppolo a chance to prove himself before handing the reins to a rookie. However, Ridder could potentially compete for the starting role later in the season if Garoppolo struggles.
The Raiders' decision will depend on how Garoppolo performs and how quickly Ridder adapts to the NFL. The 2023 season will be an interesting one to watch as the Raiders figure out their quarterback of the future.
Off-Season Movement:
- Free Agency: The Raiders have been active in free agency, signing players like Garoppolo, Chandler Jones, and Jakobi Meyers.
- Draft: The Raiders drafted several key players including Ridder, Michael Mayer, and Tre Tucker.
Final Thoughts:
The Raiders' addition of Ridder has injected excitement into their quarterback room. While it's unlikely he'll start Week 1, he has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback. The Raiders are entering a new era, and Ridder's arrival could mark a significant turning point for the franchise.