Five Cincinnati Bearcats Make the cut on Dane Brugler's Big Board

Cincinnati should land a player in the first round of the NFL Draft this year for the first time since 1971.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Feb 15, 2022 10:27 AM EST

CINCINNATI — The Athletic's Dane Brugler unveiled his latest Top-100 Big Board this week, and five Bearcats made the list, including two in the top-45.

Ahmad Gardner kicked things off as the 10th best player overall, right behind Brugler's No. 1 cornerback, Derek Stingley, at No. 9.

"Another prospect with mixed feedback from NFL teams, Gardner put together an impressive three-year career for the Bearcats with nine interceptions and zero touchdowns allowed on his watch," Brugler wrote. "You have to hunt for targets on his 2021 film because he was rarely challenged. He needs to improve his poise downfield, but he is a sticky bump-and-run corner with the athletic instincts to make plays. Cincinnati hasn’t produced a first-round pick since 1971, but that should change soon."

Desmond Ridder checked in at No. 41 and is the fifth-best quarterback on the Big Board.

"A tall, lean passer, Ridder moves with light feet and is comfortable making throws on the move," Brugler wrote. "His release gets a tad long, and his accuracy needs to be more consistent, but Ridder has enjoyed a lot of success on the football field because of his confidence and willingness to use the entire field. He will compete for starting reps early in his career."

The other three Bearcats included defensive end Myjai Sanders at No. 58, safety Bryan Cook at No. 86, and cornerback Coby Bryant at No. 94.

Cincinnati hopes to set a record for most players drafted in one NFL class, and Gardner is essentially a lock to be UC's first opening-round pick since 1971.

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

You May Also Like:

Preview: Cincinnati Welcomes Memphis Into Town For Throwback Night

Report: Luke Fickell Agrees to Contract Extension With UC

Weekly NET: Cincinnati Losing Ground to Rest of AAC

Three Man Weave: Bearcats NCAA Tournament Hopes Take Dire hit in 83-77 Loss to Tulsa

Recruiting Roundup: Bearcats Offer More Recruits in the Trenches, Land in Four-Star's Top-Six

NFL Announces Eight Bearcats Invited to NFL Combine

Cincinnati Among Seven Teams Most Likely to Regress in 2022 College Football Season

Report: Desmond Ridder had 'Great' Meeting With Pittsburgh Steelers

Recruiting Roundup: Bearcats Extend Trio of Offers Over Weekend

Bearcats Q&A: A Ball-Handling Discussion With Mika Adams-Woods