Pair of Bearcats Selected in Latest Two-Round Mock Draft

CINCINNATI — Ahmad Gardner and Desmond Ridder both landed in the first round of the latest mock draft, but no other Bearcat popped up in ESPN's 64-pick exercise.

Todd McShay has Gardner landing in a familiar spot with the New York Jets at No. 10.

"There are probably three realistic options here in this scenario: Gardner, Jermaine Johnson II, or Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross," McShay wrote. "But the chance to get Gardner -- my No. 5 overall prospect in the class -- is too good to ignore. The Jets signed D.J. Reed in free agency, and both Brandin Echols and Bryce Hall are capable starters. But Gardner is the definition of shutdown corner. Consider this: The Jets allowed 116 passing plays for at least 15 yards last season, the second-most in the NFL; Gardner didn't allow that many yards in a single game all year."

Bearcats fans may not even have to wait that long. NBC's Peter King is hearing rumblings that the Jets could pull the trigger on Gardner at No. 4 and other recent mock drafts agree. Over the past week, Gardner's been mocked to the Jets at No. 4 30% of the time—making him the current consensus fourth pick.

Gardner is a lock to go in the first round and is the consensus sixth-best prospect overall.

Ridder found himself in the first round once again, barely. The Detroit Lions took him off the board at No. 32.

"Detroit will be back on the clock with the second selection of Round 2, but it can first get the valuable fifth-year option on a quarterback here with the final pick of Round 1," McShay wrote. "Jared Goff is under contract through 2024, but his contract structure allows the Lions to move on after this season—if they wish. Ridder isn't a sure thing, and he has too many ball-location misses, but his strong arm, good mobility, and high-end ability to read the field make him an intriguing pick to cap off Day 1."

Ridder is the consensus 33rd-overall player in the draft, but he is going much higher in most recent mock drafts. The Saints are his most popular home over the past week—with 50% of mock drafts sending him to NOLA at No. 16.

It's becoming more and more likely that two Bearcats go in the first round, and none get selected in the second. Myjai Sanders was the best candidate to get picked between slots 32-65, but his stock is dropping across the draft season.

Sanders was the consensus 48th-best prospect on Feb. 2—and is now ranked 70th.

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