Falcons' decision to choose Desmond Ridder over Malik Willis came down to 'signature moments': report

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The Atlanta Falcons stunned the NFL world when they selected quarterback Desmond Ridder in the third round of the draft over Malik Willis and Matt Corral.

Ridder’s winning moments at Cincinnati appeared to be defining factor in the selection for the Falcons, ESPN reported Monday. Ridder led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff – the first time a team outside the Power 5 Conferences made the sport’s premier event.

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Desmond Ridder of the Cincinnati Bearcats speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

"… 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," the report said.

Ridder had 3,334 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes in his final season with the Bearcats. All were career highs in those categories.

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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder throws during the CFP Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl game against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Atlanta is in need of a starting quarterback after trading Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason. The Falcons were reportedly close to acquiring Deshaun Watson before the Cleveland Browns swooped in at the last minute to trade for him. The turn of events