One Bearcat Selected in Pair of Final Major Mock Drafts

The Bearcats are hoping to notch a top-five pick for the first time in over 50 years.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Apr 28, 2022 10:42 AM EDT

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay released their final mock drafts of the 2022 NFL Draft cycle this morning, and Ahmad Gardner was the Bearcats' only first-round selection.

McShay has him going to the Giants at No. 7, while Kiper has him landing with the Jets at No. 4.

"It's not often that a team gets good value this high on the board," McShay wrote. "But the chance to add a true shutdown cornerback might be enough for the Giants to skip out on the pass rush for the time being. And remember, it's possible that cornerback could become the bigger of the two needs if the team's salary-cap concerns forces it to move on from James Bradberry. The Giants can pop the champagne early and celebrate adding two high-level young starters before the sun even sets in Las Vegas."

"In this scenario, the Jets are in a great spot," Kiper wrote. "With both top cornerbacks on the board and all of the wide receivers still available. Could they go corner here and then wide receiver at No. 10? Gardner has the ability to shut down one side of the field."

Gardner is a bonafide lock to go in the top-10 on Thursday—the only question is whether he'll land in the top-five. I gave my thoughts on that scenario in our Best Bets article.

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