Eight Bearcats Selected in Latest Seven-Round Mock Draft

Cincinnati is trying to set a program record for most players selected in one NFL draft class.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Apr 11, 2022 12:33 PM EDT

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Jordan Reid just unveiled his full seven-round mock draft, and Cincinnati had eight former players make the selection list. Things started with cornerback Ahmad Gardner going to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 9.

"With plenty of draft capital over the next two years following the Russell Wilson trade, the Seahawks have an opportunity to reshape the roster on both sides of the ball," Reid wrote. "Gardner fits well into the defensive scheme and has the traits of the prototype they have coveted in previous years. With the potential to be a lockdown corner, he could land in a situation in which he will be relied upon early."

Next, quarterback Desmond Ridder came off the board at No. 42 to the Indianapolis Colts.

"The Colts have a few holes on their roster," Reid described. "So this could be a luxury pick to try to find the long-term successor to Matt Ryan. Still, the value is simply too good here to pass up."

Wide receiver Alec Pierce was the third Bearcat selected—staying in the Buckeye State with the Cleveland Browns at No. 78.

"Pierce could get to stay in-state in this scenario, as the 6-foot-3 wideout would meet the physical requirements of what the Browns look for in prospects," Reid wrote.

Defensive end Myjai Sanders got plucked off the board next by the Browns at No. 99.

"Finding help for Myles Garrett should be a point of emphasis for general manager Andrew Berry," Reid said. "Sanders is a long and explosive defender who plays the game with determination and effort off the edge. At 6-foot-5, 228 pounds, he needs to add some strength to become an every-down player."

The final Bearcat selected in the first three rounds was safety Bryan Cook at No. 101 to the Philadelphia Eagles.

"After I projected the Eagles to add Trent McDuffie in the first round, here's another defensive back for them," Reid wrote. "The muscle of the Bearcats' secondary, Cook is a physical safety who changes the outlook of a team's run defense from the first day he's on the field. He also has value in coverage in split-safety looks, which is what Philadelphia specializes in under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon."

The Bearcat selections rounded out with linebacker Darrian Beavers (BAL No. 110), running back Jerome Ford (NYJ No. 111), and CB Coby Bryant (WSH No. 113) all getting picked in a bunch.

We are a little less than three weeks away from all of the selections starting to drop on April 28.

Make sure you bookmark All Bearcats for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more.

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