USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Mar 25, 2022

Will the Washington Commanders select a quarterback in the 2022 NFL draft? That’s one of the biggest mysteries in next month’s draft. The Commanders, who traded for veteran quarterback Carson Wentz last month, haven’t completely ruled out adding a rookie. - It was pro day week for some of the NFL draft’s top quarterback prospects this week. Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis and Matt Corral all hosted pro days this week. Washington was represented at each event, however, head coach Ron Rivera was not present. - Rivera was on the road Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio, at Ohio State’s pro day and was spotted talking to first-round prospect, wide receiver Chris Olave. - On Thursday, Rivera was back on the road at Cincinnati’s pro day. Rivera’s presence in Cincinnati is notable because of quarterback Desmond Ridder and cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Gardner is expected to be a top-ten pick, while Ridder is a borderline first-round prospect, who could go early in the second round. - As Ben Standig of The Athletic pointed out before, Washington has maintained some level of interest in Ridder. There are different scenarios where the Commanders could look to select Ridder if he falls, just not with the No. 11 overall pick. - - Ron Rivera is attending Cincinnati’s pro day. This is the only one of the four main QB sessions he's attended this week. Have mentioned previously Washington has interest in Desmond Ridder. It's also a quick trip from Ohio State, where many with the organization were yesterday. - — Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 24, 2022 - - - Ridder has many of the skills and intangibles Rivera has previously mentioned he is looking for in a quarterback. What if Washington trades the No. 11 overall pick, and moves back a few positions to add extra draft capital. And with that extra capital, Washington makes a move to select Ridder with its second-round pick — if he falls. - You can’t rule out anything, and that’s the perfect scenario for Washington. Ridder is a good prospect who could start early in his NFL career. That’s not going to happen with the Commanders. - Perhaps Rivera was in town to get a closer look at Gardner or wide receiver Alec Pierce. Or, maybe he was a part of Washington’s large contingent — which featured nine members of the organization — because Cincinnati is just a short drive from Columbus. - Either way, it’s smart for Rivera and Washington to do its due diligence on Ridder if he is indeed a prospect the team likes. - - Possible record-breaking turnout at Cincinnati’s pro-day today. Can’t recall G5 workout w/ 90+ NFL attendees. Falcons bringing 12 team reps and Commanders (9) & Steelers (8) not far behind. QB Desmond Ridder is headliner but Luke Fickell’s squad should have 8 players drafted. pic.twitter.com/9FxPcRxCl9 - — Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 24, 2022 - - -   - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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