The Facts: Draft season is approaching with full force, and franchises aplenty are coveting quarterbacks. Will the Falcons be among those flocking for a franchise signal-caller in the 2023 NFL Draft? That remains to be seen, but owner Arthur Blank is a believer in 2022 rookie Ridder. "We're committed to the position obviously, and we know we need a good leader there, and I think we have it in Ridder," Blank said Wednesday.

Diehards Line: Late in a frustrating 7-10 Falcons campaign last year, Ridder was thrust into the starting lineup to replace a sputtering Marcus Mariota. The third-round pick out of Cincinnati didn't explode onto the scene, but he showed progression and overall positives. As a starter, Ridder was 2-2, throwing for 708 yards, no interceptions and two touchdowns, which both came in a Week 18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ridder's numbers didn't exactly drop jaws, but Blank was impressed and is optimistic for what Year 2 holds. "We're very excited about Desmond Ridder," Blank said. "I think from the time he came into training camp, he showed great capabilities as a leader amongst the rookies and then amongst the vets. ..." With the franchise having moved on from Matt Ryan ahead of last season, Mariota came up short as a bridge QB and Ridder's place with the club is still to be determined. For now, though, he appears to have the owner's belief and confidence.