The Atlanta Falcons are taking a big risk by putting the offense in the hands of second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. The 2022 third-round pick started the final four games of his rookie season and the team went 2-2, which is encouraging. However, he left a little bit to be desired when it came to producing.

While he didn’t turn the ball over, which was certainly a positive, he averaged under 200 yards per game. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 708 yards and two touchdowns, adding 64 yards on 16 rushing attempts.

Head coach Arthur Smith wants this to be a smash-mouth, run-first team, so Ridder could fit the bill as the type of quarterback he is seeking. However, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to continue adding some more weapons around him.

All three first-round picks that the Falcons have made under Smith have been offensive playmakers. In 2021 it was tight end, Kyle Pitts. Last year it was wide receiver Drake London and this year it was running back Bijan Robinson.