Coby Bryant Picked in a Major Two-Round Mock Draft for First Time; Three Other Bearcats Selected

Alec Pierce also landed at one of his highest projections in a mock draft as well.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Apr 21, 2022 10:36 AM EDT

CINCINNATI — The Athletic's Nate Tice unveiled his first two-round mock draft for the site, and four Bearcats made the list. Things start with Ahmad Gardner going to his most popular home recently in the New York Giants at No. 7.

"After getting offensive line help at No. 5," Tice wrote. "The Giants might take a peek at the defensive linemen here. But they instead go with another premium position. Gardner is a long corner with the athleticism and coverage skills to live in the man coverage that Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale loves."

Gardner is the consensus sixth-best player in the draft and the top cornerback. The seventh pick is his most popular landing spot recently (28% of mock drafts in the past week).

Next Desmond Ridder came off the board to the nearby Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20.

"In a post-Big Ben world, the Steelers go with Ridder as their QB of the future," Tice said. "I’m a fan of Ridder and think he is more pro-ready than he’s been given credit for. He could step in as the starter in Pittsburgh sooner rather than later. He brings maturity and leadership to the position and improved tremendously as a QB in his final season at Cincinnati. There’s still a little bit of upside to tap into, too."

Ridder is the consensus 37th-ranked player and the fourth-best quarterback. Pittsburgh is his most popular destination in the past week (28% of mock drafts).

Alec Pierce was picked in the top-40 picks for the first time and earned his fifth second-round or better mock of the cycle. Tice has him going to the Chicago Bears at No. 39.

"A big ball winner with a volleyball background," Tice said. "Pierce is still developing as a receiver. But he is long and athletic and pulls down 50/50 balls more often than not. He will instantly be a contributor in the red zone for Justin Fields. And he has room to develop into a starting outside receiver."

Pierce is the consensus 76th-ranked player and 13th-ranked wide receiver. He is projected to go in the third round.

Finally, Coby Bryant went to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 61. This is the first mock yet where he's cracked the top two rounds.

"The suddenly tumultuous Deebo Samuel situation makes WR a possible candidate here," Tice wrote. "The 49ers select Bryant, the “other” Bearcats corner, just happened to win the Jim Thorpe award as the nation’s best DB. He is just an OK athlete and has average length, but he has good feel in man coverage that will work nicely in DeMeco Ryans’ normal run down coverages and aggressive third-down looks."

Bryant is the consensus 87th-ranked player and the 10th-ranked cornerback.

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